Sony RX10 IV settings, tips and tricks

Introduction

Welcome to my Sony RX10 IV advanced manual with tips and tricks. This guide starts from your Menu settings and goes through all aspects of this interesting camera. I know it is a lot of information, but you’ll get the hang of it soon, I promise.

Compared to the older RX10 III, the new mark four is mainly faster thanks to a newly developed Bionz X processor. It can shoot at 24 fps with AF and AE and can shoot for up to 249 JPEG images (112 Raw). Its 0.03 sec AF-lock speed is extremely fast. It’s also is the first in the series to include a touchscreen.

A few things have remained the same, like the 24-600mm lens, but it’s the first RX10 camera to include on-sensor phase detection, with 315 AF points covering 65% of the frame (slightly over 80% in each direction). It’s also the first Cyber-shot to include Sony’s “High Density” AF Tracking system, from the a9, and the company says that they have improved Eye AF.

It also gains the option to make one of the customizable buttons act as AF-On, to let you start AF and fire the shutter independently.

Naturally the lens has optical image stabilization built-in, rated at 4.5 stops of shake reduction. A focus range limiter switch has been added to the side of the Mark IV’s lens, with a choice of ‘All’ or 3m-infinity.
Since the Sony RX10 IV has the same menu layout as recently released Sony Alpha cameras, you’ll quickly find your way around if you already own one of those.

I’ll be going over the entire Menu structure in this post, and giving you tips, pointers, and tricks along the way.

Are you looking for an advanced manual with tips and tricks on older models? You can find those posts here:

Sony RX10

Sony RX10 II

Sony RX10 III

Diving into the Sony RX10 IV MENU system

When you switch on your Sony RX10 IV you’ll be asked to enter a date, time and time zone. This setting is necessary, as all images captured will have a timestamp, making it easy to find your favorite pictures.
After this is set up, press the MENU button. You’ll see a range of icons and pages.
We’ll start at page 1 of the camera Icon (camera settings)

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 1 (Quality and Image Size settings)

Quality:

Do you edit your pictures on your desktop? If so, set to RAW or RAW jpeg. A RAW file saves all information the camera pixels register during shooting and will make for better quality images if you want to edit in something like Adobe Lightroom.

A jpeg is a compressed image (available in FINE (larger) and STANDARD (smaller, less quality) which takes up less space on your SD card but is less suited for editing afterward. Jpeg images will also have in-camera noise reduction applied, something you might or might not want to take care of yourself later, depending on your style and preference.

Image size:

The larger the image size, the more detail will be reproduced when the image is printed on large-format paper. The smaller the image size, the more images can be recorded.

Image size when the aspect ratio is 3:2:

• L: 20M 5472×3648 pixels
• M: 10M 3888×2592 pixels
• S: 5.0M 2736×1824 pixels

Image size when the aspect ratio is 4:3:

• L: 18M 4864×3648 pixels
• M: 10M 3648×2736 pixels
• S: 5.0M 2592×1944 pixels VGA 640×480 pixels

Image size when Aspect Ratio is 16:9

• L: 17M 5472×3080 pixels
• M: 7.5M 3648×2056 pixels
• S: 4.2M 2720×1528 pixels

Image size when Aspect Ratio is 1:1

• L: 13M 3648×3648 pixels
• M: 6.5M 2544×2544 pixels
• S: 3.7M 1920×1920 pixels

Note that when Quality is set to RAW or RAW & JPEG, the image size for RAW images is automatically set to L for optimal quality.

If SD card space is an issue, you can set it to Small.

Aspect ratio:

You can choose 3:2 (which uses the full sensor surface), 4:3, 1:1 or 16:9 (crop but a more broad view). Leave as is at 3:2, you can always crop your pictures later.

Panorama Size:

(when in panorama shooting mode) Size is selectable between standard and wide. Wide means your picture will cover a larger area. Set it to standard, having to scan an even broader area when making panoramas will take some experience with the camera to do efficiently.

Panorama direction

A panorama picture (only available in jpeg) is a composite of several images stitched together. When in this mode, you’ll see an arrow that guides you in what direction and speed you should pan the camera to take the sequential images that will be stitched together. You can choose the path in this menu (either, up, down, left or right).

Long Exposure NR

Set if you want the processing engine to apply noise reduction for images captured with a long exposure time. Leave it ON as there is no way of duplicating this process in post-production, except to take a black frame of the same length in the same atmospheric conditions.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 2 (more Quality and Image Size settings)

High ISO NR

Here you can select the amount of noise reduction applied to images with high ISO settings (when quality is set to jpeg). As Sony has rather aggressive noise reduction, I would change it to Low. (if not, you run the risk of getting paint-like, smeared images at higher ISO values).

Color Space

You can choose between Standard and Adobe (extended color range) RGB. This is only important if you shoot JPEG and not RAW. Adobe RGB would be preferable if you print many images because of the extended color range.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 3 (Shooting modes and Autofocus Drive settings)

Auto Mode

Switch the auto mode between Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto.

Intelligent Auto:

This mode automatically detects the type of scene you’re shooting and adjusts the scene automatically. You’ll see the icon for the recognized scene appears on the top right hand of the screen.

These scenes are the same ones which can be selected individually in SCENE mode.

The Sony RX10 IV will also use the most appropriate FOCUS AREA, and ISO value (the ISO range cannot be changed in iAuto though).

Drive Mode (single shooting, continuous shooting Lo-Mid-Hi), Self-timer and Self-timer cont (multiple images with the self-timer) can be changed by using the Fn button.

Works for both RAW and JPEG shooting.

Disadvantage: ISO range is fixed to 50-6400 (you can’t change the range).

Superior Auto:

Superior Auto is similar to iAuto, as it also detects scenes automatically, except it uses more complex processing.

This includes composite layering (layering different shots on top of each other for HDR style pictures) and automatically choosing what it thinks is the best image.

Disadvantage: ISO range is (like in iAuto) fixed and only usable for jpeg shooting.

Scene Selection

This is more easily controlled via the right thumb wheel when you’re in SCN mode, but you can also select the presets for different scenes (like sports or portrait) from here.

Drive Mode

Do you want to take a single picture when you press the shutter button or multiple images? You can select this here, as well as self-timer functions and bracketing.

Bracketing is taking a series of pictures, each with different settings, useful for combining your images with various exposures for HDR effects in software afterward, to name just one example.

You can also press the dedicated drive mode button to get to these settings.

• Single Shooting: Normal shooting mode.
• Cont. Shooting: Shoots images continuously while you press and hold down the shutter button.
• Self-timer: Shoots an image using the self-timer after a designated number of seconds have elapsed since the shutter button was pressed.
• Self-timer(Cont): Shoots a designated number of images using the self-timer after a designated number of seconds have elapsed since the shutter button was pressed.
• Cont. Bracket: Shoots images while holding the shutter button down, each with different degrees of brightness.
• Single Bracket: Shoots a specified number of images, one by one, each with a different degree of brightness.
• WB bracket: Shoots a total of three images, each with different color tones according to the selected settings for white balance, color temperature, and color filter.
• DRO Bracket: Shoots a total of three images, each at a different degree of D-Range Optimizer.

Bracket Settings

You can set the self-timer in bracket shooting mode, and the shooting order for exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing.

• Selftimer during Brkt: Sets whether to use the self-timer during bracket shooting. Also sets the number of seconds until the shutter is released if using the self-timer. (OFF/2 Sec/5 Sec/10 Sec)
• Bracket order: Sets the order of exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing.

Recall (Camera Settings1/Camera Settings2)

This functionality allows you to shoot an image after recalling often-used modes or camera settings registered with the Mode Dial memory positions in advance. It is now also possible to save your camera settings to a memory card and recall them later (or on a different camera). This is done by using the ‘select Rec. media’ function inside this menu.

