High-end bridge cameras: Sony RX10, Panasonic FZ1000 etc

[stevewestern]

According to the rumour websites, it'll be released in late 2022
Of course, the actual release data will be the day after you've taken delivery of an IV and not a moment before.

I saw that and did wonder if I'd travelled back in time or something...
Obviously there is nothing too imminent as the prices are pretty stable but I have been getting emails from Sony telling me that a new camera is about to be released so wondered if there may be a few rolled out soon..
But as you say it'll be the day after I buy one which is leading me towards buying used.

 

[dibbly dobbler]

If the Mk5 had an improved sensor and maybe pushed the lens out to 800mm I'd be right in there

 

[stevewestern]

If the Mk5 had an improved sensor and maybe pushed the lens out to 800mm I'd be right in there

That's the one major thing that concerns me (the sensor size)
I'm coming from a crop fuji body, do like to snap away in low-ish light and so far have no hands on experience of a 1" sensor and like a few dials to twiddle rather than menus to wade through. I know that what I really need to do is get along to a dealer that will let me have a play and will do a part exchange.

 

[dibbly dobbler]

That's the one major thing that concerns me (the sensor size)
I'm coming from a crop fuji body, do like to snap away in low-ish light and so far have no hands on experience of a 1" sensor and like a few dials to twiddle rather than menus to wade through. I know that what I really need to do is get along to a dealer that will let me have a play and will do a part exchange.

The camera is generally great but it’s not exactly a low light specialist - I’ve never used a pic at >iso1600 and iso800 is my normal maximum. Having said that you are getting f4 through from 24-600 (equiv) so it’s swings and roundabouts to some degree. A test run seems like a good idea

 

[ajophotog]

Cinnabar moth caterpillars shot with the RX10 iv. I have a small amount of ragwort in my garden just for these.

Cinnabar Moth Caterpillars by Ajophotog, on Flickr

 

[Snapsh0t]

So when is the RX10v going to be released then, any ideas?
And, if there is going to be a V how do you think it'll differ from the 1V?
As you may be able to tell, I'm starting to think seriously about trying one!

Quite possibly never. The general rational opinion on DPReview is that Sony is now only interested in its ILCs, especially full-frame, and the vlogger market. The new 18-50mm equivalent lens looks interesting but the ZV-1 mkII it's stuck on is anything but. The previous compact release was the ZV-1F last year and, before that, the original ZV-1 in 2020. Do you see the trend here?

If there is a new RX10 it could well be a refresh (RX10 IVA) rather than RX10 V. In which case it would have the same lens but probably the same sensor and AF as the RX100 VII. It would be released before the end of next year to avoid the extra engineering costs of the forced switch to USB-C charging.

 

[ajophotog]

Cellar Spider with eggs taken with the Panasonic FZ2000 with the Marumi dhg 300 achromat.

Cellar Spider with Eggs by Ajophotog, on Flickr

 

[stevewestern]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a Sony RX10iv guide book?
I seem to remember reading that David Busch's books are generally worth reading and I may splash out on one while I dither..

David Busch's Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV By David D. Busch | Used | 9781681981260 | World of Books

Buy David Busch's Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV: Guide to Digital Photography By David D. Busch. Available in used condition with free delivery in the UK. ISBN: 9781681981260. ISBN-10: 1681981262

www.wob.com

Even better if anyone has a copy they might want to sell!
Thanks.

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a Sony RX10iv guide book?
I seem to remember reading that David Busch's books are generally worth reading and I may splash out on one while I dither..

David Busch's Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV By David D. Busch | Used | 9781681981260 | World of Books

Buy David Busch's Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV: Guide to Digital Photography By David D. Busch. Available in used condition with free delivery in the UK. ISBN: 9781681981260. ISBN-10: 1681981262

www.wob.com

Even better if anyone has a copy they might want to sell!
Thanks.

This is worth a read....

Sony RX10iv for Point and Shoot Nature Photography Guide

I have completed my Guide to using the Sony RX10iv for Point and Shoot Nature Photography. You can download it below. P&S Sony RX10iv 3 2Download And, if you enjoy the booklet and would l…

psnp.info

 

[stevewestern]

This is worth a read....

Sony RX10iv for Point and Shoot Nature Photography Guide

I have completed my Guide to using the Sony RX10iv for Point and Shoot Nature Photography. You can download it below. P&S Sony RX10iv 3 2Download And, if you enjoy the booklet and would l…

psnp.info

Great, thank you Bob!

 

[johnty52]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a Sony RX10iv guide book?
I seem to remember reading that David Busch's books are generally worth reading and I may splash out on one while I dither..

David Busch's Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV By David D. Busch | Used | 9781681981260 | World of Books

Buy David Busch's Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV: Guide to Digital Photography By David D. Busch. Available in used condition with free delivery in the UK. ISBN: 9781681981260. ISBN-10: 1681981262

www.wob.com

Even better if anyone has a copy they might want to sell!
Thanks.

Hi Steve, Here's a very good resource for settings and includes Wim's own Bird photography settings.
I'm old school so I viewed this in browser reading mode and then printed it out [without the graphics, you don't need them] to stick pin my camera bag.
Wim Arys RX10 settings

 

[stevewestern]

Hi Steve, Here's a very good resource for settings and includes Wim's own Bird photography settings.
I'm old school so I viewed this in browser reading mode and then printed it out [without the graphics, you don't need them] to stick pin my camera bag.
Wim Arys RX10 settings

And thank you too John - I too will print it off to read!

 

[johnty52]

Common Darter - using the 600mm end of the RX10 as "close up"

 

[SimonH]

A couple from today - one when out dodging the showers, and one from my back garden on a very overcast any un-July like day here in South Wales! Shot with my RX100vi which never ceases to amaze me...

Braving the elements by Simon Hiscocks, on Flickr

Can you see me? by Simon Hiscocks, on Flickr

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

A couple from today - one when out dodging the showers, and one from my back garden on a very overcast any un-July like day here in South Wales! Shot with my RX100vi which never ceases to amaze me...

Braving the elements by Simon Hiscocks, on Flickr

Can you see me? by Simon Hiscocks, on Flickr

Two very nice captures Simon, liking them both with #1 being my fav'.

 

[ajophotog]

One with the RX100 vii and raynox dcr 250 achromat.

Ladybird by Ajophotog, on Flickr

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

One with the RX10 vii and raynox dcr 250 achromat.

Ladybird by Ajophotog, on Flickr

Very nice macro/close up style capture Alby, well composed with some good detail.

"RX10 vii, where did you get that?"

 

[ajophotog]

Very nice macro/close up style capture Alby, well composed with some good detail.

"RX10 vii, where did you get that?"

Opps should say rx100 vii

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

Common Darter - using the 600mm end of the RX10 as "close up"

View attachment 395427

Very nice macro/close up style capture John, with some fine detail.

 

[SimonH]

Two very nice captures Simon, liking them both with #1 being my fav'.

Thanks for the kind words George

 

[SimonH]

I’d be interested to hear peoples thoughts on my current bridge gear conundrum.
I currently have a Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 bought a year ago when I decided to ditch ICL cameras (something I’ve since retracted but more of that later).
At the time I was very tempted by an RX10iv driven in part by the images I see in this thread, but the cost vs the Panny sealed the deal in the latter's favour.
However, whilst I get some very nice images from the Panny, there are three things that have got me thinking RX10 again.

1. Reach. I shoot all sorts, but like wildlife and there have been many occasions when the 480 reach of the Panny just hasn’t been enough
2. IQ. I’ve had some cracking image from the FZ2000, but looking at what’s possible from the RX10 do think the Sony has the edge. I mostly look at images on my iMac or smaller screens, and rarely print, and if I do it’ll be no bigger than A4 (although I do have a couple of canvas prints actually from a 1:2/3rds sensor fz330 which are fine!).
3. Weather sealing. The Panny isn’t WS, so I’m reluctant to take it out if weather is any way inclement - I’d rather put my RX100vi in a pocket in those conditions.

