The RX100 VI is something of a departure for the RX100 series: offering a more extensive zoom range but giving up some of its large sensor's low light ability by pairing it with a less bright lens.

Anyone needing fast AF; good video; sharp images and a flexible zoom range in a pocket-sized package

Anyone seeking the best possible image quality in dim light or with moving subjects

Like its predecessor, the RX100 IV is expensive, but it's also the best compact camera you can buy.

1-inch; 20.1MP "stacked" CMOS sensor; Outstanding photos and videos; 4K and super-slow-motion modes; Improved EVF

Even pricier than before; Limited focal range; Mediocre battery life

As you can see from this review, the Sony RX100 IV is a little powerhouse that is not only capable of delivering outstanding image quality for its sensor size, but also superb 4K and slow motion video.

The RX100 Mark IV is the fourth iteration of Sony's popular fixed-lens, pocketable digicam line, which was launched in June 2012. All four cameras have featured 13.2 x 8.8 mm with effective resolutions of around 20 megapixels, pocketable bodies with retracting Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lenses and...

Sony keeps upping the ante with their RX100-series of premium compact cameras. Now on its fourth-generation model, the Sony RX100 IV introduces a host of performance-oriented improvements and new features, including 4K video capture, 16fps continuous burst shooting and a very fun high frame rate...

Vastly improved burst speeds with deep buffer; Great performance with very fast autofocus; Very high resolution gives lots of detail in good light; High ISO noise levels much better than most pocket camera rivals; High-quality 4K video with uncompressed HDMI out; Super-fast High Frame Rate video;...

Pricey for a compact camera; JPEGs can look over-processed at higher ISOs; Lens doesn't offer as much telephoto reach; Battery life not as good as predecessor; 24-70mm-equivalent lens can feel limiting, Lens doesn't offer as much telephoto reach, Macro performance not quite as good as some...

The Sony RX100 IV is the fourth instalment in what has become our favourite compact camera series. Since its beginnings in 2012, it's given us pocket-friendly models that offer image quality good enough to satisfy high-end DSLR-wielders on those days when taking out a large camera just isn't on the...

Pocketable size; Excellent shooting speed; Versatile video; Great image quality at lower ISOs

Intimidating price

It may seem that I've picked up on quite a few negatives here, but the RX100 IV is an excellent compact camera – and, crucially, it produces excellent images. And it would be easier to let those smaller niggles slide with a product which didn't come with such a high asking price, but they disappoint...

High-resolution viewfinder; Tilting screen; Large sensor; 4K video

High price; No touchscreen; Limited raw functionality

It's 2015 and there's an argument that the compact camera is obsolete in the face of advancing smartphones. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV is the absolute antithesis to that; a high-end, pocketable compact with large 1-inch sensor and 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 equivalent lens.

The pocketable compact to beat; Excellent image quality; Built-in electronic viewfinder; Fast aperture lens; Customisable control ring

Hugely expensive; Autofocus performance could be yet faster; Still no touchscreen; Limited bump over third-gen predecessor

Back in 2012 Sony redefined expectations for small cameras by fitting a large, high resolution 20.1-million-pixel 1-in sensor into the pocket-sized RX100. Every year since then, it has taken its advanced point-and-shoot compact and improved it for the better.

+ Impressive resolution for a camera so small; + Advanced video capabilities including 4K and slow motion recording; + 16fps continuous shooting; + Electronic shutter (allowing shutter speeds of up to 1/32000sec to be used; + Built-in Wi-Fi & NFC connectivity; + USB charging

Reduced battery life (280 shots; No touchscreen functionality; No rubberised handgrip; Small buttons

The latest version of Sony's popular RX100 range of compact cameras, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV, features a brand new sensor design. It retains the same pixel count as its predecessor, at 20.1 million, but a new stacked Exmor RS design sees a DRAM memory chip attached to the sensor itself for...