Sony RX10 IV vs Sony W730: Bridging the Gap Between Enthusiast and Compact Cameras

When stepping into the landscape of Sony’s camera offerings, two models stand apart in dramatically different ways: the powerhouse Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV (hereafter RX10 IV) and the humble, budget-friendly Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W730 (hereafter W730). They inhabit two distinct realms of photographic ambition and design - one a “bridge” superzoom destined for enthusiasts and professionals seeking versatility with high image quality, and the other a compact point-and-shoot built primarily for casual users and absolute beginners.

Having spent countless hours testing cameras across categories, I’m excited to provide a deep, thorough comparison between these two models. This analysis blends hands-on experiences, meticulous technical measurements, and real-world performance assessments to help you decide which camera might fit your needs - whether you’re looking for a serious all-in-one tool or an easy-to-carry travel companion.

Before we dive in, let’s get a quick visual impression of their physical forms:

Design and Ergonomics: From Pocketable to Professional Handling

The RX10 IV, with its DSLR-like “bridge” body, is a formidable piece of gear weighing just over 1 kilogram and measuring 133x94x145 mm. In contrast, the W730 is a tiny lightweight compact (93x52x22 mm, 122 grams), designed explicitly for portability. This size and weight difference profoundly impact usability, handling, and shooting style.

Handling and Controls

The RX10 IV offers a well-laid-out top deck with dedicated dials for exposure settings, ISO, and drive modes - invaluable for enthusiasts who want tactile, immediate control. The electronic viewfinder presents a bright, detailed window into the scene, important for composing and shooting in bright daylight or fast-paced situations.

On the other hand, the W730 essentially relies on a minimal onboard interface - touchscreen-enabled but with no manual focus or exposure dials, making it extremely simple but limiting for those wanting creative input. It lacks a viewfinder entirely, which can be awkward outdoors.

This top view comparison makes clear how much more hand, eye, and control real estate the RX10 IV commands:

Screen and Interface

Both cameras provide live view on their LCD screens. The RX10 IV boasts a substantial 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1440k-dot resolution, offering sharp previews and intuitive touch autofocus. The W730’s fixed 2.7-inch screen is less resolved (230k dots) and smaller, impacting ease of framing and menu navigation - though it remains straightforward for casual use.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor differences between these cameras are fundamental, themselves reflecting the gap between casual snapshooting and semi-professional versatility.

Sensor Size & Resolution

The RX10 IV features a 1-inch type BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8 mm (116.16 mm² sensor area) with a resolution of 20 megapixels. While not full-frame, this sensor size is sizeable for a fixed-lens superzoom, offering significant advantages in image quality, noise control, and dynamic range compared to smaller sensors.

Meanwhile, the W730 finesses a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17x4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²) with 16 megapixels - typical of compact cameras and smartphones. It sacrifices quality and low-light potential for cost and compactness.

A comparison chart comparing sensor sizes and implied image quality potential really illustrates this gulf:

Image Quality In Practice

My extended comparisons reveal the RX10 IV excels in delivering sharp, detailed images with excellent dynamic range - crucial for landscapes and portraits alike. Its larger pixels and back-illuminated design reduce noise effectively even at high ISOs (up to 12,800 natively, expandable).

The W730’s sensor simply can’t compete here - images frequently exhibit noise, especially above ISO 400, and dynamic range is limited, leading to blown highlights or crushed shadows in challenging scenes. Expect softer detail and less vibrant colors overall.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: When Speed and Accuracy Matter

With 315 autofocus points and hybrid phase-detection plus contrast detection AF, the RX10 IV offers blazing fast autofocus performance, tracking subjects swiftly and accurately - a necessity in wildlife and sports scenarios. Impressively, it supports advanced Eye AF both for humans and animals, maintaining critical sharpness on key facial features.

In contrast, the W730’s autofocus system is rudimentary, relying on contrast detection only with no continuous AF or tracking - sufficient for static subjects but well short of what professionals rely on.

Shooting speeds also reflect this disparity. The RX10 IV’s continuous burst rate of 24 fps (frames per second) with AF tracking is amazing for action shooting, capturing fleeting decisive moments with precision. Conversely, the W730 shoots single-frame capture only, underscoring its role as a casual snapshot camera.

Lens Versatility: Zoom Range and Aperture

Perhaps the biggest selling point of the RX10 IV is its versatile fixed zoom lens spanning 24-600 mm (equivalent focal length), with a fast aperture range of F2.4-4.0. This 25x optical zoom covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife, making it a one-camera solution for many scenarios while maintaining respectable low-light capability and bokeh control thanks to the bright aperture.

The W730 offers a 25-224 mm equivalent zoom (9x optical) with a more modest F3.3-6.3 aperture, adequate for everyday snapshots but limited for artistic depth-of-field control or distant telephoto reach.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Thrives

Now that we understand the core technical differences, let’s explore how they translate into practical use across photography styles.

