NEW YORK, Jun. 10, 2015 – Sony – a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world's largest image sensor manufacturer1 – has today announced two of the most advanced, versatile Cyber-shot cameras ever to come to market, the compact RX100 IV (model DSC-RX100M4) and high-zoom RX10 II (model DSC-RX10M2) cameras.
The two new models both feature the world's first 1.0" type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with advanced signal processing and an attached DRAM memory chip. The high speed signal processing and DRAM memory chip work together to enable more than 5x faster readout of image data and are responsible for a variety of standout features that have previously been available in only a select few professional-level video cameras. These impressive capabilities include 40x super slow motion video capture at up to 960 fps4,5, an ultra-fast Anti-Distortion Shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000 second, high resolution 4K movie shooting and more.
"Utilizing Sony's decades of expertise in digital imaging, we've made it possible for everyday customers to enjoy a professional imaging experience with the new RX100 IV and RX10 II cameras. With the power of the world's first 1.0-type Stacked CMOS sensor packed into a compact, portable body, these new cameras bring the excitement and creativity of high frame rate shooting, 4K recording and a variety of other pro-quality features to a whole new audience." said Kimio Maki, Senior General Manager of Digital Imaging Business Group for Sony Corporation.
Kelly Davis, Vice President of Digital Imaging for Sony North America, added "The new RX100 IV and RX10 II models make a strong statement for Sony, as they break through all existing boundaries of compact cameras and will allow professionals, hobbyists and enthusiasts to capture images and video that they never before thought were possible."
Up to 40x Super Slow Motion Shooting
A first for Sony consumer cameras, the new RX100 IV and RX10 II both have the ability to record super slow-motion video at up to 40x slower than the standard rate, allowing users to capture and replay fleeting moments of action with incredible detail, resolution and clarity.
Prior to shooting, users will have the ability to choose among 960fps, 480fps and 240 fps frame rates and among 60p, 30p and 24p playback formats4,5 to optimize the recording to fit the speed of the moving subject, with the option to use the movie record button as a 'start trigger' to begin recording once button is pressed or 'end trigger' to record footage up until the button is pressed. The 'end trigger' mode lets shooting begin 2 to 4 seconds before the movie button is pressed, enabling shooters to capture the decisive moment with much more consistency and accuracy. For reference, two seconds of movie footage shot at 960 fps and 24p would take about 80 seconds to play back.
High Speed Shutter, High Speed Shooting
The impressive speed and power of the 1.0" type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with an attached DRAM chip allows the new RX100IV and RX10 II to perform exceptionally well while capturing fast-moving subjects. Specifically, it's fast processing capability results in continuous speeds at up to 16 fps on the RX100 IV and up to 14 fps on the RX10 II for an extended period of time.
Additionally, the ultra-fast readout of the image sensor is responsible for the high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum speed of 1/32000 second), which allow the new cameras to capture sharp, crystal clear images with a wide open aperture at brightness levels up to EV197. It also minimizes the "rolling shutter" effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects. This allows photographers and videographers to capture beautiful content with sharply focused subjects and defocused backgrounds under some of the most difficult, bright lighting conditions.
High Precision Direct 4K Movie Recording
The new RX100IV and RX10 II models are the first Cyber-shot cameras to offer the advantages of 4K (QFHD 3840x2160) movie recording6. The cameras utilize full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4K video are captured with minimal moire and 'jaggies'. These high-quality results are achieved through use of the XAVC S codec, which records video at a high data rate of 100 Mbps during 4K recording and 50 Mbps during full HD shooting.
The capacity for shooting 4K differs slightly on each of the two cameras, as the more professionally styled RX10 II can shoot 4K video at extended lengths (up to 29 minutes in the US), while the more casual, pocket-friendly RX100 IV can shoot 4K clips at up to about 5 minutes in length. Additional professional caliber video features on both of the new cameras include Picture Profile, S-Log2/S-Gamut, and more. Both cameras also have advanced dual video recording functionality, allowing shooters to capture 16.8 MP still images during 4K video recording in any of 11 different composition patterns simply by pressing the shutter button.
Versatility in Design, High Speed AF
The new RX100 IV maintains the compact, pocket-sized design of the RX100 family, and has a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm (35mm equivalent) F1.8-F2.8 lens, while the new RX10 II maintains the same body design as the original RX10 and has a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) F2.8 lens.
Each of the cameras is equipped with a new high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with approximately 2.35 million dots of resolution, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. The RX100 IV maintains the convenient retractable EVF with ZEISS® T* coating from the RX100 III model that debuted last year.
Both of the two new models feature an upgraded Fast Intelligent AF system that enables high-speed, high-precision contrast detection of a moving subject in as little as 0.09 seconds8. Sony's proprietary AF algorithm allows them to recognize and lock-in on a subject with a simple half-press of the shutter button at a much more efficient rate compared to previous models. The new cameras are also Wi-Fi® and NFC™ compatible and can access Sony's growing range of PlayMemories Camera Applications. Learn more at www.sony.net/pmca.
Aesthetically, both of the new models feature a variety of customizable controls and buttons to fit any shooter's style. The RX10 II adds dust and moisture resistance as well.
There is also a new stylish soft carrying case for, model LCS-RXG, that has been introduced. Made of quality natural leather and available in brown and black colors, it is an ideal complement to the sleek designs of all the RX100 series cameras including the new RX100 IV model.
Pricing and Availability
The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV(model DSC-RX100M4) compact and RX10 II (model DSC-RX10M2) high-zoom camera will be available this July for about $1000 and $1300, respectively. Pre-sales for each model will begin on June 17th.
@Tron: It's more likely the heat of the argument from the Sales/Marketing department telling the tech-guys to not dare to unthrottle the potential of the smaller/cheaper model to that of the bigger/more expensive one, or else...
It's just the same as with the LX100 15min-4k-recording-limit, which was implemented even though the camera can record 15min periods without pause for 2 hours without overheating.
@karl I own the LX100 and it gets physically warm to the touch after 5 mins of shooting. When I use it for handheld B-roll I find that the 15 minute limit is still adequate for my purposes. No way I could live with a 5 min recording limit for B-roll though, but in this case I think it is due to the heat... I'm sure Sony would prefer to hit at least the 29 minute limit of the RX10.
I'm very interested by this RX100 IV (I had the v1 and loved it) I would like to use it on a quadcopter, for video and photo.
A guy working in drone setup told me he wasn't sure that we could have a live wireless video output for monitoring (VGA output in 4K video, restrictions for sales).
Do you know something about this ?
Pricey dicey camera is available for preorder now
Interesting... if Sony manages to sell the RX100 MkIV for that currently asked higher price than Panasonic asks for the LX100 (which still has a much bigger sensor), then Kudos to Sony's sales department :-)
The SloMo abilities are sure a goodie, but the Seagull sample looks like lacking either dynamic range or correct exposure.
I've been eyeing the LX100 for some time....as well as the FZ1000. The slow-mo is certainly one of the differences, but for me....the ability to easily pocket the camera is the big difference. I'm not saying that the LX100 and FZ1000 aren't very impressive cams. I'm just saying that size has nothing to do with marketing and the ability to pocket a cam for some is important. Cheers peeps! :)
Another hands on
Some samples
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/reviewsamples/albums/sony-rx100-iv-real-world-samples
Can or not record 480fps and 240 fps @ 1080?
Another high speed sample
Camera in stock at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZDWGM34/
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