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Sony A1 vs RX10 IV

The Sony A1 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2021 and September 2017. The A1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the RX10 IV is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (A1) and an one-inch (RX10 IV) sensor. The A1 has a resolution of 49.8 megapixels, whereas the RX10 IV provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Sony A1
versus
Sony RX10 IV
Sony A1   Sony RX10 IV
Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
Sony E mount lenses 24-600mm f/2.4-4.0
49.8 MP – Full Frame sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
8k/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-32,000 (50 - 102,400) ISO 100-12,800 (64 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (9437k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1440k dots 3.0" LCD – 1440k dots
Tilting touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 24 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
530 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
129 x 97 x 81 mm, 737 g 133 x 94 x 145 mm, 1095 g
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Check A1 price at
amazon.com
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Check RX10 IV price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony A1 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Sony A1 and the Sony RX10 IV is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Sony A1 vs Sony RX10 IV
Compare A1 versus RX10 IV top
Comparison A1 or RX10 IV rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A1 and the Sony RX10 IV are of equal size. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the RX10 IV has a lens built in, whereas the A1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the A1 and their specifications in the Sony FE Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the A1 gets 530 shots out of its Sony NP-FZ100 battery, while the RX10 IV can take 400 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony RX10 IV 133 mm 94 mm 145 mm 1095 g 400 Y Sep 2017 1,699 amazon.com
3.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 Y Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
6.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
8.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX10 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 420 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX10 II 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 400 Y Jun 2015 1,299ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX10 III 133 mm 94 mm 127 mm 1051 g 420 Y Mar 2016 1,499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 VI 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 301 g 240 n Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The RX10 IV was launched at a lower price than the A1, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Sony A1 features a full frame sensor and the Sony RX10 IV an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the RX10 IV is 87 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

In terms of chip-set technology, the A1 uses a more advanced image processing engine (Dual BIONZ XR) than the RX10 IV (BIONZ X), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Sony A1 and Sony RX10 IV sensor measures

With 49.8MP, the A1 offers a higher resolution than the RX10 IV (20MP), but the A1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.16μm versus 2.41μm for the RX10 IV) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A1 is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 4 months) than the RX10 IV, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 43.2 x 28.8 inches or 109.7 x 73.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 34.6 x 23 inches or 87.8 x 58.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 28.8 x 19.2 inches or 73.2 x 48.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony RX10 IV are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the RX10 IV, the A1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (YESMP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Sony A1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 32000, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 64-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the A1 is build around a Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor, while the RX10 IV uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

A1 versus RX10 IV MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
2.
 
Sony RX10 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.012.240863
3.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
4.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
5.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
6.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
8.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
10.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
11.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
12.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
13.
 
Sony RX10 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.912.647469
14.
 
Sony RX10 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653170
15.
 
Sony RX10 III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.112.647270
16.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
17.
 
Sony RX100 VI 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.347864
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A1 provides a higher video resolution than the RX10 IV. It can shoot video footage at 8k/30p, while the RX10 IV is limited to 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the A1 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the RX10 IV (9437k vs 2359k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Sony A1 and Sony RX10 IV in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Sony RX10 IV2359 Y3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
4.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
6.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony RX101440 Y3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Sony RX10 II2359 Y3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/3200s 14.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony RX10 III2359 Y3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 14.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony RX100 VI2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the RX10 IV, but is missing on the A1 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A1 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The A1 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type A) or SDXC cards, while the RX10 IV uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the RX10 IV only has one slot. The A1 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the RX10 IV can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony A1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Sony RX10 IVYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
3.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
4.
 
Sony A7 IVYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
6.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
8.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
9.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
10.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
13.
 
Sony RX10Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony RX10 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony RX10 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony RX100 VI-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A1 (unlike the RX10 IV) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the A1 and the RX10 IV are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The RX10 IV replaced the earlier Sony RX10 III, while the A1 does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the features and operation of the A1 and RX10 IV can be found, respectively, in the Sony A1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony RX10 IV Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Sony A1 better than the Sony RX10 IV or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Advantages of the Sony A1:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (49.8 vs 20MP) with a 58% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (Dual BIONZ XR vs BIONZ X).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8k/30p vs 4K/30p).
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (9437k vs 2359k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.9x vs 0.70x).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (530 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 4 months of technical progress since the RX10 IV launch.


Reasons to prefer the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (24 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the A1 necessitates an extra lens.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2017).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A1 is the clear winner of the match-up (22 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

A1 22:08 RX10 IV

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A1 and the Sony RX10 IV place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the A1 or the RX10 IV perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony RX10 IV5/5+3.5/584/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2017 1,699 amazon.com
3.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
6.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
8.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX105/5+..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX10 II5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2015 1,299ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX10 III5/5+..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2016 1,499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 VI4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check A1 price at
amazon.com
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Check RX10 IV price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Sony A1 vs Sony RX10 IV

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Sony A1 Sony RX10 IV
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Sony E mount lenses 24-600mm f/2.4-4.0
    Launch Date January 2021 September 2017
    Launch Price USD 6,499 USD 1,699
    Sensor Specs Sony A1 Sony RX10 IV
    Sensor Technology Stacked BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 49.8 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8640 x 5760 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.16 μm 2.41 μm
    Pixel Density 5.78 MP/cm2 17.18 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 8k/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 32,000 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor Dual BIONZ XR BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 98 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.9 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.5 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3163 ..
    Screen Specs Sony A1 Sony RX10 IV
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.9x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 9437k dots 2359k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1440k dots 1440k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Sony A1 Sony RX10 IV
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 24 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CFexA or SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Sony A1 Sony RX10 IV
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Sony A1 Sony RX10 IV
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sony NP-FZ100 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)530 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 129 x 97 x 81 mm
    (5.1 x 3.8 x 3.2 in)
    133 x 94 x 145 mm
    (5.2 x 3.7 x 5.7 in)
    Camera Weight 737 g (26.0 oz) 1095 g (38.6 oz)
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    Check A1 price at
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    Check RX10 IV price at
    amazon.com

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