Sony A850 vs Sony RX100 IV

Here, we will be evaluating the Sony A850 versus Sony RX100 IV, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Sony. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the A850 (25MP) and RX100 IV (20MP) and the A850 (Full frame) and RX100 IV (1") provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The A850 was launched 6 years earlier than the RX100 IV which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the A850 grades vs the RX100 IV with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The complete galleries are available at Sony A850 Gallery and Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Sony A850 offers outside measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") having a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs) while the Sony RX100 IV has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Look at the Sony A850 versus Sony RX100 IV in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the A850 against the RX100 IV.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the A850 and RX100 IV is 54 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes merely by reviewing specs. The picture underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the A850 and RX100 IV.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The A850 because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Sony A850 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 5MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged A850 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.