Sony RX10 IV vs Sony WX350: Choosing Your Ideal Superzoom Camera

When it comes to versatile superzoom cameras, Sony has consistently delivered models that cater to a broad spectrum of photographers - from casual travelers to serious enthusiasts. Today, we delve into an in-depth comparison of two notable entries from Sony’s Cyber-shot line: the Sony RX10 IV and the Sony WX350. Both offer impressive zoom ranges and image stabilization but serve quite different users and shooting scenarios.

Having rigorously tested both cameras across multiple photographic disciplines over the years, we're excited to guide you through the nuances of each. We’ll cover sensor capabilities, autofocus, handling, video, and more - equipping you with detailed insights to confidently pick the right camera for your creative journey.

Looking and Feeling the Difference: Build and Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and these two cameras could hardly be more different physically.

• Sony RX10 IV: This large, bridge-style camera features a robust SLR-like body with a pronounced grip, a tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD, and a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). Weighing approximately 1095g and measuring 133x94x145mm, it offers a commanding presence that feels reassuring and balanced when holding heavy telephoto shots. The control layout is well thought out with dedicated dials and customizable buttons ideal for photographers who demand swift manual adjustment.

• Sony WX350: In stark contrast, the WX350 is a compact, pocket-friendly travel companion at just 164g and 96x55x26mm. It lacks a viewfinder and sports a fixed 3-inch screen without touch capabilities. The body is streamlined, but the controls are limited - no manual exposure modes or focus adjustments - tailored for point-and-shoot simplicity.

From an ergonomic perspective, if you prioritize tactile control, customization, and comfortable handling for extended shooting, the RX10 IV is in a league of its own. The WX350, however, offers unbeatable portability and ease of use, perfect for everyday snapshots and travel light packing.

Sensors and Image Quality: The Heart of Performance

A fundamental difference is sensor size and technology, hugely impacting image quality, noise performance, and creative flexibility.

In practical use, the RX10 IV’s 1-inch sensor provides a substantial advantage:

• Better Low-Light Performance: The larger sensor gathers more light, resulting in cleaner images with less noise above ISO 1600, vital for indoor, night, or action photography.
• Greater Dynamic Range: You’ll capture more shadow and highlight detail, meaning less clipping and better post-processing latitude.
• Improved Depth of Field Control: Wider apertures paired with a bigger sensor enable more natural bokeh - highly relevant for portraiture.

The WX350’s smaller 1/2.3" sensor, typical for compact superzooms, offers acceptable quality for casual shooting and daylight use but falls short when you push ISO or expect fine detail in tough conditions.

Zoom: Versatility Meets Reach

Zoom length and aperture contribute heavily to a camera’s flexibility for travel, wildlife, sports, or street photography.

The RX10 IV sports a longer zoom and faster aperture, giving it advantages such as:

• Low-Light Telephoto Shooting: f/4 at 600mm outperforms f/6.5, enabling usable handheld shots and better autofocus reliability at longer ranges.
• Creative Control: The bright wide end of f/2.4 offers more impressive background separation in portraits and close-ups.
• Macro Capabilities: RX10 IV can focus as close as 3cm, enabling excellent close-up and creative macro photography.

The WX350’s zoom is respectable but optimized more for casual users who value compactness and simplicity over high optical performance. It lacks macro focus range and trades aperture speed for size and weight savings.

Autofocus: Tracking Fast-Moving Subjects

Autofocus (AF) efficiency stands out as a critical differentiator, especially for wildlife and sports.

The RX10 IV rivals some DSLR mirrorless cameras in AF speeds, achieving near-instant lock-on and tracking that excels even with erratic wildlife or fast-moving athletes. The inclusion of phase detection AF contributes to this performance, along with its sophisticated Eye AF system that works superbly for portraiture.

The WX350’s contrast detection AF is slower and less reliable for continuous tracking. It performs adequately for still subjects but struggles in fast action scenarios.

Shooting Experience: Viewfinder, Screen, and Controls

Your shooting experience influences how comfortable and intuitive shooting is day-to-day.

Viewfinder and touchscreen importance:

• The RX10 IV’s EVF is a boon for bright outdoor shooting, delivering critical composition and focus confirmation where LCDs can struggle.
• The tilting touchscreen enables flexible angles and faster focusing with touch.
• The WX350 relies solely on its fixed LCD; this is limiting in bright environments or when shooting from waist height.

Both provide optical image stabilization, vital for sharp images at super-telephoto zooms or in low light handheld conditions.

Video Capabilities: Flexible, Professional-Grade vs Basic

Video increasingly factors into photographic workflows. Let's compare:

You’ll find the RX10 IV stands out for video creators:

• Sharp 4K capture with full pixel readout ensures crisp, professional-quality footage.
• Audio ports allow external microphone input and headphone monitoring - crucial for controlled production.
• Versatile frame rates support creative options from slow motion to cinematic 24p.

The WX350 handles casual Full HD video well but lacks manual exposure control during video and audio input, limiting use for serious videography.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras utilize proprietary battery packs and single slots for SD cards.

• The WX350 edges the RX10 IV slightly on battery life at approximately 470 shots per charge versus 400 shots for RX10 IV.
• Given the RX10 IV’s power-hungry EVF and processing, 400 is still commendably robust but you’ll want spares for long outings.
• Storage compatibility for SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick formats is similar, ensuring you can use widely available memory cards.

