Here’s Some Amazing 4K S-Log2 Footage From The New Sony RX100 IV

The Sony RX100 III ($798 at B&H) was and still is a fantastic little camera. It shoots full HD video in the XAVC-S codec at 50Mbps up to 60p, and even does 120fps at 720p. Not only that its form factor is quite usable not just for snaps, but video as well. So, it’s no wonder why Sony decided to pretty much stick with the same body, same design, and keep the fast Zeiss 24-70mm 1.8-2.8 Zoom lens (35mm equivalent) for the Mark IV, which was recently announced alongside the RX10 II and the mighty 4K A7r II. However, the most significant updates from the RX100 III to the RX100 IV is the supercharged internals, including sensor, on-board 4K recording in XAVC-S at 100Mbps, and even some uber slow-motion going up to 40x normal speed. Of course, some might say point out the shortcomings of the camera, and that’s completely normal – no camera is perfect, and the RX100 IV is far from being one.

The RX100 IV doesn’t have a microphone input or a hot-shoe, making audio capture difficult if not impossible, unless you do a dual system and capture high quality audio with a separate professional field recorder and a wireless mic or a shotgun mic. Due to the small size, and only a single 1/4″ 20 hole on the bottom, rigging becomes quite the challenge, but the size and form factor was never designed to be rigged. And also the duration of the 4K internal recording is limited to 5 minute clips.

Sure, those deficiencies may be deal breakers to some, but for those looking for a pocket size 4K camera that can shoot S-log2, plus super-slow motion, and does it all internally for less than $1K, your options are not that many.

We’ve already seen some early unboxing videos as some folks in the States particularly, and now that footage from the RX100 IV is starting to popup online here and there, I came across this awesome 4K XAVC-S footage shot in S-log2 on the RX100 IV by Steve from DSI Pictures Entertainment.

(Make sure you watch in 4K/2160p)

From Steve:

Here is the 20 secs Raw (S-log2) Video link attached: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9FN2bYZMe3SRWpIcWpqZndJQVE/view?usp=sharing

It’s here. This is the Sony RX100 Mark IV video test. I have been waiting for this such a camera for quite a while now. I used to have the RX100 Mark III. And I loved it a lot. Compact camera with big sensor. The Zeiss 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 is a perfect focal length, great for traveling. This Mark IV is even better. I like Sony have added 4K and S-Log 2 those professional video features. It makes the camera really like a pro camera. Even though the camera only records 4K video up to 5mins. But I don’t see there is a problem when shooting home video. But there is still some Pros and Cons about this camera I have listed it below.

Pros and Cons list (Personal Opinion)
Pro
– Build in 4K
– Full Manual controls in Video Mode
– Clean HDMI output even 4K
– S-Log 2 Gramme
– Can now zoom in very fast while recording (Comparing with RX100 M3)
Con
– Only 5mins in 4K recording
– Sensor crops in while recording 4K video (24mm become 28mm)
– Minimum ISO is 1600 for S-Log 2 (Its too bright even the Build-In ND is on)
– No Mic input
– Pricey

Thanks for watching, please subscribe ^.^
DSI Pictures Entertainment 2015
Filmed and edited by Steve Chan
Product shot: A7S with Atomos Shogun
Music: Every Morning
www.dsipictures.com

Sony RX100 IV Highlights 

• 20.1 MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor
• Internal UHD 4K Video & S-Log2 Gamma
• Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* f/1.8-2.8 Lens
• 24-70mm (35mm Equivalent)
• 2349k-Dot OLED Tru-Finder Pop-Up EVF
• 3.0″ 1229k-Dot Multi-Angle Xtra Fine LCD
• Slow Motion Video at 960 fps
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
• ISO 12800 and 16 fps Continuous Shooting

I am quite fond of this footage, as a matter of fact, I love it, I think this really shows what this camera is capable of – very filmic and pleasing colour rendition as well as depth. The internal 4K and S-log2 is a truly powerful combination, and even though the RX100 IV may lack in the audio department, have a built-in recording duration limitation, and also fall short of the bigger and more expensive RX10 II zoom range, it still feels like a remarkable achievement.

Before NAB this year, I wished for Blackmagic Design to unveil a Pocket Cinema camera with on board 4K recording and keep the form factor – and looks like there is one now. Sony made it.

B&H Links:

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II Digital Camera – $1,298

Sony Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV Digital Camera – $948

Sony Alpha a7RII Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) – $3,198

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