Sony RX100 IV Hands-On Field Test

The Sony RX100 series have always been our favorite pocket-size cameras, so when the new IV version was announced with hugely upgraded video features, Jordan Drake had to take it on vacation to test drive it. See if the latest version continues Sony's brilliant run with this series.
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Shot by Chris Niccolls, edited by Jordan Drake
Shot on the Panasonic GH4 with V-Log L

[@jessplayen]

Grate review. You guys are doing the best camera reviews on KZbin. Keep up the great work. I'll keep watching.

[@RN0010]

one of the best channel around. Very informative especially the description at the bottom of every video and photos.

[@JeanV1986]

Great review, Jordan! TCS' reviews are getting better and better :)

[@BenjaminMooreinJapan]

Jordan has grown so confident and professional as a presenter. I always liked the guy and the video input was always great, but he really used to need Chris to balance him out. Now he totally holds his own! Still, looking forward to an a7r II review with both these guys.

[@EDHBlvd]

This was a great review Jordan. Well done! I loved your honesty with the viewfinder. Totally makes sense and glad someone is being realistic about it instead of just claiming how amazing it is without actually using it. Cheers!

[@selenef6009]

I bought the RX100 IV. I'm upgrading from the old Sony Cybershot DSC-W80 that I had nearly 10 years ago. It has lasted me a long time. I'm a musician. Rocksubculture and other musician websites recommended the RX100 IV in their best cameras lists. I'm so excited to take use of it to record gigs and some music videos. Thank you for this wonderful review!

[@ChrisParayno]

I enjoy your honest reviews. I'm thinking of picking one up. the iii and IV comparison helped with the deciding factor. keep up the good work!

[@nathanbryant7715]

You guys do killer reviews. You're honest and review the cameras as it would be used accordingly. Thanks as always.

[@sski66]

Really nice complete video, good one Jordan.

[@D45Z]

SUPERB review, guys! Also, hat tip to Jordan. Well done!

[@SuperSaf]

Nice review Jordan, the RX100 IV looks like a beast. One thing you didn't mention was the 5 mins max recording time at 4K and overheating. A lot of users have been complaining about recording in 4K and how the camera shuts down to cool off. Was this an issue for you?

[@ObelixCMM]

SuperSaf TV 5 minutes 4K limit is there for a reason, it is small pocket sized stills camera that shoots 4K video. You can't expect it to just push record after 5 minutes, it needs to cool off. For 29 minutes check out RX 10.2, or AX100 if you need camcorder.

[@Tony-ue8fo]

ObelixCMM We all agree on the technical reasons, but still, it's something that should be mentioned.

[@ObelixCMM]

Tony Yes 5 min limit should be mentioned, but all complaints I have seen so far are from people who expect to run camera in 5 min. increments without any stops between

[@SuperSaf]

See that's the thing, some users that aren't using it continually for 5 mins but in segments are still facing heating issues. That was the basis of the question (e.g. how many 1 min 4K clips can you do till it heats up)

[@1barnet1]

SuperSaf TV that would depend on the cooling down time between the shots. If you want 4k recording for longer periods it's simple. For now get a larger body like the RX10-2. This way you will also get solid external audio. The RX-100 is a pocket camera that packs the punch of a hollywood grade cinema camera. Some compromises had to be made to make this exceptional product possible.

[@leeroyle2381]

Thanks for the review, been waiting to see this... RX100 IV ordered...

[@herranton]

Best review on the rx100m4 yet, thanks!

[@rishisanyal2444]

Nice review. Two quick things: (1) you can put Picture Profile into the function menu, so you can access S-Log2 without having to go into the main menu, and (2) Memory Recall is quite effective at remembering a lot of the settings, so I use it to quickly change between stills and different video modes. That said, I agree with your overall point that more features means even more burden on the limited buttons/dials/ergonomics. I'd prefer if the dials were more customizable (per shooting mode, e.g.), if different video modes/frame rates could be placed in the Fn menu, and other UI improvements as well (why does Center Lock-on AF work in video, but not Lock-on AF: Center, e.g.?). Cheers.

[@scottgmaclean]

Very helpful review Jordan.

[@crfowler]

Great Review Jordan! Thanks for bringing up so many practical points for the targeted user. You also brought to my attention the UI... I enjoy shooting both Video and stills, bouncing back and forth does seem like a bit of pain, but I still agree with your opinion that the pros outweigh the cons and this is the best pocket camera option, currently on the market.

[@karls5795]

Jordan I agree with Jean, Great review. The best I've seen from any information source I've looked at. By coming at the camera from the point of view of practical use - I thought was stellar.

[@ObelixCMM]

Great review TheCameraStoreTV Jordan! Looking forward to RX10 II and A7R II

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Excellent job in the video! Thanks.

