New York, NY—Sony unveiled the new flagship in its Cyber-shot RX10 series. Sony claims the DSC-RX10 IV features “the world’s fastest AF acquisition time of 0.03 second” (fixed-lens digital cameras with 1.0-type sensor). The Cyber-shot RX10 IV also achieves up to 24-frames-per-sec continuous shooting with full autofocus (AF)/autoexposure (AE) tracking.
With 315 phase-detection AF points, the camera’s AF system is said to rival those of the fastest professional interchangeable-lens cameras. The RX10 IV is also equipped with Sony’s latest 1.0-type, 20.1 megapixel Exmor RS CMOS stacked image sensor with a DRAM chip. It works with the Bionz X image processor and front-end LSI to maximize overall speed as well as image and video quality throughout the range of the camera’s lens.
To provide photographers with an all-in-one solution, the P&S boasts a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24–600mm f/2.4–4 lens (equivalent). The lens uses a super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element and ED aspherical lenses to minimize chromatic aberration. In addition, the Zeiss T* coating minimizes flare and ghosting.
The lens also has built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to help reduce image blur from camera shake. When this feature is activated, it is equivalent to an approximate 4.5 steps of shutter speed improvement. In additional, with a minimum focusing distance of 2.36 feet and 0.49x maximum magnification, the lens is suited to capture detailed tele-macro images. A triple lens rings for aperture, zoom and focus are also available, with a quiet, smooth option for the aperture ring that is geared for video shooters.
“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, Digital Imaging, 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.”
Cyber-Shot RX10 IV Autofocus System
A first for Sony’s RX10 cameras, the new model incorporates a “Fast Hybrid” AF system. The system combines the advantages of 315 phase-detection AF points, covering approximately 65% of the sensor, with contrast-detection AF. It also enables the camera to lock focus in 0.03 second.
In addition, for the first time in a Cyber-shot camera, the DSC-RX10 IV uses High-Density Tracking AF technology. Previously available only in a select few α interchangeable lens-cameras, this technology concentrates AF points around a subject to improve tracking and focus accuracy. It is designed to enable even the most unpredictable subjects, such as fast-moving athletes and birds in flight, to be captured.
Other AF improvements include an enhanced version of eye AF, touch focus and the focus range limiter. The AF-on setting is also assignable, as are multiple AF modes. They include AF-S, AF-C and AF-A, which can be adjusted based on user preferences and shooting situations.
Complementing the AF system is the camera’s ability to achieve continuous, high-speed shooting at up to 24 fps with full AF/AE tracking. And it offers a buffer limit of 249 images. Moreover, with significant improvements in the camera’s processing power, its electronic viewfinder (EVF) display lag during continuous shooting was also reduced.
Other Key Features
The DSC-RX10 IV has a high-speed anti-distortion shutter (1/32,000-sec max shutter speed). This was incorporated to reduce the rolling shutter effect experienced with fast-moving subjects. It’s also said to shoot completely silently, including during continuous high-speed shooting, when the electronic shutter is engaged. A mechanical shutter mode is also available.
Moreover, video features include 4K (QFHD, 3,840×2,160) recording using its AF system. As a result, it realizes about a two times faster focusing speed than the RX10 III.
Furthermore, in 4K mode, the RX10 IV utilizes full pixel readout without pixel binning. It therefore captures 1.7x more information than required for 4K output. The camera also uses the XAVC S codec. And it records at a data rate of up to 100 Mbps, depending on shooting mode. Photographers have the option of shooting at 24p or 30p in 4K mode (100 Mbps), or at 120p in Full HD mode.
Other professional-caliber video functions include picture profile, S-Log3/S-Gamut3, gamma display assist, proxy recording, time code/user bit as well as input for an external microphone and output for headphone monitoring.
In addition, super slow motion video recording is possible. It offers an extended duration of about four seconds in quality priority mode and seven seconds in shoot time priority. This permits users to choose from 960-, 480- and 240-fps rates and 60p/30p/24p playback formats.
Moreover, the RX10 IV employs Sony’s latest 3-type, 1.44M-dot, tiltable LCD screen. The LCD offers touch focus and a touch pad function—another first for the Cyber-shot RX series. And WhiteMagic technology was added to ensure LCD viewing is bright and clear even in harsh outdoor light. The camera also has a 2.35M-dot, high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder to aid in true-life image preview and playback.
The camera is also dust/moisture resistant, as well as Wi-Fi/NFC and Bluetooth compatible.
Pricing & Availability
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV camera will ship in October. It will have a suggested retail price of about $1,700. sony.com
