Sony RX100 IV Hands-On Field Test

[@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.

[@jessplayen]

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

[@JeanV1986]

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

[@RN0010]

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

[@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!

[@Jason_Hermann]

Really well done!

[@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.

[@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!

[@nathanbryant7715]

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

[@AuthenTech]

Great review - thanks!

[@herranton]

Best review on the rx100m4 yet, thanks!

[@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?

[@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.

[@Gary_W]

Thanks for the RX100 IV video!!

[@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

[@D45Z]

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

[@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!

[@sski66]

Really nice complete video, good one Jordan.

[@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!

[@ProdByClockwerk]

1:40. I'm pretty sure the IV has contrast detect not phase.

[@scottgmaclean]

Very helpful review Jordan.

[@leeroyle2381]

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

[@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.

[@jennifergala]

I own the Leica D Lux Type 109 and first of all not mentioned in your review is that the Sony is limited to 5 mnts video recording due to overheating issues. The Leica can record up to 15 mnts plus it has a bigger sensor and low light performance bokeh is better.

[@ObelixCMM]

***** RX 100.4 is much smaller camera, Leica 118mm X 66mm X 55mm vs Sony 102mm X 58mm X 41MM

[@jaeloeym8212]

***** 5mins in 4k only 4k it over heats

[@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 :)

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Excellent job in the video! Thanks.

[@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!!

[@iFlyTheWorld]

After buying the RX100 IV for the 4K video I've been disappointed that on the 4K setting you are restricted to the Standard Steadyshot setting whereas if you select 1080p you get Intelligent Steadyshot which is much better. Consequently my 4K video has been so shaky and hardly usable. I hope there's a firmware update coming to fix that. For the price I paid I expected more from the 4K.

[@i20010]

S787iFly thanks for that info.

[@deezluts8471]

Thanks for this. I was wondering why my 4k was so shaky

[@BlueBomberTurbo]

S787iFly I'm guessing it's either a processor limitation, or the high level stabilization uses sensor-based stabilization as well as body/lens stabilization.

[@iFlyTheWorld]

Either way you would think that they would address that before releasing the feature.

[@onesaitama5156]

+S787iFly Get a camera stabilizer.

[@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.

[@WillBThrashed]

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.

[@WillBThrashed]

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.

[@ObelixCMM]

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

[@khmeraustrian]

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

[@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 :)

[@BlueEyesTheUltimateDragon]

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

[@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.

[@AlumarsX]

Feels nice to see a long, detailed review without the phrase "That being said", being said. Oh wait, spoke too soon. 10:22

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Omar Carrasquillo Dammit! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@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.

[@marcjill3885]

Good job Jordan!!!

[@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?

[@nsnoesuarez]

The Right guy for this review

[@Wishwader]

Great review. Really really good. Thanks guys.

[@WillBThrashed]

Superb review of a great camera!

[@chillout2792]

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

[@AndrewTGreen]

Excellent sound! Very in depth. Thank you!

[@LEXPIX]

Best pocket camera hands down.

[@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!

[@drollandnow]

great job Jordon

[@crf2go]

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.

[@AlexTran]

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

[@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?

[@johnbrunedigital1]

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

[@megakiller8868]

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

[@NadeemMalki]

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

[@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 :)

[@Celestialrob]

Thanks Jordan. Loads of info! Amazing little camera.

[@TheMaydayFlyers]

Can't wait for the RX10 II review. Prices in Europe are through the roof tho :-(

[@LoightaFluwid]

TheMaydayFlyers It's because it's features are out of this world.

[@Facesmany]

TheMaydayFlyers I'm waiting for that review too !! :)

[@SMGJohn]

Mild gargle No they are not.

[@LoightaFluwid]

***** Yeah Uh

[@SMGJohn]

Mild gargle 4k footage in 5 mins and 960p in horrid resolution? I am sorry, the only 'neat' feature in this camera is the S-Log2 and 2 second of 1080p240 Other than that you pay a price for this camera you can spend on other that does these things better but in a bigger package. Fuck, at least the NX500 has 4k in 15 minutes and an APS-C sensor...

[@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 ;)

[@Gadgetbig]

Great review,, very professional

[@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

[@Seven6twoPanda]

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

[@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?

[@yashwinning]

where the heck is the rx10 ii and the a7r ii review??? yesterday you said tomorrow

[@hepkitty3788]

That little pocket rocket is sweet!

[@timpenner7858]

One correction needed here. The RX100 IV doesn't have phase detect focusing. The feature didn't arrive until the Mark V. This is not to say that the Mark IV struggles with autofocus; it's good enough to make Jordan believe it does have phase detect.

