One of the most exciting advances in camera technology seen in the last year can be found on the Sony RX10 II and RX100 IV . And the improved performance has nothing to do with resolution, high ISO performance or dynamic range.

Serving as the successor to the previously released RX10 III, the new RX10 IV features the same basic design, zoom lens, and sensor, while adding a few key internal improvements -- particularly when it comes to the camera's Auto Focus speed, tracking, phase-detection points, and continuous shooting...

After spending a few hours with the RX10 IV, we're very impressed with this camera so far. The improved AF-perhaps its biggest selling point-was incredibly quick during our field tests.

The RX10 IV updates Sony's high-end Bridge Super-zoom retaining its predecessor's 24-600mm / 25x zoom, weather-proof body and OLED EVF, but inheriting the RX100 V's sensor for phase-detect AF, 24fps bursts and 4k without binning.

I was a professional photographer of weddings and portrait work since the mid 90's. After shoulder surgery and backing away from most of the professional end of things I slimmed down my gear. I was always an avid pro DSLR user and lover but dabbled in some smaller formats along the way.

For those looking for a powerful all-in-one solution, the RX10 IV is the best camera out there. It comes at a price, but there's nothing else quite like it.

Excellent and fast 24-600mm lens; Superb stills and video quality; High-quality EVF and tilting touchscreen; Excellent high-ISO performance; Advanced AF system

Pricey compared to rivals; Touchscreen control limited; Relatively large and heavy

The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV sets a new standard for all-in-one superzoom models. If you're interested in getting an all-in-one travel camera, or simply want to photograph your local wildlife without needing to buy a huge zoom lens for a DSLR, it's the best you can buy right now.

Huge zoom range covers almost any photographic opportunity; Fast; accurate autofocus keeps moving subjects sharp; Excellent image quality in most lighting conditions

Screen only tilts up or down, Lacks some expected features, e.g; intervalometer, Bluetooth under-utilised (only used for geotagging

With the RX10 IV, a lot of these user experience and reliability complaints have been addressed. The sensor comes from the RX100 V , bringing phase detect AF to the camera, which results in more reliable autofocus with almost no hunting. A touchscreen allows for painless AF point placement.

Casual sports, action and wildlife shooters; World travelers, family vacation photography, videographers looking for a high-quality all-in-one solution

Sports and action photographers wishing to zoom while also maintaining focus on a moving subject

The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV is a premium all-in-one bridge camera with a 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor and a long-range 24-600mm equivalent zoom. Styled like a small DSLR, it costs £1799.

Like the RX10 Mark III , the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV continues to offer the excellent 25x optical zoom Zeiss lens with a bright f/2.4 aperture at the wide-angle end of the lens, and a bright f/4.0 at the telephoto end of the lens.

Bright f/2.4 to f/4.0; 25x optical zoom lens; Excellent image quality; Excellent noise performance; 4K video recording; High-speed video; Weather-sealed body; High-resolution electronic viewfinder; 24fps high-speed continuous shooting; Fast focus and shutter response; Built-in Wi-Fi; NFC and...

Switching between NTSC / PAL requires a memory card format; JPEG Super Fine not an option when shooting JPEG+RAW; Raw not available at the same time as creative effects; Touchscreen of limited use; Menus could be improved; Price