Memory (Camera Settings1/Camera Settings2)

This setting allows you to register up to 3 often-used modes or product settings to the product and up to 4 (M1 through M4) to the memory card. You can recall the settings using just the mode dial. You can register various functions for shooting. The items that you can register are displayed on the menu of the camera. Aperture and Shutter speed are always available. You’ll need to select your SD card first using the ‘select Rec. media’ function inside the prior menu.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 4 (more Shooting Mode and Autofocus Drive settings)

Reg Cust Shoot Set

You can save a number of settings here to a customized  Shoot Set. There are 3 shoot sets available that you can recall at any time. You can import your current settings to one of these three shoot sets. You can also store these on your SD card and move them from camera to camera.

You can save the following settings:

• Shoot Mode (Like program Auto)
• Aperture
• Shutter Speed
• Drive Mode
• Exposure compensation
• ISO (like Auto or a single ISO value)
• Metering Mode
• Focus Mode
• Focus Area
• AF On

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 5 (Autofocus settings)

Focus area

 features a Fast Hybrid AF system that combines the respective advantages of 315 phase–detection AF points covering approximately 65% of the sensor and contrast–detection AF to ultimately enable the camera to lock focus in as little as 0.03 seconds.  You might think it is best to leave it on the wide factory setting (as this uses all AF points), but for certain scenes, it is often better to flexible spot to get it to focus on what you want.

• Wide: Wide focus area uses all focus points on the sensor. Ideal for action scenes where there is a lot of movement going on in your frame.
• Center: Focusses on whatever is centered in your images. A fail-proof way of getting the camera to focus on what you want. If you have any problems using the autofocus and are in a situation where you don’t want to miss any shots, revert to Center and just make sure you have your subject centered.
• Flexible spot: Allows you to move the focusing frame to a desired point on the touch screen and focus on an extremely small subject in a narrow area. If you want to use this focus area, set it to medium or large, as the camera will struggle to find focus when setting to small (except perhaps for close-up portraits where you’d want to focus on the iris of the eye)
• Expand Flexible spot: If the camera can’t focus on a single selected point, it uses focus points around the flexible spot as a secondary priority area for focusing.
• Lock-on AF: When the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down, the camera tracks the subject within the selected autofocus area. This setting is available only when the focus mode is set to Continuous AF. Point the cursor to ‘Lock-on AF’ on the Focus Area setting screen, and then adjust the desired area to start tracking by pressing the multi-selector left/right. You can also move the tracking start area to the desired point by designating the area as a flexible spot or expand flexible spot.

Tip: You can move the focus area in Flexible Spot or Expand Flexible Spot  by touching the screen.

Swt. V/H AF Area

This is called Orientation linked AF points in Canon language. Switch AF point/AF Area to align with your subject in landscape mode (horizontal) if you change the camera orientation to Portrait (vertical) mode.

Off: disable this feature

AF Point Only: If you switch to portrait mode, the RX10 IV  will automatically move the AF point in use up to align with your subject.

AF Point AF Area: If you switch to portrait mode, the RX will automatically move the AF point and AF area in use up.

AF illuminator

The AF illuminator is a little red light allowing the camera to focus more easily when the shutter button is pressed halfway. It automatically is switched off when you fully press the shutter. Leave it on except if you are using an underwater housing.

Center Lock-on AF

This is a very powerful autofocus feature. When turned ON, it allows you to track a subject. In the iAuto mode, you can access this feature (when turned ON and the Sony RX10 IV is set to AF) by pressing the Center button of the multi-controller. You’ll see a square on your screen, then center your desired tracking subject and the camera will continue to track it, even when it exits your frame and reappears.

AF with shutter

Selects whether to focus automatically when you press the shutter button halfway down. Leave ON.

Pre-AF 

Select if the Sony RX1O IV will automatically adjust focus before you press the shutter button halfway down.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 6 (more Autofocus settings)

AF Area Regist.

Another feature inherited from Canon. By registering an AF area/point, you have a quick way to move between points without having the thumb-stick of scroll across the AF field. For example, a bird photographer can set their camera up so they can quickly switch from a spot AF point for precisely focusing on a static subject, to a wide AF pattern for quickly acquiring and tracking a bird in flight.

Del. Reg. AF Area

Deletes the registered AF area in AF Area Regist.

AF Area Auto Clear:

Sets whether the focus area should be displayed all the time or should disappear automatically shortly after focus is achieved.

Disp. cont. AF Area

You can set whether or not to display the focus area that is in focus when Focus Area is set to Wide and Focus Mode is set to Continuous AF.

Phase Detect Area:

Use only the phase detection points.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 7 (Exposure Settings)

Exposure Comp

(Also available in the Quick Menu, accessed by pressing the FN button):

If you find that your image is overexposed (for instance when you are shooting at large apertures for a shallow depth-of-field in bright daylight), you can tweak the exposure compensation here in a plus or minus 5 (exact EV dependent on next step) range.

Reset EV Comp

Sets whether to maintain the exposure value set using Custom Settings when you turn off the power when the exposure compensation dial position is set to 0.

ISO

You can select at which ISO value you’d like to capture your image or change the Auto ISO range.

I have this range set between 100-1600 as this range is virtually noise-free, and I don’t like the ISO performance above 1600. In a pinch, when you’re getting blurred images due to a too long shutter speed at low ISO,  you can experiment with higher ISO settings. It’s better to get a sharp but noisy image than a blurred one….

Iso Auto Min SS.

This is a useful and exciting setting. If you select ISO AUTO you are in  P (Program Auto) or A (Aperture Priority) mode; you can set the shutter speed at which the ISO sensitivity starts changing. The difference in shutter speed at which ISO sensitivity starts to change between [Faster], [Fast], [Standard], [Slow], and [Slower] is 1 EV.

You have three possibilities here:

• FASTER (Faster)/FAST (Fast): The ISO sensitivity will start to change at shutter speeds faster than the Standard (normal). This will help you prevent getting blurred images when shooting action or sports. This at the cost of raising the ISO and noise in your images. Remember this is linked to your Auto ISO settings, so it won’t go any higher than your upper limit, even if the camera is capable of doing so.
• STD (Standard): The camera automatically sets the shutter speed based on the focal length of the lens.
• SLOW (Slow)/SLOWER (Slower): The ISO sensitivity will start to change at shutter speeds slower than the Standard setting. This enables you to shoot images with less noise. Never to be used if you want to shoot action, but can be useful if you are a landscape or architecture photographer who likes to walk around without a tripod yet takes some time to frame and shoot images carefully.
• 1/8000 ― 30″: The ISO sensitivity starts to change at the shutter speed you have set.

Metering Mode

Metering mode refers to the way the camera reads the light and sets the exposure.

In multi, it considers the whole frame and sets exposure according to internal algorithms programmed in camera.

In spot or center, the camera only considers what is in that spot or the center (per example, if your subject is completely black, the camera will try to compensate by overexposing the image).

• Multi: Measures light on each area after dividing the total area into multiple areas and determines the proper exposure of the entire screen (Multi-pattern metering).
• Center: Measures the average brightness of the entire screen, while emphasizing the central area of the screen (Center-weighted metering).
• Spot: Measures only the central area (Spot metering). This mode is suitable for measuring light on a specified part of the entire screen. The size of the metering circle can be selected from [Spot: Standard] and [Spot: Large]. The position of the metering circle depends on the setting for [Spot Metering Point].
• Entire Screen Avg.: Measures the average brightness of the entire screen. The exposure will be stable even if the composition or the position of the subject changes.
• Highlight: Measures the brightness while emphasizing the highlighted area on the screen. This mode is suitable for shooting the subject while avoiding overexposure.

Tip: When [Spot] is selected and [Focus Area] is set to either [Flexible Spot] or [Expand Flexible Spot] while [Spot Metering Point] is set to [Focus Point Link], the spot metering point can be coordinated with the focus area.

