SONY RX100 IV / SHOOTING REPORT

SONY is good at packing high technology into a tiny ergonomically designed body like they did with the Walkman. I remember I was quite excited about the first generation RX100 released in 2012 because it was also a gadget with such characteristics. The RX100 series has been upgraded each year and now we have this fourth generation, the RX100M4. While each generation incorporated what were in trend at the time, there is a major change in this latest version - the "new Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor." According to SONY, the data read-out has become significantly faster because of laminating three layers of the pixel layer, signal processing circuit, and DRAM memory chip. Other benefits of the new sensor include but not limited to high-speed shutter up to 1/32000 second, continuous shooting up to 16fps, significant reduction of rolling shutter effect, and super slow-motion up to 960fps (40X). And, when I think of all these exciting features, my heart starts to beat quickly again.

( Photography : Z II / Text : 4beats )

The 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor realizes rich tone and big bokeh that conventional compact cameras with 1/2.3-inch sensor cannot realize. The small size is perfect for everyday situation and traveling. This is a camera you want to bring when you visit your hometown. You won't miss the great moments because you always want to go out with this camera.

AF has also improved with the upgraded "fast intelligence AF" (with improved algorithm) that was first adopted into the mirrorless Alpha 7 series and it focuses instantly and extremely quietly.

Of course, it has the ZEISS lens. Apparently, it uses the same lenses as the previous generation. They didn't have to change because it's still highly rated. It wonderfully expressed the roundedness of the soft floating tubes as well as the guardrail's rusting caused by salty air. It even shows how they would feel when I touch them.

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The minimum focus distance changes from 5cm to 30cm according to focal length. The image quality is great even at this close distance. And, the bokeh is surprisingly beautiful for a compact camera. I'm sure that someone who sees this image believes it was taken with a SLR camera.

The rendition is excellent even in the dim light and it's great for ISO3200. There is some noise, but it's not noisy to the extent I should care. It's more than good enough.

Shot with the high-speed 1/32000 second shutter. You'll be mostly using higher sensitivity because it's faster by few steps than conventional cameras. Yet, it lets me shoot something I have never seen before and it tempts me to shoot more.

The distortion isn't distracting even though I looked up to the buildings around the wide-end. In addition, it drew the lines of the glasses and walls minutely. Do I need to bring another camera?

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The RX100M4 is a tiny all-rounder.

Even though 1-inch sensor feels smaller than full frame and APS-C sensors, it's still very big for a compact camera. The popularity of the RX100 series is attributed to the tiny body that includes the sensor and the excellent image quality. This fourth generation with more powerful sensor can shoot in a variety of situations wider than ever and the upgraded EVF with increased number of pixels definitely boosts the versatility.

The price tag can be a little heavy, but it's only in a relative sense. Instead, we should focus on the ultimate value of the elegant image quality and the advanced technologies. If you want higher image quality and don't want the RX1 or the RX10 series, you should consider interchangeable-lens cameras. But, if you want a compact one that you can always bring to anywhere you go, or if you want to step up from a smartphone or a compact camera, or if you want a sub-camera for your SLR or mirrorless camera, this tiny all-rounder is the best choice for you.

( 02.08.2015 )