Sony RX100 IV announced with stacked CMOS image sensor

Sony has officially unveiled the RX100 IV compact camera which has become the world’s first camera to feature a 1-inch-type stacked sensor with a DRAM memory chip.

After introducing the world’s first back-illuminated full-frame sensor, courtesy of the A7R II, Sony is continuing its image sensor breakthroughs with the world’s first 1-inch-type stacked sensor to boast a DRAM memory chip.

Such sensor has been added into the Sony RX100 IV that is here to replace the RX100 III and to impress the digital imaging world with its advantages. The Japan-based company is the biggest sensor manufacturer and vendor in the world, so its latest advancements will only help consolidate its leading position.

Sony RX100 IV unveiled with world’s first 1-inch-type stacked sensor with DRAM chip

One of the most popular compact camera series is getting a new member today. The Mark IV version of the RX100 has become official and it employs a new image sensor.

Whereas its size has remained at 1-inch, the 20.1-megapixel sensor is the first of its kind to be stacked and to employ a DRAM memory chip.

The memory chip opens the door to many possibilities, such as five times faster sensor readout. Additionally, the stacked CMOS sensor means that the circuitry is separated from the photo-sensitive area, therefore there is more room for the pixels to grab incoming light eventually leading to higher-quality photos.

This breakthrough has allowed the camera to capture photos with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32000th of a second. It is part of an Anti-Distortion Shutter system that allows photographers to use fast apertures in bright conditions and to minimize rolling shutter effects among others.

A quick compact camera: 4K recording, 960fps videos, and 16fps burst rate

The new Sony RX100 IV puts its stacked sensor with a DRAM chip to good use as it offers a 40x Super Slow Motion technology. In this mode, users can shoot videos at up to 960fps at a low resolution.

The slow-motion modes include 480fps and 240fps frame rates. The company is claiming that two seconds of a 960fps movie will offer about 80 seconds of playback time.

Since 4K is the next big thing in the digital imaging world, the RX100 IV is capable of recording such high-resolution videos. This is possible thanks to full readout without pixel binning and users will be able to capture 4K footage at 100Mbps rate in the XAVC S codec.

In photo mode, the new compact camera is capable of shooting up to 16fps, so you can capture the perfect moment of your adventures.

Sony RX10 IV features world’s first 1-inch-type stacked CMOS image sensor with a DRAM memory chip.

Improved viewfinder and autofocus system available in the Sony RX100 IV

Sony’s new RX-series camera features an ISO range between 125 and 12,800, optical image stabilization, RAW shooting, and a Zeiss lens with a 35mm focal length equivalent of 24-70mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.8-2.8.

The RX100 IV features an integrated autofocus assist lamp, built-in pop-up flash, and built-in pop-up OLED electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.35-million dots.

Sony RX100 IV employs a 3-inch tilting LCD screen on the back.

On the back, users can find a 3-inch tilting LCD screen with a 1,228,800-dot resolution. Although the autofocus system has the same 25-point system as its predecessor, the RX100 IV is said to focus faster than the RX100 III.

The fastest shutter speed stands at 1/32000s, as stated above, while the slowest shutter speed is rated at 30 seconds.

Sony RX100 IV features built-in WiFi and NFC, allowing users to transfer files to a mobile device or to use it for remotely controlling the compact camera.

Sony RX100 IV has an electronic viewfinder inside it that pops up whenever the user needs it.

Sony to release the RX100 IV this July

The shooter’s dimensions are 102 x 58 x 41mm / 4.02 x 2.28 x 1.61 inches, while its weight is 298 grams / 10.51 ounces.

Sony RX100 IV offers a 280-shot battery life on a single charge and it will become available for purchase in July for a price of $1,000.

The compact camera is already listed on Amazon’s website and it will become available for pre-order soon at the aforementioned price tag.