Sony RX100 IV | Advanced Premium Compact Camera (1.0-Type Sensor, 24-70 mm F1.8-2.8 Zeiss Lens, 4K Movie Recording and Flip Screen)

I recently upgraded to the Mk4 from the Mk2 and am so glad that I did. I thought I might miss the hot shoe, but my main use for the camera is as a backup to bigger fry, so the hot shoe was a nice but not necessary extra as the integral flash is of an acceptable standard. The addition of a viewfinder is what makes this camera great by comparison to the earlier version – struggling to see your shot in bright light was the compromise of the Mk2, now wholly overcome by the little flip-up viewfinder, once you have adjusted your view via the diopter. It is deceptively well made, even the pop-up viewfinder and flash; don’t manhandle but it isn’t flimsy.The list of features is seemingly endless, as it was with the Mk2 to be fair, and on almost every specification it ticks the box. And then you look at it in more detail.It is as if a Range Rover has been shrunk to the size of a Smart car. Perfectly formed but pocket sized. Would a pro want something this small? Would an amateur such as me want all these facilities? Isn't it a bit small to be taken seriously? I thought the market was moving to interchangeable lenses?Slowly I got what it was about.The highest specification camera in existence is of no use if it isn't with you when you want the shot. If the herds of Wildebeest have swept majestically across the plain or Krakatau has finished erupting by the time you have swapped lenses, then all the kit in the World will not give you much to remember. This is about having everything you need for most shots - still or movie - in a unit that you can simply slip into a pocket. This is a camera that is small enough that you can keep it with you rather than 'plan' to take photographs. It enables spontaneity.There are so many layers of software that it is difficult to imagine that I will scratch the surface in terms of its potential, but the key thing is that it covers most options. I won't scratch the lens, it retracts into the body when switched off so no losing time with lens caps. As to the hardware specifications these are Pro level in a body size that most would assume to be a 'snaps' camera.A quite understated item in terms of its capabilities and which through its sheer portability enables moments to be captured on the fly. This camera brings the art back to what still or moving photography is all about- being able to capture life as it happens. After years of lugging bags and lenses and often having little to show for 'planned photography' this camera is putting a spring in my step in more ways than one.

So much packed in to such a small package.Ironically, when I returned to more serious photography after years of just using either cheap consumer point and shoot digital cameras or (heavens forbid) the camera on my phones (actually the quality of camera phones today is really quite amazing) I opted for the Panasonic Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system as I didn't want to carry around heavy DSLRs and large lenses. Now, whilst my MFT cameras and lenses are great they are still too bulky for everyday carrying - I like to take a camera everywhere with me and keep one in my brief case or backpack, just in case. Further, they are too big for travelling - I try to travel with just one carry on case. So I bought myself first of all a Sony DSC HV90 which has travelled the world with me and proven to be great in most situations, except low light environments with its F3.5 - F6.4 maximum aperture range. I have to say that I never really had much of an issue with its 1/2.3 inch sensor or lack of raw or 4K video. However, though would be good to complement the HX90 with a similar camera. It made sense in my mind to have a similar companion of travel which could use the same batteries (less weight to carry differing chargers etc) and a similar menu. Hence, the RX100 M4 came into my life.My, my this is a fantastic little camera. Ok so I was pretty much familiar with the form factor, the menus and feel of the camera from day one fro my experiences with the HX90. But then there is so much more under the skin, with the RX100 M4. The F1.8 to F2.4 (ok so F1.8 is only really available at the widest 24mm equivalent and closes to F2.0 almost as soon as you touch the zoom lever) allows shooting in really low light environments. I find the auto-focus to be spot on and the lens range from 24mm to 70mm to be perfect for the kind of city and landscape photography that I prefer.There are so many options and I am still getting to grips with these.The connection to mobile phones and tablets for on the spot reviewing and editing photos works well.I intend to update this review as I grow more accustomed to the RX100M4. But early impressions have been very positive and I would highly recommend this little beauty to any one. (Coupled with the HX90 for - its telephoto range for those times you need a 720mm equivalent lens in your pocket). It's lightweight, easy to carry everywhere, has a good battery life - I find I can usually shoot all day (300 plus shots on average) on a single battery.Highly reccommended