Sony has unveiled the RX10 V, a superzoom compact camera that succeeds the nine-year-old RX10 IV, pairing a 24-600mm optical zoom lens with a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch stacked sensor. The launch matters because it revives a long-dormant premium bridge camera with a modernised design, faster shooting, AI-driven autofocus and substantially upgraded video, though its $2,300 price makes it one of the most expensive compact cameras available.

The new processor allows blackout-free bursts of 30fps, up from 24fps, while the autofocus system, borrowed from the A7 V, detects humans, birds, animals, vehicles and insects across 575 AF points. Video is the standout upgrade, offering full-width 4K at 60fps in 10-bit, 4K 120fps slow motion, S-Log3 and improved stabilisation. Critics note the unchanged sensor resolution, the loss of the built-in flash and a rear screen that only tilts rather than flipping out, all seen as poor at this price. It is now on pre-order for $2,300.