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...

Impressive lens gives sharp images all through its really useful zoom range; Very good image quality with reliable exposure; Remarkably fast autofocus and continuous shooting means you should never miss a shot; Pop-up viewfinder and tilting screen give flexible composing options;

Small, slippery body is far too easy to drop without an accessory grip; Far too expensive compared to its competitors; Tiny buttons can make operation frustrating; Comparatively poor battery life;

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...

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 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

The RX100 VI is a very capable camera, combining a flexible zoom range with impressive autofocus. However, the small maximum aperture required to keep the size down limits the image quality in some situations. The relatively high price means you have to really want its unequaled combination of capability and size.

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.;

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

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

Finally a camera that does it all