[@ForViewingOnly]

Excellent review. A new camera from Sony is always an exciting time, even if I've got no plans to upgrade... just great to see Sony pushing the boundaries yet again. Looking forward to the RX10 Mk2 review!

[@johnbrunedigital1]

Great review. Thank you so much! Great info about the slow motion setup.

[@AndrewTGreen]

Excellent sound! Very in depth. Thank you!

[@Gary_W]

Thanks for the RX100 IV video!!

[@Wishwader]

Great review. Really really good. Thanks guys.

[@lainpants]

In case it hasn't been mentioned yet, the final comment about having to change all the settings -- I agree the Sony menus make this annoying, but there's a shortcut! Use the MR (Memory Recall) function. It saves basically everything -- ND filter, video settings, etc, to the slot of your choosing.

[@megakiller8868]

Dudddeeeee.!!! You know this stuff! That was a solid review. Thanks. Subscribed.

[@BlueEyesTheUltimateDragon]

Nice review, and it's pretty awesome too that some stranger didn't lick the camera this time.

[@AuthenTech]

Great review - thanks!

[@JaxsonNZ]

Nice solo vid man, well done. Really great to get a hands on experience review. I like you am often video focussed and on paper these guys do seem to have it all, so I was quite interested in the switching between modes rigmarole there. Thanks for the heads up! (From New Zealand!)

[@ObelixCMM]

Richand Fleur Jackson Not solo, Chris was recording ;)

[@CorruptionDee]

Great review. I just picked this camera up 2 days ago. Being a rookie in terms of photography, I found the features and menus to be overwhelming. With that said, practice makes perfect and I have been blown away by the quality of stills and videos that others have taken using this beast.

[@BlueBomberTurbo]

Dee Jimenez Best thing to do is customize the quick menu once you get a feel for most of the features. With all the settings, it can be difficult to choose what goes where. It even perplexed me a bit , coming from a Sony A6000 which has the same interface (though 1 extra button and dial). I even had to use the Memory Recalls for things like standard and HFR video, and I never use memory presets on my cameras (never had the need).

[@CorruptionDee]

Christian Fiore Thanks for the tip. I'll look into that. It'll take a while for me to adjust since I'm such a novice. I'll get better with time. Thanks again.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Good review, I learned some stuff. Being a still photographer with limited video experience, I have to look into S-Log or was it V-Log, argh! Now have to watch again and take notes.

[@ObelixCMM]

Ron Paulk Sony = S-Log Panasonic = V-Log

[@willb8099]

Superb review of a great camera!

[@bruin4937]

Excellent review. Thanks!

[@tptrsn]

Great videography Chris! Maybe you guys should delve into the video side of this RX100 a bit more, it looked great. BTW, do you guys go to -5 on sharpness and NR on the GH4 photo style?

[@Celestialrob]

Thanks Jordan. Loads of info! Amazing little camera.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Really well done!

[@chillout2792]

just subbed. great channel. what camera to you recommend for a still and video compact camera for quality

[@michaeltrenton4364]

Awesome review as always! A bit disappointed there was no mention of the 5 minute record limit on 4K (and reported overheating issues making subsequent recordings after the first 5 mins even shorter).

[@Xbig74]

brilliant review! keep it up

[@Gadgetbig]

Great review,, very professional

[@LoightaFluwid]

Finally finally finally finally Finally finally finally finally the video we've beeb waiting for. Well at least 1/3 because I want the a7rii and RX10 review also.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Mild gargle Shooting RX10 II tomorrow, A7RII next weekend. Stay tuned! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@nobitaadidas]

TheCameraStoreTV Can't wait ^^

[@raptor2285]

TheCameraStoreTV Holy crap can't wait for your guys' A7R II review!

[@skatertwig26]

TheCameraStoreTV Can't wait for the A7R mark ii review.

[@AeroFluxe]

TheCameraStoreTV Great!

[@foobar3557]

Dynamic range: Thanks a lot for the review!! I was particularly struck by your comparison to the predecessor regarding the noise in the recovered shadows! After looking for raw files from both cameras on the internet and bringing up the shadows I was not able to see this effect. The amount of noise looked about the same to me. That's why I would like to ask you, if it's not too much trouble, would you mind sharing the pictures you presented in the video? Thank you ever so much!

[@HarishChouhan]

Thanks for sharing this. I saw your video on Canon G7X M2. Can you please let me know which you find better among the 2?

[@marcjill3885]

Good job Jordan!!!

[@TerenceKearns]

Another great review. Thanks! I love the performance of that thing, but honestly, it looked like you were gonna drop it all the time LOL! I hate such small form factors. But that's just my personal opinion. Those menu issues would drive me mad.

