Sony RX10 IV is a Paradox: Big, Fast, Slow, Small

[@edwin18959]

I have had many camera gears, having the Sony Rx10 IV without doubt can say that piece of technology is the best camera ever.

[@Transterra55]

Get this guy a TV show!

[@netmaster78]

I´d love to see those 1" haters carrying their FF gear from 24mm to 600mm lenses all day long :-) i currently own mark3 of the RX10 series and what you get is amazing. Before anyone asks, yes, i also own APS-C and Full Frame, but i use 1" 95% of the time!

[@3BMEP]

netmaster78 Good point!

[@GaryBeilby]

I'm with you netmaster78. I hauled around my 7D (& then 70D) and 100-400mmL for a very long time. Not only is it heavy and backpack consuming, but its stabilisation simply doesn't work effectively in video (fine for stills). I do still use the 70D - when I need my fast primes, or for timelapse, but my RX10 mk3 totally obsoletes the SLR combo for wildlife video. However, the Mark3's one big failing is that shitty autofocus. I have lost many shots because the focus is so crap. I really wish I had this Mark4. I also use the 70D whenever I need reliable face focus! (interviews, selfie etc) TBMAEP is totally right about the clumsy control and menu system. There are custom function buttons, so why can't I assign one to allow me to switch from 4k@25 to 1080p@100? Stoopid! Perhaps I will upgrade when the Mark5 is released having heeded TBMAEP's good advice! :-)

[@MS-gn4gl]

I personally prefer the control availability of some of the fujis but I'm totally with you on the size. I can put an x-t20 with a couple of lenses in about the same space this camera would occupy and I'm a happy camper carrying it on me ANYWHERE, including long hikes where I'm already having to lug camping gear too.

[@kathrynclark9921]

Now that I have had my RX10IV for a year of birding & nature work I still am learning this awesome Sony. Easy to hike with in all situations. Enjoyed your review but after a demo of this camera in the field I had to have it. It fit my "keep it simple" requirement within a decent price range as I am having fun with photography in my retirement 😀

[@Michael_Lak]

Hello 2020 viewer. I’m getting one soon.

[@rizwanaly]

Usually long videos are boring, but I enjoyed every second of your video, you're a great narrator and have so much info about photography and cameras. Thank you.

[@3BMEP]

Sajjad Aly Thank YOU!

[@thadpeters]

This is the first video of yours that I have viewed. You are one impressive storyteller. Calm, commanding but kind of humble. You should be on television or perhaps an airline pilot on the speaker in an emergency.

[@3BMEP]

My flying skills are limited to small drones, but thank you. :)

[@stevehill3782]

I don't know why reviewers bang on about loss of ND when the cam has a thread for glass, definitely a prob on a RX100 but not on 10. Better to have mentioned lack of USB 3.0 and WIFI /AC don't know why so many camera makers are still shipping models without the latest connectivity. You rightly mention lack of dual SD card slots - plenty of room on the RX10 but a work around would be USB 3 or WIFI/AC dumping your card to a tablet in a coffee break is doable but with USB 2 WIFI /N you would need an extended lunch break! You rightly criticise menus - they all freak me out! But you didn't herald, praise the addition of the "My Menu" feature. Spending a few hours one evening struggling through the menus and adding items you know you will use to the My Menu is splendid. Thanks guys will keep watching and may buy this one as first bridge from travel zooms - Peeping Tom luv it!

[@CentralFloridaOutdoors]

I received mine a couple a days ago and it is incredibly sharp and fast and the only thing that is missing is the ability to get shallow depth of field and ultra wide angle shots. It appears to struggle a bit with close up focusing at 600mm but the hit rate is almost 100% shooting surfing at 600mm. Serious photographers will still need a interchangeable lens camera around the house for those shots but you will only need a couple of lens for those specialty shots and not a expensive body. There is no Bokeh unless you are super close and zoomed in to 500mm. The only way to get separation for a portrait would be to use off camera flash with a high shutter speed. Good news is you can sync flash at full power at 1/4000 sec.

[@3BMEP]

+Sounds like you made a great choice. Ich think you’ve hit the nail on the head re DOF and the value of a second ILC body. Would love to see your stuff!

[@paraagshah4153]

For the exposure triangle, with the aperture ring already there, the main command dial is the shutter dial and have customised the ring controller as the ISO control. The zoom assist on the lens barrel customized as the AF-On, so instead of back button with the right thumb, I do it with the left thumb. Thus, the right thumb is free to change other settings such as shutter speed or ISO or maybe the focus area (using the left click on the ring control) or touch focus to quickly move the focus point.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

Hello FN button! Takes you to your customized most used/needed settings! Now, back to shooting.

[@richardtargett4128]

Allen Freeman Bingo! Set your camera up to your requirements and the FN button is all you need for more then 90% of your shooting.

[@intertvonline1917]

Another thing that shotter button can be programmed to start the video.. :)

[@Slow_Horse]

Just bought mine after a succession of LUMIX and Canon bridge cameras going back to 2006 and a Nikon D7200 + Tamron 150-600 and all I can say is - AMAZING! 🤩🥳😎

[@OfficiallyZOK]

I applaud you sir for introducing a new type of delivering a review..

[@theoldhobbit3640]

2021 and this model is still selling..... I have just placed an order for mine despite there being talk of an upgrade RX coming soon, I don't care, this one is now within my budget while the newer one will likely be out of reach. Thank you for your very informative review and for taking the time to share......

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy!

[@johnwilcox7826]

in the comments section I think some people are confusing the light gathering capability of a lens with depth of field in terms of F stops for example an F4 lens on a 35 mm camera and F4 on a 1 inch camera will gather the same amount of light that is the whole point of defining F stops The depth of Field will change proportionately to the crop factor

[@Ildskalli]

No, that's not how it works. The f-number is simply the focal length divided by the effective iris. It's a number that was invented to equalize exposures between different lenses on a same format - not to compare different format sizes. For that one needs to use the total light theory and compare only the effective aperture diameter.

[@trekOCLVone]

The RX10 IV is still going strong in 2019. I just bought one.