So…having decided a new UK bought RX10vi is still out of my price range as prices are still generally around £1,400 I’m looking at two options both based on selling the FZ

1. A new RX10iv from e-infinity who I’ve used several times previously at just under £1,100
2. A used RX10iii - there’s currently one graded excellent on MPB for £679 which I’ve put a trade in quote request on.

Looking back on this thread, @dibbly dobbler specifically, but others have said and proved the RX10iii is a fine camera - and produced same year as the FZ2000 so I wouldn’t be losing any tech advances by swapping.

Is a new Mk4 worth the +/- £400 premium if I go the e infinity route? Rather than a £150-£250 cost to change for the used Mk 3

And finally, whilst I’ve still got my ICL mirrorless, I do tend not to use it as much for the very reason that my current FZ2000 and potentially the RX10 give me everything I want in one package. If (when) I do go the RX10 route and it does give me everything I need, chances are I might sell my mirrorless ICL kit (Fuji X-S10 plus 18-55 and a 50.-230) so making my purchase much more bearable.

Apologies, a lot to digest there…..

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

I’d be interested to hear peoples thoughts on my current bridge gear conundrum.
I currently have a Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 bought a year ago when I decided to ditch ICL cameras (something I’ve since retracted but more of that later).
At the time I was very tempted by an RX10iv driven in part by the images I see in this thread, but the cost vs the Panny sealed the deal in the latter's favour.
However, whilst I get some very nice images from the Panny, there are three things that have got me thinking RX10 again.

1. Reach. I shoot all sorts, but like wildlife and there have been many occasions when the 480 reach of the Panny just hasn’t been enough
2. IQ. I’ve had some cracking image from the FZ2000, but looking at what’s possible from the RX10 do think the Sony has the edge. I mostly look at images on my iMac or smaller screens, and rarely print, and if I do it’ll be no bigger than A4 (although I do have a couple of canvas prints actually from a 1:2/3rds sensor fz330 which are fine!).
3. Weather sealing. The Panny isn’t WS, so I’m reluctant to take it out if weather is any way inclement - I’d rather put my RX100vi in a pocket in those conditions.

So…having decided a new UK bought RX10vi is still out of my price range as prices are still generally around £1,400 I’m looking at two options both based on selling the FZ

1. A new RX10iv from e-infinity who I’ve used several times previously at just under £1,100
2. A used RX10iii - there’s currently one graded excellent on MPB for £679 which I’ve put a trade in quote request on.

Looking back on this thread, @dibbly dobbler specifically, but others have said and proved the RX10iii is a fine camera - and produced same year as the FZ2000 so I wouldn’t be losing any tech advances by swapping.

Is a new Mk4 worth the +/- £400 premium if I go the e infinity route? Rather than a £150-£250 cost to change for the used Mk 3

And finally, whilst I’ve still got my ICL mirrorless, I do tend not to use it as much for the very reason that my current FZ2000 and potentially the RX10 give me everything I want in one package. If (when) I do go the RX10 route and it does give me everything I need, chances are I might sell my mirrorless ICL kit (Fuji X-S10 plus 18-55 and a 50.-230) so making my purchase much more bearable.

Apologies, a lot to digest there…..

I picked up a used rx10iv on ebay for £900.
It was mint and the guy only used it for 5 days to take to the TT so there are bargains to be had.
The AF on the iv is better than the iii.
I also considered the iii but knew if I got one I'd end up wanting the iv...
I replaced my A9 and 200-600mm with the RX10IV and I've not been disappointed so far.
I take my RX10IV with me a lot more whereas I was leaving the A9 etc at home and only using it for specific shoots.

