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Sony RX10 1V the new boy. (4 Viewers)

As another birder with the 7DII 100-400 mkII I've just joined the ranks of RX10 IV owners. In my case I have no expectation of getting rid of the DSLR as I do take photography moderately seriously. However I do quite a bit of hill walking and lugging the DSLR around on the off chance of seeing ptarmigan or dotterel is a pain - particularly as our sons are now at least as fast as us in the hills!
So far I'm really impressed. The programmability is great (if confusing - more on that later), and I particularly like the "macro" performance. I have been using Capture One Express (for Sony) for editing. I would comment that Capture One really, really, really don't want you to get hold of their free software and do everything possible to divert you elsewhere!
I have my normal settings for walkabout photos and a programmed setting for BIF. However my wife would also like a setting optimised for mountain views (using focus lock - which prevents me from using the focus lock button for the BIF program).
Does anyone have any suggestions for the most ergonomic and efficient way to accommodate these disparate requirements?

Rob
 
I finally received my RX10 IV, and took it out for a trial run on Sunday. I am very impressed. It is already obvious to me, after just a few hours of use, that this camera will allow me to get shots I could never get with the old technology I was using before.

I think it paid off to study the manual (and book by Alexander White) before receiving the camera, and typing out some notes about how I wanted to program the camera, once it arrived. I have just begun to learn how to use the camera, but so far I am very happy with the images I was able to take in my one session so far. The AF and metering are extremely good.

Using GIMP to process my RAW images has worked well this week, except for the fact that there is no easy, quick way to preview hundreds of RAW images in GIMP. You have to create previews one at a time - and when you delete images, you need to create the previews of the images you keep all over again. I found that deleting images in camera first simplified the process of going through and examining the remaining images more carefully to determine which ones were definite keepers.
 
What should I do? On my third outing trying out my new RX10 IV, I took some photos of an osprey that included large patches of sky - and found to my disappointment that there is dust or dirt on the sensor that is showing up on the photos. I called Sony, and they agree with my assessment. They want me to send it to them for warranty repair. However, there are a few weeks left in the return window with the retailer. Should I sent it back to the retailer and risk getting a second camera with problems, or should I sent my first one to Sony and hope they don't create any new problems when cleaning the sensor?

I have no idea what to do. The returns with this retailer are easy, and the shipping to Sony more difficult, with risk for damage during shipping borne by me. But maybe I should have Sony do the repair to the first camera, so I can be sure I get a camera that is clean. I'm nervous about shipping the camera to Sony, but I guess I can use a huge amount of bubble wrap and keep the clear glass lens protector on the camera.

What would you do?
 
In your position, I'd deal with the retailer if it's easier and it means you get your hands on a new camera more quickly. I've had the RX10 IV for about a year now, and I've had no dust problems. Neither have I seen this reported on various forums as a common issue.

I think you've just been unlucky, and it's unlikely that you'll get a second camera with the same issue. Also, of course, there have been instances where a repair has supposedly been carried out and the camera/lens is returned to the customer with the exact same fault. I'm not saying Sony would be guilty of that, just that these things happen.

So, for me, retailer first. In effect, they sold you a faulty camera, so they should replace it. Mind you, if you do get a second one with the same problem, don't look at me.😉

Malcolm
 
Thanks, Malcolm. I think your suggestion of returning the camera to the retailer is the right way to go. The repairs would actually be done by a shop in Connecticut.

The return is easier, except that I’ll then have to put a screen protector on the replacement and re-program it. I hope you’re right about this problem being a fluke unlikely to be repeated in the replacement.
 
Oh, that's a shame. I'm sorry to hear that you, too, were a victim of poor quality control. This worries me about getting a replacement, but I will probably do that, as no other camera can do what this one can do - when it works as it should.
 
First real trial of the RX10 Mk IV. Just back from two weeks in the west Highlands, doing plenty of walking. In the past I would decide on a day by day basis whether to take the DSLR on the hill - having to guess whether there would be something worth photographing. The Sony was fine for a whole day's walking on the rucksack hip belt and it came out every day. A day in the Grey Corries where I definitely wouldn't have taken the DSLR gave great photo opportunities with dotterel. Similarly I probably wouldn't have taken it on the Carn Mor Dearg arete and missed the confiding snow buntings on Ben Nevis. I confess to being a pixel peeper yet I am still hugely impressed with the camera's capabilities. In good light I think probably does at least as well as my DSLR for static subjects and it can do views and "macro" too. There are limitations (e.g. the EVF - although it is FAR better than for example the Canon SX50) and I have no intention of getting rid of the DSLR but the Sony is an amazing camera.

