Sony RX100V & Sony A6500 Hands-On Video – Rolling Shutter & Overheating Solved?

by Johnnie BehiriOctober 14^th, 2016

Yesterday’s press event at Sony’s European headquarters was very informative. We were given the possibility to record with the new RX100V but not with the a6500 as this camera was not yet ready for primetime, although we did get a A6500 Hands-On too.

Sony RX100V, Sony a6500

Here are, in short, the new features that these cameras have to offer:

On both cameras: 

• The Sony RX100V and Sony a6500 both share the same BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSI chip as the new Sony a99II, which allows for high volumes of data to be processed.
• The buffer has been increased, which allows for capture of more photos per second and longer slow-motion videos.

Sony RX100V – Better rolling shutter effect control

Sony RX100V: 

• Video image quality has been slightly improved.
• Rolling shutter effect has been greatly improved because of better processing.
• Autofocus is now faster and more accurate than before.
• Photo mode allows up to six seconds of 24fps in RAW, theoretically allowing to create short 5.5K video clips.
• New underwater housing (Marine pack MPK-URX100A, up to 40m/130ft).

RX100V Marine Pack

Sony a6500:

• The autofocus function has been improved over the a6300 and you can now lock your subject in the frame and the camera will follow it nicely, which is great for single gimbal operators. Additionally, the touch screen will allow a “tap to focus” function at 3 different speeds, giving you a nice and easy way to change focus points while shooting.  Alternatively, you can use the camera’s EVF and use your thumb to glide on the screen and change to your desired focus point as you would have done with a touch pad.

• The overheating problem that was a major issue with the a6300 is hopefully a thing of the past. In the camera menu you can now change the “Auto power off temp” setting from Standard to High. As a result, the camera will get warmer to the touch, but the recording time before switching off will be longer. How much longer depends on many factors, but future user experience will determine how good it is.

Sony a6500. Overheating a thing of the past?

• The 5-axis stabilization for camera shake compensation looks to be working nicely, but as we were not permitted to record, it is yet to be seen how effective it is.

• The menu structure has been improved and you can find all the video related functions – plus some photo functions that sneaked in – under one main button.

• Low light performance over the a6300 has been improved.

Sony a6500 – Lock autofocus function

Conclusion:

It seems like Sony has done well in improving both cameras when it comes to video quality and functionality, although it is still a pity that none of these models have a headphone jack for direct audio monitoring. In regards to how well the rolling shutter effect is controlled on the a6500, I would prefer to wait for the final version before making a verdict. Stay tuned for our full camera reviews coming soon.

Disclaimer: cinema5D was a guest of Sony’s at this European press event, and covered flight and travel costs.