Samsung SL620 vs Sony RX10 IV: A Detailed Camera Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing between cameras from vastly different eras and categories can be challenging, yet understanding what each model offers in practical terms is key to making an informed decision. Here, we dive deep into comparing the Samsung SL620, a compact point-and-shoot from 2009, with the much newer and advanced Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV, a high-end large-sensor superzoom bridge camera launched in 2017.

This article breaks down essential specs, real-world performance, and suitability across photography genres. We'll also highlight the strengths and compromise points given their very different price points and target users. Whether you’re a casual shooter, enthusiast, or a pro seeking a versatile backup camera, this analysis will help you find which deserves a spot in your gear bag.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Let's begin by sizing them up physically and ergonomically because handling is your direct link to creativity.

• Samsung SL620: Weighing just 168 grams and measuring a compact 92 x 61 x 23 mm, the SL620 fits effortlessly into pockets or small bags. It’s ultra-portable, but its compactness comes with a limited grip and somewhat plasticky build quality.
• Sony RX10 IV: The RX10 IV is notably larger and heavier, tipping the scales at 1095 grams and measuring 133 x 94 x 145 mm. Its DSLR-style form offers a substantial grip, robust metal construction, and enhanced control layouts for rigorous use.

The SL620’s pocketability is its biggest asset for casual travel or street snaps where discretion matters. The RX10 IV, on the other hand, demands a dedicated camera bag or strap but compensates with a pro-level handle, weather sealing, and physical dials that boost shooting confidence when chasing wildlife, sports, or landscape shots.

Control Interfaces: Ease of Use vs Advanced Functionality

Design speaks volumes about who the camera targets and how fluid your shooting will be.

• Samsung SL620: The controls are minimal with no manual dials – fully automaton with basic modes and flash controls, aimed at point-and-shoot simplicity. The small 2.7-inch fixed screen offers limited resolution (230k dots), constraining detailed image review.
• Sony RX10 IV: Sporting a more professional array of manual exposure modes (shutter, aperture priority, manual), customizable buttons, and an advanced tilting 3-inch touchscreen (1,440k dots), it prioritizes speed and precision. The electronic viewfinder (2,359k dots) with 100% coverage ensures exact framing in bright daylight.

The RX10 IV’s interface caters to photographers wanting full creative control and instant tactile feedback, while the SL620’s straightforward setup is best for newbies or those who prefer to let the camera handle exposure decisions.

Sensor and Image Quality: Breaking Down the Numbers

The heart of image quality is the sensor and processing pipeline. The specs here tell a story of generational and category leaps.

The RX10 IV’s one-inch backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor is almost four times larger in area than the SL620’s small 1/2.3-inch CCD. This sensor size advantage significantly improves dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image detail - crucial for confident shooting beyond perfect daylight.

In practical terms, you’ll find the RX10 IV delivers:

• Cleaner images at higher ISO values, enabling night, indoor, and sports shooting with less noise.
• Higher resolution and sharpness, beneficial for cropping and large prints.
• The ability to shoot RAW enables powerful post-processing flexibility absent in the SL620.

The SL620 is fine for casual snapshots in good light but shows visible noise at ISO 400+, limited dynamic range, and lacks RAW means less recovery power in editing.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

Your framing tools can influence how easy and accurate shooting becomes.

• Samsung’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230k dot resolution is small and somewhat dim under harsh outdoor light.
• Sony’s 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD (1,440k dots) is sharp, bright, and tactile - great for live view composition and menu navigation.
• The RX10 IV also offers a high-resolution electronic viewfinder that’s great for bright conditions and fast-paced shooting, making it feel more like a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

The SL620’s lack of a viewfinder confines you to the LCD, which can be challenging in direct sunlight and limits precise composition in dynamic scenarios.

Autofocus System: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus functionality affects how easily you freeze moments, especially in fast or unpredictable conditions.

The RX10 IV’s advanced hybrid AF system with 315 phase-detection points vastly outperforms the SL620’s contrast-only, center-weighted AF that is slower and less reliable for moving subjects. The Sony’s animal eye AF system is a huge plus for wildlife photographers.

In real-world testing:

• The SL620 is suited for static subjects, such as posed portraits or casual everyday shots.
• The RX10 IV is well-equipped for sports, wildlife, and action thanks to lightning-fast, accurate subject tracking and high burst rates.

