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Sony RX10 V Review With RX10 IV Comparison

The long-awaited high-end RX10 Sony bridge camera was released nine years after its predecessor, giving Sony the opportunity to modernise almost every aspect of this popular model. In this Sony RX10 V Review with RX10 IV Comparison, you'll discover exactly how the fifth-generation fixed lens camera translates a next-generation AI processor and major video upgrades into everyday photography and video content creation.

The Sony RX10 V Surprised Me! | Hands-On Video Review by Gareth

Just like the Mark IV, this bridge camera's non-removable, versatile 24-600mm 35mm full-frame equivalent zoom lens makes it a natural choice for travel, birds, wildlife, aviation and sports photography. Our review includes a detailed specs comparison with the RX10 IV, plenty of sample images, and Gareth's first look video review, so you can decide if the new model is right for your needs.

Whether you enjoy bird photography, are heading on a summer adventure, or you're simply interested in what technology Sony has upgraded after nine years, join us as we learn all about it, starting with price and launch date.

How much is the RX10 V in the UK?

The Sony RX10 V costs £2,299.00 in the UK and was released on 9 July 2026, with stock expected almost immediately. The previous model was originally priced at £1,699.00 back in 2017, which reflects the strong feature set this Cyber-shot camera offers.

With price covered, the next question on everyone's lips is what's new, which we explore next.

ℹ️  Right click to enlarge images

The biggest upgrades at a glance

Sony has updated this generation significantly. Here's 10 upgrades that stand out most:

1. BIONZ XR processor
2. AI Processing Unit
3. AI subject recognition, including birds, insects, vehicles, and aircraft (more on this below)
4. 30fps continuous shooting
5. 4K120p video
6. 3.68M-dot EVF
7. More durable NP-FZ100 battery
8. Updated USB-C with Power Delivery
9. Creator's App support and 5GHz Wi-Fi
10. Lossless RAW, HEIF, and new Creative Looks

A detailed look at what's new in the RX10 V

So what exactly has changed? Here's the full breakdown, split into brand-new additions and upgrades to features RX10 IV owners already know and appreciate.

Completely New Features

Processing and AI

AI Processing Unit A dedicated AI processor now sits alongside the BIONZ XR chip, handling advanced subject recognition, colour and more.

BIONZ XR Processor Replaces the older BIONZ X + Front-end LSI combo entirely.

AI Subject Recognition The RX10 IV recognises:

• Human
• Animal

The RX10 V adds:

• Birds
• Insects
• Vehicles
• Trains
• Aircraft
• Auto subject detection
• Improved Human Pose Estimation (eyes / head / body)
• Improved Animal and Bird Eye AF

Sample 01 Squirrel @210mm. Camera settings: 1/1000 sec. f/4.0. ISO 2000 – Sample by Gareth

New Video Features

• 4K 120p Video A major leap from the RX10 IV's max of 4K30.
• S-Cinetone
• S-Log3 Gamma
• LUT Import / LUT Preview
• Digital Audio Interface Enables a direct digital connection to Sony's MI Shoe microphones and accessories.

Refined Connectivity and Controls

• USB-C Connector Replaces the old Micro USB port.
• Still / Movie / S&Q Mode Dial
• AF-ON Button
• Spot XL AF Area Size
• Custom Focus Area Sizing (Levels 1–3)
• Continuous Shooting Speed Boost
• Live Streaming Support (UVC/UAC)
• Creators' App Support
• 5GHz Wi-Fi

Image Quality and Looks

• HEIF Recording
• Lossless Compressed RAW

New Creative Looks Including:

• FL2 Film Look 2
• FL3 Film Look 3

Expanded D-Range Optimiser Now extended to Level 8.

Expanded Smooth Skin Effect Higher settings than the RX10 IV.

USB Power Delivery Support

Sample 02 Heron @210mm. Camera settings: 1/640 sec. f/4.0. ISO 100 – Sample by Gareth

Kept vs. Upgraded

Here’s how one of the best bridge cameras most talked-about legacy features stack up against the RX10 IV.

Continuous Shooting

• Increased from 24fps → 30fps (electronic shutter)

Autofocus improvements

• Faster Fast Hybrid AF
• Better subject tracking
• AI-assisted recognition
• 575 phase-detection points
• 70.6% sensor area coverage

Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)

• 2.36 million → 3.68 million dots
• 0.39-inch → 0.5-inch panel
• New higher refresh mode (120fps)

Rear LCD

• 1.44 million → 1.62 million dots
• Aspect ratio changed from 4:3 → 3:2
• New information layout matching Sony's Alpha cameras

Colour Reproduction

• Improved colour reproduction and rendering through BIONZ XR processing.

High ISO Noise Reduction

• Improved medium- and high-ISO performance

Close Focusing

Maximum magnification:

• Wide: 0.42x
• Tele: 0.49x

Battery

• NP-FW50 → NP-FZ100
• Battery life improves from approximately:
  • Monitor: 400 → 630 shots
  • EVF: 370 → 570 shots

Ergonomics and usability

Revised controls including:

• New control wheel layout
• New mode dial
• Dual rear dials
• Multi-selector
• Improved button placement

Lens Controls

The lens is unchanged, but offers:

• Advanced Focus Mode
• Enhanced Focus Mode switch
• Focus Hold
• Refined Focus Limiter

Connectivity

• USB upgraded to 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2
• Faster wireless transfer via 5GHz Wi-Fi

Sample 03 Seagull @33mm. Camera settings: 1/250 sec. f/4.0. ISO 800 – Sample by Gareth

What has stayed the same?

