With its impressive 24-600mm zoom lens and stacked sensor, the Sony RX10 IV has ruled the bridge camera market. But times are changing. New contenders from Panasonic, Nikon, Canon and even Sony’s own RX10 III threaten the crown. I’ve tested them all to see if any can dethrone my beloved RX10 IV.

In this comprehensive battle of the superzooms, I will compare the top Sony RX10 IV alternatives on critical factors like zoom range, image quality, shooting speeds, video specs, and design.

If you’re looking for a versatile all-in-one camera, this review will help you decide if the king can keep its crown or if a new champion will emerge.

Comparison Table – Sony RX10 IV Alternatives

1. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II

Product Specifications

Feature	Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II
Sensor	20.1MP 1-Inch MOS
Image Processor	Venus Engine
Lens	25-400mm f/2.8-4
Viewfinder	2.36M-dot OLED EVF
Rear Screen	3-inch Free Angle Touch LCD
Max Shooting Rate	12fps
Video Resolution	4K 30/25fps
Dimensions	136 x 97 x 131 mm
Weight	810g

I considered the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II as a top competitor to the Sony RX10 IV. As the successor to the original FZ1000, it packs quite a punch. The FZ1000 II retains the same impressive 25-400mm equivalent zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the whole range.

This versatile lens provides amazing flexibility whether I’m shooting expansive landscapes or close-up action sequences.

Compared to its predecessor, the FZ1000 II has a very similar appearance. The body is slightly larger than the RX10 IV and has ample rubber gripping for a secure feel in hand. There is a high resolution 2.36M dot OLED electronic viewfinder along with a fully articulating rear LCD screen – both nice upgrades over the Sony.

The FZ1000 II has a good number of customizable buttons and dials across the body, allowing me to personalize the controls to my shooting style.

Under the hood, Panasonic has equipped this camera with a 1-inch, 20.1MP MOS sensor capable of recording crisp, finely detailed images. It uses the powerful Venus image processing engine and offers continuous shooting up to 12 fps with autofocus, ideal for capturing fast action.

On the video front, the FZ1000 II records UHD 4K video at 30/25fps and offers Panasonic’s 4K Photo mode to extract high resolution stills. One huge advantage is an unlimited recording time, unlike the 30-minute limit on the RX10 IV.

So, overall the FZ1000 II is a top-of-the-line bridge camera with excellent still and video quality. The versatile zoom lens, updated rear display, unlimited recording time, and customizable controls make it a compelling alternative to consider.

My Opinion

The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II is an extremely capable bridge camera that I could see as a potential replacement for my Sony RX10 IV. The long, fast zoom lens provides amazing versatility for both stills and video.

I especially like the unlimited 4K recording time and high-resolution EVF/rear LCD upgrades. However, it is slightly larger than I’d prefer and lacks some of the advanced autofocus capabilities of the RX10 IV. But overall, the FZ1000 II remains a strong contender with great features at an affordable price point.

2. Nikon Coolpix P1000

Product Specifications

Feature	Nikon Coolpix P1000
Sensor	16MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS
Image Processor	EXPEED
Lens	24-3000mm f/2.8-8
Viewfinder	2.36M-dot OLED EVF
Rear Screen	3.2” 921k-dot Vari-angle LCD
Max Shooting Rate	7fps
Video Resolution	1080p 60fps
Dimensions	146 x 119 x 181 mm
Weight	1415g

If zoom range is the top priority in your search for a Sony RX10 IV alternative, look no further than the Nikon Coolpix P1000. This camera boasts an incredible 24-3000mm equivalent optical zoom lens – the longest zoom lens on any production camera to date.

With this unmatched focal range, I can capture intricate details of subjects near and incredibly far away.

Despite the massive zoom performance, Nikon has managed to keep the overall size of the P1000 fairly compact. The contoured handgrip and textured finish allow me to get a secure hold of the camera.

The barrel of the lens extends when zooming but balances nicely during use. Bright sunlight can make it tricky to see the 3.2″ LCD screen, so the 2.36M dot electronic viewfinder comes in handy. Buttons and dials are logically laid out for quick access to settings.

Image quality from the 16MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor is good but can’t match the larger sensors of the RX10 IV. The backside illumination technology helps improve light capture and noise performance, which is critical for such a long zoom range.

The Dual Detect OIS stabilization effectively reduces shakes for sharper handheld photos and stable videos. Speaking of videos, the P1000 shoots decent 1080p Full HD footage but lacks more advanced 4K video capabilities.

Shooting speeds are quite slow due to the moving elements within the lens, so this isn’t ideal for action photography.

But the phenomenal zoom range and optical performance for the price make the Coolpix P1000 a brilliant specialty camera for situations that demand extreme telephoto capabilities.

My Opinion

The defining feature of the Nikon P1000 is undoubtedly the 24-3000mm zoom lens which simply blows away the competition. In addition to being able to capture subjects close up, this camera can capture those from great distances as well.

The image quality from the small sensor is surprisingly good. However, the lack of 4K video, slower speeds, and narrower long-end aperture hold it back as an overall RX10 IV replacement for me. But it excels in its role as an affordable mega zoom specialist camera.

3. Canon PowerShot G3 X

Product Specifications

Feature	Canon PowerShot G3 X
Sensor	20.2MP 1″ CMOS
Image Processor	DIGIC 6
Lens	24-600mm f/2.8-5.6
Rear Screen	3.2″ 1.62M-dot Tilt LCD
Max Shooting Rate	5.9 fps
Video Resolution	1080p 60fps
Dimensions	123 x 77 x 105 mm
Weight	739g

With its premium design and long zoom range, the Canon PowerShot G3 X is positioned as a versatile all-in-one camera for enthusiasts. It offers a 20.2MP 1″ sensor paired with a wide 24-600mm f/2.8-5.6 zoom lens, giving me great image quality across an expansive range ideal for landscapes, portraits, and far away subjects.

Canon has crafted the G3 X with a sturdy weather-sealed body featuring a deep handgrip that fits comfortably even during extended outings. The sleek black styling looks professional while being lightweight enough for prolonged handheld use.

Physical controls include front and rear dials, several custom buttons, and a control ring around the lens barrel, allowing intuitive adjustments on the fly.

The G3 X captures crisp, finely detailed images with pleasing colors and great high ISO noise control. The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture at the wide end enables beautiful background blur in portraits.

While not ideal for fast action, respectable 3.9fps burst shooting with autofocus lets me capture some moving subjects. Full HD video looks nice but lacks 4K capabilities. Image stabilization helps offset camera shake, although it isn’t quite as effective as Sony’s SteadyShot system.

On the rear is a bright, 3.2″ 1.62M-dot touchscreen LCD that tilts up and down for flexible viewing angles. I would have liked to see an electronic viewfinder, but the LCD does have good sunny-day visibility. Overall, the PowerShot G3 X packs nice performance and features a premium long zoom camera.

My Opinion

The Canon G3 X is a very capable long-zoom camera with great image quality from the 1-inch sensor and professional weather-sealed body. The 24-600mm lens offers an extremely versatile range for everything from landscapes to distant subjects.

Lacking a viewfinder and 4K video are disappointments, though. Performance is not quite on par with the Sony RX10 IV, but the G3 X produces pleasing images and videos. It ultimately comes down to what features are must-haves versus trade-offs based on pricing.

4. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III

Product Specifications

• Sensor: 20.1MP 1” Exmor RS
• Image Processor: BIONZ X
• Lens: 24-600mm f/2.8-4
• Viewfinder: 2.36M-dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF
• Rear Screen: 3” 1.23M-dot Tilt LCD
• Max Shooting Rate: 14 fps
• Video Resolution: 4K 30fps
• Dimensions: 133 x 94 x 127 mm
• Weight: 1051g

As the predecessor to the camera I currently use, the Sony RX10 III is an obvious choice to consider. It maintains the same impressive 24-600mm f/2.8-4 zoom lens and physical design as my Mark IV. It allows me to shoot expansive landscapes at 24mm and get in close with 600mm of telephoto reach.

The smooth Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T glass produces excellent sharpness across the entire zoom range with beautiful background blur when wide open.

Sony has packed the RX10 III with a 20.1MP 1” Exmor RS sensor and powerful BIONZ X processor, which deliver fantastic image quality with minimal noise even in low light conditions. 14 fps continuous shooting ensures I can reliably capture fast action sequences.

Feature	Sony RX10 III
Sensor	20.1MP 1” Exmor RS
Image Processor	BIONZ X
Lens	24-600mm f/2.8-4
Viewfinder	2.36M-dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF
Rear Screen	3” 1.23M-dot Tilt LCD
Max Shooting Rate	14 fps
Video Resolution	4K 30fps
Dimensions	133 x 94 x 127 mm
Weight	1051g

On the video front, 4K recording and advanced autofocus make the RX10 III a versatile hybrid camera. The weather-sealed body feels great in hand with an updated grip and easy-to-access controls.

One key upgrade on the Mark IV is the touchscreen rear LCD which allows quick focus point adjustments and menu navigation. The RX10 III has the same high-resolution EVF and tilting LCD but lacks touch capabilities.

In addition, the IV has improved battery life. However, aside from those differences, the RX10 III shares many of the same excellent features and performance at a more affordable price point.

My Opinion

As the predecessor to my RX10 IV, the Sony RX10 III remains a very compelling option with the same lens and sensor technology in a slightly more affordable package. Performance is nearly on par with excellent image quality, zoom range, shooting speeds, and video abilities.

