Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV Review

See all images of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV

Main
In additional Cyber-shot RX100 IV was introduced by Sony in June 2015. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category. Sony is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sony.
Brand	Sony
Category	Compact
Date	06/2015

Sensor Properties
Also Cyber-shot RX100 IV has a 1″ CMOS sensor with size of 13 x 9 mm² (0.52″ x 0.35″). Picture of Cyber-shot RX100 IV’s sensor compared to popular format. The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm. The Cyber-shot RX100 IV’s sensor has resolution of 20 megapixel. The Sony supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Sony’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.
Format	1″
Sensor area	13.20 x 8.80mm² (0.52″ x 0.35″)
Type	CMOS
Resolution (physical)	21.00 megapixel
Resolution (effective)	20.10 megapixel
Pixel size	18.40 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous	16 frames/second

Lens
Interchangeable
Focal length (min)	24mm
Focal length (max)	70mm
Aperture (max)	1.8
Aperture (min)	2.8
Viewfinder Properties
The Cyber-shot RX100 IV uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use. The magnifcation is c. 0.59x, an average value for an electronic viewfinder.
Type	Elektronic
Coverage	100%
Magnification	0.59x
Resolution	2.36 megapixel
Dioptric correction

Shutter
The Cyber-shot RX100 IV’s shutter speed varies from 1/32000s to 30s.
Max. shutter speed	1/32000s
Min. shutter speed	30s
Sensitivity Properties
The Cyber-shot RX100 IV’s sensitivity goes from 125 ISO und 12800 ISO, a very useful and practical range.
Automatic
Min. sensitivity	125 ISO
Max. sensitivity	12800 ISO
Exposure Modes
The Cyber-shot RX100 IV supports all general exposure modes. The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.
Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties
The Cyber-shot RX100 IV’s auto focus processor uses 25 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects). Manual focus is also possible with the Sony, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.
Type	Contrast Detection
AF points	25
Manual focusing

Flash Specs
The Cyber-shot RX100 IV features a built-in flash with a range of up to 10m (34 ft.). That range will work for most situations. A hotshoe is missing from the Sony.
Built-in
Range	10.20m (34 ft.)
Hot shoe
Display Specs
The Cyber-shot RX100 IV features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.20 megapixel. That’s about average. The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations. The Cyber-shot RX100 IV does not feature a touch screen. Display characteristics at a glance:
Type	LCD
Size	75.00mm (diagonal) (3.0 in.)
Resolution	1.20 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs
Cyber-shot RX100 IV video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel. ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV Video parameters:
Max. resolution	3840 x 2160 pixel
…with frame rates	24 frames/second 30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs
The Cyber-shot RX100 IV has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords. Typical for Sony, the camera supports device specific apps that can enhance the functionality of the camera and that can be downloaded from the internet.. Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI. The Sony supports USB 2.0. Connection parameters:
WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom

Memory
The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards. Sony MemorySticks can be used, too. Memory cards characteristics:
Slots	1
Memory cards	SD SDHC SDXC Memory Stick Pro Duo Memory Stick Micro
Battery
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV works with a NP-BX1 LiIon battery. The battery lifetime is an average 280 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the Cyber-shot RX100 IV. The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway. The Cyber-shot RX100 IV’s battery battery parameters:
Type	NP-BX1 LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life	280 photos
Size
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV’s dimensions are 101.6 x 58.1 x 41mm³. (4.0″ x 2.3″ x 1.6″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 299 grams (9.6 oz.), lens included. Here is front and top view of the Cyber-shot RX100 IV:


Dimensions Comparison
To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card). The Cyber-shot RX100 IV is not much bigger: