Sony Unveils Fifth RX100

2016.10.06

Each generation of the Sony RX100 has been a runaway success and showing no signs of slowing down with one new model every year since 2012. All RX100s offers a large 1" sensor with a bright zoom lens in a highly compact body. The third generation added a built-in EVF which pops up when needed, while the fourth added 4K Ultra-HD video.

The new Sony Cybershot RX100 V keeps every feature of its predecessor and makes it faster. At its core is a 20 megapixels 1" high-speed CMOS sensor which can now continuously capture full-resolution images at an outstanding 24 FPS with a buffer for 150 JPEG images. The sensor uses a 1.3X-crop region to record 4K Ultra-HD video and can record full 1080p HD video at up to 1000 FPS! This gives motion video that plays 40X slower than real-time. It can also capture conventional 1080p video at up to 120 FPS.

The new 20 MP sensor adds a 315-point Phase-Detect AF system which is claimed to be the fastest in the world among compact digital cameras. There is still a 0.39" EVF with 2.4 megapixels, 0.59X magnification and 100% coverage which is very impressive considering its popup design. A 3" LCD with 1.2 MP is also available for framing. Usability is made relatively efficient for a compact camera with dual control-dials plus a traditional mode-dial.

The Sony RX100 V is expected to arrive in the next few weeks for $1000 USD or $1250 CDN. Preorders are already being accepted at Adorama and B&H Photo.

• Digital Camera