I think the lack of a touchscreen is the most noticeable omission. But the RX10 III still delivers outstanding hybrid camera capabilities for both stills and video in a durable body. For cost savings, I would seriously consider the Mark III as an alternative.

Conclusion

After reviewing the various options, the Sony RX10 IV still reigns supreme in my book but faces some stiff competition. The Panasonic FZ1000 II offers amazing value with its long zoom range and unlimited 4K recording at a lower price point.

The Nikon P1000 can’t be matched for sheer zoom power with its staggering 24-3000mm lens, performing well as a specialty camera. Canon’s G3 X provides great image quality in a rugged body but lags behind in performance. However, Sony’s RX10 III offers nearly identical features and quality aside from the lack of a touchscreen.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Sony RX10 IV Alternatives

When researching your options, there are several key factors to weigh before making a buying decision.

Zoom Range

One of the main appeals of a bridge camera is having a huge zoom range in a relatively compact package. The RX10 IV offers a versatile 24-600mm equivalent focal length. Think about what types of subjects you plan to photograph and how much reach you’ll need.

Some alternatives, like the Nikon P1000, go all the way to 3000mm, while others, like the Panasonic FZ1000 II, max out at 400mm. The broader the range, the more framing flexibility you’ll have.

Maximum Aperture

Look at the maximum aperture available throughout the zoom range. Constant aperture lenses like f/2.8 provide the same amount of light at all focal lengths. As a result, shallow depths of the field can be achieved, and shutter speeds can be increased when lighting is poor. Some alternatives have more variable apertures that narrow at the telephoto end, reducing performance.

Image Sensor Size & Resolution

In general, larger image sensors produce better-quality photos and videos, especially in dim lighting. The RX10 IV uses a 1-inch sensor, but some alternatives use smaller 1/2.3″ sensors. Also consider resolution – the RX10 IV offers 20MP, while options range from 16MP to 21MP. A higher resolution allows for more cropping flexibility.

Shooting Speeds

If you want to capture fast action, look for models with quicker continuous shooting speeds and advanced autofocus systems. With autofocus and auto exposure, the RX10 IV can shoot up to 24 frames per second Alternatives range from 3 fps to 14 fps – big differences that impact versatility.

Video Capabilities

Many bridge cameras are also designed for great video performance. The RX10 IV records 4K video internally and has mic/headphone jacks. Some competitors lack 4K or other professional video features. Check video resolution, frame rates, recording limits, microphone connectivity, and more.

Design & Handling

As you’ll often be hand-holding bridge cameras, the ergonomics and build quality are important. The RX10 IV is weather-sealed with a deep grip. Compare size, weight, materials, control layout, and features like tilting screens or electronic viewfinders that affect usability.

Stabilization

At long zoom lengths, vibration reduction is critical for sharp shots. Optical stabilization in the lens, along with electronic stabilization, combine to reduce blur. Check how many stops of compensation different systems provide, as performance can vary greatly.

Brand Reputation

Also, consider each camera maker’s reputation for quality, reliability, and support. Sony has a strong following among enthusiasts, as do brands like Panasonic and Canon. Read reviews and comparisons to gauge real-world performance and satisfaction.

FAQs

What Are Some Other Good Alternatives To The Sony Rx10 Iv Camera?

Aside from those listed in this article, some good alternatives to consider are the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II, Panasonic Lumix FZ300, Sony Cyber-shot RX10 II, Fujifilm X-S10, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and Fujifilm X-T4.

Nikon Z50 Vs. Sony Rx10 Iv: How Does It Compare In Low Light?

The larger APS-C sensor in the Nikon Z50 provides about a 1-stop advantage in low light over the 1-inch sensor in the RX10 IV. Its expanded ISO up to 204800 also surpasses the 12800 ISO on the Sony. However, the RX10 IV still delivers excellent noise control at high ISOs for its sensor size.

Which Camera Has Better Image Stabilization, The Rx10 Iv Or The Olympus E-M1x?

Both cameras have highly effective in-body 5-axis image stabilization, but the Olympus E-M1X is class-leading. Its advanced system provides up to 7.0 stops of compensation versus 5.5 stops in the RX10 IV. This gives the E-M1X a noticeable advantage for handheld shooting.

What Is The Autofocus Speed Of Sony Rx10 Iv Compared To Canon Eos R5?

The Sony RX10 IV has an excellent hybrid AF system that is very fast, but the Canon EOS R5 has next-level autofocus performance. The R5 uses Canon’s latest Dual Pixel AF II technology and can lock focus in just 0.05 seconds, surpassing the RX10 IV.

Does The Fujifilm X-T4 Compare Well With The Sony Rx10 Iv For Video?

The X-T4 is capable of high-quality 4K 60p 10-bit internal recording, exceeding the video capabilities of the RX10 IV. However, the Sony still has the better lens for video with its 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom range. The fixed lenses on the X-T4 lack that versatility, though Fujifilm’s quality is superb.