Sony has set the standard for high-end point-and-shoot cameras since it first introduced the Sony RX100 Mark I. Each year has brought additional features in the form of a new model, and this year is no exception. The Sony RX100 V adds the increasingly-popular Phase Detect AF, and a startlingly fast 24fps burst mode. 

Across the board performance improvements

DSLR users used to have the speedy-performance of Phase Detect Autofocus (PDAF) to themselves. When sensor makers figured out how to integrate Phase Detection right into the imaging pixels of an imager, that changed dramatically. Now we are seeing PDAF in mirrorless, compacts, and even some smartphones. It knocks out one of the remaining pillars on which the DSLR market stands. The Sony RX100 V does PDAF in a big way, with 315 phase-detection points integrated into its sensor. The BIONZ X processor is able to drive AF off those detection points to lock focus in as little as .05 seconds, and even during the camera’s 24fps burst mode.

The 960fps high-frame-rate mode can now capture longer bursts, and videographers will enjoy the added tools for shooting in flat S-LOG2 gamma, and for pulling 8.3MP stills from movie clips.

Most of the camera hasn’t changed much

The lens and body of the V are pretty much the same as the previous version, the Sony RX100 IV, which is still offered for sale (although I assume that once the V ships, its price will drop significantly from its current $1K). So to get an idea of the overall camera features and performance, you can read our full hands-on review of the Sony RX100 Mark IV.

Should you buy one? Price and Availability

As with previous models, the V will set you back a grand ($998 if you pre-order at B&H). It is expected to ship by the end of October. If you already own a solidly-performing compact camera, this is a big chunk of change to get a few more features, as image quality has stalled out a bit in the 1-inch sensor category, so you’re mostly buying fast AF & burst mode. To me, those are most valuable in situations where I’m using longer lenses (sports, wildlife, etc.) so its hard to see dropping a grand just to snag them. However, if you are looking to purchase a top-of-the-line point-and-shoot, and don’t need a long zoom range, the Sony RX100 V is as good as they get. If you want a longer zoom, I’m reviewing the (slightly larger, although less expensive) Lumix ZS100, which provides 25-250mm, and so far it is pretty impressive for what it does.

Full Specs:

Imaging

Pixels
Actual: 21.0 Megapixel
Effective: 20.1 Megapixel

Sensor
1" (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS

File Formats
Still Images: JPEG, RAW
Movies: AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4, XAVC S
Audio: AAC LC, AC3, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM (Stereo)

Max Resolution
20 MP: 5472 x 3648

Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Image Stabilization
Optical

Color Spaces
sRGB, Adobe RGB

Optics

Lens
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar, 10 elements in 9 groups
9 Aspherical
EFL: 8.8-25.7mm (35 mm equivalent: 24-70mm)
Aperture: f/1.8 (W) - 2.8 (T)

Zoom
Optical: 2.9x
Clear Image Zoom: 5.8x
Digital: 11x

Focus Range
Wide: 1.97" (5 cm) - Infinity
Telephoto: 11.81" (30 cm) - Infinity

Exposure Control

ISO Sensitivity
Auto, 125-12800 (Extended Mode: 80-12800)

Shutter
Type: Mechanical
Speed: 4 - 1/2000 second in  Auto Mode
Type: Mechanical
Speed: 30 - 1/2000 second in  Program Mode
Type: Mechanical
Speed: 30 - 1/2000 second in  Manual Mode
30 - 1/2000 second in  Aperture Priority Mode
Type: Mechanical
Speed: 30 - 1/2000 second in  Shutter Priority Mode
Type: Electronic
Speed: 4 - 1/32000 second in  Auto Mode
Type: Electronic
Speed: 30 - 1/32000 second in  Bulb Mode
Type: Electronic
Speed: 30 - 1/32000 second in  Program Mode
Type: Electronic
Speed: 30 - 1/32000 second in  Aperture Priority Mode
Type: Electronic
Speed: 30 - 1/32000 second in  Shutter Priority Mode

Exposure Metering
Center-weighted, Multi, Spot

Exposure Modes
Modes: Aperture Priority, Intelligent Auto, Manual, Memory Recall, Movie, Panorama Shot, Programmed Auto, Scene Selection, Shutter Priority, Superior Auto

Shooting Modes
Anti-motion Blur
Fireworks
Gourmet
Handheld Twilight
High Sensitivity
Landscape
Macro
Night Portrait
Night Scene
Pet Mode
Portrait
Sports
Sunset

White Balance Modes
Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature Filter, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade

Continuous Shooting
Up to 24 fps at 20.1 MP for up to 148 frames in JPEG format
Up to 24 fps at 20.1 MP for up to 71 frames in raw format

Self Timer
10 Sec, 5 Sec, 2 Sec

Remote Control
RM-VPR1 (Optional)

Flash

Flash Modes
Auto
Flash On
Off
Rear Sync
Red-eye Reduction
Slow Sync

Built-in Flash
Yes

Maximum Effective Flash Range
Wide: 1.31 - 33.46' (0.4 - 10.2 m)
Telephoto: 1.31 - 21.33' (0.4 - 6.5 m)

External Flash Connection
None

Memory

Memory Card Type
Memory Stick Duo
Memory Stick Pro Duo
Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed)
Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo
SD
SDHC
SDXC

Recording

Video Recording
Yes, NTSC/PAL

Resolution
3840 x 2160p: 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
1920 x 1080p: 60 fps, 50 fps, 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
1920 x 1080i: 60 fps, 50 fps
1280 x 720p: 30 fps, 25 fps
1920 x 1080p: 240 fps, 480 fps, 960 fps
1824 x 1026p: 240 fps, 480 fps, 960 fps
1676 x 566p: 240 fps, 480 fps, 960 fps
1920 x 1080p: 250 fps, 500 fps, 1000 fps
1824 x 1026p: 250 fps, 500 fps, 1000 fps
1676 x 566p: 250 fps, 500 fps, 1000 fps

Video

Video Clip Length
Up to 29 Min

Audio Recording
Built-in Mic: With Video, Stereo

Viewfinder/Display

Viewfinder Type
Electronic

Diopter Adjustment
- 4 to +3 m

Viewfinder Coverage
100%

Screen
3.0" LCD Rear Screen Tilt (1,228,800 pixels)

Connectivity/System Requirements

Connectivity
HDMI D (Micro), Micro-USB, USB 2.0

Wi-Fi
Yes, 802.11b/g/n built-in

Power

Battery
1x NP-BX1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.6 VDC, 1240 mAh

AC Power Adapter
AC-UB10C (Included)

Physical

Dimensions (WxHxD)
4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6" / 101.6 x 58.1 x 41.0 mm

Weight
10.55 oz / 299 g with battery and memory card