Sony RX10 IV vs Sony S980

Let's look more in depth at the Sony RX10 IV vs Sony S980, former is a Large Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Sony. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the RX10 IV (20MP) and S980 (12MP) and the RX10 IV (1") and S980 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The RX10 IV was released 8 years after the S980 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the RX10 IV grades versus the S980 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The complete galleries are provided at Sony RX10 IV Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Sony RX10 IV enjoys outer measurements of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") having a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Sony RX10 IV vs Sony S980 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the RX10 IV against the S980.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the RX10 IV and S980 is 52 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching technical specs. The picture underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the RX10 IV and S980.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The RX10 IV due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony RX10 IV will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern RX10 IV will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.