[@trekOCLVone]

Also trying out a closeout Sony HVL-F60M External Flash (50% off)

[@ahmedrashed78]

I'm thinking of one, just worried they will release a new model before end of the year, been 2 years already

[@trekOCLVone]

@@ahmedrashed78 Well - I thought through what the Mark IV offered as it is sold today. And with the Price now $100 less at $1598 I decided to buy in now. The next model of the RX10 will retail for over $1700 probably $1900 and I just think with the Mark IV providing a fast long zoom and 24 frames per second I don't need any more camera. I'm learning how to use the Mark IV. It is a technological work of art. I bought a top end flash unit sony RM60 which is on clearance for 1/2 price. The combo is good enough.

[@ishanr8697]

I want one, but it's too pricey for me.

[@MattAngiono]

Push it up to 2020.... got mine last week and LOVE IT! I have a dslr, but the video capabilities of this are unreal.... Hfr is where it's at! Probably 90% of what I am doing with it is now over 240 fps.... And if I need autofocus I still get 120 fps! I haven't tried shooting many stills yet, but i'm psyched for that too

[@kennethchartrand4251]

I just subscribed to this channel about a couple weeks ago. Love the narrative and breakdown. I used to own a Canon 7D and I had so much glass and since I travel a lot I decided to purchase an Lumix FZ1000 Bridge camera. I have amazing photos of Russia, Estonia and Denmark with the FZ1000. We are in 2020 and Lumix has not really updated their Bridge line since a few years with the last one being the FZ2500. I’m presently debating to go back to glass with an XT4 or wait for Lumix or Sony to come out with a RX10 mkV. This is an amazing channel and I have limited my photo channels to 3 people (3BMaE, Peter McKinnon, Chris from DPreview). Your delivery Hugh is amazing. Ive been watching a lot of your videos lately (for obvious reasons). You and Claudia stay safe in these time. Take care.

[@Reyfox1]

Loved the Soupy Sales comment at the end! That was hysterical back then when he said it... all those kids doing what he said! I can imagine what frustration the parents had!

[@kiyoshim9593]

Comparing a full frame f/4 with a 1 inch f/4 is misleading without taking in account the bokeh

[@martinschnell6044]

One idea regarding the "capture quadrant" (see ~20:40): I like this idea! To minimize area requirements and avoiding another button, why not combine this with the on/off-switch: off -> single shot -> multi shot -> slow burst -> fast burst? Multi shot could be configurable for some bracketing-option or for taking several frames at a single press of the shutter release button.

[@3BMEP]

Martin Schnell I like it!

[@Michael_Lak]

An hour later I finally finished reading the comments. It gives a good feel for the camera.

[@adrianpocea2287]

I was missing your wonderful presence and subtle humor, associated with a no nonsense review. Great job, Hugh. Tempted to buy one just to have it all the time, and then for paid gigs just rent if they are rare. If you have consistently paid gigs, any equipment is covered in two or three of them. Any system competitive for weddings, fashion, product or corporate video or photo shouldn't go above 10k these days.

[@AgnostosGnostos]

Cameras with ultra zoom lenses are not light. The Sony RX10 IV is around 800g with battery. For use on social networks these kinds of cameras are very useful. Social networks lower the quality and resolution of photos and the disadvantages of small digital sensors and super zoom lenses aren't obvious.

[@somewheredifferent]

Do you read of an auto queue? Or are you just shooting from the hip?

[@BrunoMaes]

Thank you for the video, while it seems like an interesting camera for some people, I think it's quite important to talk about the false aperture statement. I'm confident you're aware the f/stop has to be multiplied by the crop factor. In this case 2,7, Which makes this camera really equivalent to a 24-600 f6,5-11 (+/-) for the DOF capabilities since that's what f stops are about, and let's start to talk more about T stops if we're talking about light gathering. 24-600 f2.4-4 is just a misleading marketing. Also smaller sensors are usually worst in iso performance, which sounds like this camera shouldn't be used at it's long end anywhere but in bright sunlight as the examples images Sony showed during the event. This camera has a place and is intriguing but I feel comparing it to larger sensors cameras is either unfair to it, or not done properly. What this camera really is, is a huge step up from a smart phone, while giving you a sneak peak of what lies ahead.

[@3BMEP]

Bruno Maes Thanks for joining the discussion! Absolutely right on DOF and high ISO performance, both covered in previous reviews to which I forgot to link (will fix in a moment). As to whether it's unfair or not to compare to larger sensor cameras - well, having worked with both, I think of it instead as intriguing, because most sporting events are well-lit. But: no question, you get ultimate IQ from the big boys. It just becomes a question of how much more you want or can pay for the difference, again as I said a function of light, display size and distribution medium.

[@MattFromSMM]

Do you make this complaint about every crop sensor lens then?

[@BrunoMaes]

Suck My Mod point taken, crop sensor lenses should also be accurately branded. I'm not complaining, just trying to clear out the confusion some people may have due to marketing tactics.

[@rafai1281]

I think you are trying to find problems that not exist. Personally I don’t want to know real focal length of the lens, everybody knows how 24mm or 35mm looks like, 8mm or 12mm will not tell me how perspective will look like and please don’t tell me that they should write something like 8-222 eq 24-600. F2.4-4 tells me basic information how bright lens is, f6.5-f11 will not tell me anything useful. All information about DOF that I need is fact that camera use 1inch sensor. ;)

[@longrider9551]

If you have not used this camera you cannot know how great it is, I have the previous version along with an a7r2 and I grab this more and more, don't get caught up in the stats, when he said it punches above its weight class he was not kidding!! its a killer camera. I use it in low light at concerts all the time and even from the back row lol it is great, my version did miss focus in bad light but that is the big improvement with the phase AF.

[@GrummanIsComin]

HOLY MOLY, you have a great ability of speech and teaching! Great review!!! I WANT A RX10 IV!

[@3BMEP]

Thanks!

[@GrummanIsComin]

You’re welcome ... GUESS WHAT? I bought a RX10 iv AND LOVE IT!!!

[@3BMEP]

MLJ Shell I’m delighted for you - enjoy!