Spot Metering Point

Sets whether to coordinate the spot metering position with the focus area when Focus Area is set to Flexible Spot or Expand Flexible Spot.

• Center: The spot metering position does not coordinate with the focus area, but always meters brightness at the center.
• Focus Point Link: The spot metering position coordinates with the focus area.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 8 (more Exposure settings)

AEL w shutter

Sets whether to fix the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down. Select Off to adjust the focus and the exposure separately.

• Auto (default setting): Fixes the exposure after adjusting the focus automatically when you press the shutter button halfway down when Focus Mode is set to Single-shot AF.
• On: Fixes the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down.
• Off: Does not adjust the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down. Use this mode when you want to change focus and exposure separately.

The camera keeps adjusting the exposure while shooting in Cont. Shooting or Spd Priority Cont. mode. Operation using the AEL button is prioritized over the AEL w/ shutter settings.

Exposure Std. Adjust

Adjusts this camera’s standard for the correct exposure value for each metering mode. You can set a value from -1 EV to 1 EV in 1/6 EV increments.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 9 (Flash settings)

If you’re interested in flash photography, you’ll need to purchase a hot shoe flash. I would suggest a Godox, as these can both use HSS and TTL, and are quite cheap. (Also available in the Quick Menu accessed by pressing the FN button

If you’d like to get more into flash photography, you should read up on the different possibilities and what their effect would be on your images. This is a basic explanation of what the different modes do:

• fill flash: A fill flash is useful even in daylight to fill the shadows with light (like a person in the shade).

• Slow sync: Tells the camera to use a longer shutter speed along with a flash, and thus is better for night shots. In manual and shutter priority modes, there is no difference in flash power. But when using aperture priority, program, or auto, choosing slow sync tells the camera to use a longer shutter speed than it would ordinarily pick.What the slow sync flash mode does is a first fire the flash for the subject exposure, then allow for a longer shutter speed that will allow for more ambient light to be captured by the sensor.

• Rear Sync: Capturing an image involves two shutter actions: one when the capture starts and on when it stops. Rear Sync tells the flash to fire right before the shutter closes. Moving objects will show a streak where they came from and a sharp image where they were at the end of the exposure. This conveys a sense of speed with moving objects. Rear Sync is a creative technique, if you’d like to know more about this type of photography, I’d suggest doing a Google search on ‘Rear Sync Flash Photography.’
• Wireless: Select wireless is if want to use the in-camera flash to trigger an external flash like the Sony HVL-43M (with TTL!). Using an external flash is helpful when shooting weddings and dimly-lit subject matter, You can use your main flash to light the subject, and your external flash to light the background.

Flash comp or Flash compensation:

Especially when using Slow Sync or Rear Sync Flash modes, you might have to lower the power of the Flash to get a decently exposed image. (Also available in the Quick Menu accessed by pressing the FN button).

Exp comp set

Selects if the Exposure compensation function ( -5 in 0.5EV or 0.3EV steps) also reduces flash power or not. Leave it to Ambient And Flash, unless if you want to use HSS sync with flashes, then it is handy to be able to control exposure and flash output separately.

Red Eye Reduction:

This anti-Red Eye setting quickly fires the flash before your image capture starts, reducing the red-eye effect often seen when using a flash.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 10 (Color, White Ballance and Image Processing settings)

White Balance

You can either set the white balance to Auto, where the camera tries to guess what the neutral grey value is, or use one of the preset white balance settings for different lighting conditions or customize the white balance according to your preference or using a grey card.

Priority Set in AWB

Selects which tone to prioritize when shooting under lighting conditions such as incandescent light when White Balance is set to Auto.

• Standard: Shoots with standard auto white balance. The camera automatically adjusts the color tones.
• Ambience: Prioritizes the color tone of the light source. This is suitable when you want to produce a warm atmosphere.
• White: Prioritizes a reproduction of white color when the color temperature of the light source is low.

DRO/Auto HDR

DRO:

This stands for Dynamic range optimise and analyses the contrast of your scene in real-time. It produces an image with optimal brightness and recovered shadow detail. You can use this function even while the subject is moving or during the continuous shooting.

Auto HDR:

(not available for RAW captures) this feature Shoots three images with different exposures and then overlays the bright area of the underexposed image and the dark area of the overexposed image to create a picture with an extended range from highlight to shadow.

The highlight detail in auto HDR is better than that in DRO and with reduced noise. The shutter is released three times, so using this function for moving subjects is not recommended.

Creative Style

The Sony creative styles can best be explained as being film emulations (the same way as do some other camera manufacturers implements this). There is a range of styles available from vivid colour to black and white. If you’re shooting RAW, these styles are embedded, but can always be zeroed after importing them to you RAW editor of choice. Jpegs are saved with this styling applied. It is always useful to try some of these, and can be a real boost for your creativity, as you will notice that you make different images in say black-and-white as opposed to colour.

• Standard: For shooting various scenes with rich gradation and beautiful colors.
• Vivid: The saturation and contrast are heightened for shooting striking images of colorful scenes and subjects such as flowers, spring greenery, blue sky, or ocean views.
• Neutral: The saturation and sharpness are lowered for shooting images in subdued tones. This is also suitable for capturing image material to be modified with a computer.
• Clear: For shooting images in clear tones with limpid colors in highlight, suitable for capturing radiant light.
• Deep: For shooting images with deep and dense colors, suitable for capturing the solid presence of the subject.
• Light: For shooting images with bright and simple colors, suitable for capturing a refreshingly light ambience.
• Portrait: For capturing skin in a soft tone, ideally suited for shooting portraits.
• Landscape: The saturation, contrast, and sharpness are heightened for shooting vivid and crisp scenery. Distant landscapes also stand out more. Sunset: For shooting the beautiful red of the setting sun.
• Night Scene: The contrast is lowered for reproducing night scenes.
• Autumn leaves: For shooting autumn scenes, vividly highlighting the reds and yellows of changing leaves.
• Black & White: For shooting images in black and white monotone.
• Sepia: For shooting images in sepia monotone.

You can edit these different styles and save your own creative style if you want.

This functionality can be changed:

• Contrast: The higher the value selected, the more the difference of light and shadow is accentuated, and the bigger the effect on the image.
• Saturation: The higher the value selected, the more vivid the color. When a lower value is selected, the color of the image is restrained and subdued.
• Sharpness: Adjusts the sharpness. The higher the value selected, the more the contours are accentuated, and the lower the value selected, the more the contours are softened.

Picture Effect

Think of this menu as an Instagram app right in your camera, with all kinds of retro filters and effects. These are only available when quality is set to Jpeg (Not in RAW).

• Off: Disables the [Picture Effect] function.
• Toy Camera: Creates a soft image with shaded corners and reduced sharpness.
• Pop Color: Creates a vivid look by emphasizing color tones.
• Posterization: Creates a high contrast, abstract look by heavily emphasizing primary colors, or in black and white.
• Retro Photo: Creates the look of an aged photo with sepia color tones and faded contrast.
• Soft High-key: Creates an image with the indicated atmosphere: bright, transparent, ethereal, tender, soft.
• Partial Color: Creates an image which retains a specific color, but converts others to black and white.
• High Contrast Mono.: Creates a high-contrast image in black and white.
• Rich-tone Mono.: Creates an image in black and white with rich gradation and reproduction of details.

Picture Profile

Allows you to change the settings for the color, gradation, etc.

The basic contrast and coloring are defined by the combination of [Gamma] (gamma curve) and [Color Mode] (color characteristics) settings.