[@RideWithRahulOfficial]

OKay, so I am in big trouble here. I saw the Panasonic FZ1000 review and the image quality with all the features in it, 4K video, 5 axis stabilization, 120 FPS slow mo in 1080, it just blew me away, then I found this. Now here are my requirements: 1. Lots of handheld video vlogging or product review cinematics. (FZ1000 I loved) don't know if this has the same 5 axis stabilization 2. Slow mo shots because I do a lot of action filming. (1080- 240 on this camera is Gold but 2 seconds is not enough for me) The 960 frames per second believe it or not is actually useful for people like me! There 2 seconds is enough. 3. I hate that this is a compact camera, I am more in love with the Bulkier FZ1000 4. No external mic output in this vs the the FZ1000 which can mount a rode on it and take the input. 5. Which has better video quality? in 1080 60 and 4k mode?

[@SukamalPegu]

Loved the change in anchor and clearly Chris is not happy being behind the camera :D. Just look at the camera more while presenting and also pause to make a few faces and breathers :)

[@matrodfpv]

Jordan you're getting better and better in front of the camera my friend. As long as you don't lose ALL of your goofy awkwardness I think we'll still love you :)

[@MrOhcock]

Hey guys! How does the rx100 iv compared to the Panasonic lx100 in terms of low light video?

[@AlexTran]

use memory-recall to switch back and forward between preset.

[@nikolasavic450]

What a fantastic review, the best one for sure, on point. I cannot decide betwen mIV and mIII, is there any difference in picture quality? I am more into still photography?

[@kocahmet1]

excellent review

[@jas-90]

Thank you for your nice reviews on the RX100-series! I really liked watching them. Could you please help me decide between the RX100 M3 or M4? I don't care about filming in 4K, I will just use 1080p. Is the filming quality in 1080p and photo quality of the M3 the same as the M4? And as there a difference between the internal audio quality and focus speed? Thank you in advance.

[@drollandnow]

great job Jordon

[@BEairsoftTV]

Thanks for the review :)

Been waiting for this.

[@carolwang3129]

I haven't been watching for a while, but where did Jordan and Chris go?? Their reviews and field tests were awesome and I liked their dynamic. Come back!!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

They’re producing episodes for DPReview’s KZbin channel now.

[@carolwang3129]

@@TheCameraStoreTV Thanks!!

[@smartwarden]

The amount of technology packed into this little camera is just insane, Sony is charging a premium price for it because they did an outstanding job in R&D and today there is simply nothing like it in the market.

[@RobSymington]

I wasas nearly sold on the Rx100iv until I saw the new Lumix TZ101 specs. Would love to see Jordan and Chris review that.............(fingers crossed)

[@MoCoRealEstate]

Great review Jordan - getting better and better. Sound was excellent - would love to know what you use for equipment and workflow. I can never get sound that sounds that good.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

MoCoRealEstate I used a Sony UWP-D11 wireless system run directly into the Panasonic GH4. I use a Rode Invisilav to hide the mic. Simple, and it works great! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@MoCoRealEstate]

TheCameraStoreTV That's awesome - thanks for the info Jordan.

[@LEXPIX]

Best pocket camera hands down.

[@nsnoesuarez]

The Right guy for this review

[@stockman214]

Superb video review.

[@fattahalya]

Witch one is better to make daily Vlog this spesific sony in you hand or the Canon 70d I am trying to make up my mind in between both cams, I travel a lot please any advices?

[@mondotv4216]

Jared you mention using VLog on the GH4 while shooting this. As fas I can see the VLog update is still not available. Great that Panasonic gives it to reviewers but I wonder why they still haven't released it to the public?

[@costagf]

The Camera Store Jordan, two questions: 1. Doesn`t the the Sony RX100IV (as other Sony RX100 and Sony more recent cameras) have MR - Memory Recall? I mention this because of the usability issue you mention about being able to quickly switch between different Video and Stills mode settings (something I have to deal with having a Sony Nex 7 which is frustrating and extremely limiting to use for photo and video work at the same time because there is no way to store video and stills settings or recall them). I haven`t used MR in any Sony camera but I would think it would allow to do this, say set stills settings on one bank and on the next video settings so one can switch quickly between them? 2. Is 1080p video (internal) as good or better in this camera as Sony RX100 III? Thanx for review

[@hepkitty3788]

That little pocket rocket is sweet!

[@jcruzfoto]

Great review! Very in-depth review on this camera, answers every question I had. Movie mistake: 5:13 - "I didn't touch anything" 0:53 - "It's ashamed to see great art treated this way" 1:00 - sitting on an old TV :)

[@mcrazza]

Okay, now THIS is the review we've been waiting for. Aaaand, of course, someone will chime in and say, "Nah, we're REALLY waiting for the A7ii review." :p

[@DLCSpider]

mcrazza Nah, we're REALLY waiting for the A7ii review.