[@VisualizeHealing]

I tried the RX10 iii and it hunted so much that I returned it. I had traded all of my Canon gear in for Fuji a year ago, but didn't get the 100-400 because of the weight. So when the RX10 IV came out I thought a lot about it as an alternative. I finally bought it and used it all weekend. Happy and Sad. The weight is great, the convenience, the image quality all good. BUT, it still hunts in focusing even in manual. I realized that the frustration level far outweighed the convenience, sharpness, weight, etc. so back it goes. Very disappointed. I'm replacing it with a Canon 80d and Tamron 18-400. Hope this will meet my needs. Thank you for another wonderful review as it helped me try it to see for myself!

[@3BMEP]

Cheryl Houghton Please let me know how it goes. I’m curious: what do you shoot and what settings did you use on the IV?

[@VisualizeHealing]

I had it all over the map including "auto", on a bright sunny day (rare in springtime Michigan) and the darned thing just wanted to hunt focus. I used the "macro" setting and got a few quite good shots but again the frustration getting them deflated my joy. The Canon 80d and Tamron 18-400 arrived a bit ago, charging and hoping. Thanks for your response! And again thanks for your wonderfully helpful videos! @@3BMEP

[@markbennett5615]

Thank you for the informed and detailed review - I own an RX10 mk3 and as a small, light, do-it-all walk around it's been great for both stills and video. The only thing that lets it down has been the auto-focus. It might be time for an upgrade :-)

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

600mm..... you left out us lunartics! But then again, I've already surpassed the 600mm focal length and pursuing the Moon with a 1000mm f/10. :-P Photography can be one hell of a mistress to be obsessed with. Another great video!

[@3BMEP]

wNG iMAGE aND dESIGN My apologies :)

[@ChristopherDillman]

This camera is ridiculous value in action sports videography. After spending several days with it, I never found it a big dealio to switch from 4k 30fps to 1080p 50fps, and back. You learn the menu system fairly quickly and get used to it.

[@MattAngiono]

I don't understand how or why sony could develop such horrible menus and setup, but I still love this camera! Sure, I am still learning and I do get frustrated when the warnings make me miss shots, but I have captured so many slow motion wildlife clips that I never would have dreamed of years ago... I could use this camera exclusively in HFR mode and get more than my money's worth.... I feel like I already have in the first week! Being able to use the end trigger to record is absolutely genius and crucial to getting some shots.... I remember when the first season of Planet Earth came out and they used this same method to capture sharks hunting.... it's amazing to have that same capability myself now, and all on a camera that I can easily carry all day! I'm sure i'll soon be sharing about what fun I've had with this incredible creative tool, despite the headaches!

[@rainbowmerlin1]

always a delight to see these videos, with your very distinctive presentation style! Brilliant; entertaining and informative.

[@3BMEP]

Martin Treacy Thank you so much!

[@BlackIjs]

Wish this had been ready in the spring/summer.

[@maskirovka77]

One other characteristic that puts me off on this camera --which is a really fantastic package overall-- is that the buffer takes a long time to clear as I understand. But I've twice gotten pretty good results with model II and III predecessors (rented for events where SLRs aren't allowed), so I'm sure I will be renting this one as well in the future.

[@3BMEP]

maskirovka77 fair enough!

[@NelsonMunizRosario]

Sorry, you said that it was time-consuming to change from 4K to 1080P in the menu display, but why didn't you program one of the 3 program function buttons to do it for you?

[@astartuptechtips]

I couldn't afford the RX10 IV so I got the FZ1000 II. Given the cycle I might be forced to wait to upgrade to the RX10 V, but the RX10 IV is epic. I have a ZV-1 with same sensor and I think the Panasonic sensor is a bit better, when you pixel peek, but both look pleasing. The Sony sensor has more grain, while the Panasonic sensor has cleaner edges with pixels that have unnatural looks, that looks like going from f/3.5 to f/1.4, so I think it's better dynamic range.

[@billygalk3327]

Greetings from the future (2022). This cam still seems to be the best allrounder. Just orderd the rx10iv. I‘m happy with my iPhone13pro as an allways with me cam, but I miss a big zoom

[@valuecreator2030]

Hello from the future too~ how’s the RX10IV doing for you a year later? I’m about to order my own.

[@srobart]

In no way, shape, or form is the RX10M4 equivalent to a full-frame 600mm f/4. You MUST take sensor size into account, so while it may be equivalent to a 600mm in length, it's in the neighborhood of f/12 (crop factor of 2.7x, multiplied by the claimed aperture). I own the BEAUTIFUL Leica DG 100-400mm f/4-6.3 lens for my GH5, but it gathers significantly less light than my full-frame Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 when shot at 200mm f/4 vs 100mm f/4 on the leica. At 100mm, the leica lens is equivalent to a 200mm f/8 and by 400mm, it's equivalent to an 800mm f/13. So to show photos of the $12,000 600mm f/4 lenses and $6000+ bodies and say that those are equivalent to the RX10M4 is, frankly, silly and you will never, ever get equivalent performance. Sony is misleading people and you're helping them. Also, the 300mm "f/4" from olympus, when attached to an olympus or panasonic MFT body becomes a 600mm f/8 equivalent. So, once again, the things you're comparing are not equivalent, in the real world. But hey, don't take my word for it, go do the tests yourself. I did. All that being said, if you are in bright sunlight and that's the ONLY conditions you EVER shoot in, this may be an okay camera, but there's no way I'd pay that much for what it offers. When you take ISO into account, you have to assume that it's even worse than MFT, which has a FULL two-stop disadvantage compared to full-frame. The Sony will have a THREE stop disadvantage. That's a lot of money for a camera that can only be used in bright sunlight, if you want decent quality.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for chiming in. I hope that if you watch closely enough and all the way through you'll acknowledge that I specifically do NOT make the claim that they are equivalent other than field of view - because they are not -- and do indeed address this multiple times. So on this we agree. The issue is cost vs. performance, and one's sensitivity to each. I'll add a second time now that Tony Northrup did an excellent piece on just this subject which I read a while back -- and sometimes reread still. Again, thanks for taking the time to share your real world experience.

