Sony has debuted the RX10 V, marking the fifth iteration of its versatile all-in-one camera. After a long hiatus, fans finally have a new model to explore.
Rumors surrounding the RX10 V had been circulating for weeks, and initial reactions hinted at a mix of excitement and disappointment. The much-anticipated 50-megapixel sensor did not materialize; instead, Sony opted for the tried-and-true 1-inch stacked sensor (Exmor RS) with 20.1 megapixels, alongside the unchanged Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens featuring a 24-600mm f/2.4-4.0 aperture (offering a remarkable 25x optical zoom). Despite this, Sony has still managed to package a compelling offering that comes with a premium price tag.
Notable upgrades in the RX10 V can be found in its internals and user experience. It now features the latest BIONZ XR engine paired with a dedicated AI processing unit, redesigned housing, and an enhanced autofocus system with real-time subject recognition.
AI Subject Recognition and Improved Speed
The new real-time subject recognition can identify humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and planes; an automatic mode intelligently selects the subject type. According to preliminary tests by Digital Camera World, the number of focus points has increased from 315 to 575, with approximately 70% image coverage.
When it comes to speed, Sony has made significant improvements. The burst shooting rate now reaches up to 30 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking, maintaining a consistent viewfinder image. In comparison, the RX10 IV achieved 24 frames per second. The sharpness and exposure calculations now run up to 60 times per second, making action photography more accessible than ever.
Alpha-Inspired Control and Enhanced Video Features
The handling mirrors that of the Alpha series, featuring a mode dial positioned to the right of the viewfinder, two control dials, a joystick for selecting focus points, and an AF-ON button. The OLED viewfinder boasts approximately 3.68 million dots, while the tilting 3-inch display has about 1.62 million dots. Powering this setup is the larger Z-series battery (NP-FZ100), which is also found in current full-frame Alpha models.
In terms of video capabilities, Sony has gone beyond the previous generation: 4K recording at 60p without cropping, 4K at 120p with a crop, and support for S-Log3, S-Cinetone, and LUTs. However, the absence of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) remains a point of contention for videographers.
First reviews are largely positive. The Verge describes the RX10 V as a compact Alpha with a large built-in telephoto zoom, significantly smaller and lighter than a full-frame Alpha with a long lens; its autofocus and burst speed excel at capturing birds and insects. However, it notes that a 1-inch sensor will not match the resolution and sharpness of a full-frame camera.
Digital Camera World goes as far as to call the RX10 V the best bridge camera they have used so far. While the single subject recognition works excellently, the automatic mode is deemed unreliable. The magazine doesn’t consider it a serious hybrid camera for filming due to the lack of IBIS and the limited tilting (not fully articulating) display.
Price and Availability
Now for the disappointing bit: the RX10 V is priced at €2,500. Pre-orders are available immediately, with shipping set to commence by mid-month. The price is notably higher than the RX10 IV, which retailed for around €2,000. Nevertheless, Sony is finally reclaiming a niche in the market that has grown sparse since the predecessor’s withdrawal in early 2025 and the exit of many competitors. Will this camera find its way into your shopping cart?