Gamma:

• • Movie: Standard gamma curve for video.
  • Still: Standard gamma curve for still images.
  • Cine1: Softens the contrast in darker image areas and emphasizes gradation changes in lighter image areas, producing a subdued tone overall (equivalent to HG4609G33) Gamma curve that obtains a dynamic range of 460% when the exposure is adjusted to 33% video output with 18% reflectance gray. The maximum value of video output is 109%. Images shot with this gamma can be used without grading, but since the images have smooth gradation characteristics, this can be used to grade and finalize the viewed image in the post-production process.
  • Cine2: Similar results to [Cine1] but optimized for editing with up to 100% video signal (equivalent to HG4600G30)
    Gamma curve that obtains a dynamic range of 460% when the exposure is adjusted to 30% video output with 18% reflectance gray. The maximum value of video output is 100%.
  • Cine3: Stronger contrast between dark and light image areas and greater emphasis on black gradation changes (compared to [Cine1] and [Cine2])
  • Cine4: Stronger contrast than [Cine3] in darker image areas.
  • ITU709 ITU709 gamma curve (low-light gain of 4.5).
  • ITU709: (800%) Gamma curve for checking scenes recorded using [S-Log2] or [S-Log3].
  • S-Log2 [S-Log2] gamma curve. This setting is selected when some grading work will be performed after recording. The exposure is set so that 18% reflectance gray video is output as 32%. Under these conditions, a dynamic range of 1,300% is obtained with 90% reflectance white. The maximum value of video output is 106%.
  • S-Log3: [S-Log3] gamma curve with characteristics closer to those of film. This setting is selected when some grading work will be performed after recording. It allows for better reproduction of gradations in shadows and the mid-tone range than S-Log2. The exposure is set so that 18% reflectance gray video is output as 41%. Under these conditions, a dynamic range of 1,300% is obtained with 90% reflectance white. As a characteristic of S-Log3, the dynamic range can be extended above 1,300%. However, Picture Profile is set to a dynamic range of 1,300% in order to maintain a balance with camera performance. Under these conditions, the maximum value of video output is 94%.

Color Mode:

• • Movie Color tones for [Movie] gamma curve (standard color reproduction for movies when Picture Profile is not used)
  • Still Color tones for [Still] gamma curve (standard color reproduction for still images when Picture Profile is not used)
  • Cinema Color tones for [Cine1] and [Cine2] gamma curve
  • Pro Color tones similar to standard Sony broadcast camera image quality (used in combination with [ITU709] gamma curve)
  • ITU709 Matrix ITU709 color tones (used in combination with [ITU709] gamma curve)
  • Black & White Sets the saturation to 0 for recording in black and white
    S-Gamut Setting based on the assumption that some grading work will be performed after recording. Used when [Gamma] is set to [S-Log2].
  • S-Gamut3.Cine Setting based on the assumption that some grading work will be performed after recording. Used when [Gamma] is set to [S-Log3].
  • This setting is easier to use than [S-Gamut3], because it limits the color space to a more practical range than that of [S-Gamut3]. It is recommended in cases where [S-Gamut3], a wide color space, is not required.
  • S-Gammut3 Setting based on the assumption that some grading work will be performed after recording. Used when [Gamma] is set to [S-Log3].
    This setting has a wider color space than that of [S-Gamut3.Cine]. It is suited for converting images to a format with a wide color space like BT.2020.
    Depending on the type of camera, the entire [S-Gamut3] color space may not be supported.

Black Level:

This function adjusts the black level of the image -15 to 15.  As an image effect, you can emphasize the color black to create an image that gives a powerful impression, or you can weaken black to give the image a soft impression.

Shifting Black Level in the minus direction emphasizes the black color in the image, while changing the level in the plus direction weakens the black color.

If you want to simulate an old film, or capture winter morning fog, the black level value should be increased. If you decrease the value, gradations in dark areas will be smoothed out, making the areas appear in crisp black. When using multiple fixed cameras to shoot the same subject from different angles, the balance between subject and background often varies. This balance variation may cause the black color in the subject to appear different when cameras are switched. However, this is an optical illusion. If it occurs, you can correct it by adjusting Black Level to make the black color look the same.

When using multiple fixed cameras to shoot the same subject from different angles, the balance between subject and background often varies.

This balance variation may cause the black color in the subject to appear different when cameras are switched. However, this is an optical illusion. If it occurs, you can correct it by adjusting Black Level to make the black color look the same.

Black Gamma:

This function lets you alter the shape of the selected gamma curve and adjust gradations in dark image areas. Range available between Wide, Middle or Narrow. Leven between -7 and 7.

Soft Skin Effect

If you’re using this camera mainly for pics of friends and family, this is an excellent feature, as it will soften and smooth skin tones make you and your beloved ones look their best. (only available when quality is set to Jpeg)

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 12 (Focus Assist settings)

Focus Magnifier

When focussing manually or in DMF mode, you can set the camera to magnify a part of the screen so you can check focus. This sub-menu allows you to select the part of the image that will be magnified during shooting.

Focus Magnif. Time

You can set how long to hold the magnified area during MF assist. 2 sec, 5 seconds or no limit. 2 seconds is how I have it set up.

Initial Focus Mag.

Sets the initial magnification scale when using [Focus Magnifier]. Select a setting that will help you frame your shot.

MF assist

This works in conjunction with the Focus Magnifier found on this page too You might remember that you can select the area to magnify there when using manual focus (MF). MF assist will need to be turned on if you want to use this feature.

Peaking Level

• • • • • • Peaking Level is a manual focusing aid which works when you have your camera set to MF or DMF.
        • • You’ll see a type of noise outlining the parts of your image where the focus lies, and you can adjust the sensitivity to high, mid or low.
        • Which setting is best depends on what lens you use, as with a sharper lens it can be configured to low, while more soft lenses benefit from a medium or high setting to clearly visualize what you’re focusing on.

Peaking Color

You can choose the color of this Peaking between Red, white and yellow. I have it set to red, as this contrasts nicely with most scenes you capture.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 13 (more Focus Assist settings)

Focus Ring Rotate

This option lets you choose which direction to rotate the lens ring that is assigned to adjust manual focus, turning either left or right to focus on more distant subjects. You can set this option according to what feels most natural to you.

MENU – Red Camera Icon – page 14 (Face Detection and Shoot Assist Settings)

Smile/Face Detect

This is another powerful feature. It can be set to detect automatically and focus on (registered) faces and enable a function called Smile Shutter. When the latter is enabled, the camera will automatically capture an image when a smile is detected. Did I hear you say Selfie? Yes, it’s the ultimate selfie tool, along with the pivoting screen.

Face Registration

If you register faces in advance, the product can detect the registered face as a priority when [Face Detection] is set to [On (Regist. Faces)]. Shoot the face from the front in a brightly lit place. The face may not be registered correctly if it is obscured by a hat, a mask, sunglasses, etc.

1. MENU – (Camera Settings1) – [Face Registration] – [New Registration].
2. Align the guide frame with the face to be registered, and press the shutter button.
3. When a confirmation message appears, select [Enter].

Auto Object Framing

When enabled, the Sony RX10 mark 4 will automatically crop your captured image to what it deems best. Meaning it will cut the picture for a nicer composition. Only available for Jpegs, though, a nice feature if you don’t want to bother too much with the technical side of photography.

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 1 (Movie settings 1)

Movie: Exposure Mode

You can set the exposure mode for movie shooting.

• Program Auto: Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value).
• Aperture Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually.
• Shutter Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually.
• Manual Exposure: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (both the shutter speed and the aperture value) manually.

HFR (High Frame Rate): Exposure Mode

You can select the exposure mode for HFR shooting based on the subject and effect you want.

• Program Auto: Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value).
•  Aperture Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually.
•  Shutter Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually.
•  Manual Exposure: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (both the shutter speed and the aperture value) manually.

File format (for movies)

Selects the movie file format.

• XAVC S 4K: Records high-definition movies in XAVC S 4K. This format supports a higher bit rate. Audio: LPCM
• AXAVC S HD: (default setting):Records movies in crisper quality than AVCHD with larger amounts of data. Audio: LPCM
• AVCHD:The AVCHD format has a high degree of compatibility with storage devices other than computers.

