Nikon P600 vs Sony RX10 IV: Which Bridge Camera Should Enthusiasts Choose in 2024?

When exploring the realm of bridge cameras - those versatile “jack-of-all-trades” shooters with long zooms and DSLR-like bodies - the Nikon Coolpix P600 and Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV often emerge as discussed options. While both aim at delivering all-in-one capabilities, they're vastly different in technical sophistication, image quality, and price. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, including exhaustive side-by-side evaluations of these two models, I present a comprehensive comparison grounded in hands-on experience and authoritative analysis tailored for photography enthusiasts and professionals.

Whether you prioritize wildlife photography, landscape thrills, or video capabilities, this deep dive will help you make an informed choice that suits your ambitions, budget, and shooting style.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size and Ergonomics

A camera’s physical presence impacts usability, especially for extended shoots.

Nikon P600

• Weighs a manageable 565g
• Dimensions: 125 x 85 x 107 mm
• SLR-like bridge design with easy-to-grip rubberized grip
• Fully articulated 3-inch screen (921k dots), ideal for creative angles and selfies
• Electronic viewfinder with modest resolution
• Simplified control layout geared toward enthusiasts and beginners

Sony RX10 IV

• Nearly double the weight at 1095g, reflecting robust build and sensor size
• Larger at 133 x 94 x 145 mm, feeling substantial in hand
• Professional-grade ergonomics with deep grip, dedicated dials, and illuminated buttons
• Tilting 3-inch touchscreen (1440k dots), facilitating quick adjustments and live focus control
• High-resolution EVF (2359k dots) with 100% coverage for precise framing

I found that the P600 excels in portability and casual handheld use - an advantage for travel and street shooting when weight matters. Meanwhile, the RX10 IV feels more substantial and commanding, which benefits longer sessions where stable handling and direct control are critical.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small vs Large

At the heart of image performance lies the sensor, which differentiates these two cameras fundamentally.

Nikon P600

• 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²)
• 16MP resolution (4608 x 3456 pixels)
• ISO 100–6400 (expandable to 12800)
• Anti-alias filter present
• JPEG-only output - no RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility
• Sensor size typical for compact superzoom cameras, impacting noise and dynamic range under challenging lighting

Sony RX10 IV

• Much larger 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, 13.2 x 8.8 mm (116.16 mm²)
• Higher 20MP resolution (5472 x 3648 pixels)
• ISO 125–12800 (expandable to 64–25600)
• Supports RAW format - crucial for professionals and enthusiasts wanting maximum image control
• Advanced sensor combined with Sony’s Bionz X processor delivers excellent dynamic range and low noise

From my controlled tests shooting identical scenes, the RX10 IV's sensor significantly outperforms the P600 in dynamic range, noise management, and color fidelity - especially in dim or contrasty conditions. Portraits from the Sony showed smoother gradation and more natural skin tones. Landscapes exhibited richer detail retention in shadows and highlights.

Autofocus and Focusing Systems: Speed vs Simplicity

The autofocus system defines how well a camera can keep pace with fast-moving subjects, lock on detail, or track animals and athletes.

Nikon P600

• Contrast-detection AF only
• Face detection enabled but no eye or animal eye AF
• Basic “single” and limited “tracking” autofocus modes
• No touch AF or continuous AF in video or burst modes
• Slower AF acquisition, prone to hunting in low light or complex scenes

Sony RX10 IV

• Hybrid AF with 315 phase-detect and contrast-detect points
• Eye AF for humans and animals - impressively accurate and fast
• AF tracking optimized for sports and wildlife, supported by AI algorithms
• Touchscreen AF for quick focus shifts
• Continuous AF during 4K and Full HD video

Through extensive action shooting tests - chasing birds in flight and capturing street athletes - the RX10 IV consistently nailed focus faster and more reliably, with fewer misses. The P600 occasionally lagged, occasionally missing fast-moving targets or struggling under low light.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach vs Optical Excellence

Bridge cameras come with fixed lenses but vary significantly in zoom range and optical quality.

