Sony DSC-RX100 V: A Demon Disguised as a Camera

We continue expanding the map of ultracompact cameras here at NeoTeo. Despite the overwhelming presence of smartphones, these cameras receive functions and specifications worthy of a DSLR or a mirrorless. Our last entry was dedicated to the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III, a camera that appeals mainly to Canon fans. But if you want more for less, prioritize 4K video, and plan to capture the exact moment in an action scene, then you are invited to step back a couple of years and meet the Sony DSC-RX100 V.

Sony DSC-RX100 V: Defying the Limits of Point and Shoot

Originally announced in October 2016, the Sony DSC-RX100 V packs a 20.1-megapixel effective CMOS sensor, backed by the Bionz X image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 125 to 12,800 with a Boost in both directions to 80-25,600. Shutter speed goes from 1/2000 to 30 seconds, or 1/32000 when using the electronic system. The LCD screen is essentially a direct transfer from the two previous models, with a 3-inch size, 1.22 million dots, and a tilting configuration (+180/-45 degrees), but no touch support. The viewfinder uses OLED technology with 2.36 million dots and 100 percent coverage.

One of the strongest points of the Sony DSC-RX100 V is its speed. The 24 FPS burst with autofocus and autoexposure at the same time basically lets you extract frames at will from a mini video without compromising final resolution. Those who prefer a more relaxed experience and want everything in Standard will be more than satisfied. The manual controls are there, but you need to work with them a bit and develop some patience when moving from one menu to another. The camera compensates with extraordinary image quality, decent low-light performance, and a robust autofocus system based on 315 phase-detection points covering 65 percent of the frame. Once it locks onto your subject, it rarely lets go.

The interface of the Sony DSC-RX100 V makes no effort to hide its minimalist profile. The top controls are reduced to five: power button, flash switch, mode dial, zoom lever, and shutter release. Both the viewfinder and the flash are pop-out, demonstrating Sony's work in space optimization. The mode dial holds no big surprises: Full Auto, Programmed Auto “P”, Aperture Priority “A”, Shutter Priority “S”, Manual “M”, Memory Recall “MR”, Movie mode, High Frame Rate “HFR”, Sweep Panorama, and Scene Selection “SCN”. For detailed information on the modes, check the official manual and the online help guide. Don't forget to consult them.

Here are some sample shots:

Like its mirrorless sisters, the Sony DSC-RX100 V pours a significant part of its firepower into video, and the results are formidable. It can record 4Kp30, p25, and p24 at 100 Mbps using 5K oversampling, plus two 1080p120 modes (100 and 60 Mbps) and two 1080p100 modes at the same bitrate, not to mention HFR recording. It's not easy to find such video quality in this segment, especially in an ultracompact that technically qualifies as a point and shoot. What's the fine print? First, you can't record more than five minutes at a time in 4K (a limit set to avoid overheating), but if you plan on vlogging or short YouTube clips, you'll edit anyway. Second, HFR modes apply a crop that grows with the framerate (plenty of room to experiment here). Connectivity is also solid: the WiFi and NFC combo is fast and easy to use for transferring content.

Accessories for Sony DSC-RX100 V

Unlike other cameras, the Sony DSC-RX100 V is relatively simple when it comes to accessories, since there aren't many “add-ons” available. The integrated lens is a 24-70 that doesn't accept lenses or filters, and there's no flash shoe. But that doesn't mean we should ignore everything else. The Sony DSC-RX100 V can be improved with a basic selection of items, including mounts and tripods, bags to protect it from the elements, extra lights, cleaning kits, and why not, a mini studio for product photography.

Batteries and Power

High-end point and shoots don't offer long battery life, and with an average of 220 shots, the Sony DSC-RX100 V is no exception. Fortunately, it's an easy fix, and the magic number is “40 euros”. The Gloxy module compatible with the NP-BX1 format works just like the original battery, and the 2-in-1 hybrid charger extends recharging to your vehicle, complementing the traditional method. These accessories are listed under the SKU “0712565913,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-3967”.

Tripods and Supports

Finding a tripod for Sony DSC-RX100 V is a basic task. With 299 grams including battery and memory card, the camera is a titan in a featherweight body. That means its physical demands aren't huge, allowing us to pick lighter, more affordable supports. Our first option is the recurring Clampod Takeway T1, with an impressive 40 kilograms of maximum load and compatibility with other devices. The second is the popular Manfrotto Pixi, which you can place on a table or use as a grip for selfies or vlogging on the go.

Bags

The Sony DSC-RX100 V doesn't come with any weather sealing, but don't worry. A sturdy, quality bag isn't hard or expensive to find. In fact, our two suggestions combined barely exceed 30 euros. The first is an official product: the Sony LCS-U11 is compact and light, very well designed, and can be carried by hand or over the shoulder, with secondary pockets for a wide range of accessories. The second comes from Lowepro: the Dashpoint 30 weighs only 100 grams, can be worn on the shoulder or clipped to a belt, has a small pocket for memory cards, and a well-padded interior.

Memory Cards

The 100 Mbps of the higher video modes translate to 12.5 MB/s, so the Sony DSC-RX100 V doesn't demand extreme write speeds. However, write speed is like light: we prefer to have more than less. A Transcend SDXC 128GB memory card with 60 MB/s write speed would be a great companion, and its capacity is more than enough if you plan to start recording in 4K.

Special Kits

Proper cleaning of any camera is a great strategy to ensure its longevity, and the good news is it doesn't cost a fortune. Gloxy sells a 6-in-1 kit that includes a blower, cotton swabs, wipes, a brush, alcohol-free cleaning liquid, and an antistatic cloth. For 23 euros you'll have everything needed to clean the Sony DSC-RX100 V, and it will last a long time. The other kit comes with two questions: Are you planning to sell something? Why not do it with style and a touch of professionalism? Product photography isn't complicated with the right tools, and this portable mini studio measuring 40 x 40 x 40 with auxiliary lights and interchangeable backgrounds will be one of your best allies. It can be yours for 80 euros.

Checkered flag... for now. The Sony DSC-RX100 V has proven to be one of the most attractive cameras you can buy in the 800-euro space. It envies almost nothing to mirrorless models, carries the dynamics and ease of use of any point and shoot, and its compromises are reasonable. Travel, interiors, social gatherings, close action, landscapes, 4K video, slow motion... it's very hard to go wrong with this ultracompact, and owner comments are strong. In this format, one of the best. Good luck!