Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera, Black {20.1MP}

Sony RX10 IV: 24-600mm superzoom with phase-detect AF in a single body.

The 20.1MP stacked CMOS sensor inside the RX10 IV feeds a Bionz X processor fast enough to sustain 24 fps bursts with full autofocus and autoexposure tracking, backed by a buffer that handles 249 Fine JPEGs before it slows down. The 315-point phase-detect AF system was a genuine engineering milestone for a bridge camera when this body launched, and it still delivers near-perfect hit rates on moving subjects. Eye AF is responsive, and the touchscreen lets you place AF points without lifting your eye from the 2,359,296-dot EVF.

The 24-600mm f/2.4-4 lens with 4.5 stops of optical stabilization is the centerpiece. That range covers street portraits and distant wildlife from the same coat pocket, and the 1/32000 sec electronic shutter handles bright midday light without an ND filter. For video, the RX10 IV records 4K UHD in XAVC S, offers S-Log2 for expanded dynamic range work, and supports super slow-motion at progressively higher overcrank rates up to 960 fps at reduced resolution, outputtable at standard 60, 30, or 24p playback speeds. A 3.5mm microphone input, headphone jack, and clean Micro-HDMI output round out the production toolkit.

RAW capture plus the option to shoot S-Log2 gives this body real post-production latitude. For a single-lens travel kit that doesn't require a second bag, the cost-per-capability math here is hard to argue with.

Who It's For

Wildlife photographers working from the field without a long telephoto kit get 600mm reach and phase-detect AF tracking in one sealed, weather-resistant body. Run-and-gun videographers benefit from S-Log2, a built-in headphone jack, and 4K oversampling without needing a cage full of accessories. Travel shooters covering everything from 24mm street scenes to compressed 600mm architecture shots will pack one body and nothing else. Multimedia journalists covering fast-moving news events can lean on the 24 fps burst and 315 AF points for stills, then pivot immediately to broadcast-ready 4K video.

Key Features

• 20.1MP stacked CMOS sensor with Bionz X processor
• 315-point phase-detect AF with 0.03-second focus speed
• 24-600mm f/2.4-4 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 4.5 stops optical stabilization
• 24 fps burst with full autofocus and autoexposure tracking
• 4K UHD video with 960 fps super slow-motion capability
• RAW capture plus S-Log2 for expanded dynamic range
• 2,359,296-dot EVF with touchscreen AF point placement
• 3.5mm microphone input and headphone jack for video production

FAQ

Can the RX10 IV handle fast-moving subjects at 24 fps?

Yes. The 315-point phase-detect AF system tracks moving subjects with close-to-perfect hit rates at 24 fps bursts, and the buffer handles 249 Fine JPEGs before slowdown. Eye AF is also responsive for portrait work.

What's the video capability for slow-motion?

You can shoot at 240, 480, or 960 fps at progressively lower resolutions, then output as standard 60p, 30p, or 24p for smooth slow-motion playback. 4K UHD is captured via full-pixel readout with no binning.

Is the 24-600mm range actually usable, or does it feel gimmicky?

The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens is optically solid across the entire range. Stabilization handles the telephoto work handheld. The real limitation is that you cannot zoom while maintaining autofocus in AF-C mode, which matters for action shooters but not for travel or casual work.

Does this replace a telephoto lens for wildlife?

It works for casual wildlife. Serious wildlife shooters will want larger sensors for dynamic range and resolution. At 24mm on the wide end, landscape photographers often find themselves wishing for wider coverage.

How does the touchscreen AF work?

Touch the LCD to place your AF point anywhere without navigating menus or lifting your eye from the viewfinder. It functions as a touchpad during video too, allowing smooth focus shifts between subjects.

What's the post-production flexibility?

RAW capture plus S-Log2 gamma give real latitude in post. Shooting S-Log2 captures massive dynamic range, though aggressive JPEG noise reduction can cause color smearing-lock S-Log2 to Raw for best results.

Is there an ND filter built in?

No. The 72mm filter thread accepts external ND filters if you need to control shutter speed in bright midday light, though the 1/32000 sec electronic shutter handles most daytime shooting without one.