For those have followed the ground-breaking Sony RX100 since it became one of the first and best cameras to fit a 1-inch sensor into a compact form factor, each new version is eagerly anticipated. The good news is that Sony has steadily improved the camera's features with each updated model. However, pure image quality has plateaued. I've been shooting with the new Sony RX100 IV, and enjoying its cool new video features, but for still photographers, the upgrades may not be worth the new high price tag…

For starters, the Mark IV (aka Mark 4) looks almost identical to previous versions. Personally, I don't like the Sony menu system as much as Canon's, but it is very usable, and highly customizable. The lens is still a high-quality Zeiss f/1.8-f/2.8 24-70mm equivalent zoom with , although somewhat disturbingly, it didn't do quite as well as the Mark III in some of PC Magazine's bench testing (less sharp towards the edge of studio test shots). The new model is quicker to focus, and offers higher frame rates of 8.6 fps and 16.1 fps in high-speed continuous. It feels like it acquires focus faster and even more accurately than previous versions. While the Optical Viewfinder still has its awkward "pull up and then out" design, it is higher-resolution and easier to use than the older version. The rear LCD is still not a touch screen, which may disappoint those used to clicking where they want to focus, but it is brighter and easier to see in sunlight than prior versions. The lens motor is slow enough that the camera takes over 2 seconds from turn on to ready to shoot, which can be annoying.

Sunset over Lake Michigan – JPEG from camera:
(only resized -- thus the awkward horizon)
Sony RX100 IV, f/10 @ 1/200s, –3 e.v., ISO 125

The built-in flash is usable for close shooting, and can be tilted slightly for bouncing, but there is no hot shoe for an accessory flash, unfortunately. NFC is a nice addition to the camera’s WiFi capability, so that simply touching the camera to your NFC-capable phone or tablet will pair it – eliminating the need to type in an arcane password. You can use WiFi either to transfer images or MP4 videos, or to remote control the camera from your mobile device (although apparently only for JPEG images). There is a built-in neutral density (ND) filter for those looking to get ultra-slow shutter speeds for freezing water or other special effects.

Massive video upgrade – but not audio

The big news in the Mark IV is the stacked sensor design. By layering the various electronic components that go into capturing and recording video, Sony has improved the video bandwidth of the camera. That means it can capture 4K video, or do High Frame Rate (up to 960 fps) lower-resolution video. The HFR feature is really cool for making slow-motion videos, and the results are much higher quality than with previous compact cameras that have offered high-frame-rate shooting. Unfortunately the HFR capability is quite limited -- to 2 to 4 seconds of activity -- and the interface is somewhat awkward. HFR recording is also video only. I can understand that a sound track played back at super-low speed might not sound like much, but I think it'd be nice if the audio was there for use in post-production.

One of the coolest features of the Sony RX100 IV is the ability to capture high frame rate (HFR) video,
allowing the creation of short slow-motion clips. This one was shot at 460 fps.

4K video is all the rage now, so it’s a feature everyone wants, but it is overkill for most online sharing, and for serious work needs external audio recording capability, so I'm not sure how many folks will spring for the additional cost of the camera to get this capability.  Unfortunately, for a camera that sells for more than many DSLRs and is aimed at fairly serious video capture, there is no provision for external audio. The built-in microphone is good as far as it goes, but not being able to use a shotgun or remote mic greatly limited the number of video projects where the Sony RX100 Mark IV will be the right choice.

Sony's application ecosystem: Extend your camera by spending more money

Sony has been rolling out additional features for its compact cameras in the form of downloadable applications. Some of the functions are important -- like time lapse. Others replicate what you can already do if you shoot Raw & do your own processing -- like its new Tilt/Shift emulator. However, most of the good ones cost a few bucks, which can be pretty aggravating if you've just spent nearly a grand on a top of the line point and shoot. For my money, Sony would be better served by leaving those applications as additional cost extras for its low-end cameras, but allowing them to run for free on its high-end models. I can't imagine they make any real money on them in the first place, and it just irks their premium customers.

The built-in flash is good for close-ups, but not much more
(there is no hot shoe for adding additional lighting)
Sony RX100 IV, f/3 @ 1/160s, ISO 200, flash

Bottom Line: If price is no object, this is one very slick point and shoot camera

For anyone on a budget, the best thing about the Mark IV version of the Sony RX100 is that it is starting to drive down the price of the Sony RX100 III. With the older model you get the same image quality and most of the features, for a couple hundred dollars less. However, if price is no object, the high frame rate video, 4K recording capability, faster AF, and higher frame rate for burst shooting (plus the improved LCD and EVF) are all welcome updates and make the Sony RX100 IV the new king of the (barely) pocketable compact cameras.

If the 24-70mm zoom range is too small for you, or the price tag too high, the Canon G7 X is a great choice. Going the other way, if you can stomach a larger model to get an even better quality image then the Lumix LX100 delivers and keeps your price under $1000. For comparison, you can read our review of the Canon and our review of the Lumix. If all of these sound too big and too expensive for you, our personal “pocket favorite” is still the relatively-inexpensive Canon PowerShot S120. If you can’t decide, check out our article on deciding What size camera is right for you.

Sample Images

Here are a variety of images I captured while testing the Sony RX100 IV – most are only resized from the out-of-camera JPEGs:

		Sony RX100 IV Sample Images VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL