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Field Test: The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV in Mexico

Published Feb 29, 2016 | dpreview staff

A year of field tests have taken DPR Editor Barney Britton and series director Eric Becker into some challenging shooting environments, so for a change of pace, at the end of last year the pair took the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV to the sun-soaked Yucatﾃ｡n peninsula. There they put Sony's pocket compact through all of the rigor that any traveler might - from shooting in underwater caves to selfies amidst historic Mayan ruins. Watch the video and see Sony's travel cam in its natural environment.

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Comments

Total comments: 153

Awesome and entertaining travelogue. I wasn't even really interested in the camera and watched the whole video. Thanks for sharing guys!

0 upvotes

What a fantastic review, Gents.

0 upvotes

These videos are getting better and better. And the underwater footage from the Mark IV looks amazing.

0 upvotes

You shouldn't have to wade thru these comments to find out about the video we're seeing. It isn't clear whether the whole thing is shot entirely with RX and if not what the main footage is from, etc. It makes no sense that all this isn't just in the description - they forget it's a photography site!

0 upvotes

Nice guys , but how about a little more detailed comment on the camera in the use case vs the video being a location travelogue. .The camera seemed almost beside the point for something ID'd as a field test.

0 upvotes

yes very nice video, but seems the user interface is still button/menu instead of touchscreen, should be mentioned in 2016.

0 upvotes

I really thought the DP Review on the Sony RX100 IV was well done. Thank you!

0 upvotes

That was a lot of fun to watch.Best field video yet.Would have liked more shots of the food and stuff,that chicken looked delicious.

0 upvotes

Love these field test videos, but there's a bit of cognitive dissonance to see the resulting photos shown looking like there's obviously additional external lighting (or even just fill flash), yet in the video we don't see them in the moments when the shutters are clicked. Also, should there be any post-processing done at all if it's a field test? If so, should the information shown on the screen for each resulting photo declare that post-processing was done and it's not straight out of the camera?

1 upvote

We only lit the portraits of the divers. And of course, they shot with a light underwater. You are seeing natural light!

1 upvote

Yes, in the case of the underwater shots, it's obvious there's external light source, since it showed up in the video footage too. But in the case of other stills (such as the portraits), we don't see the external lights or flash in the video footage, yet the resulting photos show clearly they're used. It's just a bit jarring that's all.

Also, I think photos that have been post-processed should probably be shown as two versions back-to-back during the video, with the unprocessed version first, and then the processed version next, so that we can see how much dynamic range latitude there is for post-processing.

0 upvotes

The RX100 is a sophisticated camera for enthusiasts, it's not a smartphone. Post processing is normal. I think the sample pictures show that, when images are captured AND processed properly, they look great.
Would you request the negatives from a film camera? What really matters in the end is what you can obtain, not the file you get "straight out of the camera".

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

1 upvote

If you want SOOC JPEGs and Raw files, I'd direct you to our full review, previously published.

1 upvote

purchasing any of these cameras without them being weather sealed is a huge risk, and considering the financial committment to buy these, its not one I would make without it being weather sealed.

3 upvotes

+1
Personally I would be OK to pay $100 more to get more dust/water sealing and better overall build quality on such cameras (not just the RX100s).

1 upvote

should have gone to costa rica

but anywhere thats a write-off for the company employee is good despite the camera is already obsolete

maybe next model...

0 upvotes

So, SONY seems feel the pressure from new NIKON 4K P&Ss, and trying to give RX100.M4 a last push?

Anyway, is this trip sponsored by SONY?

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

5 upvotes

It is very rewarding to travel in Yucatan, but actually most pictures here were taken in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico where among others you can find the caribbean sea with places like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Xel-Ha, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, etc. I have been there many times both with analog and digital cameras. Last time with a very practical and manuable Lumix Panazonic TZ5 with excellent results both pictures and videos. When you are there, enjoy!

1 upvote

So, apart from the stills, was the majority of video footage shot with the RX100 also, or not? Obviously if the camera itself is in the shot, then no, unless they had two copies. But it's not explicitly stated how the video sequences were made and this is a really crucial aspect, for me at least.

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

They had at least 2 cameras and seemed that all the shots were done on the RX100IV

Reckon there will be a mark V in June (has been each year so far, so will upgrade from my RX100 I then

0 upvotes

@John A Clark You're sooooo 2016!
Next year the mark vi will have 16K Ludicrous Definition video, slow motion video recording up to 960,000 fps(*) and 1/128000 sec max shutter speed (perfect to capture images of your favorite solar flare, or your brilliant cat).

And a touch screen.

Joking apart, the DPR field test movie shows clearly the origin of videos. Read the text!

(*) for 5 milliseconds

0 upvotes

Footage from the RX100 is labeled in the video as "sample footage", so look for the text overlay to see specific scenes/modes that are provided as samples.

0 upvotes

Thanks everyone - my bad, I should have paid more attention!
Interesting regarding the imminent mark V.

0 upvotes

Although to be honest, having watched it a second time, the video shots of most interest to me are things like the interview sequences, showing skin tones in average diffuse lighting, so that you can get a better handle on colour performance and any processing artifacts - and these are the "unlabelled" bits.

0 upvotes

I've owned several full frame DSLRs and pro-grade lense, and I can afford virtually any camera system.

That said, the RX100 is the only dedicated camera I use these days in addition my iPhone. For me, the RX100 is the best camera out there.

3 upvotes

Using RX100s on the beach seems a BAD ideal.

To let salt air (not mention a drop of salt water) gets in to the body could cause Corrosion which is NOT covered under SONY warranty. you can find more cases online, and below is just a sample:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1TGJFH2Z36E7E/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00K7O2DJU

Lean to take care of your cams, and do not push your luck too far.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 4 minutes after posting

1 upvote

SONY RX100M3 and M4 has more openings then other P&S as ONLY SONY uses POP-UP EVF.

1 upvote

Cameras are Tools not Jewels.
My RX-100 and now RX-100iii have been is some of the worst conditions imaginable in my travels, resulting in some wonderful photos that people like you will never make.

Comment edited 33 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

ChiTown1200;

"Cameras are Tools not Jewels.". So your Jewels are corrosion, but not your cameras.

Only thing that I can say to you is that you should not buy cheaper and/or fack jewels from Dollar tree or China town next time.

Will you not?

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

The video has a distinct green cast (and it is not from my Mac). I am surprised the reviewers do not mention it. Also, the yellows seem to be shifted heavily towards the green. To me the video quality is just ok, nothing special. Actually it is underwhelming.

I'll check other RX100 IV videos to see if the green cast is a camera "feature" or it is just in this video.

PS. The heavy green cast was noticed by other posters: "The images have a heavy green cast over them, that even the most extreme Custom WB will not correct". http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56117211

Comment edited 11 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

it's only sony's famed wb ;)

1 upvote

this is company related, as greypixelz mentioned. kind of hallmark, if you want. canon have theirs dictinc look in jpeg/mpeg, so fuji, nikon, etc..
use raw (but some diffeernces in colour rendering still remains between different sensor manufactures).

0 upvotes

True, my Canon has gorgeous greens and reds - the blue thou, not so much, or not always...

Maybe they used some "film" emulation mode in the shot.

In any case, the info gathered from the video looks mostly like what a sponsored piece would provide.

0 upvotes

Nice ... I've really enjoyed this field test not only for the camera review.

I would like to know your workaround for the lack of the mic jack.

Did you use any external mics and sound recording synched in editing process?

Also ... did you use any other stabilization besides the internal 5-axis?

Thanks for a short info.

0 upvotes

The video is great and samples are impressive. The cenote movies are amazing.
It would have been nice to add a few words about the sturdiness of this camera, which is a critical point for a travel camera.
Although the RX100 is not rugged, is it sturdy enough to survive a long trip? What about resistance to dust and humidity?
I had an issue with a Fuji compact that had dust inside the lens shortly after purchase, and it was relatively annoying. At least one dust particle was close enough from the sensor to ruin many pictures. I had to service the camera and, of course, it was not covered by the warranty.
After this trip in hot, humid and dusty Yucatan, can you say a word about this?

3 upvotes

+ to this request...

0 upvotes

A very recent DPR-Amazon ;-) reviewer wrote "this is not a durable or reliable travel camera" and gave a very bad rating.
I have no doubt that IQ is great and he might be just and unlucky and angry consumer, but we need to know more.

0 upvotes

Four versions of the camera have had stellar reviews. If dust and humidity were dire concerns, this would be evident after three years.

3 upvotes

It's got a solid magnesium alloy body so how is it not rugged?

0 upvotes

@scotthunter The magnesium alloy body does not make the lens barrel sturdy or resistant to dust. My concerns were not specifically about the body. It is a really high tech camera, there is a complicated pop-up viewfinder, a pop-up flash, a large and tilting display etc. I am simply wondering if this concentrate of technology is not somehow more fragile that the others and less sophisticated compacts.

0 upvotes

We threw our cameras around a lot over several days of shooting, and one (mine) got soaked in water. Fortunately it was fresh water and it dried out and worked perfectly afterwards. This is just anecdotal. Your mileage may vary, as they say.

0 upvotes

I'm glad your cameras survived well "several days" in Mexico. However, after reading lot of comments (including comments from Amazon customers and DPR forum members), I am truly concerned by quality issues with this camera (announced less than 1 year ago!) A significant number of buyers seem to consider that the camera is somehow flimsy, and repairs are outrageously expensive.
As far as I'm concerned, build quality and robustness are a critical parameter for a travel & family camera. Particularly for a $1000 compact...

0 upvotes

I agree that Yucatán is hot and humid, but it is far from dusty. It is a low jungle zone with tropical climate. The ground is kind of volcanic and very porous, it rains a lot and the water gets filtered to the underground, that's why there are so many underwater tunnels and cenotes. Therefore there are no rivers! These conditions, together with the crystalline waters from the Caribbean sea makes it a heaven for divers and of course photographers.

1 upvote

nice realy nice video !
but !!!

this camera is so small ( to smal ) in his hands he almost can´t hold it on place ( especialy by looking through the viewfinder )

0 upvotes

That was a really lovely review. More of these please.

0 upvotes

one of the best videos so far. Good work guys!

0 upvotes

Your videos are superb

2 upvotes

good and capable instrument in talented hands, no wonder the result is fantastic and urging us to reach for wallet..
but... if you give me the best stradivari violin it would still produce mediocre sound at best in my hands.. ;-)

3 upvotes

Its a fab device. My first real camera and cant complain. Have been enjoying using this in Singapore and Sydney so far and had some fantastic results

0 upvotes

Looks like you guys had a lot of fun. A great place. I love it down there.
Nice video.

1 upvote

Really enjoyed this and would love to replace my a6000 with this wee camera. But with the a7rii gobbling up my $$ with lens purchases, it ain't gonna happen :-(

0 upvotes

Is a V model coming anytime soon? That will be the one I buy!

0 upvotes

Really cool video and nicely made. Be prepared for the Sony critics to claim DPR is Sony owned.

8 upvotes

I think we're in Ricoh's pocket, right now. I lose track, to be honest.

21 upvotes

Well thanks Barney, I just spit coffee all over my screen! :D

0 upvotes

No way! No camera review site fits in a pants pocket. A gadget site, maybe, and a consumer site easy, but not a camera site.

0 upvotes

To be honest, for clarity and and others doubts Barney could have taken several different brands of cameras with him on this trip for comparison to avoid the ad flavor of the video...

0 upvotes

Simply excellent pictures, and the HD videos are superb. A great job putting this film together with some very interesting content. I agree that a few quick comments about where the camera really shined, and fell a bit short would have been good to include however, perhaps that info is best left for the full review. I was impressed with this video. It keeps your attention from start to finish.

1 upvote

Great video about the vacation but a conclusion in bit more detailed on where it failed and where it succeed would have been great

3 upvotes

Great video guys. Keep up the good work.

5 upvotes

It was nicely done guys. I own this camera, and I find it's 4K does a great job. This is the camera that has been with me since I got it in mid June, while my GX8 and GH4 have only come out to work.

I enjoyed your trip.

3 upvotes

You accidentally got a few shots with good light. Fortunately, most were with sol straight overhead.

0 upvotes

Travel Photography isn't like studio or portraiture. You can't say, "Ooh! Bad lighting today, lets come back another time."

2 upvotes

I have the original rx100 and mixed in images from some street photography with my Fuji xe-1, Sony a6000, and Canon 7dm2 and asked friends if they can pic out the pocket camera... Most people thought the pocket camera were the images from the 7dm2.. sorry Canon. I'm sure the Canon would show its strength in lower light situations.. Sony really makes a rather magical pocket camera for street photography...

11 upvotes

Kudos to you, for the excellent comparisons.
Better, you may sell 7DM2 and buy Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV or try to see the 'Studio Comparison' in DPR or learn the capability of Canon 7DM2.

4 upvotes

I have and I did... Not trying to bash Canon .. If you noticed I said I'm sure the Canon will show its strength in low light.. I did another test of my A6000 with kit lens vs MY 7dm2 with 50 1.8 stm and guess what the Sony blew it away hands down... You must have quit a life making remarks just for the sake of thinking you sound smart...Truly feel bad for you...

2 upvotes

Was that street photography, as in with people? Then I'm not surprised. It's much harder to do street photography with a 7dm2 than any of those other cameras. Street photography isn't about megapixels, its about being the unseen part of the scene. You need to at least blend in, but ideally make your subjects comfortable.

2 upvotes

@Aroart

I am not smart enough, but Canon 7dm2 is.
Wish to happen good things.

0 upvotes

Hmmm...we should stay away from hyperbole... The Sony doesn't really blow away the 7D Mark II. IQ is noticeably better from ISO 100 but it I didn't notice much difference after 800... The AF for both cameras is great in good light but the Canon's is better in low light..I love the smaller form factor but hated the ergonomics of the Sony...but then again I am more used to traditional DSLR bodies...Ultimately, it's all about trade offs; what you want and what limitations you are willing to accept...

3 upvotes

@Aroart

Can you post some pictures for your claim?

1 upvote

"I am not smart enough, but Canon 7dm2 is."

If you think it's the camera processor that is the brains in the photographic process you have a lot to learn.

2 upvotes

@Kerensky97
Dear, you are too smart. That窶冱 the reason for this revolution finding.
Please try to understand what I said.
After closing your eyes, please don窶冲 say that the whole world is dark.

Wish to happen good things.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 5 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Great test - this series is by far my favourite part of DPR!

3 upvotes

I'd like to ask how much post processing is involved with the shot @9:48.
Really looks like it's out of a DSLR.
Also, did you use any illuminators other than the built-in flash, in that shot?
Thanks.

Comment edited 29 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

We lit this with a small battery powered led panel. Barney did post on this one so I can't tell you what exactly was involved, but we do minimal processing on all of our images.

3 upvotes

Thanks a lot, I guessed some external device was involved as the light is smooth and wide, not something a compact camera flash could deliver.
Good to know that the post processing was limited, really a great little camera.

1 upvote

Minimal post. I don't have time to get really in-depth with Photoshop adjustments ;)

5 upvotes

A little bit of lighting, done well, goes a long way. No amount of post processing can equal doing the shot right.

3 upvotes

LOL

"how many people fall of when they take a selfie" "not enough"

Followed soon after by a (smiling) selfie.

15 upvotes

Excellent.

1 upvote

Ignoring video, is the iii still sharper than the iv? I have seen a few posts saying that.

1 upvote

Also interested in hearing about this.

What an amazing camera!

1 upvote

Good review - what did you use to do the majority of the filming? Would have been a nice challenge and more compelling if it was all RX100 IV.... :)

0 upvotes

By WeAreShouting
"A7s & Sony Zeiss 24-70 f4 with an Atomos Shogun."

1 upvote

Some nice "natural" talent there. Very cordial, for lack of a better word ...and good photography/video/editing also.

(fwiw, not really interested in the camera, but you've created some interest, which I guess is the "subliminal" message.)

thanks, Mike

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 4 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

Fun and informative travel video! screw the camera ;0P

1 upvote

I have the original iteration of the RX100 series and it is a great little camera. I do some long distance walking in Northern Spain every year and weight is a major consideration as I have to carry everything in my rucksack. The RX100 was the obvious choice - it's lightweight and yet packs a considerable IQ punch thanks to its excellent sensor and Zeiss lens. I'm not into video and so the 4K capability of the present version is not something that would prompt me to upgrade. Besides, the original version's lens has a greater reach (28 -100mm equivalent) than the current model (24 - 70). So, if you are not too interested in video but want excellent still quality in a pocketable package then you should consider the original which is now selling at a very attractive price.

5 upvotes

I still use my RX100 on a regular basis and love the quality and how compact it is. The only reason why I use my a6000 is for the wider lens or when I can take more gear. It's nice to have both. I heard that there is a 5 minute limit on 4k video anyway's on the new RX100 and I am hoping on the new a6300 it's not like that, either.

1 upvote

I bought my RX100 1,5 years ago. I have shot perhaps 300 photos with it, so it has not been in heavy use and has never been dropped, never. As of yesterday, the camera bacame a paperweight. And Sony only offers 1 year warranty in Finland. The quality control of RX100 Mk1 is horrible.

0 upvotes

hokkto, how did it become a paperweight? You didn't tell us.

You know that in the EU a mandatory 2 year warranty applies?

0 upvotes

When I take a shot, the camera screen goes black (no menus, no live view or anything), only the lcd backlight tells that the screen is still on. It can be shut off, but the lens does not retract and when it's powered on again, the screen still shows nothing. It does the same thing with SD card off, so it's not read-write issue with the card itself. When I remove the battery and put it in again, the camera starts up normally, ie. the lens retracts, then extends and the screen shows the live view. However, when I shut it off, the lens does not retract.

Sony Finland warranty site tells that cameras and TV's are coverd by 1 year
http://services.sony.fi/support/fi/warranty ("Takuut kestävät 1 vuoden" Warranties last 1 year)
http://services.sony.fi/support/fi/warranty/general ("yhden vuoden" One year)

But I'm really glad you mentioned the EU law, since my e-mail order receipt (which I searched thanks to you really) says that the camera is covered by 24 month warranty.

0 upvotes

Glad to hear that:)

0 upvotes

Just another person saying this video is good stuff. Your stills and video samples were really good.

Comment edited 14 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

great video! I also would like to know what camera you used for the main production camera...

0 upvotes

A7s & Sony Zeiss 24-70 f4 with an Atomos Shogun.

2 upvotes

Nice!

pretty powerful combination

1 upvote

The imagery you're creating with the A7s and Shogun is excellent. ProRes, I assume?

0 upvotes

Nice video and be welcome to Mexico!

1 upvote

As far as we can understand only few videos are recorded with the x100 IV (which are very good), for the remaining videos what did you use?

0 upvotes

Your best video yet DPR, but I couldn't help thinking that you hadn't heeded the warnings from the Monsters (2010) film or you would have been more careful!

1 upvote

Let me get this straight. You guys get paid to do this? Tough gig!
Well done. I really enjoy your video reviews.

14 upvotes

I wonder if Sony hasn't funded this trip...? :)

0 upvotes

A Marvelous add, and perfect timing I might add.. Good job sony guys ;)

2 upvotes

Total comments: 153

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