The new Sony Xperia 5 IV continues the company’s push to migrate features from its Alpha mirrorless cameras into smartphone cameras. But, the Mark IV rendition of Sony’s mid-tier smartphone is only a minor refresh for photographers. The Xperia 5 IV sees a longer list of updates for video and live-streaming, all influenced by the push for video on platforms like Instagram. 

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The $1,000 Sony Xperia 5 IV makes many of the features of the pricier Xperia I IV more accessible. But, the Sep. 1st announcement is also a reminder of how content platforms like Instagram influence technology. The reality is that what’s trending on social media is what’s trending in new tech announcements.

During the press event for the Xperia 5 IV, Sony representatives described the new smartphone as a video-first launch. Updates focus on a simpler process for live-streaming and 4K 120 fps slow motion. The video focus is undoubtedly a result of major platforms like Instagram shifting towards video content. Instagram has been criticized for trying to be more like TikTok, with photographers even signing a petition to bring back the photos-first algorithm. 

As major content platforms shift to video, technology will inevitably follow suit. The question is, will a video shift leave photo features lagging? Sony didn’t skip out on photo features entirely but rather allowed more of the features from the Xperia 1 series to trickle down into the more affordable smartphone. The Xperia 5 IV has the same autofocus performance as the 1 series now, including eye AF and object tracking. The selfie camera has a larger sensor, and there are fewer differences between the camera modules than with the Mark III.

Few photographers will complain about having more video features — if the photo features develop simultaneously. The push for video certainly isn’t new with the Xperia 5 IV. Camera companies have been pushing out hybrids for years. The Xperia 5 IV isn’t worrying because there is still some growth for still photos. And, let’s face it, smartphones need to innovate to match social media trends more than stand-alone cameras. 

What gets worrisome is when cameras drop features as they pad video specs, like the Panasonic GH-6 dropping Live Composite and adding a wealth of video features. I’m all for hybrid cameras when both photo and video features are true priorities. And while Sony may be focusing on video for the Xperia 5 IV, there are marginal updates across the board. Sony was already ahead with their 20 fps and real-time eye AF — the push for video here likely won’t put the Xperia line too far behind for smartphone photographers.