Sony RX100 IV vs Sony W290

Lets look more in depth at the Sony RX100 IV versus Sony W290, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are designed by Sony. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the RX100 IV (20MP) and W290 (12MP) and the RX100 IV (1") and W290 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The RX100 IV was brought out 6 years later than the W290 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W290 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a brief view of how the RX100 IV grades versus the W290 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony RX100 IV Gallery & Sony W290 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Sony RX100 IV has outer measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) and the Sony W290 has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Analyze the Sony RX100 IV versus Sony W290 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the RX100 IV compared to the W290.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the RX100 IV and W290 is 89 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing simply by researching a spec sheet. The photograph below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the RX100 IV and W290.

Clearly, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The RX100 IV due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony RX100 IV will provide you with extra detail having its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The fresher RX100 IV will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.