[@okaro6595]

You basically lose three stops when you use one inch instead of FF.

[@3BMEP]

I think that is right.

[@francesnorton65]

Great to see a camera review with actual photos taken with it! Wonderful, entertaining and informative review. Thanks!

[@CurtisWarnasch]

Does anyone know if the RX10 v will be coming soon in 2020. i really hate to waste $1700.00 and the new one come out.

[@MaddenScience]

Thanks for your video! I'm wondering what settings you recommend for filming flying owls? I'm working on a biology/biomimicry project involving owls. The flight chamber is a bit dark, so I'm going to try to light parts with soft boxes. Just wondering what settings you would use with the sony rx10 iv. Thanks!

[@MaddenScience]

And trying to get the best possible slow motion footage.

[@BiggeDink]

You can get the equivalent of over 800mm with the Nikon 1 J5, FT1 adapter, and Nikon DX 70-300mm lens. The auto focus works well and the lens is remarkably sharp. You can get the whole setup used for $500 to $700. No EVF, but a 1" sensor. About half the weight of the RX10 iv (which I own).

[@3BMEP]

BiggeDink Good input, thanks!

[@PortofinoArts]

Amazing !

[@zombiewoof5257]

For an amateur like me the RX10M4 is an amazing camera. Pity about the complex menu and the non-flippy screen indeed, they could learn from Canon in that regard.

[@davidmurray5926]

Tilt screen rules. Side hinged is too slow and conspicuous.

[@robbeard6929]

It may say that the camera is over heating whilst in video mode but in actual fact it is not. The reason the camera is limited to approx' 30 minutes of video is down to naming the product and different percentages of tax when selling for either the home market or for export to other countries. It is classed as a 'Stills Camera' hence the 30 minute limit of video capture, any longer than this duration it would have to be classed as a 'Video Camera'.

[@kingdom777866]

The heating thing with Sony is built in.. its to keep your hands warm when shooting boring video's !!

[@DaveHaynie]

There have been heating issues in some FF sensors. But the real reason for a 30 minute limit is political. The EU has a tax on camcorders, and that define a camcorder as a device that shoots video for 30 minutes or more. And for reasons known only to them, most camera companies enforce this limit on the rest of the planet. Not everyone -- Panasonic does not on every model. That law may be expiring, so we'll see.

[@rfbowdenjr]

do you recommend the LuMIX FZ2500 over the RX10IV? I am looking for a decent camera for day to day shooting and for taking on vacations. I am not a pro photographer. Thanks for your input.

[@robindickinson]

I just sold my Nikon D850 and 300mm lens and bought this camera. I'm a little scared but I'm looking forward to the ease of traveling lighter.

[@3BMEP]

Robin Dickinson enjoy!

[@Algerie.Football.Officiel]

hello, what is the best settings to make beautiful sports photos at night? with this camera

[@TheTrueaudio]

beside the subject of the video.. you have very nice deep voice you should try to be a narrator

[@capt.proton5041]

with the 960fps can you film bullets fired from a gun?? what extra equipment would you need?

[@loudpanzer]

Been using the rx10 mkII for years for video on the side. I suppose I just put up with the menus, but I cannot say how much frustration I've had with the contrast AF and moving my AF point without a touch screen. Owning Panasonic and then Fuji was a huge eye opener- however the sheer usability is incredible, and the rx10 has been the camera I constantly can rely on. Now that I know I perfer video the new PXW-z90 with the rx10 IV's PDAF is probably the route I will take, internal ND, constant f2.8 zoom- though the sheer reach of the 600mn and value... I'm going to have to get one regardless. Great video.

[@3BMEP]

loudpanzer let me know how you like the z90!

[@clixofnature1677]

My only issue is you are not saying it not effectively F4 when zoomed....in light of the sensor size its effectively about F11.....just saying....Its still a great camera....Thinking of buying one....kinda pricey though....deservedly though....it seems...Cheers

[@3BMEP]

ClixofNature valid point - I’ve mad that point many times myself. Guess I just missed it here. To be clear: on a depth of field basis, not light gathering.

[@he15rgp81]

Really Enjoyable with fully understandable terms video "Sir" Many Thanks, I have Per Ordered the Sony Rx10 IV

[@3BMEP]

HE15 RGP Enjoy!

[@he15rgp81]

I am really looking forward to the Sony RX10 IV arriving soon, After time with the RX10 III. I feel the updates in the Mark 4 Will add to my pleasure with my street photography. I am used to the sony menus which is a plus for me personally but I do understand the mass burning desire for a new menu system. One thing I really enjoy is the Wi-If linking of the RX10 Line with my Apple iphone, iPad Pro and IMac 27" 5k running Capture One for Sony Cameras.

[@he15rgp81]

I meat to add Hugh I viewed this summery Of The Sony Rx10 IV on my Apple 5k 27" iMac Your Video in 4k Is Mind Blowing but at 8.42 to 8.45 seconds show the auto focus in the Sony RX10 IV at its bests as the Shirt snapped into focus It was like going from a black and white TV to Color , like going from 625 lines on a TV Tv to Full blown 4k. You Test was mind Blowing and Only Confirmed Why I and So Many others who have hell a RX 10 in there hands Know this Mark 4 Is A Game Changer In the World OF Digital Cameras As It Will Be To My Life when It Arrives. Again Thank You For Sharing Your Thoughts with Us. the Views who Are Moved By Your Honest Review. Kind Regards Sir . Raymond G Psaila

[@he15rgp81]

