Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV was introduced in June 2015 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA was introduced in July 2018. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV Highlights

      • 20.1 MP 1-inch Stacked CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,229k dot Tilting Screen
      • 2,359k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 16.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA Highlights

      • 20.1 MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 315 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,229k dot Tilting Screen
      • 2,359k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA.

      PROS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Stacked CMOS Sensor
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   315 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz)

      CONS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps

      Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA
      Sensor Type Stacked CMOS vs CMOS
      Timelapse Recording With downloadable app vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 16.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
      Lighter 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz) vs 299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 280 shots vs 220 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV.

      Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA
      Cheaper $1000/€1150 vs $650 EU: €650 UK: £550
      More Focus Points 25 vs 315
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Average Metering vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA
        Cheap$1000/€1150$650 EU: €650 UK: £550
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO12,80012,800
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        High Resolution Viewfinder2,359k dot2,359k dot
        High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic)1/32000 sec1/32000 sec
        Built-in Flash
        High Flash Sync Speed1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        High Video Resolution3840 x 21603840 x 2160
        HDMI Output Micro Micro
        Built-In Wi-Fi
        Light298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA
        Small Sensor1-inch1-inch
        High Native ISO125125
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        No External Flash Connectivity
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life280 shots220 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA have 3.0" Tilting screens with 1,229k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes cameras very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

      Image cannot be displayed Image cannot be displayed

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Electronic viewfinders with 2,359k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV features a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch Stacked CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800 and expands to 80 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA features a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 77.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800 and expands to 80 - 25,600 in boosted mode.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV has Stacked CMOS sensor. The key feature of such sensor is its three-dimensional structure, which consists of multiple layers of semiconductor material and circuitry stacked on top of each other. This allows the sensor to have dedicated layers for image capture and signal processing. This separation allows for faster data readout, reducing rolling shutter effects and enabling high-speed shooting and video recording. It is also more power-efficient.

      Photography Features

      Cameras are equipped with Bionz X processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi

      Cameras have built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC

      Cameras have Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV has a Micro HDMI and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA has a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA come with NP-BX1 battery pack with battery life of 280 shots on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and with battery life of 220 shots on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/32000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/2000 sec with mechanical shutter on both models. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV can shoot continuously up to 16.0 fps. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 10.20 m at Auto ISO on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA bodies have the same dimensions of 102 x 58 x 41 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.61"). Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV weighs 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA weighs 299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz).

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      102 mm

      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      102 mm

      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      GOOD
      75
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   315 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      GOOD
      70
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   315 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      GOOD
      79
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      76
      •   Small Sensor
      •   315 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Small Sensor
      •   315 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA and give them scores of 74 and 71 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      OVERALL
      74
      OVERALL
      71

      Sensor

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      GOOD
      81
      •   Stacked CMOS Sensor
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      GOOD
      75
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      GOOD
      71
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160

      Focusing

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      GOOD
      73
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   315 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      GOOD
      80
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
      GOOD
      80
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA

      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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