The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV (M4) is less of an clear upgraade over its predecessor the RX100 III (M3) than a forked alternative; for a variety of reasons, I'd classify it as an advanced compact for video enthusiasts rather than a straight-up advanced compact, at least until the price drops a bit.

Great video features to supplement its 4K capabilities distinguish the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV from the rest of the advanced-compact pack; It also retains the nice design perks, like a popup electronic viewfinder, of the earlier RX100 models

Like its predecessor; the autofocus system could be more consistent and the battery life has gotten even worse

Every year, point-and-shoot cameras march closer towards their extinction as smartphones continue to eat their lunch. The only way for a point-and-shoot to stand out and earn your hard-earned money is to come armed to the teeth with high-tech features your phone doesn't have.

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

Conclusions Sony has added features to its RX100 line with each new generation. The Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV is a more iterative update to its predecessor in terms of imaging capability, with the main benefit being a faster burst capture rate.

Wide-aperture zoom lens; 1-inch image sensor; Strong low light performance; 16.1fps burst shooting; Customizable controls; Large, tilting LCD; Pop-up OLED EVF; Quick autofocus; Raw shooting support; Wi-Fi with NFC; Super slow-motion video; 4K recording

Expensive; Short zoom range; Omits hot shoe; External charger not included

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...

The most significant changes are the slow motion video feature and the high speed shutter speed of 1/30,000, along with a new auto-focusing system. Sony has kept the compact size and who can fault it for keeping a winning formula

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV is this years update to the RX100 Mark III, and features the World's First Stacked 1.0inch BSI CMOS sensor with a DRAM memory chip, which allows 40x Super Slow Motion Capture, 4K Video Shooting, High-speed Anti-Distortion Shutter, high speed shooting and more.

Pop-up 2.36m dot electronic viewfinder; 24-70mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens; Large 20.2 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor; Dual axis electronic level; Wi-Fi / NFC connectivity; Sony PlayMemories Apps; Excellent noise performance; Excellent image quality; Tilting 3inch screen; High speed continuous...

High price; Little grip at the front; Some vignetting; Shorter battery life

Simply put, the Sony RX100 IV is the best pocket camera money can buy today. Of course, it takes a lot of money to buy this camera, which is probably the only criticism that I have for the RX100 IV. At $950 retail, the potential audience is somewhat limited by the size of one's wallet.

Sony's pocket rocket is a compact with almost no compromises

Excellent image quality; 4K videos; Brilliantly fun HFR mode; Pocket-sized

Prohibitive price; Limited zoom range

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...