Practical Photography Applications: Who Benefits Most?

Examining how these cameras perform in various photography disciplines will help clarify the right pick based on your interests.

Portrait Photography

• RX10 IV: Achieves flattering skin tones due to larger sensor and excellent dynamic range. Its fast f/2.4 aperture at wide zoom helps isolate subjects with beautifully blurred backgrounds. Eye AF, including animal eye AF, gives sharp focus on eyes - critical for portraits.
• WX350: Limited shallow depth of field given the small sensor and slower aperture. Face detection assists casual portraits but less suitable for professional portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• RX10 IV: High resolution and dynamic range excel here. Weather-resistant body offers durability in outdoor conditions. The wide 24mm end allows expansive framing.
• WX350: Compactness appeals for travel landscapes. However, smaller sensor and limited dynamic range may lose shadow detail and produce noisier images in low light or sunrise/sunset situations.

Wildlife Photography

• RX10 IV: Superior autofocus speed and tracking with 600mm reach make it ideal for wildlife. Optical image stabilization and faster performance improve handheld telephoto shots in the field.
• WX350: Shorter zoom and slower AF make it less capable for distant moving wildlife.

Sports Photography

• RX10 IV: 24fps burst speed and rapid AF tracking handle fast movements smoothly. High shutter speeds (max 1/2000s mechanical, 1/32000s electronic) freeze action crisply.
• WX350: Maximum continuous shooting is 10fps but without continuous AF; combined with limited AF points, sports action may be missed.

Street Photography

• RX10 IV: Larger and more conspicuous, may draw attention, but versatile zoom and professional controls are assets.
• WX350: Highly portable and discrete; ideal pocket camera for spontaneous street shooting.

Macro Photography

• RX10 IV: 3cm macro focus distance permits detailed closeups with attractive background blur.
• WX350: No dedicated macro mode or close focusing, limiting close-up work.

Night and Astrophotography

• RX10 IV: Larger sensor and ISO capability provide better noise control, essential for night photography. Supports manual exposure modes to handle long exposures.
• WX350: Smaller sensor means more noise at high ISO. Limited manual controls restrict astrophotography techniques.

Travel Photography

• RX10 IV: All-in-one solution with impressive zoom and image quality, but weight and size may be burdensome for travelers prioritizing light packing.
• WX350: Lightweight and pocket-sized, excellently suited for travel snapshots and casual travel documentation.

Professional Workflow

• RX10 IV: Raw image support, sturdy build, and professional video formats ease integration into pro workflows.
• WX350: JPEG-only support and simpler controls aimed at casual users rather than pros.

Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back Sony WX350 front Sony WX350 screen back

Here we see sample photos shot under identical conditions with both cameras. The RX10 IV images exhibit superior clarity, dynamic range, and natural color rendition. The WX350 images remain respectable but show more visible noise and reduced tonal depth.

Technical Features Summary and Ratings

We've compiled performance summaries to give a sense of overall and discipline-specific rankings.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Both Sony RX10 IV and WX350 target very different users and shooting philosophies.

Choose the Sony RX10 IV if you:

• Want a do-it-all camera capable of pro-level image quality and autofocus performance.
• Often shoot telephoto subjects like wildlife or sports.
• Need a wide aperture for creative portraiture or macro.
• Desire advanced video features including 4K and audio input.
• Don’t mind carrying a larger, heavier camera.
• Require weather sealing for challenging outdoor environments.
• Are willing to invest more for a high-performing all-in-one superzoom tool.

Choose the Sony WX350 if you:

• Prioritize a pocketable, lightweight camera for casual shooting and travel ease.
• Want simple point-and-shoot operation with decent zoom coverage.
• Have a budget around $300.
• Shoot mostly in good lighting or daylight conditions.
• Prefer something you can grab and go without fuss over settings.
• Don’t need advanced video, pro AF, or RAW support.

Getting the Most Out of Your Sony Superzoom

Whether you select the RX10 IV or WX350, here are some tips and accessories to enhance your experience:

• Use a sturdy SD card with fast write speeds for uninterrupted shooting and 4K video recording.
• For RX10 IV, explore manual modes, aperture priority, and focus modes to unlock full creative potential.
• Invest in spare batteries, especially for the RX10 IV given its higher power consumption.
• Those into wildlife or sports may want to learn about focus tracking techniques for sharper shots.
• For travel users, a protective compact camera case or strap helps safeguard your gear on the go.

In Conclusion

Our hands-on testing confirms that the Sony RX10 IV represents a high-end, feature-packed superzoom solution bridging pro and enthusiast domains. Meanwhile, the Sony WX350 appeals greatly as a compact, budget-conscious travel zoom for everyday moments.

Both cameras carry Sony’s reliable engineering pedigree, but your choice hinges on striking the right balance between image quality, versatility, portability, and price. We invite you to visit a local dealer to feel these cameras firsthand. Experiment with zoom ranges and controls to discover which suits your vision and shooting style best.

Happy shooting on your photographic journeys!

For further detailed specs and sample galleries, check Sony’s official website and trusted review platforms. Stay inspired and keep exploring the art of photography with the right gear in your hands.