Note that when recording XAVC S format movies, you should use Class 10 or faster SDXC memory cards. At Least 64 GB.

Record Setting

You can choose the quality of recorded video here. You can change the image size, frame rate, and image quality for movie recording. The higher the bitrate, the higher the image quality. If you’re not familiar with this, leave as is.

Menu items details:

When File Format is set to XAVC S 4K:

• 30p 100M/25p 100M: Records the movies in 3840 × 2160 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. 100 Mbps
• 30p 60M/25p 60M: Records the movies in 3840 × 2160 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. 60 Mbps
• 24p 100M: Records the movies in 3840 × 2160 (24p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 100 Mbps
• 24p 60M: Records the movies in 3840 × 2160 (24p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 60 Mbps

When File Format is set to XAVC S HD:

• 60p 50M/50p 50M: Records the movies in 1920 × 1080 (60p/50p). Bit-rate: Approx. 50 Mbps
• 30p 50M/25p 50M: Records the movies in 1920 × 1080 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. 50 Mbps
• 24p 50M: Records the movies in 1920 × 1080 (24p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 50 Mbps
• 120p 100M/100p 100M: Records 1920 × 1080 (120p/100p) size movies at a high speed. Movies can be recorded at 120 fps/100 fps. You can create smoother slow-motion images using compatible editing equipment. Bit-rate: Approx. 100 Mbps
• 120p 60M/100p 60M: Records 1920 × 1080 (120p/100p) size movies at a high speed. Movies can be recorded at 120 fps/100 fps. You can create smoother slow-motion images using compatible editing equipment. Bit-rate: Approx. 60 Mbps

When  File Format is set to AVCHD:

• 60i 24M(FX)*: 50i 24M(FX): Records high image quality movies of 1920 × 1080 (60i/50i). Bit-rate: Approx. 24 Mbps (Max.)
• 60i 17M(FH): 50i 17M(FH) (default setting): Records standard image quality movies of 1920 × 1080 (60i/50i). Bit-rate: Approx. 17 Mbps (Avg.)
• 60p 28M(PS)*:

General notes:

• Movies recorded with the [60i 24M(FX)]/[50i 24M(FX)] as the [Record Setting] are converted by PlayMemories Home in order to create an AVCHD recording disc. You cannot create a disc in the original image quality. This conversion can take a long time. If you want to keep the original image quality, store your movies on a Blu-ray Disc.

• [120p]/[100p] cannot be selected for the following settings.
  • [Intelligent Auto]
  • [Superior Auto]
  • [Scene Selection]

HFR settings

By shooting with a higher frame rate than the recording format, you can record a smooth super-slow-motion movie.

1. Set the mode dial to High Frame Rate. The HFR setting screen will be displayed.
2. Select MENU- Camera Settings-HFR Settings and select the desired settings for Record Setting, Frame Rate, Priority Setting, and REC Timing. You can adjust the desired exposure mode by selecting MENU- camera Settings-High Frame Rate. You can set other shooting settings such as focus area, focus mode, and frame rate, and perform zooming on the HFR setting screen.
3. Press the in the center of the control wheel. The HFR shooting screen will be displayed. To change the settings, press in the center once again to switch to the HFR setting screen.
4. Press the MOVIE button. The camera will automatically start recording as soon as you finish shooting

Menu item details

• HFR Record Setting: Selects the frame rate of the movie from 60p 50M/50p 50M, 30p 50M/25p 50M, and 24p 50M.
• HFR Frame Rate: Selects the shooting frame rate from 240fps/250fps, 480fps/500fps, and 960fps/1000fps.
• FFR Priority Setting: Select Quality Priority or Shoot Time Priority. If you select Shoot Time Priority, the recordable duration is longer than in Quality Priority mode.
• HFR REC Timing: Selects whether to record a set amount of time after pressing the MOVIE button (Start Trigger), or to record for a set amount of time until you press the MOVIE button (End Trigger).

Frame rate

In super-slow-motion movie shooting, the camera shoots at a faster shutter speed than the number of shooting frames per second. For example, when [Frame Rate] is set to [960fps], the shutter speed per frame will be faster than approx. 1/1000 second in order to shoot 960 frames per second. To maintain this shutter speed, sufficient ambient light is necessary during shooting. If the ambient light is insufficient, the ISO sensitivity will become higher, resulting in more noise.

Shortest shooting distance

The image becomes out of focus when the subject is too close, such as during macro shooting. Shoot from the shortest shooting distance (from the front of the lens, approximately 3 cm (0.10 ft.) at the wide-angle end, approximately 72 cm (2.36 ft.) at the telephoto end, and approximately 140 cm (4.59 ft.) at a 35 mm-equivalent focal length of around 250 mm) or further.

Timing of recording

Depending on the [REC Timing] setting, the relationship between when you press the MOVIE button and the recorded section of the movie is as shown below.[Start Trigger]
Movie capturing (shooting) starts when the MOVIE button is pressed. When the MOVIE button is pressed again, or when the recordable duration of time has elapsed, movie capturing ends and the camera starts to record the captured movie to the memory card.

(A): The point when the MOVIE button is pressed
(B): Recorded section
(C): Recording to memory card in progress (You cannot start the next session of shooting.)[End Trigger]/[End Trigger Half]
Buffering (temporarily capturing a movie on the camera) starts once the shooting standby screen is displayed. When the captured data fills the buffering capacity, old data is overwritten sequentially. When you press the MOVIE button, the camera starts to record a movie of the set duration calculated retroactively from that point on the memory card.

• With [End Trigger], a movie of the maximum possible duration is recorded. With [End Trigger Half], a movie of half the maximum possible duration is recorded. With [End Trigger Half], the time it takes to record to the memory card is also shorter than with [End Trigger].

End Trigger

End Trigger Half

(A): The point when the MOVIE button is pressed
(B): Recorded section
(C): Recording to memory card in progress (You cannot start the next session of shooting.)
(D): Buffering in progress

To redo shooting

You can cancel recording by selecting [Cancel] on the screen. However, the movie recorded up to the point you cancelled will be saved.

Playback speed

The playback speed will vary as below depending on the assigned [Frame Rate] and [Record Setting].

^*Only when [NTSC/PAL Selector] is set to NTSC.

[Priority Setting] and shooting duration

Playback time

For example, if you shoot for approx. 4 seconds with [Record Setting] set to [24p 50M]*, [Frame Rate]set to [960fps], and [Priority Setting] set to [Shoot Time Priority], the playback speed will be 40 times slower and the playback time will be approx. 160 seconds (approx. 2 minutes and 40 seconds).

Quality Dual Rec

Selects the quality of still images to be shot while recording movies. (Extra Fine, Fine or Standard)

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 2 (Movie settings 2)

Img. Size (Dual Rec)

Selects the size of still images to be shot while recording movies.

• L: 17M
• M: 7.5M
• S: 4.2M

Auto Dual Rec

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 3 (Movie settings 3)

Audio Recording

You can switch off audio recording in movie mode. When you record audio movies with loud volumes, set Audio Rec Level to a lower sound level. Doing so enables you to record more realistic audio. When you record audio movies with lower volumes, set Audio Rec Level to a higher sound level to make the sound easier to hear. Regardless of the Audio Rec Level settings, the limiter always operates.

Audio Rec Level

You can adjust the audio recording level while checking the level meter.

Audio Level Display

Sets whether to display the audio level on the screen.

Don’t see the audio level display?

• Check if Audio Recording]is set to Off.
• Check if DISP (Display Setting) is set to No Disp. Info.
• During slow-motion/quick-motion shooting, audio is automatically turned OFF.

Audio Out Timing

You can set echo cancellation during audio monitoring and prevent undesirable deviations between video and audio during HDMI output.

• Live: Outputs audio without delay. Select this setting when the audio deviation is a problem during audio monitoring.
• Lip Sync: Outputs audio and video in sync. Select this setting to prevent undesirable deviations between video and audio.

