Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV review

Sony's latest high-end compact camera gets a faster processor and 4K video

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Dynamic range is a measure of the range of tones the sensor can capture. Cameras with low dynamic range will often show 'blown' highlights or blocked-in shadows. This test is carried out in controlled conditions using DxO hardware and analysis tools.

Sony RX100 IV review

We use DxO Analyzer to measure noise and dynamic range in controlled laboratory conditions.

Read: Noise and dynamic range results explained

Dynamic range is measured in exposure values (EV). The higher the number the wider the range of brightness levels the camera can capture. This falls off with increasing ISO settings because the camera is having to amplify a weaker signal. Raw files capture a higher dynamic range because the image data is unprocessed.

Sony RX100 IV dynamic range charts

Sony RX100 IV review

JPEG dynamic range analysis: All four cameras turn in a very similar performance in this test, although this time it's the Canon G7 X that comes out on top, narrowly ahead of the Sony RX100 IV.

Sony RX100 IV review

Raw (converted to TIFF) dynamic range analysis: The raw files tell a different story, however. Here, the Panasonic LX100 displays a remarkably consistent dynamic range across the whole ISO range. The Sony and Canon continue their tit-for-tat battle, each showing a similar reduction in dynamic range at higher ISOs, while the X30 lags slightly behind, as you'd expect given its smaller sensor.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.