Well Today the 2nd Of October 2017 at 1.00pm Uk Time My new Sony RX10 M4 Arrived from www.Jessops.com . £1948.00 Inc VAT & 3 years Warranty and Accidental Damage Cover (the cost of which was £149.00 On Its own) And Free Next working Day shipping, Yes it Was Shipped at 00.40am Last Saturday, Uk Mail Ltd do not work Sundays Here In the Uk . Well Hugh, you were so right What A Stunning Update. To the RX10 M3 which by the Way Hugh, I bought one new only 4 weeks ago Online From John Lewis here in the UK for £1399.00 plus the cost of added care and damage cover. Needless to say It Went back and for A Full Refund * hours after it arrive as SONY Announced The Release Of The New RX10 M4 . Thank God For Sony's Upgrade Thank You To For Your Stunning 4k Video here On KZbin which I Have seen more times than is best to admit. So Today 20 Days Before the official release date In SONY's Own KZbin presentation Video in which the Stated the release date as the 22nd Of October 2017 I am sat typing to a Man I truly Respect To Say Thank You For The Time you took to make the Above Review, Taking time to e mail me with your Stunning understand at to my situation ( I know I did not say About Owning RX10 M3 ) WOW ! WOW! WOW! All You Said Was True, How You Explain It Was Stunning, The saving compared To a DSLR really should not compare But For Me As I Am, Where I am In Life At The Age Of 62. It's Too Mucking Fuch, I am In Love with An Rx10 m4 AND ITS MINE And ITS HERE in Media City in the City Of Salford UK

[@hmd7oceans]

Excellent video. I have the Rx10 i and ii and will now likely go for the iv. I've loved the image quality and convenience and have been frustrated by complexity of use. The new autofocus and lens versatility tip the scale in favor of the iv. Love your humor and spot on commentary.

[@kbruff2010]

If you are a nerd, the menu system is just a thing you deal with. The flip screen, the lack of ND and the screen … meh, ok. Can you even bring cameras like to a concert as a general attendee? A matter of perspective, I guess.

[@ancientfishing]

Yeah, with its sensor size, I can't really see anyone making use of the 24fps or the a9's AF system. Its also much more expsensive than other Point and Snaps, so you can't really compare it to them. You can compare it with the A7II with a kit lens because its about the same price.

[@DaveHaynie]

I took mine to a four day music festival last June and took about 7200 shots. I don't know about 24fps necessarily, but the ability to just shoot with a long clear lens in a situation in which dozens of things are changing rapidly, making or breaking your shot, it was day and night over my previous festival setup.

[@RogerOThornhill]

I'm trying to remember just how long Sony has had flip out screens. Is it 25 years? More? This camera is begging to be taken on vacation by the serious enthusiast and yet no selfie mode? I just don't get it. It can't be due to economizing; the damn thing is almost 2 grand with taxes.

[@3BMEP]

James R great question!

[@josephbohme7917]

WAIT A DARN MINUTE-- What IF? You put a 300mm lens on a big full frame and crop the picture to the same screen area- what would we see side by side MR 3 BLIND MEN & elephant? Hmmm, could you demonstrate that? I have a RX MK 2 and very curious. Might have to shoot in 4k and downsize to 1080p, dunno the end, of the go round, but maybe you can.

[@DaveHaynie]

You left out the fact that with electronic shutter and S-AF only, the OM-D E-M1 mark II can shoot 60fps raw. The RX10 mark IV still wins on buffer size!

[@3BMEP]

Dave Haynie I wish I had a relationship with OLYMPUS - many people enjoy their products. We bought a 75/1.8 because it’s brilliant, but they’ve been non-responsive.

[@DaveHaynie]

@@3BMEP I have the 75mm f/1.8, its wonderful! Shame they don't want to play nice with you. I bought the RX10 mk IV as a replacement for my Fujifilm X-S1, possibly the first high end bridge camera, for those occasions that don't lend themselves to system cameras. Ok, sure, its larger than my Pen F. It's nice to see you reviewing other sorts of gear and understand what it's for... no single camera solves every problem.

[@Ildskalli]

Hi Hugh, there's one question that has been driving me mad, and I sincerely hope you can answer it: how does the viewfinder behave during bursts? I'm a current RX10M3 owner, and the worst part of the camera for me is its slow, 5 FPS burst that has a 'slideshow effect', meaning it stops live view and just projects the last picture taken. Is this any better on the M4? Thanks in advance.

[@aftabbabar6623]

you have convinced me to buy this camera. Totally amazed by the jazz video and the details you captured in relatively low light condition. I like small compact cameras for my travel needs but this camera is what i should have. Thanks for the detailed review. Aftab

[@3BMEP]

aftab Babar Glad to be of service! Let me know how you like it.

[@lucasbrea212]

I really like your reviews your style is unique, nice job, amazing all-around camera for traveling and sports

[@3BMEP]

Thanks, Lucas!

[@sandyp123]

I love listening to all your reviews. While this one was enlightening, you didn't mention the Memory option where you can store your settings in M1, M2, or M3 in the camera's internal memory or M1 through M4 to a memory on the sd card.

[@3BMEP]

Sandra Personette Thanks for contributing!

[@99unclebob]

great video,i own an A77 mk 2 and love it with an assortment of lenses ,I had no idea that an x10 mk4 had anywhere near these abilities,I wished i had this in 2015 on my backpack trip through Yosemite,it would have saved me at least 12 lbs in gear and fatigue and would have been able to carry it on a small case weather proof case, i will look into this one for sure,I have been thinking of upgrading to a A7 MK3

[@3BMEP]

Bob Church I know of a Nat Geo photographer whose kit consisted of an a6300 or a6500 and an RX-10. If they’re good enough for him (fascinating, right?). We’ll be posting a new video on the a7 iii tomorrow...

[@tamasvarga67]

Great review. Only if Sony would make user friendly cameras I would buy one. The quirks that you showed reminded me why I sold my RX100IV and it seems things hasn’t changed in Sony land. The longest spec sheet, amazing features but crap usability/ergonomics/menu system which almost made me smash my RX100IV against the wall couple of times. Let see if they improve on the basics by the time RX10 VIII will come out. I will be waiting...

