Sony RX10 V combines a 24-600mm zoom with AI subject tracking
Sony’s RX10 V combines a 24-600mm zoom with AI subject tracking, 30 fps burst shooting and 4K video at up to 120 fps.
Sony has introduced the RX10 V, the fifth generation of its fixed-lens superzoom camera, combining a 24-600mm equivalent zoom with AI-powered subject recognition, continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second and 4K video at up to 120 frames per second.
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The camera retains the all-in-one format of the RX10 series, placing a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* F2.4-4.0 lens in front of a 20.1-megapixel 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS image sensor. The 25x optical zoom covers wide scenes, portraits and distant subjects without requiring the photographer to change lenses.
A long zoom paired with faster tracking
Sony has designed the RX10 V’s focusing system around the types of moving subjects commonly photographed at longer focal lengths. A dedicated AI processing unit powers Real-time Recognition AF, which can identify people, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains and aircraft. An automatic setting can also determine the subject category without requiring it to be selected in advance.
Recognition continues when a person turns away from the camera or their face is obscured by sunglasses or a helmet. After a subject is selected on the rear screen, Real-time Tracking follows it as it moves through the frame.
The camera then combines that recognition with focus and exposure calculations performed up to 60 times per second. Using the electronic shutter, it can capture up to 30 frames per second while continuing to adjust both settings throughout the sequence. The live view remains visible during burst shooting, helping the photographer keep a moving subject in frame, while a dedicated control allows the shooting speed to be changed during a burst.
The lens also supports less distant subjects. It can focus from approximately 3cm at the 24mm end and 72cm at 600mm, allowing the same camera to move between wide-angle, close-up and telephoto photography. Optical image stabilisation is built into the lens to reduce the effects of camera movement when shooting handheld.
Images are processed by Sony’s BIONZ XR engine, which the company claims can reduce noise while retaining colour and detail at medium and high sensitivity settings. Twelve Creative Look presets provide in-camera colour and texture adjustments, while an updated D-Range Optimizer offers eight levels for balancing bright and shadowed areas.
Subject recognition carries into video
The RX10 V applies the same recognition system to video through Auto Framing. Once a subject is detected, the camera crops into the 4K image to keep it near the centre of the frame. The crop narrows the recorded view, but allows a person or other recognised subject to remain framed as they move.
Video can be recorded in 4K at up to 120 frames per second, enabling footage to be slowed by up to five times through editing or the camera’s slow and quick recording mode. Audio is unavailable when using that mode.
Active Mode image stabilisation is available for handheld recording. Sony has also included S-Cinetone, which applies a prepared colour and tonal appearance, and S-Log3 for footage intended for colour grading after recording. Up to 16 colour and contrast profiles can be imported and previewed while filming in Log mode.
Compatible digital microphones can connect through the Multi Interface Shoe, while USB Type-C supports data transfers and 4K live streaming at 30 frames per second.
Controls and battery support longer shoots
The body adopts grip and control concepts from Sony’s α mirrorless cameras, including an eight-direction selector for navigating settings and moving the focus point while using the viewfinder.
Composition is handled through a 3.68-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with approximately 0.78x magnification or a 3.0-inch rear display with approximately 1.62 million dots. Sony has paired these controls with the NP-FZ100 battery, rated for approximately 630 photographs using the rear screen and 570 through the viewfinder. The rear-screen rating is at least 50% higher than the RX10 IV.
The camera has a dust and moisture-resistant design, although Sony does not guarantee complete protection. Wi-Fi supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections where available, while integration with the Creators’ App enables smartphone transfers, remote control, cloud uploads and software updates.
The Sony RX10 V is available to order in Singapore through Sony Stores and selected authorised dealers.