 

[SimonH]

I picked up a used rx10iv on ebay for £900.
It was mint and the guy only used it for 5 days to take to the TT so there are bargains to be had.
The AF on the iv is better than the iii.
I also considered the iii but knew if I got one I'd end up wanting the iv...
I replaced my A9 and 200-600mm with the RX10IV and I've not been disappointed so far.
I take my RX10IV with me a lot more whereas I was leaving the A9 etc at home and only using it for specific shoots.

Thanks Bob. Sounds like your A9 and my X-S10 dilemmas were similar. Would be nice to find another mint IV for £900!

considered the iii but knew if I got one I'd end up wanting the iv.

that’s the thing…..

 

[dibbly dobbler]

I’d be interested to hear peoples thoughts on my current bridge gear conundrum.
I currently have a Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 bought a year ago when I decided to ditch ICL cameras (something I’ve since retracted but more of that later).
At the time I was very tempted by an RX10iv driven in part by the images I see in this thread, but the cost vs the Panny sealed the deal in the latter's favour.
However, whilst I get some very nice images from the Panny, there are three things that have got me thinking RX10 again.

1. Reach. I shoot all sorts, but like wildlife and there have been many occasions when the 480 reach of the Panny just hasn’t been enough
2. IQ. I’ve had some cracking image from the FZ2000, but looking at what’s possible from the RX10 do think the Sony has the edge. I mostly look at images on my iMac or smaller screens, and rarely print, and if I do it’ll be no bigger than A4 (although I do have a couple of canvas prints actually from a 1:2/3rds sensor fz330 which are fine!).
3. Weather sealing. The Panny isn’t WS, so I’m reluctant to take it out if weather is any way inclement - I’d rather put my RX100vi in a pocket in those conditions.

So…having decided a new UK bought RX10vi is still out of my price range as prices are still generally around £1,400 I’m looking at two options both based on selling the FZ

1. A new RX10iv from e-infinity who I’ve used several times previously at just under £1,100
2. A used RX10iii - there’s currently one graded excellent on MPB for £679 which I’ve put a trade in quote request on.

Looking back on this thread, @dibbly dobbler specifically, but others have said and proved the RX10iii is a fine camera - and produced same year as the FZ2000 so I wouldn’t be losing any tech advances by swapping.

Is a new Mk4 worth the +/- £400 premium if I go the e infinity route? Rather than a £150-£250 cost to change for the used Mk 3

And finally, whilst I’ve still got my ICL mirrorless, I do tend not to use it as much for the very reason that my current FZ2000 and potentially the RX10 give me everything I want in one package. If (when) I do go the RX10 route and it does give me everything I need, chances are I might sell my mirrorless ICL kit (Fuji X-S10 plus 18-55 and a 50.-230) so making my purchase much more bearable.

Apologies, a lot to digest there…..

I think I probably said this before Simon - I didn't notice much difference between the iii and the iv BUT I don't tend do do much with AF tracking etc (I just do very basic stuff with focussing and don't do birds in flight and the like very often).

So it probably depends what you are planning to do with it but for me the iii was at least 95% the same as the iv - I did slightly wonder why I bothered upgrading!

 

[SimonH]

I think I probably said this before Simon - I didn't notice much difference between the iii and the iv BUT I don't tend do do much with AF tracking etc (I just do very basic stuff with focussing and don't do birds in flight and the like very often).

So it probably depends what you are planning to do with it but for me the iii was at least 95% the same as the iv - I did slightly wonder why I bothered upgrading!

Thanks Mike.

I'm sure some of it with me is GAS! As I've been wondering about this over that last few days, I've been looking back through the shots I've taken with the FZ2000. Where I've taken the time to compose and get my settings right (rather than my default point and shoot!) - and like the RX10, where light is good, the Panny does a great job, so the IQ part of my dilemma is probably the weakest argument (although I have waded through a lot of your Flickr shots taken with the RX10-4 and am VERY impressed.
I also don't do many BIF (partly because I'm not good at it!), so the Mk3 would probably be fine if I make the jump as it's the extra reach and weather sealing that would be the biggest pluses over the FZ.

