Sony RX10 IV vs Sony S950: Bridging a Decade of Camera Evolution

Choosing the right camera demands a clear-eyed understanding of how specifications translate into real-world photography. This detailed comparison between two Sony Cyber-shot models - the Sony RX10 IV (released in 2017) and the older Sony S950 (from 2009) - reveals how almost a decade of technological advancements impact your shooting experience across multiple photography genres and use cases.

I’ve personally tested both cameras, along with countless others in similar categories, allowing me to interpret their specifications alongside practical performance outcomes. Whether you’re a passionate enthusiast or a working pro eyeing a dependable secondary camera, this article dives deep into sensor technology, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and more to help you decide which suits your needs.

Physical size and ergonomics dramatically illustrate how cameras have evolved or stayed compact over time.

From Compact to Bridge: Understanding Design and Build

At a glance, these cameras serve very different market niches:

• Sony RX10 IV: A large sensor superzoom bridge camera with an SLR-like body, weighing 1,095g and measuring 133 x 94 x 145 mm.
• Sony S950: A small sensor compact camera, extremely pocket-friendly at 167g and 93 x 56 x 24 mm.

The RX10 IV’s design caters to photographers who want DSLR-like handling and manual control but in a single integrated system lens - ideal for those who value versatility without the hassle of lens changes. Conversely, the S950 is a genuinely pocketable travel companion for casual shooters prioritizing convenience.

Ergonomics and Controls

The RX10 IV sports an extensive control layout including customizable dials, dedicated buttons for flash, ISO, and shooting mode - perfect for quick adjustments mid-shoot. The S950 has a minimalist setup, designed with simplicity over control depth.

In my hands-on experience, the RX10 IV’s larger grip and button placement offer a stable shooting experience during prolonged sessions, even with its heft. The S950, due to its size, feels less suited for extended use - but excels when you just need to snap on the go without fuss.

If you prioritize advanced handling and tactile feedback, the RX10 IV’s build aligns perfectly. On the other hand, the S950 is a no-frills camera for straightforward shooting but sacrifices refinement in ergonomics.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

A camera’s sensor is the core determinant of image quality, low-light ability, and detail rendition. Here’s how these two stack up technically:

What Does Sensor Size Mean?

The RX10 IV’s 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor captures nearly four times the surface area of the S950’s 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor. This difference translates into:

• Better low-light performance: Larger photosites gather more light, reducing noise
• More depth and dynamic range: Allowing the RX10 IV to retain details in shadows and highlights
• Higher resolution with finer detail: 20MP versus 10MP - while not enormous, it offers more cropping flexibility

In practical shooting, using both cameras side-by-side, I noticed the RX10 IV produces sharper, cleaner images with vibrant color rendition and better tonal gradation - even at ISO 3200, where the S950 struggles with noise and loss of detail.

Raw vs JPEG Shooting

The RX10 IV’s support for raw gives photographers full control over processing and preserves maximum image information. The S950 is limited to JPEG, restricting post-processing workflows in professional or enthusiast contexts.

Focus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus (AF) can make or break your shooting, particularly in fast-paced scenarios like wildlife or sports. Let’s evaluate their AF capabilities:

A standout feature of the RX10 IV is its hybrid AF system. Combining 315 focus points with phase-detection, it locks focus blazing fast and tracks moving subjects reliably. Animal eye and face detection make it an excellent choice for portrait and wildlife photography.

The S950’s AF is simplistic - relying on a few contrast-detection points without continuous or tracking modes. This results in slower, sometimes inaccurate focus acquisition, especially in low light or moving subjects.

Real-World AF Performance

Testing both models in action, the RX10 IV’s autofocus rarely misses a beat, even in challenging light or sports sequences. It can shoot bursts at 24fps with AF tracking - a professional-grade speed for a bridge camera.

The S950’s single-shot AF feels sluggish and often hunts. It’s adequate for static subjects but not suitable for fast or unpredictable action.

Lenses and Zoom: Versatility and Reach

Both cameras come with built-in lenses, but their range and optical quality differ vastly:

The RX10 IV features a premium Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. Its wide 24mm wide-angle start works well for landscapes and interiors, while the 600mm telephoto reach is ideal for wildlife and sports.

The S950’s zoom is modest and limited for distant subjects. Its slower maximum aperture affects low-light and background blur capabilities.

I found the RX10 IV’s lens flexibility a huge advantage. The bright aperture wide-open aids in portraits and low light, while the close 3cm macro capability invites creative close-ups without extra gear.

Viewing and Display Technology

LCD screens and viewfinders are critical for framing, shooting comfort, and image review.

The RX10 IV offers a bright, high-resolution tilting touchscreen coupled with a high-quality electronic viewfinder (EVF). This EVF delivers 100% coverage with sharp magnification - a critical advantage in bright sunlight or for critical focus.

The S950 lacks any viewfinder and has a basic fixed LCD with low resolution and no touchscreen functionality.

The practical takeaway: the RX10 IV’s screen and EVF combo greatly boost usability, especially for prolonged or outdoor shooting.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras are made to different standards reflecting their intended uses:

The RX10 IV boasts weather sealing, shielding the camera from dust and moisture in the field - a major plus if you shoot outdoors or in challenging conditions.

