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Sony has officially unveiled the compact RX10 V superzoom camera, which features an optical system with a focal length of 24–600 mm and a 1-inch sensor with a resolution of 20.1 megapixels. The camera’s design has undergone significant changes compared to the previous model, the RX10 IV, which debuted nine years ago.
The new model features a more modern design, increased performance, an upgraded autofocus system, and significantly improved video recording capabilities. The main highlight of the release is the camera’s price tag of $2,300, which automatically makes it one of the most expensive compact cameras on the global market.
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As with previous generations, the RX10 V model offers travelers, street photographers, and other creators tremendous capabilities for zooming in on subjects thanks to its lens with a physical focal length of 9.1–210 mm (equivalent to 24–600 mm for full-frame systems) and an aperture range of f/2.4–4.0. The 20.1-megapixel 1-inch back-illuminated sensor remains unchanged, ensuring high-quality images even in low-light conditions with minimal rolling shutter effect. It is somewhat disappointing that Sony decided not to increase the sensor’s resolution, given the camera’s high price tag. Additionally, the developers removed the built-in flash that was present in the RX10 IV model.
However, the latest model features a modern image-processing processor, which has improved continuous shooting performance. The camera can now shoot up to 30 frames per second when the electronic shutter is activated without any blackout in the viewfinder – a significant improvement over the 24 frames per second of the previous version. Sony has also integrated a feature called “continuous shooting speed boost,” borrowed from its latest mirrorless cameras, which allows users to instantly switch to maximum shooting speed to capture the most important moments.
The autofocus function has undergone a major overhaul based on AI algorithms to meet the standards of the new full-frame A7 V model. Instead of merely recognizing people and animals, the updated system can detect faces, eyes, heads, and silhouettes of people, birds, and various animals, as well as recognize vehicles – including cars, trains, and airplanes – and even insects, capturing their heads or entire bodies. A dedicated computing chip for deep AI ensures that the subject remains in focus at all times, even if it turns its back, looks down, or moves erratically. The refresh rate for autofocus and autoexposure data has doubled, reaching 60 times per second for continuous tracking, and the total number of phase-detection points has increased to 575 compared to 315 in the previous generation, covering 70% of the sensor area.
The most significant changes have been made to the video recording capabilities, which now support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second with 10-bit color depth in All-Intra codecs, XAVC S, and XAVC HS codecs, utilizing the entire effective width of the sensor without binning adjacent pixels to achieve maximum detail. Users can also enable 4K mode at 120 frames per second to achieve a slow-motion effect at the cost of a slight crop, or switch to 1080p resolution at 240 framesper second. The camera supports the proprietary S-Log3 profile to expand the dynamic range and allows users to load up to 16 custom LUTs to preview color grading before shooting begins. In addition, Sony has improved the performance of the internal stabilization system, which effectively compensates for image shake when the operator is walking.
The device’s ergonomics and design have been completely redesigned, moving away from the rounded and bulky contours of its predecessor, the RX10 IV. The body now has a sleeker look that echoes the style of the A7 V model and features an enlarged grip for a secure hold. The design offers a full set of manual controls, including a joystick, three control dials, an additional settings dial, a new dual top dial with a mode selector for photo, video, and time-lapse or slow-motion shooting, as well as a dedicated AF-ON button for professional focus control.
The electronic viewfinder and main screen now feature higher resolution, with 3.69 million dots for the viewfinder and 1.62 million dots for the display, up from 2.4 million dots and 1.62 million dots, respectively. At the same time, the rear LCD screen has an exclusively tilting design and lacks the ability to swivel to the side, making it less suitable for taking selfies or recording vlogs. The absence of such an important engineering feature seems rather surprising and unjustified, given the camera’s overall price.
Other specifications include a single UHS-II SD memory card slot, a full-size NP-FZ100 battery that allows for up to 630 photos per charge, a micro HDMI port, standard 3.5 mm audio jacks for a microphone and headphones, as well as a modern high-speed USB-C port for charging and file transfer. In addition, the RX10 V supports live streaming in up to 4K at 30 frames per second.
As for the financial side of things, the news is less encouraging for potential buyers. Pre-orders for the RX10 V are currently open at a price of $2,300, with the first shipments to customers scheduled for August – a significant price tag for a compact camera with a 1-inch sensor. However, if this price point is acceptable to the user, this camera offers exceptional optical zoom capabilities, a high frame rate, and advanced tools for creating video content.
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