Sony – a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer – has today announced the new flagship model in its acclaimed Cyber-shot® RX10 series, the RX10 IV(model DSC-RX10M4).
Featuring the world’s fastest1 AF acquisition time of 0.03 seconds5 and up to 24 fps continuous shooting2 with full AF/AE tracking, 315 phase-detection AF points that rivals those the fastest professional interchangeable lens cameras and an exceptionally versatile 24-600mm3 F2.4-F4 ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens, the new RX10 IV model delivers an unmatched combination of mobility and speed for imaging enthusiasts and professionals looking for the ultimate ‘all-in-one’ solution.
The impressive RX10 IV camera is equipped with a latest 1.0-type 20.1 MP6 Exmor RS CMOS stacked image sensor with DRAM chip along with a powerful BIONZ X™ image processor and front-end LSI. These key components all work together to maximize overall speed of operation and performance, ultimately ensuring the highest possible image and video quality throughout the entire range of the 24-600mm3 lens.
“Our customers have been asking for an RX10 series camera with Sony’s latest innovations in AF performance, and we’ve delivered with the RX10 IV model,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics. “With its unmatched combination of AF speed and tracking, continuous shooting performance, extensive range of up to 600mm and outstanding video quality, the RX10 IV delivers more flexibility in a singular package than anything else in market. It is perhaps the most versatile ‘all in one’ camera that Sony has ever created, offering a seemingly endless amount of creative possibilities for photographers and videographers.” 

World’s Fastest AF acquisition speed of 0.03 sec. 

The RX10IV features the world’s fastest1 AF acquisition time thanks to its 1" Exmor RS® stacked back illuminated CMOS sensor w/ DRAM and fast Hybrid AF system that combines the respective advantages of 315 phase-detection AF points - covering approximately 65% of the sensor - and contrast-detection AF to ultimately enable the camera to lock focus in as little as 0.03 seconds2. Subjects can be tracked and captured with precise detail and clarity within the extensive 24-600mm3 range.

Incredible Exmor RS® stacked CMOS sensor

This large 1” (1.0-type) back illuminated Exmor RS® stacked image sensor with DRAM chip not only enhances efficiency and speed of A/D conversion through its stacked structure due to more circuit sections; it also realizes super-fast readout speed - thanks to a DRAM chip integrated into the sensor structure. Together with the BIONZ X® processing engine and front-end LSI, it allows for stunning 20.1-megapixels at up to 24fps4 continuous shooting up to 249 frames5 with AF/AE tracking, blazingly fast shutter speed of up to 1/32000 sec., breathtaking 4k6 movie and super slow-motion HFR7 (High Frame Rate) movie clip recording of up to 960fps (40x), not to mention remarkable low-light low-noise capability.

ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm ultra-zoom lens

The astonishing 24-600mm3 ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens features a large maximum aperture of F2.4-F4.0, helping it achieve outstanding image quality throughout the entire ultra-telephoto zoom range. Eight ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements including two ED aspherical and one Super ED lenses compensate for the chromatic aberration while the ZEISS® T* Coating helps reduce flare and ghosting. This incredible lens also features built-in Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization and a minimum focusing distance of 2.36 ft. with 0.49x maximum magnification for tele-macro photography.

24 fps up to 249 frames with AF/AE tracking

Designed to allow for high resolution, continuous shooting at high frame rates, the RX10 IV features a BIONZ X® image processing engine with front-end LSI that achieves high-speed continuous shooting of 20.1-megapixel images at up to 24 fps4 with full AF/AE tracking, and an impressive buffer limit of up to 249 images5. With the significant improvements in processing power for the RX10 IV, EVF display lag during continuous shooting has been substantially reduced, allowing you to capture the decisive moment with ultimate confidence. Also, for convenience during image playback, continuously shot images can be displayed in groups instead of individual shots.

4K movie w/ direct pixel readout, no pixel binning and fast AF

RX10 IV offers the advantages of 4K6 (QFHD 3840 x 2160) movie recording, with its Fast Hybrid AF system, realizing fast and accurate focusing speed and AF tracking for video. In 4K6 mode, the new RX10 IV utilizes full pixel readout without pixel binning, capturing approximately 1.7x more information than is required for 4K6 movie output ensuring that all the finest details are captured accurately. Utilizing the XAVC S™9 codec to record video at a high data rates, users have the option of shooting at either 24p or 30p in 4K6 mode up to 100mpbs, or in frame rates of up to 120p in Full HD mode.

Super-speed Anti-Distortion Shutter

The super-speed Anti-Distortion Shutter has a maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32000 second, which minimizes the “rolling shutter” effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects. This blazingly fast shutter speed also allows the camera to capture sharp, crystal clear images with a wide open aperture in bright conditions. Shooting at wide aperture with fast shutter speed allows photographers and videographers to capture beautiful content with sharply focused subjects and defocused backgrounds under some of the most difficult, bright lighting conditions.

High-density Tracking AF technology

For the first time on a RX-series camera, advanced high-density tracking AF technology - which had only been previously available in a select few of Sony’s acclaimed line of α interchangeable lens cameras - concentrates AF points around a subject to improve tracking and focus accuracy, allowing even the most unpredictable subjects including fast-moving athletes and birds in flight to be captured with ease.

Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization

The built-in Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization helps to reduce image blur caused from camera shake, equivalent to approximate 4.5 stops shutter speed improvement, which is especially handy at high magnification when the lens is fully extended to 600mm, but equally as good throughout the entire zoom range.

