Sony reintroduces the RX10 superzoom featuring a stacked sensor at a premium price.

Sony is reviving its RX10 superzoom camera line after nearly nine years with the introduction of the RX10 V. This latest model keeps the impressive 24-600mm equivalent f/2.4-4 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 25x zoom lens from its predecessors but comes packed with significant upgrades. The new 20.1-megapixel 1-inch-type sensor features a stacked design, enabling continuous burst shooting at up to 30fps without any blackout, a step up from the previous model’s 24fps. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for action, sports, and wildlife photography, though it comes with a hefty price tag of $2,299.99 upon its early August release.

While the RX10 IV debuted at $1,700 in 2017, the RX10 V’s pricing aligns more closely with inflation adjustments. However, the improvements extend beyond just the sensor; the body has been redesigned to resemble Sony’s larger Alpha mirrorless cameras. It now utilizes the NP-FZ100 battery found in most current A-series models, providing over 50% more battery capacity.

The RX10 V also borrows several impressive features from its Alpha siblings, including an OLED electronic viewfinder, 4K 60p full-width video recording (or 4K 120p in crop mode) with S-Log3 and S-Cinetone color profiles, and Sony’s renowned real-time autofocus tracking system. With 575 autofocus points, it can detect subjects and human forms, making it easier to focus on faces and eyes during fast action. Additionally, it includes the Speed Boost function from the pro A9 III, allowing for faster burst rates when needed.

Unlike its predecessor, which predates the webcam trend, the RX10 V now supports livestreaming at up to 4K 30p via USB-C, with simultaneous recording capabilities. However, it does lose a couple of features: the built-in ND filter is gone, and there’s no pop-up flash, which is a letdown.

I had a chance to test the RX10 V for a few days, and despite the familiar lens, I was genuinely impressed. It feels like a compact Sony Alpha camera with a built-in telephoto zoom, significantly lighter than a full-frame mirrorless setup with a large lens. While I’m not a dedicated bird or nature photographer, the camera’s excellent autofocus and 30fps burst shooting made capturing birds in my backyard and macro shots of bees a breeze. The lens and fast-shooting sensor offer a lot of versatility. However, if you’re accustomed to full-frame cameras, you might need to adjust your expectations regarding sharpness and resolution, as a 1-inch-type sensor doesn’t quite match the pixel-perfect detail of larger sensors.

The RX10 V seems tailored for affluent casual shooters looking for a travel-friendly camera without the hassle of carrying multiple lenses. In my experience selling superzoom cameras, the typical buyers were often parents wanting to capture their kids’ sports events or those seeking a versatile camera for vacations. At $2,300, it may appeal more to retirees than to younger couples with children.