[@StaffViet2009]

if you are shooting below ISO 800, you are fine! :) RX10 is such a great all-in-one camera! actually my dream is RX10 mark II, it has better optical quality than III and this new IV i'm saving,but i hope the price will drop

[@3BMEP]

HaiNam Nguyen I'm sure the price will drop eventually - they always do. :)

[@mgambard]

Great video, sir! Love your in-depth, objective description. I am at a crossroads in my photographic journey, per se. I recently returned from a travel trip, and after spending a week lugging around my entire arsenal of DSLR gear, I am contemplating selling it all off and "downsizing" to a bridge camera. I am currently a hobbyist shooter, doing mainly urban landscapes /travel shots mostly. I shoot with a Canon T4i and usually my Sigma 18-200 stabilized lens. I also have the marvelous Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II L lens, which is my pride and joy, but on a crop-sensor camera, it's not very often I get to use it. For wide-angle, I use a Tokina 12-24mm, which is ok. My kit is rounded out with the requisite "nifty 50", which speaks for itself. My question to you, is...what, in your opinion, would I be losing by dumping it all in favor of this new Sony? I know I'll never gain back the DOF of shooting at 2.8 @ 200mm, but is that all? thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[@3BMEP]

You'd be giving up an awful a LOT of weight (yay) and shallow depth of field (boo) and some field of view at the wide end (hmm) but the little 1"sensor in the RX10 Mk IV is arguably as good or better than the one you have right now. You might give up one stop of low light performance, but both are not designed for low light, so if you've been happy thus far with the T4i in that department -- I'm guessing you're not shooting much there, or else you're using a slow shutter speed to keep the ISO down low -- I don't think you'd really notice the difference. You'd gain superior AF, frame rates, burst rates, 4K recording, tremendous flexibility and compact dimensions (I'm probably leaving out a few things). Since the T4i isn't worth much used, my advice would be to keep it and the nifty fifty/plastic fantastic and sell of your other glass to cover as much of the purchase price as possible so that you can always do shallow DOF in a pinch. BUT: my first advice is to try it before you buy it. It's easy for me to write these things from who-knows-how-far-away without knowing you or your work, so it's important to take the extra step thus minimizing the likelihood of buyer's remorse. Or buy one first at Amazon, B&H (yes, I have affiliate links at both) or any other place that also have excellent no-questions asked return policies. Let me know what you decide!

[@johnevans6451]

Could you do a comparison with the LUMIX FZ-2000/2500? Many thanks

[@3BMEP]

John Evans Wanted to compare the 2500 to the III, but with the IV it seems to me it’s pretty simple, reducing to priorities: PDAF, multi interface hot shoe, longer telephoto reach and arguably better digital zoom, higher burst rate, 40% more pixels on rear LCD on the one hand (pick the Sony), vs. price, ergonomics/menu, unlimited recording, flippy screen, 10-bit 4:2:2 out, optical AND electronic IS, longer battery life, and built-in ND on the other (pick the Panny). Do you feel differently?

[@kbruff2010]

Great narration, and lighting and sound.

[@allthingswildlifeyt1218]

Hey mate i have a question. Im going to be starting a KZbin channel soon where i go into the outback in search of all our awesome Aussie animals. I was going to get a gh5 and put a 14-140mm lens on it but now I'm not shure. After all that 960fps slo-mo is needed for some of the shots i want to get. And the minimum focus of 1 inch will come in use and its cheeper by $800. How dose the camera compare to the gh5 in terms of quality and colour? Which do you recommend? Also i want a mic that can have my voice sound clear when im handling an animal from maximum 5m away and i want the mic to be able to pic up noise from behind the camera so that the camera man can ask me questions about the animal. What mic do you recommend?

[@GaryBeilby]

Hiya All Things Wildlife, I'm with you there. :-) Bottom line, there is no one camera that will do everything that you want. However the RX10 is going to be a very effective mainstay. I think the GH5 actually has better video quality marginally - but it is too subtle to outweigh the high frame rate and zoom range power. I pair it with a 70D (plus 1.4 prime, macro prime, and 10-22mm zoom for timelapse and selfie vid), a Mavic Pro drone and a couple of GoPros. This all fits in one backpack and covers an incredibly vast range of wildlife doco filming requirements. I love my kit a lot. I also want to run a KZbin channel where I go in search of Aussie animals. Actually I kind of already do. I just do too many other things to make it work. Don't do too many other things.

[@allthingswildlifeyt1218]

Gary Beilby thanks for the reply i think i going to go with the sony rx10 mk1v. Just looked at your channel then and it looks awesome. You have got a new sub :)

[@jonitan76]

Nikon a900 is cheap

[@chloescanlon1107]

I’d pay extra just to not be burdened with the damn side hinged flippy flappy rear screen.

[@AirGunWeb]

Hey there guys. First of all.. love the video and your thoughts on this camera. I have a youtube channel all and create 100+/- videos per year for the high powered airgun industry. One of our feature series is called "Going Ballistic" and we used a pair of RX100 Vs and an older RX10 II to capture various angles of slow motion footage at 960 frame per second. We do ok creating content with some pretty basic gear and this seems like a tremendous leap forward on many fronts. Have you had the opportunity to compare the HFR on the RX10 iV with the RX100 V? As we look to our next season we want to get slow motion footage at range (25 and 50 yards vs feet) and safety is key. Having the zoom range of the new RX10 iV seems a wonderful advantage. $1700 for us however is a significant investment and I would like to have a bit more of a warm and fuzzy about dropping the cash. Just a note, most of our content is shot with a pair of Panasonic GH4s for static or studio shots and trio of Panasonic 4K WX970s for all our run and gun field footage. Any input you may be able to provide would be appreciated. Thanks Rick / AirgunWeb and AirgunWebTV

[@raymondcook8364]

Thank you for posting a very positive and down to earth user friendly video of the Sony RX10 M IV camera. I just got mine and today was my first use of it for wildlife photography. My settings weren't perfect but it is a learning process. My question to you and the viewers is: How can I see if my image stabilizer is turned on? I have gone through all the settings and can't find image stabilizer. Thank you.

[@valuecreator2030]

Have you manage to find the settings? :)

[@stevehageman6785]

You make a really good video, well done. Cheers. :-)

[@Sufibooks]

You have 7 My menu pages to set up. Also several programmable buttons. And FN button with 12 programmable settings You have 3 complete set ups for example say fast street, landscape and Macro. If all these were set up to your shooting here would be no reason to dive into menus. Oh and it does not heat up under any circumstance in my experience.