Tele-macro up to 600mm as close as 2.36 ft.

With a minimum focusing distance of 2.36 ft (72 cm) and 0.49x maximum magnification at a fully extended 600mm, the ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm3 F2.4-F4.0 lens is capable of producing amazingly detailed tele-macro images.

Designed for a pro-video workflow

The RX10 IV has a variety of including Picture Profile, S-Log3/S-Gamut3, Gamma Display Assist, Proxy recording, Time Code / User Bit and more, as well as input for external microphone via MI (multi-interface) shoe or mic jack and output for headphone monitoring. Focus and exposure can be monitored for fine control with peaking function and zebra respectfully. You also have the choice of region setting between NTSC and PAL movie frame rates.

Super slow-motion movie HFR (High frame rate)

See the unseen with super slow-motion HFR (High Frame Rate). The RX10 IV can capture super slow motion movie clips at up to 40x slower than real time. You can chose from 960fps, 480fps or 240fps4 capture rates to playback at 1920 x 1080, in either 60p, 30p or 24p. Choose between “quality priority” (4 sec. recording) and “shoot time priority” (7 sec. recording). There’s also an option to set “start trigger”, “end trigger” or “end trigger half” which will start capturing movie before, after or before and after you press the movie rec. button so you can time those split-second moments perfectly.

2.35M dot high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder

View every scene in rich detail with the bright XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder (EVF) with high resolution equivalent to approx. 2,359k-dots. The viewfinder faithfully displays what will appear in your recording, including the effects of your camera settings, so you can accurately frame your image, focus and monitor the results. The ZEISS® T* coating enhances clarity and reduces flare and reflection in the eyepiece optics.

1.44M dot 3” tiltable LCD screen with Touch Focus/Pad function

Frame your images easily with a large 3” (1,44M dots) Xtra Fine™ tiltable LCD display. This also makes it easy to photograph over crowds or low to capture images with the camera low to the ground. WhiteMagic™ technology dramatically increases visibility in bright daylight. The large display delivers brilliant-quality still images and movies while touchscreen operation vastly enhances focus capabilities for intuitive and immediate focus response. Simply select a focus point anywhere on the LCD for fast and accurate AF response. When using the electronic viewfinder, simply shift focus points by dragging your finger to the desired subject point, using the LCD as a touchpad. Touching the LCD screen during movie recording allows for smooth focus point shifts.

Enhanced AF features

In addition to touchscreen and touchpad focus operation, other AF improvements in the new RX10 IV include an enhanced version of the popular Eye AF for accurate focus and tracking of a subject’s eye as well as an improved object tracking and lock-on AF features. AF-ON setting is also assignable, as well as multiple AF modes including AF-S, AF-C and AF-A, which can be easily adjusted based on user preferences and shooting situations.

Wi-Fi®/NFC™/QR code for easy file transfer or remote control

Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi®, you can easily connect to a compatible iOS or Android™ smartphone or tablet with the free PlayMemories™ Mobile App. From there you can control your camera, preview and frame using your mobile device and trigger the camera shutter or movie button. Then instantly transfer a photo or MP4 movie to your device. NFC™ (Near Field Communication) provides “one-touch connection” connection to compatible devices and for those without NFC, the convenient QR code can make the connection. Setting up your mobile device is as simple as downloading a free PlayMemories Mobile app

Dust/moisture resistant magnesium-alloy body

The use of highly rigid magnesium alloy material for the top cover, front cover, and main chassis makes the body solid yet light, while combined with dust- and moisture-resistant design ensures heavy-duty performance in various tough situations.

Zoom Assist

If you lose track of the subject during framing, pressing a custom button to activate this function triggers an automatic zoom-out to help in finding the subject again quickly, especially when framing a shot with the ultra telephoto end of the lens. Zoom Assist function must be assigned to this Custom Button prior to use.

Clear Image Zoom

Whether shooting still images or movies, this feature digitally zooms the center of your image up to 2x with nearly imperceptible degradation, thanks to proprietary By Pixel Super Resolution Technology. If you need to get even closer to your subject, select digital zoom for up to 4x cropping into your image to an astonishing 2400mm.

HDMI® clear output for uncompressed video recording

Clean, uncompressed digital movie signal output can be transferred to an external monitor/recorder connected to the RX10 IV via the HDMI® terminal. You can record video simultaneously to internal media and uncompressed video to the external recorder in real time.

Enhanced operability

Rings for focus, zoom and aperture around the lens can be smoothly operated. For convenient shooting, you can turn Aperture Click Switch on for stepwise clicks of assurance, or off for a quiet, smooth feel when setting the aperture for video. The zoom ring direction can be selected for your convenience as well as the zoom speed and whether it zooms smoothly or in common focal length steps; 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 85mm, 100mm, 135mm, 200mm, 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm

Power supply via USB

The RX10 IV can be powered via USB connection to AC adaptor, a PC or mobile battery. This conserves the camera’s battery, allowing you extended use of the camera. When the camera is turned off, the battery can be charged via the same connection.

Custom “My Menu”

o enhance customization, “My Menu” functionality has been added, allowing up to 30 frequently used menu items to be custom registered. Menus are color coded for easier recognition and navigation, and a new Movie Settings menu has been introduced to improve the overall video shooting experience. There are also three dedicated custom buttons as well as a Function (FN) menu for fast and direct access to your preferred features and setting.