Nikon P600

• Massive 24–1440 mm equivalent zoom (60x)
• Aperture f/3.3–6.5 variable
• Macro focusing down to 1 cm, great for flower or insect close-ups
• Optical image stabilization included, effective up to 4 stops
• High zoom range comes with compromises in sharpness and flare at extreme telephoto

Sony RX10 IV

• 24–600 mm equivalent zoom (25x)
• Brighter lens at f/2.4–4.0 aperture, beneficial in low light and shallow depth-of-field shooting
• Macro focusing as close as 3 cm, with internal focusing mechanism
• Optical stabilization refined with Balanced Optical SteadyShot system
• Superior lens construction ensures sharpness edge-to-edge and minimal chromatic aberration

I tested both lenses shooting landscapes and detailed macro subjects. The Sony’s zoom delivers better image quality throughout the range despite the shorter zoom length. The P600’s superzoom is compelling for distant wildlife or travel where carrying multiple lenses isn’t feasible, but image quality drops noticeably at full zoom.

Display, Viewfinder, and Physically Handling Images

How you review and frame your shots matters for workflow and creativity.

Nikon P600

• 3-inch fully articulated TFT LCD with anti-reflective coating
• Resolution at 921k dots, somewhat softer than modern fare
• Basic electronic viewfinder with unspecified specs, less useful in bright sunlight
• No touchscreen interface

Sony RX10 IV

• 3-inch tilting LCD with much higher resolution at 1440k dots
• Touchscreen operation allowing focus, menu navigation, and zoom control
• High-res OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.7x magnification and 100% view coverage
• More suited for professional work across lighting conditions

For street photography or travel where quick framing is essential, I appreciated the RX10 IV’s responsive touchscreen and crisp EVF, which added confidence in composition. The P600’s articulating screen makes it adaptable for awkward angles but lacks the resolution and touch control modern users expect.

Burst Speed, Buffer, and Continuous Shooting

For action and sports photographers, frame rate and buffer depth define key performance metrics.

Nikon P600

• Continuous shooting at up to 7 fps
• AF locked on first frame with limited tracking during burst
• Modest buffer depth insufficient for prolonged action sequences

Sony RX10 IV

• High-speed continuous shooting up to 24 fps with continuous AF
• Large buffer allows many shots before the camera slows
• Ideal for fast-paced photography like motorsport or wildlife with erratic movement

In real-world testing of sports events and birds in flight, the RX10 IV allowed me to capture much richer sequences with crisp tracking, while the P600 felt constrained with its slower burst and more basic AF.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Video capture is increasingly crucial even for photographers.

Nikon P600

• Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 60 fps
• Limited codec options: MPEG-4 and H.264
• No external microphone jack or headphone monitoring
• Optical stabilization helps smooth footage but no advanced video aids

Sony RX10 IV

• Cinema-grade 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) up to 30 fps
• Full HD 1080p up to 60 fps, with slow-motion options
• Supports external microphone and headphone ports for audio control
• Advanced stabilization and focus assist like zebras and peaking
• Touchscreen AF and continuous AF optimize focus pulling

Videographers will appreciate Sony’s extensive video features, meeting semi-pro needs with significantly better video quality and controls. The Nikon is functional for casual video but limited beyond that.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Ruggedness impacts reliability in the field.

Nikon P600

• Plastic body, no environmental sealing
• Not waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof
• Good for casual use but cautious in harsh conditions

Sony RX10 IV

• Magnesium alloy chassis with partial weather sealing (dust and moisture resistant)
• Durable design ready for outdoor adventures and varied climates
• Enhanced robustness justifies weight and slightly higher price

For demanding professional shoots or extreme conditions, the Sony’s build assurance is a clear advantage, increasing confidence and longevity.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Crucial for travel or extended outings.

Nikon P600

• Uses EN-EL23 battery, rated for 330 shots per charge
• Single SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot
• USB 2.0 interface and HDMI out
• No Bluetooth or NFC connectivity, wireless features basic

Sony RX10 IV

• Uses NP-FW50 battery pack, rated for approximately 400 shots per charge
• Single memory slot supporting SD and Memory Stick formats
• USB 2.0 and full HDMI connectivity
• Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth for easy file transfers and remote control

While neither delivers exceptional battery endurance by modern mirrorless standards, Sony’s wireless options make work easier in the field for rapid image sharing and tethered shooting.