[@3BMEP]

You make a good point, but you also make my point: 1) if you put in the time and set it up, you'll be good to go, but 2) 7 pages of My Menu choices alone, never mind the many other pages of choices, compared to the three choices I grew up with and are still the most important: film/sensor (ISO, B&W or color, characteristics), shutter speed, and aperture.

[@Sufibooks]

I was surprised that you responded. Thank You I just bought this camera a few months ago after lugging a bag of lenses and a couple of bodies for decades. I am just an enthusiast photographer. I am just loving this small package. Remember nothing is perfect. Cheerio great video. facebook.com/louwalterwilson

[@3BMEP]

Delighted for you!

[@grizzlygramp]

Except I bought the very similar RX10 III and it just happened to have a permanently fatal lens error just a month after the warranty ran out and the price to get it repaired means "But a new camera sucker!"

[@3BMEP]

Sorry to learn of it!

[@jeffmc306]

Yes! I remember Soupy Sales - sent him a crayon drawing when I was a kid that he showed on the air! Thanks for your great reviews about all the different camera gear. Your style of talking to the camera makes the viewer feel like you're talking directly to them. Keep up the great work.

[@3BMEP]

Jeff McCaffrey Just watched him talk about his suspension in a 1993 vid. Pretty funny! And - thanks for the encouragement.

[@jeffmc306]

Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions I'll have to look for that interview. Those were simpler times! Changing the subject, I just got the RRS L-Plate for my GH5. Well thought-out and fits like a glove. Have you tried the firmware upgrade? Wondering what your thoughts are on any focus improvements.

[@3BMEP]

Haven't gotten to the firmware upgrade yet -- editing up the ying-yang. RRS makes high quality stuff - I have a bunch of their plates, including their L-plate for my a6300. But instead of getting their plate for the GH5, I'm looking at full cages. But I DO have things to say about the GH5 AF. Stay tuned...

[@strangeparadox8106]

How will it do for a semi-pro shooting still weddings and events? Will the camera do well in low lighting? The video of the jazz musicians looked good in the lower light conditions, but will stills look as good, thanks?

[@3BMEP]

Strange Paradox Check out my video comparing RX10 III, a6300 and FS5, then tell me what you think!

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

The menu's in Sony's is a mute point really. I use one every day on my A6500. As soon as I got it I set the buttons the way I wanted and set the two memory settings. Then on top of that you can customize the FN quick menu to do almost anything in the menu's. I could see being as reviewer switching cameras all the time a foreign menu that you do not use would be overwhelming. With that said I can guaranty that if a Sony shooter that never used a Nikon or a Canon picked on up to only use for a day, they would be lost in those menu's also.

[@Bayonet1809]

It's moot point, not mute. Good point though, part of the confusion that arises from Sony's menus is that with Sony's recent meteoric rise, very few have had years of familiarity with those menus.

[@richardtargett4128]

Chris Barr Exactly, Sony camera’s are so customizable that they take a long time to set up as you like. But, once you have done this and set up the Fn quick menu to your requirements, you rarely, if ever, need to dig into the full menus.

[@moroccanwonders6234]

Thanks for the review.... The Panasonic lumix FZ 2500.... Is way cheaper and has almost the same specs.... Thanks I will stick to my fz2500.

[@gregorynp]

Want one but is the V around the corner?

[@dunnymonster]

That improved phase detection AF should be enough to keep potential buyers away from Panasonic's FZ2000 offering. If they had just implemented a vari angle touchscreen then Sony might have monopolized this sector of the camera market. ☺

[@3BMEP]

dunnymonster I wonder what the market share stats are...

[@Nitrogenetiks]

Do you think i can use that camera for some semi- profesional works? Like sports photography on poor light? Or sensor is a problem? I am really interested on the possiblities of this camera for all situations but maybe sensor is not enough for a kind of pro works

[@3BMEP]

J V if you want to shoot sports professionally in poor light (though most professional stadiums are well lit), this is NOT the camera for you. You will want 2.8 telephoto lenses with the highest performing full frame sensors and AF systems like the ones in the Sony a9.

[@yemenhar]

Nailed it. Very informative. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@3BMEP]

yemenhar Glad you found it so - thank you!

[@sashdown22]

great vid thanks and interesting delivery! could I ask what camera and setting did you use to take the face on, was it 1080? Also in the jazz bar, was that 1080 and therefore the enhanced steadyshot? It looked too smooth to be 4k with the lesser steadyshot.

[@3BMEP]

sashdown22 Jazz bar WAS 4K! Talking head (me) is GH5.

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

is it true that the image quality of the Nikon X50 is much better?

[@yemenifoodchannel]

gunna have to come back to see the HQ version, 360 is not cutting it.

[@3BMEP]

Yemeni Food Channel agreed!

[@liutony4872]

This Sony lens is crazy sharp, take a look at the ephotozine samples. There is really no alternative for an f4 600mm equivalent, the asking price of $1700 is cheap because everything else is much more expensive.

[@3BMEP]

liu tony Just so!

[@georgenorris2657]

Very useful review thank you!

[@pweb4941]

Keep up the great reveiws. Some of these comments are ridiculous as they clearly dont get the subtlety of what you are saying. Maybe your style is too philosophical for the average youtube consumer trying to be an expert on a camera in 30 minutes .i have a D3s which i intend to keep until nikon decide to take video seriously, which i will use for stills in low light. At 12 mp its resolution is not at the d850 level which i would buy in a heart beat if the video was at the level of this camera. Its stabilisation and autofocus and the ability to rack focus are big draws for me. Also the reach of the lens is intriguing........ But i wonder about the light issue- how does shooting in the golden hour go with a camera such as this?

[@3BMEP]

First: thanks. You get it. :) Second: at golden hour, light is gorgeous but also reduced, so I would imagine you're entering a boundary boundary condition for the sensor. If you're shooting static stills, it will be amazing because you can slow the shutter down enough to bring the ISO down. If you're shooting movies but the players are lit by direct sunlight at that hour, I think it could well be magical too. But I think one of us has to try this out, don't you think? Any takers?

