Sony RX100 IV
Reviewer: By Amir Rothman
Pocket Friendly Design
This small, magnesium-alloy camera fits into pockets easily and the smooth, grip-less metal means the camera means there’s less for your fingers to hold on to but the RX100 IV is fairly easy to handle. However, a wrist strap is definitely recommended to avoid heat of the moment accidents. Despite its small stature, the manual control dial on the back and a wheel around the lens means allows you to have full-on manual control.
Lightning Fast Sensor
Sony’s new stacked sensor is a world first and features higher signal processing quality which translates to a sensor so fast, it goes beyond human perception. This allows for a shutter speed of 1/32000 sec, 40x super slow motion video and a burst mode capable of 16fps. The incredibly fast shutter speed allows for photos that utilise a large aperture under extremely bright conditions.
Eye-Opening Video
The RX100 IV will record 4K video at a very impressive bit rate of 100Mbps if you have a card fast enough but fret not as there a plethora of resolution and bitrate options for those who don’t wish to upgrade to a speedier card. If you do have a fast card, the high frame rate mode allows you to shoot at 3 speeds, 250, 500 and 1000 frames per second in Full HD!
Speedy AF
The camera’s autofocus system benefits greatly from the stacked image sensor which basically means the camera is now able to lock on faster than before with Sony claiming that their AF system focuses in 0.09 seconds. The Lock-on AF tracks much faster which allows you take full advantage of a photo opportunity. Eye AF is finally available in continuous AF mode giving a fast and easy way to capture faces on the fly.
1 – Precise Composition
The pop-up electronic viewfinder reveals the subtlest details during composition due to a high resolution of 2359k dots.
2 – Swivel Screen
The 180° tiltable LCD screen is perfect for taking selfies, framing overhead or low-angle shots and other creative compositions.
3 – Micro-USB Charged
The ability to charge with your mobile charger or even a battery packs extends the range of use for this camera.
4 – Built-in ND Filter
The 3-stop ND filter allows for longer exposure times during the day and full use of the lens’ capabilities wherever you go.
24 Hour Experience
First Impression
I’m in love with the small form factor and super sharp EVF. The build feels really nice and solid despite being fairly light.
4 Hours
The high frame rate video mode has caught my attention. Fires have been lit in several places and water balloons have been popped. Everything looks better in slow motion.
12 Hours
Finally went through the RAW stills and very impressed with the image quality and colour processing.
24 Hours
For someone who’s such a DSLR fan, I love the ease and power of this tiny camera. Definitely bringing this with me everywhere I go.
Specs
Price: RM 3,799
Dimensions (HxWxD mm): 58.1 x 101.6 x 35.9mm
Weight: 240g (with battery)
Sensor: 1.0″-type (13.2 x 8.8mm) Exmor RS® CMOS sensor, aspect ratio 3:2 (20.1 MP)
Lens: ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm lens with F1.8-2.8 aperture
Video Recording Mode: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p); 1920 x 1080 (60p/60i/24p)
1280 x 720 (60p/30p/24p/120p); 1440 x 1080 (30 fps); 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Still Image Resolution: 3:2 mode: 20M (5,472 x 3,648)/10M (3,888 x 2,592)/5M (2,736 x 1,824); 4:3 mode:18M (4,864 x 3,648)/10M (3,648 x 2,736)/5M (2,592 x 1,944)/VGA; 16:9 mode:17M (5,472 x 3,080)/7.5M (3,648 x 2,056)/4.2M (2,720 x 1,528); 1:1 mode: 13M (3,648 x 3,648)/6.5M (2,544 x 2,544)/3.7M (1,920 x 1,920); Sweep Panorama: Wide (12,416 x 1,856/5,536 x 2,160); Standard (8,192 x 1,856/3,872 x 2,160)
Memory Slot: Memory Stick Duo; Memory Stick PRO Duo; Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed); Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; SD Memory Card; SDHC Memory Card; SDXC Memory Card
Display: 3” 1,229K dots TFT LCD Screen
Connectivity: Wi-Fi & NFC
Rating:
Value – 7/10
Features – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Design – 8/10
Usability – 9/10
Total Score – 8.4
Verdict – A very capable camera that fits in a pocket.
