Hey, everyone!
I've had some down time recently and hit up the people at Sony Malaysia for a collaboration. They were very kind to lend me this camera for a whole three weeks to test out. Behold:
Sony RX100V
This little guy packs a serious punch in terms of specs. Despite only possessing a 1-inch sensor, the camera produces 20MP photos and is able to record up to 4K 30fps at a whopping bit rate of 100Mbps! With built-in WiFi for easy connectivity to mobile devices and a small size, it seems like the RX100V would be the perfect camera for travel and everyday photography. However, specs on paper are nothing without real-world performance and I found out first-hand what it's like to have so much power in such a small form factor.
Typically, the size of the camera is imperative to the major purpose of purchasing said camera. As one would expect, since the RX100 series has always been geared towards casual and travel photography, the small size greatly suits these types of photography.
Face for scale
Don't let the size fool you
The RX100V is such a great camera to always keep in the bag or even in the pocket. I really appreciated the overall handling, where the aluminium body gave the camera a solid and comfortable exterior. In fact, equipping the RX100V with its underwater housing only made it as big as a typical DSLR.
The minimalistic approach to the design preserves the simplistic nature of small digital compacts, where the front of the camera is only occupied by the lens. The back of the camera has quite a selection of buttons, in line with most modern cameras, whereas the top of the camera is where you will find the shutter button and menu dial. In addition, a flash and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) are neatly tucked into the top of the RX100V.
The button layout of the RX100V make for an easy one-hand operation to ensure utmost convenience to the shooter. On top of that, the underwater housing maintains most of the controls of the RX100V, with the rear ring being the only thing unable to be used.
The RX100V still deploys the same Zeiss 24-70mm (equiv) f1.8-2.8 lens as seen on previous models. It is a brilliant lens that faithfully captures details at maximum aperture without the risk of chromatic aberration or lens flare.
Still a manageable size
The minimalistic approach to the design preserves the simplistic nature of small digital compacts, where the front of the camera is only occupied by the lens. The back of the camera has quite a selection of buttons, in line with most modern cameras, whereas the top of the camera is where you will find the shutter button and menu dial. In addition, a flash and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) are neatly tucked into the top of the RX100V.
Rear view
Top view
The button layout of the RX100V make for an easy one-hand operation to ensure utmost convenience to the shooter. On top of that, the underwater housing maintains most of the controls of the RX100V, with the rear ring being the only thing unable to be used.
The RX100V still deploys the same Zeiss 24-70mm (equiv) f1.8-2.8 lens as seen on previous models. It is a brilliant lens that faithfully captures details at maximum aperture without the risk of chromatic aberration or lens flare.
At the beach
In the forest city
For a camera of this level, it holds its own as a tool to produce photos with dynamic colors, clarity, and contrast. The image quality in good light is undeniable, where even the in-camera JPEGs were impressive.
Straight-out-of-camera JPEGs
Unfortunately, I couldn't edit the RAW files since my old version of Lightroom does not support them. Even so, just doing adjustments to the JPEGs could also unlock the full potential of the sensor inside the RX100V.
Love myself some narrow crops
With the RX100V, this dude could have had better quality photos and still retain instant sharing to social media using the built-in WiFi
Relationship goals
A difference of days
JB has the best cafes
Red & blue
Bokeh is beautiful if you can get the subject close enough
Evidently, the RX100V has the capability to capture high quality photos despite its small size and "minuscule" sensor. Moreover, the video quality of the camera is no joke. As mentioned earlier, the RX100V has the ability to shoot up to 3840x2160 (4K) video at 30fps at up to 100Mbps! This trumps all DSLRs within the same price range as the RX100V! In addition, the RX100V can also shoot full HD video up to 120fps for smooth slow-motion footage. Furthermore, independent self-documentary video producers (aka vloggers) can also benefit from the 180° articulating screen (aka selfie mode) and the built-in stabilization.
Self-portraits made easy
To make things even better, vloggers or video producers in general will also appreciate the excellently quick autofocus of the RX100V. Every time I use the camera, it always seems as if the camera is in focus even before I half-press the shutter to get in focus - it is just that good!
The RX100V does a good job at autofocusing on moving subjects, even in low light. But then again, this is where the image quality starts to fall apart - in low light.
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
ISO 6400
In all the photos with an ISO 3200 or more, there is unmistakeable noise in the shadow area, which makes the photos awfully grainy; sometimes to the point where the photos are totally unusable, which is a shame. Of course, there is a small pop-up flash on the top of the camera but it is never advisable to use it. This drawback does not come as a surprise since the RX100V does only have a 1-inch sensor. In spite of its ability to retain details and sharpness, there is still too much noise to say that it has decent low-light capability.
What's more, despite excellent video quality, the battery just can't handle it. For stills, the battery lasts around 300 RAW+JPEG photo. However, the camera starts to heat up only after 5 minutes of shooting video in 4K before completely dying only after 30 minutes of screen on time. This issue was seen in the previous model RX100IV but it seems like Sony still hasn't found a way to overcome it. Other users have also raised issues regarding poor battery performance when shooting a lot of slow motion, as well.