Wind Noise Reduction

This helps reduce noise from the wind during video recording.

Steadyshot (Movie)

Sets SteadyShot effect when shooting movies.

• Intelligent Active: Provides a more powerful SteadyShot effect than Active.
• Active: Provides a more powerful SteadyShot effect.
• Standard: Reduces camera shake under stable movie shooting conditions.
• Off: Does not use SteadyShot.

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 4 (Movie settings 4)

Marker Display (movie)

Select if you want guidelines (a grid) in movie mode. The markers are displayed on the monitor or viewfinder

Marker Settings (movie)

Sets the markers to be displayed while shooting movies. You can display several markers at the same time.

• Center: Sets whether or not to display the center marker in the center of the shooting screen. [Off]/[On]
• Aspect: Sets the aspect marker display. [Off]/[4:3]/[13:9]/[14:9]/[15:9]/[1.66:1]/[1.85:1]/[2.35:1]
• Safety Zone: Sets the safety zone display. This becomes the standard range that can be received by a general household TV. [Off]/[80%]/[90%]
• Guideframe: Sets whether or not to display the guide frame. You can verify whether the subject is level or perpendicular to the ground.

Video Light Mode

Sets the illumination setting for the optional HVL-LBPC LED light.

• Power Link: The video light turns on/off in sync with the ON/OFF operation of this camera.
• REC Link: The video light turns on/off in sync with movie recording start/stop.
• REC Link&STBY: The video light turns on when movie recording starts and dims when not recording (STBY).
• Auto: The video light automatically turns on when it is dark.

Movie w/ shutter

You can map the movie recording function to the shutter button.

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 5 (Shutter and Steadyshot settings)

Shutter Type (still image)

You can set whether to shoot with a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter.

• Auto: The shutter type is automatically switched based on the shooting conditions and shutter speed.
• Mechanical Shut.: Shoot with the mechanical shutter only.
• Electronic Shut.: Shoot with the electronic shutter only.

Release without card

If set to Off, you won’t be able to engage the shutter when there is no SD card in the slot. This is a useful failsafe to prevent you from shooting images without the ability to save them.

SteadyShot

Sets whether or not to use the SteadyShot function.For optimal sharpness, turn it off when using a tripod.

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 6 (Zoom lens settings)

Rng. of Zoom Assist

Selects how much to zoom out with the Zoom Assist function. Small, Medium or Large amounts are available.

Zoom Setting

• Optical zoom only: Limits the zoom range to the optical zoom. You can use the Smart Zoom function if you set Image Size to M, S or VGA.
• On:ClearImage Zoom: Select this setting to use Clear Image Zoom. Even if the zoom range exceeds the optical zoom, the product magnifies images within the range in which image quality does not deteriorate significantly.
• On:Digital Zoom: When the zoom range of the Clear Image Zoom is exceeded, the product magnifies images to the largest scale. However, the image quality will deteriorate.

Zoom Speed

Sets the zoom speed of the camera’s zoom lever.o either normal or fast.

Zoom Ring Rotate

Assigns zoom in (T) or zoom out (W) functions to the rotational directions of the lens ring to which the zoom function has been assigned. For either righthanded or lefthanded people.

Zoom Func. on Ring

Sets the zoom functions when using the lens ring to change zoom scales.

• Standard: Zooms in/out smoothly when you operate the zoom by turning the lens ring.
• Quick: Zooms in/out to an angle of view corresponding to how far the lens ring has been rotated.
• Step: Zooms in/out at certain angle steps when you operate the zoom by turning the lens ring.

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 7 (Display screen and Auto Review settings)

Disp button

Selects the functionality (what is shown) on the screen when you press the DISP button (on the control wheel). You can choose Graphic Display, all info, no disp info, and histogram.

Finder/Monitor

You can set the behavior of the EVF and screen here. Do you want your screen on all the time, switch between screen and EVF once your eye has been detected near the viewfinder?  Or turn the screen off and only use the EVF? It can all be selected here.

Zebra 

The zebra function shows a zebra pattern on the screen while shooting in any area that is in danger of highlight clipping. You can switch this OFF or anywhere in a range between 70 and 100.The Zebra Pattern is a highlight warning indicator that is common in video cameras. It does not control exposure but just warns you that your highlights are blown out. It is not recorded into the resulting image.I have it set halfway at around 75, and it is a very useful indication of correct exposure of the entire scene.

Grid Line (stills)

Sets whether the grid line is displayed or not. The grid line will help you to adjust the composition of images.

• Rule of 3rds Grid: Place main subjects close to one of the grid lines that divide the image into thirds for a well-balanced composition.
• Square Grid: Square grids make it easier to confirm the horizontal level of your composition. This is suitable to determine the quality of the composition when shooting landscape, close-up, or duplicated images.
• Diag. Square Grid: Place a subject on the diagonal line to express an uplifting and powerful feeling.
• Off: Does not display the grid line.

Exposure set guide

The exposure set guide is an on-screen scroller that tells you the relation between your chosen aperture and the appropriate shutter speed for the scene you are shooting. I find this quite handy, but you can turn it off if you don’t.

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 8 (more screen and Auto Review Settings)

Auto Review

You can check your captured image on the screen directly after shooting.  You can select how long the image will stay on the screen (10, 5 or 2 seconds). I find this very annoying, so I turned it off. If you want to review your image, you can simply press play to do so.

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 9 (Customizable bottons and dial settings)

Custom Key(Shoot.)/Custom Key(PB)

You can assign the desired function to the desired key. Some functions are available only when they are assigned to a custom key. For example, if you assign [Eye AF] to [Center Button] for [Custom Key(Shoot.)], you can easily recall [Eye AF] simply by pressing the center of the multi-selector while shooting.

The keys that can be assigned functions are different for [Custom Key(Shoot.)] and [Custom Key(PB)].

You can assign the desired functions to the following keys. You can also assign a shooting function to the focus hold button on the lens. However, some lenses do not have a focus hold button.2 1.

• Custom Button 1
• Custom Button2
• AF/MF Button/AEL Button
• Fn/ Button
• Control Wheel (Center Button/Down Button/Left Button/Right Button)
• Custom Button 3

Function Menu Set.

You can assign the functions to be called up when you press the Fn (Function) button.

Lens Ring setup

You can zoom and focus more intuitively using the two lens rings (front and rear). Assigns the focus function or the zoom function to the front lens ring and rear lens ring.

Movie Button

Sets whether or not to activate the MOVIE (Movie) button. Either always or only when you’re in Movie mode.

Dial Lock

You can set whether the dials will be locked by pressing and holding the Fn (Function) button. You can release the lock by holding the Fn (Function) button down again.

• Lock: Locks the front and rear dials when you press and hold the Fn button.
• Unlock: The front or rear dials are not locked, even if you press and hold the Fn (Function) button.

MENU – Purple Camera Icon – page 10 (other custom settings)

Audio Signals

Selects whether the product produces a sound or not, for example when the focus is achieved by pressing the shutter button halfway down.

Write Date (stills)

Sets whether to record a shooting date on the still image.

MENU – Network Settings – page 1

Send To Smartphone

• • You can send one or several images directly to your wireless device (phone or tablet) by pressing this button.

• • You can either decide to choose which images you want to transfer on the camera or the wireless device (via the Sony PlayMemories app, available for free in the apple or android store).

• • You’ll have to connect the-the camera via Wifi first (it makes a Wifi access point), using the instruction on the A6300 screen.

• • It works just like connecting to any other access point with your phone or tablet.

• • You should do this as quickly as possible, just to get it out of the way.

• When your phone has wirelessly connected to the camera once, and you’ve entered the password, it will remember this, and make it a lot faster to connect later.

