Latest version of Sony RX10 II and RX100 IV launched

I felt I was at the top of the world during the Sony’s RX100 IV and RX10 II cameras launch. It was held at Level 69, Swissotel hotel which was once the world tallest hotel.

Both the Sony high-end compact camera RX100 IV and high-zoom RX10 II cameras are already into the latest version with superior upgrade to keep up with the attest innovation in camera technology. These two new models featured the world first 1.0 type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with advanced signal processing with an attached DRAM memory chip. Impressive capabilities with 40x super slow motion video capture at up to 960fps, an ultra-fast anti-distortion shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000 second. High-resolution 4K movie filming is now possible.

The two cameras goes beyond the boundaries of existing compact camera allowing professionals, hobbyists and enthusiasts to capture images and videos that never before thought were possible. The ability begin shooting two to four seconds before the movie button is pressed provide the capture of decisive moment with both accuracy and consistency.

The power of 1.0 stacked EXMOR RS CMOS sensor allows the capture of fast moving objects. The images are crystal clear and a wide open aperture at brightness levels up to EV19. Rolling shutter effect were also minimised for fast moving subjects.

Both cyber shot cameras are the first to offer 4K movie recording. The high quality results with the use of XAVC S codec, which records video at high data rate of 100Mbps during 4K and 50Mbps during full HD shooting.

The two cameras provide different capacity for 4K shooting. Professional styled RX10 II can shoot up to 29 minutes while the compact one only shoot up to 5 minutes. In addition, both camera features professional offerings of Picture Profile, S-Log2/S-Gamut and more. With dual video functionality, it allows the capture of 16.6 megapixel still images during the 4K recording in any of 11 different composition patterns with the pressing of shutter button.

Both cameras have an upgraded fast intelligent AF system that enables high-speed, high-precision contrast detection of moving subject in as little as 0.09 seconds. Wi-Fi and NFC are also included in both camera. Both cameras maintain the original body size as the previous version. RX100 IV has a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm (35mm equivalent) F1.8-F2.8 lens while RX10 II feature a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) F2.8 lens.

Personal Opinion

I truly love the compactness of RX100 IV as well as it's quality Carl Zeiss lens. Every upgraded version of this little camera brings a step closer towards the feature of a high end professional camera. It is amazing how Sony can squeeze so many features into this little body. It is exciting to see Sony ability to innovate and showcase their technological advanced camera years after years. 

Here is a photo I took using the RX100 IV at 1/32000 fps during the launch. The photo is cropped for a closer view of the freezing of the water. No other editing is performed. 

Pricing and Availability

Starting from 3 July 2015, the new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV is available for pre-ordering at all Sony Stores, Sony Centres and selected authorised Sony dealers. All pre-orders will come with a Leather Carrying Case ( LCS-RXG) and a 64GB High Speed SD Card (SF-64UZ).

The retail price for RX100 IV is S$1,399 and will be available from 16 Jul 2015 while RX10 II will be available from 30 Jul 2015 at a retail price of S$1,899.

More info on the new cameras can be found at www.sony.com.sg/microsite/rx and www.sony.net/product/di_photo_gallery.