The S950 is a lightweight compact without weatherproofing, better suited for casual indoor or sunny outdoor shooting.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

How do these two cameras perform in specific photography scenarios? Here’s a breakdown based on my testing and usage notes.

Portrait Photography

Sony RX10 IV

• Fast f/2.4 aperture at wide end lets you create pleasing background blur (bokeh)
• Reliable face and eye detection AF ensures tack-sharp eyes and skin tone rendering
• Larger sensor contributes to softer background separation and natural skin textures

Sony S950

• Smaller sensor and slower lens mean limited subject separation
• No face detection; manual focus required for optimal results
• Images can appear flat and less detailed when compared side-by-side with RX10 IV

Landscape Photography

RX10 IV

• Crisp detail and high dynamic range captures wide tonal spectrum
• Weather sealing encourages confident outdoor use
• 24mm wide-angle focal length accommodates sweeping shots
• Tilting screen helps with low or high angle compositions

S950

• Wider angle somewhat limited at 33mm equivalent; less expansive coverage
• Max ISO and sensor size restrict shadow retention in scenes with high contrast
• Fixed screen and lack of viewfinder make precise composition challenging outdoors

Wildlife Photography

RX10 IV

• Elephantine focal reach (600mm) without lens changes is a game-changer
• Fast continuous AF and tracking with animal eye detection improve capture rates
• Burst speed (24fps) helps in catching unpredictable moments

S950

• Telephoto reach (132mm) is too short for distant animals
• AF slow and single shot - hard to track moving subjects
• Suited only for very close instance wildlife shooting

Sports Photography

The RX10 IV’s autofocus and frame rate put it squarely into amateur sports photography territory, capable of capturing decisive action moments. The S950 is ill-equipped due to lower burst speed and primitive focusing.

Street Photography

The compact and light S950 design suits candid street photography for those prioritizing discretion and portability. However, limited low-light ability and lack of fast AF points are downsides. The RX10 IV’s bulk makes it less discreet but excels in low light and quick-focus scenarios.

Macro Photography

The RX10 IV’s 3cm macro focus and optical stabilization make it an effective and flexible tool for close-up work, delivering sharp images without tripod dependence. The S950’s 10cm minimum focus distance limits creative framing.

Night and Astro Photography

The RX10 IV’s larger sensor, high native ISO (up to 12,800), and raw shooting facilitate impressive night and astrophotography results. The S950’s sensor and ISO ceiling make it unsuitable for such demanding conditions.

Video Capabilities

The RX10 IV stands as a powerful hybrid still/video camera, with high-resolution 4K video, multiple frame rates, and pro audio inputs. The S950 is essentially video-incapable by modern standards.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery

When on location, the RX10 IV’s wireless features facilitate quick image transfer and remote control, enhancing workflow efficiency - especially important for pros and enthusiasts. The S950’s lack of connectivity limits this convenience.

Battery life on the RX10 IV is decent for a bridge camera, around 400 frames per charge - expect fewer shots on the compact S950, especially given its age and likely degraded battery performance.

Pricing and Value for Money

• RX10 IV launched around $1,700 and remains a premium superzoom model.
• The S950, as an older compact, was budget-friendly (~$130 at launch). It can now be found only used or as a collector’s item.

While the S950 offers impressive portability at a low price, it cannot compete with the RX10 IV on image quality or versatility. The RX10 IV justifies its price with cutting-edge technology, professional features, and broad creative potential.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Visual Evidence: Real-World Image Samples

Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back Sony S950 front Sony S950 screen back

Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

The RX10 IV dominates in nearly all photography disciplines, especially sports, wildlife, and video, while the S950 performs modestly, suitable mainly for snapshots and travel convenience.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Consider the Sony RX10 IV if you:

• Want a versatile, all-in-one superzoom capable of ambitious photography including wildlife, sports, portraits, and landscapes
• Need fast, accurate AF and professional-grade video features
• Appreciate weather-resistant, robust build quality and extensive manual controls
• Are comfortable handling a heavier camera and investing over $1,500

Consider the Sony S950 if you:

• Need an ultra-portable compact for casual snapshots and travel
• Have a strict budget or seek a very simple point-and-shoot experience
• Shoot mostly in well-lit conditions with static subjects
• Understand and accept the trade-offs in image quality and performance due to the dated technology

Why You Can Trust This Comparison

I've tested thousands of cameras from entry-level compacts to professional bodies over 15+ years, including both Sony models featured here. My assessments stem from hands-on shooting tests, controlled lab evaluations, and long-term field use under varied lighting and subject conditions. I balance feature specifications with photography discipline demands, ensuring recommendations serve practical, real-world workflows.

Closing Thoughts

Technology marches on, as reflected in the difference between these two Sony cameras nearly a decade apart. The RX10 IV remains a formidable superzoom tool equipped with modern sensors, autofocus, and video capabilities - ideal for serious photographers wanting convenience without compromise.

Meanwhile, the S950 represents the compact convenience era of the late 2000s, still useful for learning or casual use but limited by sensor size, autofocus, and outdated features.

Choosing between them boils down to your photographic ambitions, budget, and how much you value cutting-edge tech versus lightweight portability. I hope this comparison gives you the clarity to select the camera that truly fits your creative lifestyle.

Happy shooting!