Sony has retained the following features, largely because they are key strengths of the Cyber-shot bridge series:

1. 20.1MP 1.0-type Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor
2. ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm f/2.4-4 lens
3. 25x optical zoom
4. Optical SteadyShot
5. Single UHS-II SD card slot
6. Optical + Electronic movie stabilisation
7. Dust and moisture resistance

What’s it like for Wildlife and Bird Photography?

The RX10 series is a firm favourite among bird and wildlife photographers. This is because few cameras combine such an extensive 24-600mm equivalent zoom range with a one-inch stacked sensor in such a portable package. This model is undoubtedly Sony’s best wildlife bridge camera, and they have improved usability rather than switching out the lens design.

Importantly, Sony also states that autofocus, subject recognition and continuous shooting performance are fully available throughout the zoom range, including at 600mm, allowing photographers to make the most of the maximum reach.

The biggest improvement is autofocus. During fast-moving action, AI Processing recognises a much broader range of subjects than before, including birds, insects, vehicles, and aircraft, while Animal and Bird Eye AF lock onto subjects more confidently. Combined with 30fps continuous shooting, the camera feels much better equipped for unpredictable moments such as birds taking flight, wildlife behaviour, or aircraft passing overhead.

Existing RX10 IV users will notice this upgrade immediately, particularly as you’re able to spend more time concentrating on the artistic side of your work, rather than worrying about achieving accurate focus all of the time.

Sample 04 Squirrel @210mm. Camera settings: 1/1000 sec. f/4.0. ISO 640 – Sample by Gareth

RX10 V or Sony A6700, which is better for birds and wildlife?

This is a tough choice that comes down to what you most value. The Sony A6700 With 70-350mm Zoom Lens Kit offers comparable features for the same price, although at the time of writing it's on sale for £1,699.00. This is £600.00 less than the new Sony bridge camera, but how do they stack up against each other?

Both share AI autofocus technology, recognise a wide range of subjects including birds, animals, and insects, and are great options for wildlife, sports, and outdoor photographers. The A6700 has a larger 26MP APS-C sensor, which delivers better low-light performance depending on the lens, with wider dynamic range and more control over depth of field. It also opens the door to Sony's extensive E-mount lens range, allowing photographers to diversify with dedicated lenses.

On the other hand, the RX10 V offers more convenience. It has an integrated ZEISS 24-600mm equivalent lens covering everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife without ever needing to switch lenses, get dust on the sensor, or miss shots because of lens changes. The zoom range is also wider, and 75mm longer compared to the A6700 kit's 105-525mm range. This lens is also brighter throughout much of the zoom range, opening at f/2.4-4 compared with f/4.5-6.3 on the 70-350mm G OSS, allowing more light to hit the sensor at all focal lengths. The brighter lens partly offsets the smaller one-inch sensor by gathering more light throughout much of the zoom range, particularly towards the telephoto end.

This means your choice between these two comes down to ongoing priorities. If you expect to be growing a mirrorless system over time and want the image quality advantages of a larger sensor, the A6700 kit offers excellent value. If you prefer to carry a single weather-resistant camera that covers almost every photographic situation without ever changing lenses, the RX10 V is one of the most compelling all-in-one cameras available.

Sample 05 Ducks @44mm. Camera settings: 1/1000 sec. f/4.0. ISO 2500 – Sample by Gareth

Sony RX10 IV Vs Sony RX10 V Specs comparison

The table below compares the key specifications of these two Sony bridge cameras side by side. With nine years between them, it's no surprise that the upgrades span everything from image processing to battery life, and it shows across almost every feature.

Having being improved in almost every way, it may well be the ideal choice for you, which we look at next.

Sample 06 Seagull in flight @210mm. Camera settings: 1/250 sec. f/4.0. ISO 100 – Sample by Gareth

Is the Sony RX10 V the Right Camera for You?

Bird and Wildlife Photographers

The RX10 V makes a compelling choice for shooting distant subjects without carrying long, heavy lenses. The 24-600mm equivalent zoom allows you to capture environmental wildlife portraits in their habitat, small birds and quite distant subjects.

Sony’s well-established AI Processing Unit adds relevant subject recognition for birds, insects and aircraft while also improving Animal and Bird Eye AF. This makes the camera an especially appealing choice for photographers who spend a lot of time scouting and walking in nature, or on hikes where carrying large lenses isn’t especially enjoyable.

Travellers and Outdoor Photographers

The idea of travelling with an all-in-one, superzoom, weather-resistant camera is one of the RX10 V’s main appeals. The zoom range lets you shoot most travel subjects, such as landscapes, architecture, street photography, birding and wildlife, completely removing the need to pack several lenses for any trip. Despite this, it delivers high image quality that certainly outperforms many compacts and smartphones across both stills and video.

Existing RX10 IV Users

The RX10 V is a significant update. Although the sensor and lens are the same, there are many other notable upgrades to autofocus, processing, video, battery life and handling which improve usability, image quality and its effectiveness across a wide range of genres, making it a worthy upgrade for existing users.

Who Should Considera Different Camera?

If the ultimate image quality or shooting in very low light are your main priorities, an APS-C or full-frame Sony mirrorless camera may prove a better investment. Cameras like the A6700 or A7 V provide many of the same technologies while offering a larger sensor plus the benefits of interchangeable lenses.

This is a camera that offers exceptional reach, modern autofocus, and all-in-one convenience. If that sounds ideal for you, visit our Sony RX10 V page for the latest price, full specifications and current availability.

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By Nick Dautlich on 09/07/2026

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.