Sony unveils RX10 V bridge camera, nine years after its predecessor

Nine years after the launch of the RX10 IV, Sony has unveiled the RX10 V, bringing AI-powered autofocus, faster performance and improved battery life to its flagship all-in-one superzoom camera.

The new camera pairs a fixed ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm equivalent F2.4-4.0 lens with a 20.1-megapixel 1.0-inch stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and Sony's BIONZ XR image processor.

Like previous RX10 models, it is designed for photographers who want the flexibility of a broad focal length range without changing lenses.

One of the biggest updates is the inclusion of Sony's AI-powered Real-time Recognition autofocus system, first seen in its Alpha mirrorless cameras.

The system can recognise and track people, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains and aircraft, with an automatic mode that selects the appropriate subject type.

The RX10 V can shoot continuously at up to 30 frames per second using its electronic shutter, with autofocus and auto exposure calculations performed up to 60 times per second to help maintain focus on fast-moving subjects.

The 24-600mm lens offers a 25x optical zoom range, covering everything from landscapes to wildlife and sports. Sony says the camera can focus as close as 3cm at the wide end and 72cm at full telephoto, making it suitable for close-up work as well.

For video, the RX10 V records up to 4K at 120p, with Active Mode image stabilisation for handheld shooting. It also includes Sony's S-Cinetone colour profile, S-Log3 recording, support for custom LUTs and AI-powered Auto Framing, which automatically keeps a recognised subject centred in the frame.

Sony has also refreshed the camera's ergonomics, borrowing the grip and button layout from its Alpha mirrorless range.

The electronic viewfinder has been upgraded to a 3.68-million-dot Quad-VGA OLED panel with 0.78x magnification, while the rear 3-inch LCD now offers 1.62 million dots.

Battery life has also improved. The camera uses Sony's NP-FZ100 battery, delivering a CIPA-rated 630 shots per charge when using the rear screen, around 50 per cent more than the previous RX10 IV.

Other features include a dust and moisture resistant body, dual-band Wi-Fi, USB-C connectivity, support for Sony's Creators' App and 4K 30p live streaming.

The Sony RX10 V is scheduled to go on sale in August 2026. US pricing has been announced at US$2,299.99.

Australian pricing and local availability are yet to be confirmed.