 

[dibbly dobbler]

Thanks Mike.

I'm sure some of it with me is GAS! As I've been wondering about this over that last few days, I've been looking back through the shots I've taken with the FZ2000. Where I've taken the time to compose and get my settings right (rather than my default point and shoot!) - and like the RX10, where light is good, the Panny does a great job, so the IQ part of my dilemma is probably the weakest argument (although I have waded through a lot of your Flickr shots taken with the RX10-4 and am VERY impressed.
I also don't do many BIF (partly because I'm not good at it!), so the Mk3 would probably be fine if I make the jump as it's the extra reach and weather sealing that would be the biggest pluses over the FZ.

If you see a cracking deal on a iv (as Bob mentions above) then you'd be getting a great camera at a great price - but equally if you see a nice iii I'm sure you'd be happy with it too so maybe just wait and see what comes up that you like the look of. Good luck!

 

[stevewestern]

And it's time I confessed that I've now got an (second hand) rx10iv..
I've not had a chance to have a proper play yet and the next week is looking busy, but like you @SimonH my big concern is the IQ but we'll see.
Initial impression is of a camera that'll be easy to take with me, unlike my current bag of lenses...
More to come soon!

 

[ajophotog]

I’d be interested to hear peoples thoughts on my current bridge gear conundrum.
I currently have a Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 bought a year ago when I decided to ditch ICL cameras (something I’ve since retracted but more of that later).
At the time I was very tempted by an RX10iv driven in part by the images I see in this thread, but the cost vs the Panny sealed the deal in the latter's favour.
However, whilst I get some very nice images from the Panny, there are three things that have got me thinking RX10 again.

1. Reach. I shoot all sorts, but like wildlife and there have been many occasions when the 480 reach of the Panny just hasn’t been enough
2. IQ. I’ve had some cracking image from the FZ2000, but looking at what’s possible from the RX10 do think the Sony has the edge. I mostly look at images on my iMac or smaller screens, and rarely print, and if I do it’ll be no bigger than A4 (although I do have a couple of canvas prints actually from a 1:2/3rds sensor fz330 which are fine!).
3. Weather sealing. The Panny isn’t WS, so I’m reluctant to take it out if weather is any way inclement - I’d rather put my RX100vi in a pocket in those conditions.

So…having decided a new UK bought RX10vi is still out of my price range as prices are still generally around £1,400 I’m looking at two options both based on selling the FZ

1. A new RX10iv from e-infinity who I’ve used several times previously at just under £1,100
2. A used RX10iii - there’s currently one graded excellent on MPB for £679 which I’ve put a trade in quote request on.

Looking back on this thread, @dibbly dobbler specifically, but others have said and proved the RX10iii is a fine camera - and produced same year as the FZ2000 so I wouldn’t be losing any tech advances by swapping.

Is a new Mk4 worth the +/- £400 premium if I go the e infinity route? Rather than a £150-£250 cost to change for the used Mk 3

And finally, whilst I’ve still got my ICL mirrorless, I do tend not to use it as much for the very reason that my current FZ2000 and potentially the RX10 give me everything I want in one package. If (when) I do go the RX10 route and it does give me everything I need, chances are I might sell my mirrorless ICL kit (Fuji X-S10 plus 18-55 and a 50.-230) so making my purchase much more bearable.

Apologies, a lot to digest there…..

I have both the Sony rx10 I’ve and the panasonic fz2000. I find very little difference in the end photo and each has its advantages over the other. I do seem to find the handling and menus better on the fz2000 and the extra reach on the Sony is nice. For extra reach the Panasonic lt-55 works well on both cameras. Im happy with both equally.

