Sony recently announced a new flagship model of their Cyber-shot RX series family of compact cameras, the RX100 V (DSC-RX100M5). The Sony Cyber-shot RX series compact cameras have been a popular compact camera and I had seen them innovate and improve over the series. I reviewed the RX100 II model before therefore I had a good idea of this compact camera, its capabilities and the improvements from the RX100 II model to the RX100 V model.
The RX100 series compact cameras are small and compact fitted with some pretty good technical specifications built inside it.
I would share with you more information and details on the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V from the press release information below ~
The exciting new camera brings a new level of AF performance and speed to today’s compact camera market. It is equipped with a Fast Hybrid AF system with the world’s fastest AF acquisition1 at 0.05 seconds[1], and world’s highest number of AF points on sensor1 with 315 points covering approximately 65 per cent of the frame. The camera can further shoot continuously at speeds of up to 24 fps[2] – the world’s fastest for a compact camera1 – at full 20.1MP (approx. effective) resolution with AF/AE tracking for up to 150 continuous shots[3].
The RX100 V is equipped with a newly developed 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor with a DRAM chip, a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70 mm[4] F1.8 to 2.8 large aperture lens, and an enhanced image processing system with a new front-end LSI chip that maximises processing speed, expands the memory buffer and optimises image quality, in particular at high ISO settings. The camera also features 4K video recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning[5], super slow motion recording at up to 960fps[6] with extended recording time and more.
Fast Focusing, Fast Shooting
A first for Sony’s RX100 series of cameras, the new RX100 V model features a Fast Hybrid AF system that combines the respective advantages of focal-plane phase detection AF and contrast detection AF. It ultimately enables the camera to lock focus in as little as 0.05 seconds.2 This high speed focusing is a perfect complement to the 315 dedicated AF points that cover 65 per cent of the sensor, and ensures that shooters will be able to capture their intended subject with high speed and accuracy, even if it is moving rapidly in unpredictable directions.
Additionally, processing speed has been greatly enhanced through the addition of a front-end LSI that perfectly supports the camera’s BIONZ X™ image processing engine. These two components combined with the powerful AF system allow the camera to shoot continuously at speeds of up to 24 fps3 at full 20.1MP (approx. effective) resolution for up to 150 shots4 with AF/AE tracking. Viewfinder blackout between shots has also been minimised in this high-speed shooting mode, which greatly improves photographers’ ability to follow fast action and capture the decisive moment. Silent shooting is also available in these high-speed modes.7
Other advancements to AF performance on the new RX100 V include the addition of AF-A mode, which allows the camera to automatically switch between continuous and single-shot AF modes. Users can also manually select if they’d like the continuous AF and phase detection AF areas to be displayed live on screen while they are framing a shot.
The RX100 V has a high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum speed of 1/32000 second) that minimises the “rolling shutter” effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects. This fast shutter speed also allows the camera to capture sharp, crystal clear images with a wide open aperture at brightness levels up to EV19.[7] Shooting at wide aperture with the fast shutter speed allows photographers and videographers to capture beautiful content with sharply focused subjects and defocused backgrounds under some of the most difficult, bright lighting conditions.
Professional Movie Functionality
The pocket-sized RX100 V is packed with a variety of video capabilities that will satisfy even the most demanding video enthusiasts.
With Fast Hybrid AF, the focal plane phase detection AF sensor ensures accurate focusing and tracking performance, even for the severe focusing requirements of 4K movie shooting. AF drive speed and AF tracking sensitivity can also be adjusted via the menu system, giving shooters plenty of flexibility based on their focusing preferences.
In 4K mode,6 the new RX100 V utilises full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4K video are captured with minimal moiré and ‘jaggies’. These high-quality results are achieved through the use of the XAVC S codec, which records video at a high data rate of up to 100 Mbps during 4K recording and 50 Mbps during full HD shooting[8].
The RX100 V is able to record super-slow motion video[9] at up to 40x slower than the standard rate, and can do this for about twice as long as the RX100 IV model. This extended time allows users to capture a series of high-speed, fleeting moments of action with incredible detail, resolution and clarity.
Pocket-Friendly Design, Premium Performance
The new RX100 V maintains the convenient pocket-sized design of the remainder of the RX100 family and is equipped with a high-contrast 2.35 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder™, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) conveniently retracts in and out of the camera body based on user’s preference, and features optics with ZEISS® T* Coating.
The new camera is also Wi-Fi® and NFC™ compatible, and can access Sony’s growing range of PlayMemories Camera Applications. Learn more at www.sony.net/pmca.
Another convenient addition is the ability for users to freely set the leading three characters of saved file names for easier sorting and organisation.
There will also be a new underwater housing (model MPK-URX100A) that will be available as a separate accessory for the RX100 V, as well as for all other RX100 series cameras. Designed exclusively to fit the RX100 cameras, the housing features a depth level of 40 metres.
[1] CIPA standard, internal measurement, at f=8.8mm (wide telephoto), EV4.7, Program Auto, Focus mode: AF-A, AF area: Wide.
[2] With “Continuous shooting mode: Hi”.
[3] With “Continuous shooting mode: Hi” and “Image quality: Fine”.
[4] 35mm equivalent.
[5] Continuous recording is available for approx. 5 minutes. The duration available for the shooting may change according to shooting conditions.
[6] Silent shooting can be activated via “Shutter type: Electronic” and “Audio signals: Off”.
[7] Using built-in ND filter.
[8] An SDHC/SDXC memory card with a Class 10 or higher speed rating is required for XAVC S recording and UHS Speed Class 3 is required for recording at 100Mbps.
[9] Sound cannot be recorded when shooting slow motion. An SDHC/SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher is required.
Pricing & Availability
The new Sony Cyber-shot® RX100 V (model DSC-RX100M5) compact camera will be available at all Sony Stores, Sony Centres and selected Sony authorised dealers from 27 October 2016 at a recommended retail price of S$1,499, while the MPK-URX100A underwater housing will be available from November 2016.
* Information and pictures courtesy of Sony Electronics Asia Pacific and WE Communications *