[@willb8099]

mcrazza Nah, we're REALLY waiting for the A7Sii review (When they announce that camera)

[@ObelixCMM]

mcrazza "Nah, we're REALLY waiting for the A7ii review." No we are waiting for A7RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR II review ;)

[@genjii931]

Will B With what the A7S and A7R II can do, I can honestly say the A7S II is almost certainly going to be a camera we can safely buy without reading any reviews.

[@willb8099]

genjii931 Yer I agree, but I'd like to see what they have to say about it as the Sony A is maturing nicely. Sony taking a page from Fujifilm.

[@Seven6twoPanda]

Interested in how the RX100IV stacks up against the new Fuji x70? Any plans on a comparison video review in regards?

[@stema84]

As far as I know, there's no phase detection on it, at least they didn't advertise it. And can you tell us the settings for both images where you compared the still image dynamic range?

[@7775Kevin]

Great review

[@jeffpuha8187]

Although it's not pocket-sized, the new Sony RX10 III may be the perfect solution for someone wanting great stills and 4K video in one relatively compact package. It has the same sensor as the RX100 IV and an amazing 24-600mm (35mm equivalent) f2.4-4 super zoom. For me, it may be the perfect travel "bush" camera. It comes out in about 2 1/2 weeks and can be had for $1498 from B & H Photo, for example. I'm looking forward to seeing what these guys think of it.

[@healer81]

For vlogging, would you recommend this camera over the Canon 80D?

[@nsaccary]

Does anyone know if the flash can be set in auto when using shutter priority, aperture priority, or manual modes? I know my a6000 flash was only manual in these models which really killed the camera for me

[@MrMoviePhoneEx]

I've seen lots of vids with cam overheating in 4k mode at about the 8-10min mark (run 5, hit record again) and with continues HFR shooting... How hot to the touch does this cam get overtime, did you find the heat warnings cut into your usage?

[@MackoURSYNOW]

Hi I`m looking for compact camera to photography and on the second place to video. Which one is better RX100 IV or G7X MK3? I`m looking for good usable ISO to take picture from hand when light is not enough. It should be small to get evrywhere like to ride bicycle. Always a do street photography or landscape. Thank You :)

[@NadeemMalki]

And this should be the gold standard for camera reviews. Jordan should have dropped a mic at the end

[@sykskysyk]

The RX100 IV's sensor can do phase detection? I don't see that spec listed anywhere.

[@jeffyin6376]

Couldn't you use the memory recall function to switch between shooting modes?

[@garrettcarter5968]

I know it's probably a dumb question, but since you can't connect external audio, exactly how good is the built in Mic? by that I mean even though it may not be great is it significantly better than say the recording mic of your standard Iphone?

[@Kprawl291986]

awesome review. this camera image looks sharper than my Canon 6D lol

[@reptilebeats936]

can you not use memory to save the settings for video and photo?

[@RamadanBesimTV]

What tripod or mini tripod would you recommend for the Sony RX100 IV?

[@angelthman1659]

No one shows the 1080/60p (regular motion) footage for this camera. Been looking all over but can't find it.

[@OrenBVideo]

We want A7R Mark II review, Please...

[@TheRacerRich]

Maybe I missed it, but how is the in-camera mic compared to the G7X Mk2?

[@khmeraustrian]

Hello TCSTV, will the Mark V come out very soon?

[@uonadtehrrocks]

Does this burn through the battery just as bad at 240-960 or does it last longer at the lower framerates? 20min ain't much

[@geoffreylebrech9878]

Hello, thank you for your video. I am a musician, is there a plug jack on the Sony rx 100 M4 so that I can plug my zoom H1 while recording video. Thank you

[@mountainhobo]

Can you shoot still bursts with electronic shutter?

[@gheorghefalcaru]

well done!

[@user-ms8qg2rz5s]

BSI didn't bring fast fps, is the D RAM build in in the cmos. The BSI allow this have a better high ISO

[@redsox7897]

Is this good for low light video? How does t compare to RX10 low light video quality? Thanks

[@TwoBuddiesFabrication]

You said phase detect auto focus, sorry your wrong the lV has contrast detect with 25 auto focus points, it wasn't until the release of the V that phase detect was introduced along with 315 focus points

[@jamskof]

thankyou thankyou thankyou, you just made my decision!

[@hakimismail7026]

it is good camera for point and shoot camera??btw how about auto image quality?

[@1958subat1958]

I love your reviews but its strange that you havent spent any word on heating problems on 4K

[@ObelixCMM]

igodua guvenc This is small pocket sized stills camera that shoots 5 min. of 4K, not a camcorder. You can't expect it to record consecutive 5 minutes clips without overheating. Sony RX10 II will give you 29 min. 4K clips without overheating, and Sony AX100 (camcorder) will shoot 4K till your card is full or battery dead.

[@AmericanCarioca]

Great review. You can breathe now.

[@YALIMAKIN]

It's being said over the Internet that this camera overheats when shot in 4K. Did you come across with any of this issue?