Rob
 

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An excellent set of images, Rob. As a fellow RX10 IV user, I think you've summed up the camera perfectly. 👍

Malcolm
 
OK, I returned the first RX10 M4 due to the speck of dust on the sensor showing up on images. I ordered a second camera, but didn't even get to unboxing it - had to refuse the shipment, as the shipping company pummeled the outer and inner boxes to the extent that I felt I had to refuse the delivery. After my refund for the second camera posted, I ordered the third unit from a well-known retailer here in the USA and went to the store to pick it up. I programmed it, put display protectors on the top and rear displays, and took it out for a trial last week. I tested the built-in flash indoors last night. It appears to work normally, and I was again very impressed by the photos I was able to take.

I am getting far more quality images than I was able to get when I owned a Nikon D2x and two excellent Nikon telephoto lenses that I hauled around, until I couldn't physically do that anymore. I think that is a real credit to this camera, as well as the special location I've frequented with this camera to take photos. But I do think you have to read the manual(s) to take advantage of what this camera can do, and having an extra book written by an expert, such as Alexander White, also helps. Although I do not want to count on being able to keep this camera, after just one outing, I am hoping I've finally found a camera that will bring me more pleasure than problems.
 
Ruff-Leg said:
Alexander White's book is fine for knowing everything the RX10 can do, but Steve Ingraham's (of Better View Desired fame) is more focused (sorry) on bird and nature photography. It's worth a try. Sony RX10iv for Point and Shoot Nature Photography Guide

RL
Click to expand...
I have Steve’s book. It’s helpful for those of us who focus on animal and nature photography - especially birds. However, for the general camera user and those completely unfamiliar with the camera, it isn’t as comprehensive as Alexander’s book. And as helpful as Steve’s book is for bird shooters, I’ve chosen some settings for my bird photography that differ a bit from those recommended by Steve.

The information in both books, and the full instruction manual, all assisted me in choosing the settings for my programs. That’s why I recommend having all of these resources at hand, if possible.
 
During my last trip to Western Mexico, I broke my Sony dsc hx400. It is the fourth one I've had and broken. I bought the first version in 2007. I really liked all versions of that camera. It was exactly what I needed for my circumstances. I bought the last one in 2017. This time, when I looked at my options, I was a little taken aback at the price, and to be honest, the last one didn't seem to take as good of photos as the previous versions. When I went online to see my options, I found the RX10 4, and I decided to take the rather expensive plunge. I am just back from Best Buy with my new camera. It's late and dark outside so I am going to read some instructions and hopefully have some fun with it tomorrow. I go back to Mexico the first week of December, so I hope I have some understanding of how it works by then. I'm a bit worried after reading this thread, as several people mentioned the need for some books to master the camera. I am so not technical.
 
I went down the road to Bolsa Chica ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Bolsa-Chica-ER) this afternoon to try out the camera. Lots of terrible, long distance shots mainly because I wasn't holding the camera still enough. I'll go out tomorrow to a place where I can get closer to the birds and see how less telescoped shots come out. Will also get some macros. I think I am going to be very happy with this camera. Here is a Long-billed curlew shot at 600mm. I posted the original and a cropped, slightly sharpened version.
 

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SueO said:
I went down the road to Bolsa Chica ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Bolsa-Chica-ER) this afternoon to try out the camera. Lots of terrible, long distance shots mainly because I wasn't holding the camera still enough. I'll go out tomorrow to a place where I can get closer to the birds and see how less telescoped shots come out. Will also get some macros. I think I am going to be very happy with this camera. Here is a Long-billed curlew shot at 600mm. I posted the original and a cropped, slightly sharpened version.
Click to expand...
What ISO setting did you use? Bird came out really well. Very nice that you provided both the original and the somewhat sharpened crop.
 
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