 

[SimonH]

I have both the Sony rx10 I’ve and the panasonic fz2000. I find very little difference in the end photo and each has its advantages over the other. I do seem to find the handling and menus better on the fz2000 and the extra reach on the Sony is nice. For extra reach the Panasonic lt-55 works well on both cameras. Im happy with both equally.

Thanks Alby. Not familiar with the Panasonic lt-55 so must have a look. I’ve had a few Panasonic Lumix from TZ series to FZ series and I must say they have all been pretty easy to operate and configure, so that’s another +1 for them….

 

[ajophotog]

Thanks Alby. Not familiar with the Panasonic lt-55 so must have a look. I’ve had a few Panasonic Lumix from TZ series to FZ series and I must say they have all been pretty easy to operate and configure, so that’s another +1 for them….

The lt-55 is Panasonics 1.7x tele extender and l think it works pretty well, l have posted a few shot in this thread.

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

And it's time I confessed that I've now got an (second hand) rx10iv..
I've not had a chance to have a proper play yet and the next week is looking busy, but like you @SimonH my big concern is the IQ but we'll see.
Initial impression is of a camera that'll be easy to take with me, unlike my current bag of lenses...
More to come soon!

Congrat's on that Steve, I'm sure you'll like that unit very much. "ENJOY".

 

[stevewestern]

Congrat's on that Steve, I'm sure you'll like that unit very much. "ENJOY".

I've been looking and wondering for a while, even asked a few days ago (on this thread) about manuals to look at and then found one (a rx10iv) later that day that I couldn't resist...
Hope to have a chance to set it up and try it over the next few days - why is it that every time I buy something special that needs a few hours to get my head around we have a stream of visitors that leave me with no time to sit quietly and play..?
I've not even taken a single shot yet (nor confessed to my wife) and even this reply is being done while I prepare dinner!

 

[dibbly dobbler]

Small Heath by Mike Smith, on Flickr

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

Small Heath by Mike Smith, on Flickr

Very nice close up style capture Mike, with some very appealing colours.

 

[johnty52]

Nice one Mike, looks great on Flickr

Small Heath by Mike Smith, on Flickr

 

[ajophotog]

Nice butterfly shot Mike, it looks very much like a meadow brown with the scalloped underwing, did you get a shot of the wings opened?

 

[magicolor1]

Nice butterfly shot Mike, it looks very much like a meadow brown with the scalloped underwing, did you get a shot of the wings opened?

Definitely a meadow brown and not a small heath - doesn't need the wings open to be sure of that

 

[stickytape]

The lt-55 is Panasonics 1.7x tele extender and l think it works pretty well, l have posted a few shot in this thread.

I admit I’m an idiot, I bought the filter thread you suggested before and it arrived yesterday but it didn’t fit! I just got it off Amazon, any chance you could share a link to one that would work from there? Like you, I got the FZ2500 and the LT55, which works fine on my V Lux4 but need an adapter for the FZ

 

[ajophotog]

I admit I’m an idiot, I bought the filter thread you suggested before and it arrived yesterday but it didn’t fit! I just got it off Amazon, any chance you could share a link to one that would work from there? Like you, I got the FZ2500 and the LT55, which works fine on my V Lux4 but need an adapter for the FZ

I just use a step down ring 67mm-55mm to fit my fz2000 and a 72mm-55MM to fit my rx10iv. It will vignette up to about 300mm but I only use it for the long end anyway.

67mm to 55mm 67-55mm 67mm-55mm 67-55 mm Step Down Lens Filter Ring Adapter UK | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 67mm to 55mm 67-55mm 67mm-55mm 67-55 mm Step Down Lens Filter Ring Adapter UK at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[stickytape]

I just use a step down ring 67mm-55mm to fit my fz2000 and a 72mm-55MM to fit my rx10iv. It will vignette up to about 300mm but I only use it for the long end anyway.

Ahh I'd got the 72mm, misread the post. Thanks!