[@retepyam5858]

I currently have a high end Sony body and a few decent lenses to go with it. This reminds me of my first "proper" Sony camera a DSC-R1 the sensor was only 10mp but that lens! as one reviewer stated when the camera cost $1000 new the lens alone was worth that. Looking at getting one of these as a travel camera when one camera to take all the shots. The examples you showed looked, well I just kept saying wow and from a 1" sensor. Going to have to get one I think 🙂

[@3BMEP]

😊👍🏻

[@einsteindrieu]

This guys pretty cool !!!😎😎

[@VisualizeHealing]

I love your reviews and videos. Thanks for posting them. I have a question. I have a Fuji x-t4 (just upgraded!) with a 35mm, a 16-80mm, 80mm, 55-200 and a 50-140. I need more distance for wildlife and am looking at the 100-400 OR the Sony RX10 IV. I'm in my 70's so I both don't want to lug around anything heavy (which is why I switched to Fuji) and I don't want to have to learn a lot of new settings. I respect and trust you opinion and hope you have a moment to respond. Thank you kindly.

[@3BMEP]

The RX10 IV will be much easier for you, and as long as you don’t make very large prints or ignore the general rule of thumb of 1.5-2.5x times the diagonal for viewing, you’ll be fine. But if you’re already taking all that Fuji Kit, I’d go 100-400 after first selling the 55-200 and either the 16-80 or 50-140, maybe picking up the 16/1.4 and 56/1.2 instead. Lighter, faster...

[@stranger5746]

Thank You for another informative and entertaining review..

[@user_uif_ghg_wer_das]

Normal hands vs. tiny hands at 6:32 is hilarious.

[@3BMEP]

;)

[@GaryBeilby]

It was yooj. YOOJ!

[@Spawn674]

Between the Nikon P900 or Sony DSC-RX10M4 which is better? What is the image quality?

[@3BMEP]

Crow T Robot I don’t know the P900, sorry.

[@terrybrooks395]

Thanks for your detailed review What is the frame rate and buffer size when shooting in RAW ? RAW is essential in my opinion when dealing with the inherent lack of dynamic range from a 1 inch sensor, I get some stunning results from my Nikon 1 J5 combined with the aftermarket lenses they make for them which are the sharpest lenses I've used on any camera and I do use APS-C and FF cameras

[@3BMEP]

Terry Brooks Great question and point. I didn't check for three reasons: 1) I've found that with brand new cameras that haven't officially yet hit the market my programs can't read their RAW files (this has happened with Sony and Panasonic most recently); 2) after shooting the a9'and experiencing the buffer issue first hand, I shortened my bursts and assumed I'd have to wait anyway (this is an important point: if you're going to spray, don't' pray - pick your moment and live with the buffer clearing afterward, which happened to work perfectly for the bird flights); and 3) after reviewing the earlier Mark III, I knew I wanted to spend most of my time with AF. But again, you raise excellent points. Next time I get my hands on one...

[@Ildskalli]

240+ frames in JPEG, 110+ frames in raw. It can still put 5 seconds of burst out and yeah, just like you, I shoot raw exclusively with my RX10M3 - the sensor just doesn't have that much latitude (although it does better than the J5).

[@MrNYCman530]

Just upgraded to the RX10 lV. Looking forward to the improved auto focus and frame rates. I have Lightroom for Raw, but when I want to upload a zoo album on Facebook, I generally use JPEG extra fine. So in creative mode, what would be the optimal settings for wildlife as far as sharpness, contrast, and saturation are concerned? And would Standard be better than Neutral or Vivid?

[@3BMEP]

RufusLeakin First: congrats - and enjoy. Next: scene characteristics, personal taste, audience characteristics, ambition, and display/viewing characteristics rule here. Just came back last night from a multi day shoot with the a7R III during which I was blown away by Capture One and RAW even when working with properly exposed images - I’m done with LR. If you and/or your audience don’t need 10/10ths image quality and dynamic range and you’re shooting colorful birds, for example, vivid can be a great workflow short cut. But there’s just no substitute for experimentation at this stage in which you draw your own conclusions. I don’t mean to generalize, but because it’s FB (which implies relatively small image size and close viewing distance for general audiences), you MAY want to bake in not only vivid color, but high sharpness and contrast. However, I personally prefer shooting JPEG plus RAW, neutral or standard (I haven’t noticed a difference, and the settings appear the same to me) so that I can work an image when I have greater ambition for it - while preserving small file sizes and punchy images for easy upload and casual viewing when I’m happy with it straight out of the camera. Let me know how your experimenting goes!

[@MrNYCman530]

Okay, thanks for the hints.

[@melissal.5199]

Which camera do you use for filming yourself? It looks so sharp, amazing. Please somebody let me know

[@3BMEP]

Melissa de Bruin We always list the gear we use in the “SHOW MORE” section below the video. We used the Sony a6300 with a Sony E 50/1.8 for the last year or so, but since April our go-to camera has been the Panasonic GH5, typically with Sigma 30/1.4. Of course, the opening few minutes at Sony HQ was shot with...an iPhone 7 Plus. :)

[@melissal.5199]

amazing. thanks for your reaction!!

[@37Dion]

I loved Soupy. And yes this is a power house of a unit. The marriage of that lens and burst make me want to pull the trigger. But that screwy menu , apparently we are just going to have start thinking like programmers. But the crop factor on the aperture does give me pause too, at the top end f/10 but still 600mm. Hmm hold that thought. LOL

[@3BMEP]

Dion Gross Hah! Yes, the DOF is now the primary issue for me. Then again, in a few years software will simulate bokeh - even in video - in this class of camera. Hold that thought...

[@paulstevens2839]

I plan on buying the new Sony a7lll with a 16-35 f/4 lens and the 24-105 f/4 lens- those 2 lens would cover most of my 16-105 mm needs. I also own the rx10 iv to cover my higher end focal length needs.

[@3BMEP]

Loop Garoo beautiful combo. The a7 III is superb. We own the 24-105 - brilliant lens in the real world, which 16-35?