[@kocahmet1]

excellent review

[@Travel_addict_81]

I know there is mark 5 and 6. IT is worth paying for 5? Is 250 dollars more.

[@SMGJohn]

Will you guys do the Sony RX10II as well?

[@SMGJohn]

ObelixCMM Oh yeah, fuck my mistake.

[@Xbig74]

brilliant review! keep it up

[@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.

[@OrenBVideo]

We want A7R Mark II review, Please...

[@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?

[@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.

[@yroshofilms]

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

[@1650million]

Hey Jordan, thanks for the review. You said, however, there´s "no crop", and that doesn´t seem to be true, according to the graph you can find on this page: www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100-iv/9 Even more important (to me) the 4K mode doesn´t allow us to shoot in full Steady-shot active mode, but OS only, which means the 4K mode on this cam is both cropped AND "poorly" stabilized when shooting hanheld (compared to the 1080p mode), which is the way the vast majority of people will be shooting video with a portable camera. Another thing that I´d like to know is if there´s any improvement regarding video-AF (The Mark III was OK, but still clearly worse than my A6000). Thanks mate.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

1650million Yeah, I read that after we shot. The crop was so minimal (.91X) in 4K though that I didn't even notice it. Stabilization was still quite good with just the optical system. Video AF is OK, but still not nearly as effective as in stills mode. It's an improvement over the RX100 3, but not that dramatic. I'd still say the A6000 is a bit more consistent.In my opinion, Canon's Dual Pixel AF is still the only truly usable video AF with a larger sensor size. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@1650million]

TheCameraStoreTV Thanks for the comment. That crop makes a theoretical 24mm lens more than 26mm when shooting 4K, and more than 28mm when you´re shooting 1080p in Active mode, so I guess the concept of a "minimal" crop is debatable. What is not is the difference between active mode and OS only, which a makes a huge difference when shooting handheld in every other Sony cam I´ve had so far: from almost steady-cam to simply "not good enough". I think you´re being quite benevolent here... About Dual Pixel being the only "truly usable"... well, you have much more experience than I do, but I can shoot my a6000 with a 35mm (52.5mm eq.) at f/1.8 and don´t recall ever having something out of focus, and yet I´ve seen a 70D "missing" with the 17-55mm at f/2.8. Dual Pixel is better on the more expensive cams, though...

[@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)

[@angelthman1659]

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

[@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).

[@maxeditz9377]

but what camera is this which you have shot the video ?

[@XtrAMassivE]

At long last! I hope you'll soon have hands on review on RX10II and A7RII

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

XtrAMassivE Shooting the RX10 II video tomorrow! Follow us on Instagram (thecamerastoretv) to see some BTS images. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@XtrAMassivE]

TheCameraStoreTV awesome, following already!

[@ObelixCMM]

TheCameraStoreTV Shooting tomorrow, so we can expect it posted early Tuesday morning ;)

[@sykskysyk]

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

[@healer81]

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

[@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!

Next week with A7R II? :)

[@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?

[@7775Kevin]

Great review

[@TheRacerRich]

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

[@BEairsoftTV]

Thanks for the review :)

[@deeeeeds]

Did you notice any overheating on the sensor? Other reviewers have noticed that after a few 5 minute clips of recording 4k, the camera overheats and locks up.

[@ObelixCMM]

SenoreQueso 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 29:59 4K clips without overheating, and Sony AX100 (camcorder) will shoot 4K till your card is full or battery dead.

[@stockman214]

Superb video review.

[@MrOhcock]

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

[@pauldby1479]

Jordan; did you forget to talk about 4k record time limit?

[@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

[@1barnet1]

Jordan, What would you do to make Sony implement a manual video mode like Panasonic's that remembers you last used settings on this little fellow?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

1barnet1 Terrible, terrible things. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@1barnet1]

TheCameraStoreTV Just got an idea for an AF test Since you guys are from calgary has it been possible to go to the olympic ice arena for 400m skating. A great venue that saw a lot of world records broken These guys move very consistently lap after lap especially at long distances liek 5-10 kilometre. It would give a real world scenario with great constistency that would give reliable results for different systems we see today. If you can get into the press ring it would also be easy to test side to side from the straight and straigth towards you from the corners.

[@jeremytordjman]

this camera is a beast of technology !!! congrat sony

[@mountainhobo]

Can you shoot still bursts with electronic shutter?

[@UWRexter]

3:50 Reservoir Dogs Blu-ray? It's a shame to see great art treated this way.

[@kennethyau001]

will there be RX100 V review? thanks

[@MylesJP]

Was that first portion shot at the dump?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Aunt Jemima No, there was an impromptu dumping ground s;lowly forming beside our classroom space and we shot there. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.