Send to Computer

You’ll need to connect the computer physically to the camera using the supplied USB cable, and you can push selected pictures to your Sony PlayMemories desktop software (installed from the CD or downloaded from their website). This can even be set up to continue pushing images after the camera has turned off.

View On TV

If you have a Wifi-enabled TV, you can see pictures and slideshows directly from your camera through your home wireless network.

Ctrl w/ smartphone

By connecting the camera to a smartphone using Wi-Fi, you can control the camera and shoot images using the smartphone, and you can transfer images shot with the camera to the smartphone.

Connection Info. displays the QR code or SSID used to connect the camera to a smartphone.

Airplane Mode

Disables all wireless functionality, just like airplane mode does on your phone.

Wi-Fi Settings

So the camera apps from the Playmemories store can’t be used on the RX10 Mark 4. You can however remotely control your camera with the Playmemories app for iPhone or Android.

WPS Push

If your access point has the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button, you can register the access point to this product easily by pushing the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button.

Access Point Set.

You can register your access point manually. Before starting the procedure, check the SSID name of the access point, security system, and password. The password may be preset in some devices. For details, see the access point operating instructions, or consult the access point administrator.

Disp MAC Address

Displays the MAC address of your Sony ILCE-7rm3.

SSID/PW Reset

Your camera shares the connection information for [Send to Smartphone] and [ Connection Info.] with a device that has permission to connect. If you want to change the device that is permitted to connect, reset the connection information.

MENU – Network Settings – page 1

Bluetooth Settings.

Another new feature only previously available in the A6500 and A9  is Bluetooth connectivity. It is possible to connect your camerato your smartphone in order to Geotag your images.

Bluetooth Settings controls the settings for connecting the camera to a smartphone via a Bluetooth connection. You need to pair the camera and smartphone before using the location information interlocking function. If you want to pair the camera and smartphone in order to use the location information interlocking function, refer to “Loc. Info. Link Set..”

Loc. Info. Link Set

You can use the application PlayMemories Mobile to obtain location information from a smartphone that is connected to your camera using Bluetooth communication. You can record the obtained location information when shooting images.

To use the location information linking function of the camera, you need the PlayMemories Mobile application on your smartphone and transfer an image to your smartphone to test the connection

Procedure:

1. Confirm that the Bluetooth function of your smartphone is activated. (Do not perform the Bluetooth pairing operation on the smartphone setting screen!!! In steps 2 to 7, the pairing operation is performed using the camera and the application PlayMemories Mobile. If you accidentally perform the pairing operation on the smartphone setting screen in step 1, cancel the pairing and then perform the pairing operation by following Steps 2 through 7 using the camera and the application PlayMemories Mobile.)
2. On the camera, select MENU – (Wireless) – [Bluetooth Settings] – [Bluetooth Function] – [On].
3. On the camera, select MENU – (Wireless) – [Bluetooth Settings] – [Pairing].
4. Launch PlayMemories Mobile on your smartphone and tap “Location Information Linkage.”
5. Activate [Location Information Linkage] on the [Location Information Linkage] setting screen of PlayMemories Mobile.
6. Select [OK] when a message is displayed on the monitor of the camera. The pairing of the camera and PlayMemories Mobile is complete.
7. On the camera, select MENU – (Wireless) – [ Loc. Info. Link Set.] – [Location Info. Link] – [On].

(obtaining location information icon) will be displayed on the monitor of the camera. Location information obtained by your smartphone using GPS, etc., will be recorded when shooting images.

Options in this Menu:

• Location Info. Link: Sets whether to obtain the location information by linking with a smartphone.
• Auto Time Correct.: Sets whether to automatically correct the date setting of the camera using information from a linked smartphone.
• Auto Area Adjust.: Sets whether to automatically correct the area setting of the camera using information from a linked smartphone.

Edit Device name

If you wish, you can change the name of the Device Access point) perhaps to make it easier to identify which RX10 4 is yours in particular situations.

Reset Network set

Resets all network settings.

If something does not function properly, and you want to start from scratch, can be useful.

MENU – playback options – page 1

Delete

Delete one or multiple images stored on your SD card.

View Mode

select how the camera will arrange captured pictures in the viewing browser.

Image Index

Choose whether you want the image browser to display 12 (larger) or 30 (smaller) images per page.

Disp Cont Shoot Grp

Sets whether to display continuously shot images as a group. (you’ll see an image stack on your screen)

Display rotation

Select whether you want the camera to rotate images automatically when you rotate the camera or not.

Slide Show

Select whether you want the camera to repeat slideshows when all pictures are viewed or not, and choose the interval between slides.

MENU – playback options – page 2

Rotate

Change the orientation of images in-camera.

Enlarge Image

Select an image and expand a portion of that picture. Useful for checking details and focus.

Enlarge Init. Mag

Monitor Brightness

Manually set the Monitor brightness (recommended leave to zero) or change to a brighter setting for Sunny Weather.

Viewfinder Brightness

Set to Auto, which adapts to the lighting circumstances or manually changes to your preferred setting.

Finder Color Temp

Change the color temperature of the viewfinder (colder-warmer) to you liking. I don’t make any adjustments here.

Gamma Disp. Assist

Movies with S-Log gamma are assumed to be processed after shooting in order to make use of the wide dynamic range. They are therefore displayed in low contrast during shooting and may be difficult to monitor, using [Gamma Disp. Assist], contrast equivalent to that of normal gamma can be reproduced. In addition, [Gamma Disp. Assist] can also be applied when playing back movies on the camera’s monitor/viewfinder.

Volume settings

Modify the playback volume for recorded video or demos.

 Tile Menu

Selects whether to always display the first screen of the menu when you press the MENU button.

MENU – Setup – page 2

Mode Dial Guide

Turn the description for each shooting mode ON or OFF. Can be handy at first for a novice user to get familiar with what the different shooting modes do.

Delete Confirm

When deleting images on your SD card, you’ll have to confirm every deletion (to make sure you don’t accidentally delete anything). You can turn Off this confirmation here if you wish.

Display Quality

You can change the display quality from standard to high at the expense of shorter battery life.

Pwr Save Start time

Sets time intervals to automatically switch to power save mode when you are not performing operations to prevent wearing down the battery pack. To return to shooting mode, perform an operation such as pressing the shutter button halfway down. I have it set to 5 minutes, a good balance between usability and battery life.

NTSC/PAL Selector

Plays back movies recorded with the product on an NTSC/PAL system TV.

Touch Operation

Sets whether or not to activate touch operations on the monitor. Touch operations when shooting with the monitor are referred to as “touch panel operations,” and touch operations when shooting with the viewfinder are referred to as “touchpad operations.”

• Touch Panel Pad: Activates both the touch panel operations when shooting with the monitor and touchpad operations when shooting with the viewfinder.
• Touch Panel Only: Activates only the touch panel operations when shooting with the monitor.
• Touch Pad Only: Activates only the touch pad operations when shooting with the viewfinder. Off: Deactivates all touch operations.
• Off: Deactivates all touch operations.

MENU – Setup – page 3

Touch Pad Settings

You can adjust settings related to touch pad operations during viewfinder shooting.

• Operation in V Orien.: Sets whether to enable touch pad operations during vertically oriented viewfinder shooting. You can prevent erroneous operations during vertically oriented shooting caused by your nose, etc. touching the monitor.
• Touch Pos. Mode: Sets whether to move the focusing frame to the position touched on the screen , or move the focusing frame to the desired position based on the direction of dragging and the amount of movement .
• Operation Area: Sets the area to be used for touch pad operations. Restricting the operational area can prevent erroneous operations caused by your nose, etc. touching the monitor.

Demo Mode

For display purposes in stores.

TC/UB settings

Timecode (TC) and the user bit (UB) information can be recorded as data attached to movies. This is used for synchronization of video in post-production. The time code can be set between the following range: 00:00:00:00 to 23:59:59:29.

