Sony Revives RX10 Superzoom Camera With Stacked Sensor

Sony announced the RX10 V, marking the return of its RX10 superzoom camera line after a nearly nine-year hiatus. The new model retains the established 24-600mm equivalent f/2.4-4 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 25x zoom lens found in its two most recent predecessors, the RX10 III and RX10 IV. However, significant upgrades have been implemented in other areas of the camera's functionality.

The most notable enhancement is the inclusion of a new 20.1-megapixel 1-inch-type sensor. This sensor features a stacked design, which is crucial for enabling faster data readout speeds. This speed improvement directly translates to enhanced performance in areas such as continuous shooting and autofocus capabilities. The stacked sensor architecture is a key technological advancement that Sony has been incorporating into its higher-end camera models.

Complementing the new sensor, the RX10 V boasts an upgraded autofocus system. Sony claims the camera can achieve autofocus and auto-exposure tracking at an impressive 120 frames per second (fps). This represents a substantial leap from the 60 fps tracking offered by the previous RX10 IV model. Furthermore, the camera supports continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with full autofocus and auto-exposure, a significant increase from the 24 fps limit of its predecessor. These improvements are designed to help photographers capture fast-moving subjects with greater precision and fewer missed shots.

The RX10 V also incorporates advanced video features, including 4K video recording at up to 60 fps with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. It supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording and S-Log3, providing greater flexibility for professional color grading. The camera is equipped with a new AI-powered subject recognition system, which Sony states is more advanced than previous iterations, offering improved tracking of humans, animals, and birds. Despite these technological advancements, the RX10 V comes with a premium price tag of $2,200, reflecting its sophisticated features and target audience of enthusiasts and professionals.