Portrait Photography

The RX10 IV’s larger sensor and sharp lens allow for beautifully rendered portraits with natural skin tones, smooth bokeh, and precise eye autofocus - essential attributes that elevate portraits beyond mere documentation.

The W730 can capture faces adequately in good light but falls short on selective focus and natural skin rendering because of its smaller sensor and narrower apertures.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are vital here, and the RX10 IV shines with high-detail captures and excellent tonal gradation, complemented by environmental sealing that protects against dust and moisture - a boon on rugged hikes.

The W730’s smaller sensor struggles with shadow recovery and tends to produce flatter, less detailed landscapes, suitable mostly for casual holiday shots.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Again, the RX10 IV’s autofocus system, burst rate, and telephoto reach open doors to capturing fast-moving subjects from a distance - a notable contrast with the W730, which is limited to static compositions due to slow AF and lack of burst.

Street and Travel Photography

This is where the W730’s size and low weight make it a compelling choice, especially for travelers prioritizing convenience and discretion. Its simple controls mean minimal fuss.

The RX10 IV, while relatively compact for its class, is significantly heavier and more conspicuous but offers unmatched versatility wherever image quality or focal length flexibility matters.

Macro Photography

The RX10 IV can focus as close as 3 cm, combined with sharp optics and stabilization, enabling pleasing macro shots. The W730’s 5 cm macro range is respectable for a compact but coupled with its sensor limitations, produces lesser image quality.

Night and Astrophotography

Thanks to high native ISO and manual exposure controls (including shutter speeds up to 1/32000s electronically), the RX10 IV can handle night and astrophotography conditions with better noise performance and exposure latitude.

In contrast, the W730 is handicapped by its smaller sensor, lower ISO ceiling, and limited manual controls.

Video Capabilities

The RX10 IV supports 4K UHD up to 30p, offers microphone and headphone ports for serious audio monitoring, and features optical stabilization - versatile for both casual video and semi-professional recording.

W730 maxes out at 720p HD video, has no external mic input or headphone jack, and the stabilization is more basic - adequate for family videos but not advanced productions.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Sony engineered the RX10 IV with environmental sealing against dust and moisture - a critical factor for professionals working outdoors under adverse conditions. Its robust construction withstands demanding use.

The W730 lacks sealing or reinforced build features - feel free to treat it as a gentle casual companion rather than rugged terrain gear.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Wireless connectivity is passé except on the W730 - here, it’s a complete no-show. The RX10 IV includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC - handy for quick sharing and remote control.

Storage-wise, both units use SD cards (and Memory Stick variants), though the RX10 IV supports faster SDXC for large RAW files.

Battery life favors the RX10 IV with about 400 shots per charge vs. 240 shots for the W730 - reflecting its intensive imaging pipeline. I recommend carrying spares with either for long shoots.

Pricing and Value: Who Gets More Bang for the Buck?

At launch and still today, there is a stark price gap: RX10 IV retails around $1700, reflecting its boutique hybrid professional feature set. The W730 is a mere $138, accessible for any budget but aimed at limited use.

Despite the price difference, both cameras deliver solid value to their intended users. The RX10 IV integrates technology that rivals some interchangeable lens cameras, justifying its cost for professionals and enthusiasts. The W730 is an economical choice for families and travelers seeking simplicity.

Performance Ratings Overview

To consolidate our findings, here are the overall and genre-specific performance scores synthesized from hands-on test results and technical benchmarks:

You’ll notice the RX10 IV outperforms in every demanding category except for portability-based uses (street, casual travel), where the W730 holds its ground.

Sample Image Gallery

Seeing is believing - here’s a gallery showcasing representative photos from both cameras in daylight, low light, zoom, portrait, and macro modes to visualize their practical output quality:

Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back Sony W730 front Sony W730 screen back

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Sony RX10 IV?

If you’re a serious photography enthusiast or professional requiring a flexible do-it-all camera, the RX10 IV is a phenomenal performer. Its fast, sharp zoom lens combined with a significantly larger sensor and advanced autofocus make it perfect for wildlife, sports, landscape, portrait, and video work. It also suits travel photographers willing to carry a heftier, but highly capable, camera instead of juggling lenses.

Who Should Buy the Sony W730?

The W730 is ideal for beginners, casual photographers, or travelers who prize ultra-compact size and simplicity over top-tier image quality. It’s a friendly choice when the goal is easy, no-fuss shooting - think family events, quick trips, or backup to a smartphone. Just don’t expect professional output.

In Summary

These Sony cameras stand at opposite ends of the bridge between compact convenience and semi-professional versatility. Your choice boils down to weighing image quality, control, and feature needs against size, budget, and portability preferences.

I encourage potential buyers to assess their shooting priorities carefully, then choose accordingly. Both cameras hold true to Sony’s reputation for engineering and quality within their respective classes.

The thorough hands-on evaluations here should empower you to make an informed, confident decision for your next camera purchase. Feel free to explore them in person, if possible, to gauge handling comfort and menu navigation for yourself.

Happy shooting!