Lens Range and Versatility

The optical zoom range and aperture significantly determine the scope of creative possibilities.

The RX10 IV’s wider focal length (24-600 mm equivalent) and brighter aperture at the wide end make it a super-telephoto powerhouse rivaling interchangeable superzoom lenses. Its macro focus of 3 cm allows close-up shots with excellent detail, paired with optical stabilization to reduce blur.

The SL620 offers a modest 35-175 mm zoom with a slower aperture and no image stabilization, limiting sharp handheld shots especially in lower light or at long zooms.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Durability ensures your camera performs reliably across conditions and years.

• Samsung SL620: Lightweight plastic body, no weather sealing, and minimal protection from dust or moisture.
• Sony RX10 IV: Robust SLR-style metal chassis with environmental sealing against dust and moisture - ideal for outdoor use in varied climates.

For adventurous shooters, the RX10 IV can better withstand the rigors of fieldwork, while the SL620 is best kept dry and safe indoors or on easy excursions.

Battery Life and Storage Options

How long and consistently can you shoot?

The RX10 IV offers a practical battery life suitable for longer photo sessions and uses widely available NP-FW50 batteries. The SL620’s battery life is unspecified but given its compact size and age, it’s likely marginal.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Modern photographers often need wireless sharing and accessories compatibility.

The RX10 IV’s comprehensive modern wireless connectivity lets you control the camera remotely and share files on the go. Its advanced video features, including 4K recording and microphone/headphone jacks, make it a versatile tool for hybrid photo-video creators.

The SL620’s video quality and connectivity are minimal, reflecting its era and category.

Sample Images and Image Quality in Practice

See below a curated gallery comparing image samples from both cameras, shot side-by-side under similar conditions.

Samsung SL620 front Samsung SL620 screen back Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back

Observations:

• The SL620’s images look softer with less fine detail and increased noise at higher ISO.
• The RX10 IV captures sharp images with vibrant colors, excellent dynamic range, and low noise.
• Telephoto reach on RX10 IV opens up creative framing impossible for the SL620.
• Low light shots are vastly superior on the Sony.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

An overall summary of key performance metrics based on our hands-on testing.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Different cameras excel in different domains. Here is a genre-specific comparative analysis.

Recommendations: Which One’s Right for You?

When to Choose the Samsung SL620

• Budget-friendly casual use: If you want an ultra-compact, pocketable camera for family snapshots or quick travel photos.
• Ease of use: You want full automatic operation without worrying about manual settings.
• Simplicity over features: If you rarely shoot action or in difficult lighting and photography is purely hobbyist.

The SL620 can still serve as a lightweight travel companion if you accept image quality limitations and slow autofocus.

When to Choose the Sony RX10 IV

• Serious enthusiast or pro: Need a flexible all-in-one superzoom with DSLR-like control.
• Photography disciplines: Wildlife, sports, landscape, and travel requiring high image quality and speed.
• Hybrid photo/video use: You appreciate 4K video, professional audio inputs, and modern connectivity.
• Creative control: You want full manual exposure, RAW shooting, and advanced autofocus options.
• Durability: You value a weather-sealed body that’s dependable outdoors.

The RX10 IV justifies its premium price with versatility unmatched by point-and-shoot ultracompacts.

Final Thoughts: Experience Meets Innovation

From decades of testing, it’s clear that camera choice depends on matching the tool to your creative goals. The Samsung SL620 is a simple, low-cost introduction to digital photography suitable for easy snapshots, but its technology is dated and quite limited by today’s standards.

The Sony RX10 IV represents a significant leap in camera engineering. Its large sensor, lightning-fast autofocus, rugged build, extensive zoom range, and professional video options make it a compelling option for content creators looking for one camera to do it all. While it’s far heavier and pricier, the rewards in image quality and creative freedom are tangible.

I encourage you to try both hands-on if possible. Feel how the ergonomics fit your grip, test the autofocus responsiveness, and take sample images to evaluate image quality yourself. Paired with the right accessories, especially for the RX10 IV (extra batteries, filters, bag), you can elevate your photography journey substantially.

Thank you for joining this expert breakdown of these diverse cameras. Whether stepping up from casual snapshots or seeking a hybrid powerhouse, knowing what fits your story and style ensures every shot you take is worth it.

Happy shooting!