Sony RX100 V Camera Review

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V features the same design as the RX100 IV, but with a new sensor and image processing which promises the World’s Fastest AF Speed, World’s Most AF Points and World’s Fastest Continuous Shooting for a compact camera.

The RX100 Mark V shoots 20-megapixel images at 24fps, and also records 4K video, as well as longer high-speed video up to 960/1000fps. The RX100 V is the same size as the RX100 IV, but features the new BOINZ X and LSI processors from the new Sony Alpha A99 Mark II, for improved speed and noise performance. 

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V Features

The sensor now has built-in phase-detection autofocus, with 315 PDAF points. Combined with the new BOINZ X and LSI image processor from the Sony Alpha A99 Mark II, the camera can shoot at an impressive 24fps at 20 megapixels with continuous AF tracking.

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V can shoot at 24fps at the full resolution of 20 megapixels for 150 shots!

Here we quickly compared the five Sony Cyber-shot RX100 models, so you can see the differences at a glance:

Weight shown with battery and memory card. Prices correct at time of publication.

The RX100 V features a built-in pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF), which features a 2.36million dot resolution, and Zeiss T* coating. The pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) features dioptre correction and can be used to switch the camera on when activated. It also features eye-detection so that it will automatically switch to the EVF from the rear screen when held up to your eye. The EVF measures 0.38inches in size, (providing 0.59x magnification) which is larger than most other compact cameras, which tend to use a 0.2inch EVF.

The camera features a bright Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* f/1.8-2.8, 24-70mm equivalent zoom lens, with a close focusing distance at the telephoto end of 30cm (compared to the RX100 I and II), and a close focusing distance of 5cm at the wide-angle end of the lens. This is designed to enable better background blur and portrait shots in combination with the brighter f/2.8 aperture at the telephoto end of the lens. The 3inch screen tilts forwards to enable "Selfie" shots or group shots but is not a touch-screen.

Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC makes it easy to connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet, and Sony PlayMemories lets you add additional apps to the camera, with free or paid apps available. 

4K video recording is available at 25fps with optical zoom and stereo sound available. High-speed video is available at 250fps (1824 x 1026), 500fps (1676 x 566) and 1000fps (1136 x 384), for a limited amount of time, which can be extended when shooting at a lower resolution.

Key Features

• 20.1 megapixel 1inch BSI CMOS sensor
• Zeiss 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens
• Optical image stabilisation (OIS)
• 3inch tilting screen, 1,228K dots
• Pop-up Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
• New front-end LSI and BIONZ X
• 24fps continuous shooting with AF tracking
• 150 shots (6-second buffer memory)
• 315 Phase Detection AF points (65% sensor coverage), 0.05sec AF
• 4K video (30,25,24p) 100Mbps, with full pixel read-out without pixel binning
• Simultaneous still image recording up to 17MP during movie recording
• Super fast electronic shutter (1/32,000s), Anti-distortion shutter
• Super slow motion up to 1000fps (improved recording time)
• ISO80 - ISO25600 (ISO25600 with Multi-frame NR)
• 5cm macro mode
• DRO / HDR / Panoramic shooting

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V Handling

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark IV feels exactly the same as the previous version, with a well built with a compact metal body. The lack of a grip at the front of the camera may disappoint some, and one solution is to buy the Sony leather case for the camera, or alternatively a Flipbac camera grip or Sony grip could be added, or you could always use the provided strap to make sure you don't accidentally drop the camera.

The top of the camera features the pop-up EVF, pop-up flash (and release button), stereo microphones for video recording, on/off button, shutter release with zoom rocker, and mode dial. The mode dial includes HFR (High Frame Rate) video as an option. The lens features the same control wheel surrounding the lens as found on the previous versions, letting you adjust settings quickly.

Panasonic Lumix LX15 Vs Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V - Top

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark V is similar in size to the Panasonic Lumix LX15, and the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II. Here we compare the three cameras, and the main differences:

Panasonic Lumix LX15 Vs Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V

The rear of the camera features the same control layout as the previous version, with a small rubber thumb grip, and a C (Custom) button that can be set to any one of 53 controls available to give quicker access to your favourite settings. The screen tilts up 180 degrees, and can also tilt 45 degrees down, for overhead shots.

Focus features include: Lock on AF - continuously tracks moving subject, Easier autofocus area settings, Eye-detection autofocus for portraits, Auto object framing, MF assist, Focus peaking, and a Zebra mode. You can also customise the size of the of the focus point, setting the size from large, medium and small.

The function button brings up a rear control panel, which can also be customised with your favourite options, although the Sony RX100 V doesn't benefit from the updated menus that can be found on the new A99 Mark II and A6500, however, if you've used previous Sony cameras then you should be familiar with the menu system. 

To release the built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), you simply press the button on the side, and then when it has popped up, you pull the viewfinder towards you. The EVF has dioptre adjustment, as well as an eye-detection sensor. The EVF looks good with a high resolution and is particularly useful in bright sunny conditions when it can be more difficult to view the screen. The screen looks good, but care needs to be taken of the screen, and a screen protector is recommended as we've found that it's very easy to scratch the anti-reflective coating on most Sony cameras. If you've ever searched for second hand Sony cameras, this is the problem you're most likely to encounter.

Wi-Fi features - To use the Wi-Fi features with your smartphone you need to download the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app for Android or iOS. The app lets you remotely trigger the camera, control the zoom and set a self-timer, or send photos to the smartphone for sharing on social networks. You can also use NFC to set up the connection if your smartphone has NFC built in. Selecting photos can be done on the camera or the smartphone, and the app has options to set the image size transferred, from full size, 2 megapixels, and VGA. You can also use Sony PlayMemories Apps - a number are free: Picture effect+, Photo retouch, Direct upload v2 (Facebook, Flickr), whereas some are available for a fee.

Battery life - Battery life is rated at 220 shots according to Sony / CIPA test results, which is a drop from the previous version, which could shoot 280 shots. We would recommend a spare battery if you plan on shooting more, or a portable USB charger, as you can use the camera while it is being powered over USB.