Dynamic range needs improvement (no data can be recovered from the blown out background)
The EVF is too small and hurts my eye because I have to squint too much
This last one is nitpicking but I feel that the customizability of the RX100V is too limited. Back in November 2015 I reviewed the Leica D-Lux, a compact camera that has more or less the same specs as the RX100V albeit a larger sensor. The D-Lux, just as the RX100V, was meant for casual shooting too yet it had a much better depth in functionality. Unlike the D-Lux, I was not able to permanently change the function of the control ring on the lens, for instance to manual focus. I couldn't disable the D-pad shortcuts to instantly change my focus point. I also couldn’t find a way to stop the camera from turning off every time I retract the viewfinder - for some the automatic on/off is convenient but I am a person who likes to pop the viewfinder out just for fun without wanting to actually use it. Furthermore, there isn’t an option for zoom steps like the Leica D-Lux nor is there zoom memory so that the camera remembers the last focal length I used. I would have loved to have these zoom features as I enjoy shooting prime lenses moreso than zoom lenses. The fact that I have to re-zoom to the desired focal length I turned the camera back on annoyed me and slowed me down when shooting on the streets.
Overall, I enjoyed my time shooting the RX100V and appreciated its weightlessness when left in my bag. I have only two major qualms regarding the RX100V, which are its low-light capability and battery performance for video shooting in 4K. Oh, and also, the price could also be quite a deal-breaker for most, which asks around RM4,599 for a new unit.
It is difficult to justify such a major price tag on a camera that is meant for casual everyday photography. As a professional, I am able to appreciate all its features despite its setbacks but for an average consumer, these "extra" features don't matter too much to them. Sure, there are many more options available (RX100IV, RX100III, Panasonic LX10, Canon G7X II) but if the average consumer doesn't need bombastic features and professionals can't make full use of the RX100V's 4K and stills, then in whose pocket does the camera fall into?
Siege mode
I believe that the RX100V is a genius product that pushes the boundaries of seemingly beginner-level cameras. As aforementioned, the video capabilities of the RX100V exceeds DSLRs within its price range while offering way better portability and convenience. Its autofocus is spellbindingly quick whereas its image quality in sufficient light is remarkable. For a person who wants the best out of a pocketable camera, the Sony RX100V should definitely be at the top of their list. However, as with any decision in life, compromises need to be made. Here, its the sub-par low-light image quality and overheating/short battery life. The only thing left to be decided is whether those compromises are worth the memories captured.
Huge gratitude goes towards the fine people at Sony Malaysia for loaning out a RX100V unit to me along with the MPK-URX100A underwater housing. Please check out their Facebook page for updates on new products and also the Alpha Universe Facebook page for workshops and events.
Big thanks also goes to you for dropping by and checking out this review. Until next time, take care!
DISCLAIMER: I do not represent Sony, or any other brand that might be showcased in this review. This review is written for THE FEAR and is delivered with utmost honesty and sincerity.
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By the way, if excellent image and video quality aren't enough reason to get the RX100V, then maybe this push you in the right direction:
Press Release
#SonyRXMoments Instagram Photo Contest
31 March - 30 June 2017
Sony invites all users of Sony’s RX series of cameras to participate in the #SonyRXMoments Instagram Photo Contest, where they stand a chance to win amazing prizes including an RX1R II, the ultimate full frame professional compact camera with a 35mm sensor. They will be tasked to put their photography skills to the test and share their best moments taken with their Sony RX premium compact camera.
To enter the contest, participants are to follow four simple steps:
- Step 1: Follow the “＠sonyrxmoments” Instagram account
- Step 2: Take stunning photos with any Sony RX camera
- Step 3: Post and share the photos on their Instagram handle with a caption tagging @sonysingapore and include the following hashtags
- #SonyRX
- #SonyRXMoments
- #SonySG_RX
- #RXthroughmyeyes
- #SonyRXModel (i.e #SonyRX100M5, #SonyRX10M3, #SonyRX1RM2)
- Step 4: Set their Instagram account to public
Multiple prizes are up for grabs locally and across the globe.
- The top 5 entries in Singapore will stand a chance to win SGD2,000 worth of travel vouchers each. Along with other winners from across South East Asia, they will also be selected to represent their respective countries in the Global #SonyRXMoments Instagram Photo Contest.
- The Global First Prize winner will take home an RX1R II with a full set of accessories (worth more than USD5,000), along with six global runner-ups who will receive an RX1R II each (USD 3,899.99).
- Judging will be based on their creativity, photo composition and enthusiasm for the Sony RX series.
The #SonyRXMoments contest will run from 31 March to 30 June 2017. The local winners will be announced in August through the @sonysingapore Instagram account, while the global winners will be announced in September 2017 on both the @sonyrxmoments and @sonysingapore accounts, as well as on the official Sony Group websites.
For more information on the contest please visit http://s-digitalimaging.com/sg/.
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