Sony RX10 V Review: Incremental Upgrades Fail to Impress in 2026
Nearly nine years after the RX10 IV, Sony released the RX10 V bridge camera in 2026. The camera retains the same 20-megapixel Type 1 stacked sensor but gains a Bionz XR processor with AI, a redesigned body, and a larger EVF. However, image quality degrades at ISO 800 and above, autofocus is inconsistent in low light or cluttered scenes, and the leaf shutter forces f/8 at speeds above 1/1000s. The RX10 V lacks Pre-Capture found in other Sony models. Video features are strong, offering 4Kp120 with S-Cinetone and LUT support. The camera costs $2,300. Alternatives include the used RX10 IV, Nikon Coolpix P1100 (24-3000mm, $1,000 less), and Panasonic Lumix FZ80D ($450). PetaPixel's Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake contributed to the review.
Key facts
- Sony RX10 V launched in 2026, nine years after RX10 IV.
- Same 20MP Type 1 stacked sensor as RX10 IV.
- New Bionz XR processor with AI processing unit.
- Redesigned body with joystick, NP-FZ100 battery, new menu UI.
- EVF upgraded to 0.5-type 3.69M-dot with 0.78x magnification.
- Image quality degrades at ISO 800 and above; high ISO JPEGs are muddy.
- Autofocus inconsistent in low light or busy backgrounds; insect mode unreliable.
- Leaf shutter limits mechanical shutter to f/8 above 1/1000s.
- No Pre-Capture feature despite Bionz XR processor.
- Video: 4Kp120, S-Cinetone, S-Log3, LUT support, live streaming up to 4Kp30.
- Price: $2,300.
- Alternatives: used RX10 IV, Nikon Coolpix P1100 ($1,000 less), Panasonic Lumix FZ80D ($450).
Entities
Artists
- Chris Niccolls
- Jordan Drake
- Erin Thomson
Institutions
- Sony
- PetaPixel
- KEH.com
- Moment
- FJ Westcott
- Blue Moon Camera and Machine
- Nikon
- Panasonic