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Sony RX10 IV vs Panasonic GH5

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2017 and January 2017. The RX10 IV is a fixed lens compact, while the GH5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an one-inch (RX10 IV) and a Four Thirds (GH5) sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Sony RX10 IV
versus
Panasonic GH5
Sony RX10 IV   Panasonic GH5
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
24-600mm f/2.4-4.0 Micro Four Thirds lenses
20 MP – 1" sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (64 - 25,600) ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots) Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1440k dots 3.2" LCD – 1620k dots
Tilting touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
24 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge410 shots per battery charge
133 x 94 x 145 mm, 1095 g 139 x 98 x 87 mm, 725 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5? 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 RX10 IV and the Panasonic GH5 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Sony RX10 IV vs Panasonic GH5
Compare RX10 IV versus GH5 top
Comparison RX10 IV or GH5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH5 is notably larger (9 percent) than the Sony RX10 IV. 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 GH5 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 GH5 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the RX10 IV gets 400 shots out of its Sony NP-FW50 battery, while the GH5 can take 410 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLF19 power pack. The power pack in the RX10 IV can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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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
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony RX10 IV 133 mm 94 mm 145 mm 1095 g 400 Y Sep 2017 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark III 115 mm 78 mm 51 mm 399 g 200 Y Oct 2017 US$ 1 299ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2 141 mm 83 mm 46 mm 495 g 350 Y Jan 2016 US$ 1 699ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic FZ2500 138 mm 102 mm 135 mm 915 g 350 n Sep 2016 US$ 1 199 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic G9 137 mm 97 mm 92 mm 658 g 400 Y Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G85 128 mm 89 mm 74 mm 505 g 330 Y Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 Y Feb 2014 US$ 1 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 Y May 2021 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A6300 120 mm 67 mm 49 mm 404 g 400 Y Feb 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX0 59 mm 41 mm 30 mm 110 g 240 Y Aug 2017 US$ 699ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX10 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 420 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX10 II 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 400 Y Jun 2015 US$ 1 299ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX10 III 133 mm 94 mm 127 mm 1051 g 420 Y Mar 2016 US$ 1 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 VI 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 301 g 240 n Jun 2018 US$ 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 naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The RX10 IV was launched at a lower price than the GH5, 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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Sony RX10 IV features an one-inch sensor and the Panasonic GH5 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH5 is 94 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 2.0. The sensor in the RX10 IV has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH5 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Sony RX10 IV and Panasonic GH5 sensor measures

With 20.2MP, the GH5 offers a higher resolution than the RX10 IV (20MP), but the GH5 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 2.41μm for the RX10 IV) due to its larger sensor. However, the RX10 IV is a somewhat more recent model (by 8 months) than the GH5, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the GH5 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The RX10 IV has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 64-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the RX10 IV is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the GH5 uses a 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.

RX10 IV versus GH5 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). 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 RX10 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.012.240863
2.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark III APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.2164981
4.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.0160880
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
6.
 
Panasonic FZ2500 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653870
7.
 
Panasonic G9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.112.8113874
8.
 
Panasonic G85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.565671
9.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
11.
 
Sony A6300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.413.7143785
12.
 
Sony RX0 1-inch 15.4 4800 32001080/60p22.412.454868
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 are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the GH5 provides a faster frame rate than the RX10 IV. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Sony 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 review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the GH5 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the RX10 IV (3680k vs 2359k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Sony RX10 IV, the Panasonic GH5, and comparable 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 RX10 IV2359 Y3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark III2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 9.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro22360 n3.0 / 1620 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
6.
 
Panasonic FZ25002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Panasonic G93680 Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic G852360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic GH42359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A63002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
12.
 
Sony RX0none n1.5 / 230 fixed n .. 5.5/s n n
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 difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The RX10 IV has one, while the GH5 does not. While the built-in flash of the RX10 IV is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The GH5 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the RX10 IV does not have a selfie-screen.

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 Panasonic GH5 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 RX10 IV writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the GH5 uses SDXC cards. The GH5 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 GH5 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the RX10 IV can use UHS-I cards.

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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 Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV and Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 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 RX10 IVYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
2.
 
Panasonic GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
6.
 
Panasonic FZ2500Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
7.
 
Panasonic G9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.0Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic G85Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Panasonic GH4Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Sony A6300Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony RX0-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
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 Panasonic GH5 (unlike the RX10 IV) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The RX10 IV is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the GH5 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the GH5 was succeeded by the Panasonic GH5 II. Further information on the features and operation of the RX10 IV and GH5 can be found, respectively, in the Sony RX10 IV Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH5 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Sony RX10 IV and the Panasonic GH5? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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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.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (24 vs 12 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the GH5 requires a separate lens.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • 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 modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 8 months after the GH5).

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3680k vs 2359k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.70x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1440k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • 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: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 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 heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2017).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GH5 is the clear winner of the contest (22 : 10 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

RX10 IV 10:22 GH5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony RX10 IV and the Panasonic GH5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the RX10 IV or the GH5. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony RX10 IV5/5+3.5/584/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2017 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark III5/5+4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2017 US$ 1 299ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 699ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic FZ2500..+..82/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 199 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic G9..+ +5/585/1005/55/5 Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G85..+ +..84/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 US$ 1 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A63004.5/5+..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX0........3.5/54/5 Aug 2017 US$ 699ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX105/5+..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX10 II5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2015 US$ 1 299ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX10 III5/5+..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2016 US$ 1 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 VI4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2018 US$ 1 199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. 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 RX10 IV vs Panasonic GH5

    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 RX10 IV Panasonic GH5
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 24-600mm f/2.4-4.0 Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date September 2017 January 2017
    Launch Price USD 1,699 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Sony RX10 IV Panasonic GH5
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1" Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 13.2 x 8.8 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 116.16 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 15.9 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.7x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.41 μm 3.34 μm
    Pixel Density 17.18 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 64 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X Venus 10
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 77
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 13.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 807
    Screen Specs Sony RX10 IV Panasonic GH5
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.76x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2359k dots 3680k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1440k dots 1620k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Sony RX10 IV Panasonic GH5
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 24 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I Dual UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Sony RX10 IV Panasonic GH5
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
    HDMI Port micro HDMI full 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 NFC built-in no NFC
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Sony RX10 IV Panasonic GH5
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sony NP-FW50 Panasonic DMW-BLF19
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge410 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 133 x 94 x 145 mm
    (5.2 x 3.7 x 5.7 in)
    139 x 98 x 87 mm
    (5.5 x 3.9 x 3.4 in)
    Camera Weight 1095 g (38.6 oz) 725 g (25.6 oz)
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