Samsung SL30 vs Sony RX100 IV

Here is a comprehensive review of the Samsung SL30 and Sony RX100 IV, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the SL30 (10MP) and RX100 IV (20MP) and the SL30 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SL30 was launched 7 years before the RX100 IV and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung SL30 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SL30 scores against the RX100 IV in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung SL30 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung SL30 Gallery and Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Samsung SL30 offers outside dimensions of 94mm x 61mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 IV has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Examine the Samsung SL30 and Sony RX100 IV in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the SL30 compared to the RX100 IV.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SL30 and RX100 IV is 95 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing only by reading specs. The graphic below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SL30 and RX100 IV.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SL30 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 IV will offer more detail utilizing its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older SL30 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.