Hands On Preview: Sony RX100 IV
Sony RX100 IV

Hands On Preview: Sony RX100 IV

Sony Singapore introduced two new exciting cameras in its RX series on 2 Jul 2015, the Sony RX100 IV and the RX10 II. Let’s have the hands-on preview on the new Sony RX100 IV!

Sony RX100 IV
Sony RX100 IV

The Sony RX100 IV boosts the world’s first stacked 1 inch CMOS sensor with a DRAM memory chip. Besides, it brings us the 40x super slow motion capture, 4K in-camera video shooting, high-speed anti-distortion shutter and more exciting features.

The Sony RX100 IV is essentially the Sony RX100 III equipped with the new stacked sensor. They use the same Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, same retractable XGA OLED Zeiss T* coated Tru-Finder, same 180-degree tillable LCD monitor, etc. The RX100 IV’s appearance is the same as its predecessor, except the focus ring is crafted with a diamond shape.

Sony RX100 IV - Diamond Shape Focus Ring
Diamond Shape Focus Ring

Let’s see what does the new image sensor brings to the RX100 IV and RX10 II, and some feature highlights sample shots from the RX100 IV.

40x Super Slow Motion Capture

The Sony RX100 IV is capable of recording at 40x super slow-motion video. It is much slower than the typical 10x slower recording we found in smartphones.

It records the super slow-motion video up to 1000 fps, and save the video in 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p playback formats. For example, a 2 seconds video shot at 1000 fps and 25p will take approximately 80 seconds for playback. I uploaded a full HD 2 seconds (exact timing in real life) sample recording (playback for 80 seconds). The first minute of the video has no movement at all. Thus I trimmed the video and showed the last 20 seconds below.

You can record the HFR video in two modes, start trigger and end trigger. In start trigger mode, the recording is started once you press the movie button. In end trigger mode, the RX100 IV will record the video that begins 2 to 4 seconds before you press the movie button. I shot the video above using the end trigger mode. I found that the end trigger mode gave a more consistent and accurate result during the hands-on period.

The RX100 IV saves the video as full HD (1920 x 1080) by default, providing incredible detail and clarity. It is necessary to use an SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher to shoot the HFR (high-frame-rate) video. You can use the mode dial to select HFR mode, and then you are ready to shoot the super slow-motion video.

High Speed Anti-Distortion Shutter

The 1.0 type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with an attached DRAM chip gives an impressive continuous shooting speed up to 16fps on the RX100 IV.

The new high-speed Anti-Distortion Shutter has a maximum speed of 1/32000 second. It allows the new cameras to shoot at brightness levels up to EV19 when using a built-in ND filter. Below are a few sample shots using the maximum shutter speed of 1/32500 second and ISO 6,400.

Sample 1

Sample 2

From the sample shots above, you can see that how capable the RX100 IV is. The results are pretty impressive for such a compact camera, and the noise/detail ratio is well-managed by the 1.0″ image sensor.

Direct 4K Movie Recording

The Sony RX100 IV can record 4K (3840×2160) movies without pixel binning using XAVC S codecs. It could record video at 100Mbps during 4K recording. However, you need an SDXC memory card with UHS Speed Class 3 for recording at 100Mbps.

The RX100 IV is capable of shooting 4K videos for up to 5 minutes.

Dual Video Recording

Besides, the Sony RX100 IV is capable of doing dual video recording. It allows us to capture a still image at 16.8 megapixels during 4K video recording.

Preorder

Starting from 3 July 2015, the new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV will be available for preorder at all Sony Stores, Sony Centres, and selected authorized Sony dealers at S$1,399. All preorders will come with a Leather Carrying Case (LCS-RXG) and a 64GB High-Speed SD Card (SF-64UZ).

Availability

The RX100 IV and RX10 II will be available on 16 July 2015 at S$1,399 and 30 July 2015 at S$1,899, respectively as well. You may find more details on the RX100 IV and RX10 II via http://www.sony.com.sg/product/dsc-rx100m4 and http://www.sony.com.sg/product/dsc-rx10m2.

That’s all for the Sony RX100 IV hands-on preview. I hope you enjoy it and happy shooting!

James Tan

James Tan is a Singapore-based professional photographer who shoots weddings, events, products, and cityscapes. Learn more about his works on his galleries. He shares his perspective on cameras, gadgets, and photography tips & tricks in his blog. You can follow him on his YouTube channel and Instagram.

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