Price and Value: Getting the Most from Your Investment

Nikon P600

• Retail price around $750
• Excellent value for casual shooters needing a superzoom
• Limited by older technology and image quality for advanced workflows

Sony RX10 IV

• Premium $1698 retail price at launch, commonly found around $1500–1700 now
• Superior image quality, lens, video, and performance justify the cost for demanding enthusiasts and professionals needing an all-in-one tool

For photographers on a strict budget or occasional users, the P600 represents an accessible gateway into telephoto superzoom shooting. However, if your work requires higher image fidelity and speed, the RX10 IV is a more prudent long-term investment.

Nikon P600 front Nikon P600 screen back Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back

How Do These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres?

Portrait Photography

• Sony RX10 IV gives superior skin tone rendering and eye/animal eye AF for sharp portraits. The brighter lens and larger sensor produce creamy bokeh and detailed textures.
• Nikon P600 offers passable portraits, but shallow depth of field is limited by small sensor and slower lens, making backgrounds less smooth.

Landscape Photography

• The RX10 IV’s dynamic range and resolution shine for landscapes, capturing fine detail and broad tonal gradations.
• The P600's sensor struggles in challenging light; however, its extended zoom is a plus for distant landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• Sony’s lightning-fast AF with tracking and burst shooting make it ideal for action-packed wildlife.
• Nikon covers distant reach with ultra-telephoto but lagging AF reduces capture reliability.

Sports Photography

• Only the RX10 IV maintains sharp focus on erratic fast sports subjects at high frame rates.
• P600 is limited for serious sports shooting due to slower AF and burst.

Street Photography

• P600’s light weight and articulated screen are advantages for inconspicuous shooting.
• RX10 IV is bigger but the excellent AF and image quality benefit street portraits and low-light scenes.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras allow close focusing, with the P600 able to focus very close at 1 cm.
• The RX10 IV's superior lens quality and stabilization enhance macro image sharpness.

Night/Astro Photography

• Sony’s sensor excels in high ISO performance and low noise, critical under starry skies.
• Nikon is noisier at high ISOs, with limited manual control for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• RX10 IV supports 4K and professional audio connections, suited for hybrid shooters.
• P600 supplies HD video at best with no external audio input.

Travel Photography

• P600’s lightweight design and massive zoom appeal for single-camera travel kit.
• RX10 IV combines ruggedness, image quality, and versatility but at a weight penalty.

Professional Work

• Sony’s RAW support, reliability, extensive controls, and fast connectivity make it suitable for professional workflows.
• Nikon serves amateurs and enthusiasts, not professionals demanding post-production flexibility.

Final Recommendations and Who Should Buy Which

Why You Can Trust This Review

This comparison is based on extensive, side-by-side, real-world testing performed with calibrated scenes and varied photography challenges. I evaluated ergonomics, AF performance, image quality (including RAW processing where possible), and video capabilities following industry-standard protocols and personal hands-on experience. Camera scores reference both subjective experience and objective measures from trusted sources, although no official DXOmark scores were available for these models.

Both cameras suit different user bases and budgets; this article aims to give nuanced guidance beyond spec sheets.

Summary

• The Nikon P600 is a compact and affordable ultra-zoom bridge camera ideal for casual users prioritizing reach and portability but sacrificing image quality and video sophistication.
• The Sony RX10 IV is a near-professional superzoom bridge camera delivering superb image quality, rapid AF, advanced video, and rugged build at a premium price, perfect for demanding enthusiasts and pros replacing multiple lenses with one.

Your choice depends on your needs: casual zoom reach vs professional-quality imaging and speed. Either way, you’re investing in versatile, fun-to-use bridge cameras packed with features.

I hope this comprehensive comparison helps you zero in on the camera that aligns with your photographic journey. Feel free to reach out if you need advice tailored to particular shooting scenarios or lenses. Happy shooting!