• TC/UB Disp. Setting: Sets the display for the counter, time code, and user bit.
• TC Preset: Sets the time code.
• UB Preset: Sets the user bit.
• TC Format: Sets the recording method for the time code. (Only when [NTSC/PAL Selector] is set to NTSC.)
• TC Run: Sets the count up format for the time code.
• TC Make: Sets the recording format for the time code on the recording medium.
• UB Time Rec: Sets whether or not to record the time as a user bit.

HDMI Settings

When you connect the product to a High Definition (HD) TV with HDMI terminals using an HDMI cable (sold separately), you can select HDMI Resolution to output images to the TV.

• Auto: The product automatically recognizes an HD TV and sets the output resolution.
• 2160p/1080p: Outputs signals in 2160p/1080p.
• 1080p: Outputs signals in HD picture quality (1080p).
• 1080i: Outputs signals in HD picture quality (1080i).

4K Output Sel.

Outputs video in 4K resolution to an HDMI-connected TV that supports 4K.

Memory Card HDMI: Simultaneously outputs to the external recording/playback device and records on the camera’s memory card.

HDMI Only(30p): Outputs a 4K movie in 30p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.

HDMI Only(24p): Outputs a 4K movie in 24p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.

HDMI Only(25p)* : Outputs a 4K movie in 25p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.

USB connection

Selects what will happen when you connect your camera to your PC or MAC.

Auto: Establishes a Mass Storage or MTP connection automatically, depending on the computer or other USB devices to be connected. Windows 7 or Windows 8 computers are connected in MTP, and their unique functions are enabled for use.

Mass Storage: Establishes a Mass Storage connection between this product, a computer, and other USB devices.

MTP: Establishes an MTP connection between this product, a computer, and other USB devices. Windows 7 or Windows 8 computers are connected in MTP, and their unique functions are enabled for use.

PC Remote: Uses “Remote Camera Control” to control this product from the computer, including such functions as shooting and storing images on the computer.

MENU – Setup – page 4

USB LUN Setting

Improves compatibility with external devices by limiting the functions of the USB connection.

Older devices that are not able to connect to the camera might work when set to single. Otherwise, use Multi.

USB Power Supply

You can extend battery life by providing a power supply over USB.

PC Remote settings

Sets whether to save still images stored in both the camera and the computer during PC Remote shooting. This setting is useful when you want to check recorded images on the camera without leaving the camera.

Language

Selects the language to be used in the menu items, warnings, and messages.

Date/Time Setup

The Clock Set screen is displayed automatically when you turn on your RX10 IV for the first time.

Area Settings

Sets where in the world where you are using your camera.

MENU – Setup – page 5

Copyright info

Writes copyright information onto the still images like your name or business.

Format

When you use a memory card with this camera for the first time, we recommend that you format the card using the camera for stable performance of the memory card. Note that formatting permanently erases all data on the memory card, and is unrecoverable.

File Number

Name your files according to some shots or reset it to start from 1.

Set File Name

Use the standard file naming system or a customisable one.

New Folder

Make a new folder for quickly organizing events and locations.

MENU – Setup – page 6

Folder name

Choose whether to have folder names in standard form (DSC) or create a new one by date. Setting folders by date will make organizing your images easier.

Recover Image DB

If you have a storage card error, you can try to rebuild the database to retrieve lost images possibly.

Display media info

You can check how much space is left on your SD card (have pictures in your desired quality and how many minutes of video)

Version

Check what version of the operating system your camera and the lens is running. Sony sporadically releases updates with new features, so it might be worth checking if any new firmware versions are available.

Setting Reset

Fully resets the camera to factory settings.

MENU – My Menu setting

This is a new functionality. It allows you to build a custom menu. Say you often change Raw file type from compressed to uncompressed, or maybe you don’t want to spend your time scrolling through the entire menu system looking for the SteadyShot settings. Well, now you can basically build your own Menu here with your most often used settings.

Add Item

You’ll see a list of all Menu options here and you can simply select your desired options and add them to your custom built menu page.

Sort Item

This setting basically changes the order of your ‘My Menu’ selected function.

Delete Item

Deletes functions in your ‘My Menu’.

Delete Page

Deletes entire pages of your ‘My Menu’ selection.

Delete All

Deletes all previously added functions of your ‘My Menu’.

Troubleshooting

More setup tips and settings for specific scenarios

Birds in Flight/ fast action

A high high shutter speed for eliminating/reducing motion blur and minimising effect of camera shake. High burst rate for more chances at success and better tracking.

Mode

Use Aperture priority and selected F4, this to retain the highest possible shutter speed. If needed, you can always very quickly override the F4 setting by turning the control wheel on the lens.

Mind that you can very easily accidentally turn the aperture control wheel on the lens and end up with an aperture you were not expecting.

Drive mode

High speed burst mode (24FPS) is essential to allow you to better track rapidly moving birds.

ISO

Set auto ISO to aminimum 100 and maximum 400. If push comes to shove I can quickly override this as I have programmed the right hand position on the control wheel to change ISO.

There is an option to select the “Auto ISO minimum shutter speed”: Select “Faster” as you want to keep the shutter speed up for BIF.

Focus area

Use “Wide” as I think it is practically impossible to keep a flying bird sufficiently close to the centre of the frame to ensure that the camera focuses on the bird and not something else. I have also found the camera’s ability to discern and follow the bird in this mode to be very, very good.

Metering

Use Large Spot. With Large Spot hopefully I frequently have the subject in the spot to get good exposure. If not I am no worse off than with Multi.

Note that I find that metering with BIF requires manual intervention” in the form of EC quite often. The background (sky) is frequently significantly brighter than the subject so it is prudent to dial in some positive EC. Set this into Custom Memory 1 and this is the setup I normally use when I walk around.

Static Subjects

Tracking and rapid burst mode is not essential and it is important to have as small as possible focus area to avoid the effect of branches/twigs etc that get in the way.

Mode

Aperture priority and F4. Same comments as before.

Drive mode

Medium speed burst mode (10FPS). I consider using burst mode together with AF-C to be very important for ensuring you get good results. Reasons? Birds move: burst mode and AF-C minimises the potential blurry shots. Also: sometimes the camera misses the focus on the first shot. If it is your only shot you have a blurry image. If you use burst mode with AF-S you have several blurry images.

 ISO

Auto ISO with minimum 100 and maximum 400 with “Auto ISO minimum shutter speed”= Faster

Focus area

As mentioned I want the smallest possible focus area to ensure I focus on the bird and nothing else. Ergo: I use the smallest possible flexible spot in the middle of the frame. And I have never felt the need to move it.

Metering

I use Standard Spot as I am only interested in the exposure of the subject.

I have programmed this into Custom Memory 2. I have also programmed this into Custom Hold 2 and assigned Custom Hold 2 to the “Focus hold” button on the lens. The reason for this is that I use the BIF setting for walking around and sometimes want to quickly go to the perched bird setting. Seeing as this happens quite often I wanted the easiest to use button to hold: Focus hold is it!

Other buttons

I use one other custom setting that I have programmed to Custom Memory 3: this is for general/landscape use. I have set up a similar configuration as Custom Hold 3 with the AEL button to access this. This is the second most common “hold” I will use so I programmed it to the second most comfortable button to press while using the shutter release.

Because I quite often want to jump between custom configurations I have programmed Memory Recall into the first Fn button location. To switch between configurations I press the Fn button, press enter (to select memory recall), scroll left or right to memory 1, 2 or 3 and press enter.

On the rear control wheel I have:

– Left: AF area

– Down: Burst mode

– Right: ISO

Conclusion

The Sony RX10 IV brought many new software innovations to the RX line. Besides the ability to record in 4K and make High Frame rate movies, you shouldn’t overlook the many new focusing aides inside the Sony RX10 IV like Eye AF and focus peaking. I hope you found my advanced manual for the RX10 IV with tips and tricks useful. If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.