Sony's RX10 V Superzoom Arrives: 4K 120p Video, Deep Learning AF, and a Mind-Blowing $2,300 Price

Sony has finally pulled back the curtain on the RX10 V. For tourists, wildlife observers, and multimedia creators, the promise of a single camera with an integrated 24-600mm F2.4-4.0 lens is the ultimate holy grail. But at a staggering launch price of $2,299.99, is this bridge camera worth the investment? Let's dive into the details.

#1The Legendary 24-600mm F2.4-4.0 Lens Remains Unmatched

As with the predecessor, the center of the RX10 V experience is its incredible ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm equivalent lens. This F2.4-4.0 optical masterpiece provides a 25x zoom range, taking you from wide-angle landscapes to distant birds in flight. For travelers who don't want to carry a bag of heavy lenses, this all-in-one approach is virtually unmatched.

The 20.1-megapixel 1-inch stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor also returns. Although some might be disappointed that Sony didn't upgrade the resolution to compete with high-end mirrorless systems, the stacked architecture is crucial for preventing rolling shutter distortion during high-speed action and video pan shots.

#2New BIONZ XR Processor and Dedicated AI Unit

Where the camera separates itself from the nine-year-old RX10 IV is its processing engine. By carrying over the BIONZ XR processor and a dedicated deep-learning AI chip from its premium mirrorless camera lineup, the RX10 V delivers:

• Real-time Recognition AF: Detection capabilities expanded from just humans and animals to also cover birds, insects, and vehicles (cars, trains, airplanes).
• Advanced Tracking: Keeps lock on subjects even if they look down, turn away, or move behind minor obstacles.
• Increased Speed: Continuous tracking and auto-exposure calculations operate at 60 fps.
• AF Point Upgrade: Offers 575 phase-detection points spanning over 70% of the sensor grid.
• Blackout-free shooting: Burst shooting goes up to 30 fps using the electronic shutter.

Sony has also integrated its Continuous Shooting Speed Boost feature. By assigning this to a custom button, shooters can instantly jump to 30 fps to capture the exact micro-moment of action, then release to drop back to normal rates, conserving buffer space and memory card capacity.

#3Video Upgrades: A True Filmmaker's Bridge Camera

Video quality gets a generational leap. The RX10 V records 4K up to 60p using the entire sensor width with no pixel binning, outputting highly detailed 10-bit 4:2:2 video internally. For high-speed slow motion, it supports 4K at 120p (with a slight crop) and 1080p up to 240fps.

Filmmakers can shoot in Sony's S-Log3 gamma curve to unlock over 14 stops of dynamic range, and import up to 16 custom LUTs directly into the camera to preview post-production looks on the fly. Furthermore, the active stabilization mode has been updated, smoothing out video shakes even when walking. If you are already shooting with other high-end Sony gear, like the ones discussed in our GoPro Mission 1 Pro review or mirrorless equivalents, the RX10 V fits perfectly into a multi-camera pipeline.

#4Overhauled Ergonomics and Pro-Level Controls

The stodgy, bulbous aesthetic of the RX10 IV has been replaced with a sleeker, more squared-off architecture inspired by the Sony A7 V. The grip is much larger and more comfortable, allowing a secure hold even when pointing the lens at its full 600mm extension.

Physical controls have also been upgraded to match professional cameras:

• A new multi-direction joystick sub-selector for instant focus point positioning.
• Three manual lens control rings (aperture, zoom, focus).
• A dual top dial with a photo, video, and S&Q (Slow & Quick) mode selector.
• An AF-ON button on the rear for back-button focusing.
• Upgraded 3.69-million dot EVF and a bright 1.62-million dot rear display.

The only major downside is the rear display layout. Despite the $2,300 price, the screen only tilts and does not flip out to the side. For vloggers, solo presenters, or selfie content creators, this omission is a notable disappointment.

#5Upgraded Connectivity: 4K Live Streaming & USB-C

The connection array has been modernized. Out goes the micro-USB connector, replaced with a high-speed USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps) port that supports in-camera charging and power delivery during operation. Vloggers and live streamers will also appreciate native 4K 30p live streaming over USB-C without requiring an HDMI capture card.

The camera features a full-sized NP-FZ100 battery (the same one used in the A7 series), extending battery life to approximately 630 shots on a single charge. However, Sony decided to exclude a built-in flash, meaning you will need to slip an external speedlite into the multi-interface shoe if you require fill flash.