The Sony A7R V has been announced, featuring a 61MP sensor and 8K video. The a7R V is the fifth iteration of Sony’s high-end, high-res full-frame mirrorless camera. Sony’s newest high-res Alpha camera features massive processing power and new AI autofocus. The US price for this camera is $3,898 (B&HPhoto, Amazon, Adorama).
The Sony A7R V uses the same 61-megapixel image sensor as its predecessor, but the latest high-res Alpha camera includes some significant changes and improvements.
Other key features of the new camera are the latest BIONZ XR image processor, a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, high precision image stabilisation and 8K24/25P video and 4K video oversampled from 6.2k without binning.
The camera’s design has also been enhanced. The Sony A7R V features a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor design. This new Sony monitor design combines a conventional tilt monitor with side opening vari angles; you can check out our hands-on review soon to see exactly how this works.
Sony A7r V Price and Release Date:
In US at B&HPhoto, Amazon, Adorama
In EU at Amazon DE, Amazon UK
The official release date for a7R5 is in December 2022.
Hands-on and reviews:
Dpreview, Explora, PetaPixel, Photographyblog, official Press text on SCN.
Sony a7R V Specs & Key Features
- 61MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor
- Native ISO range is 100 to 32,000, expandable up to 102,400
- Bionz XR image processing engine
- Dedicated AI Processing Unit
- Subject recognition technology powered by dedicated AI unit
- Real-time tracking
- 693-point hybrid autofocus system that covers 79% of the image area (93% vertical and 86% horizontal)
- Up to 10 frames per second burst shooting with full AF/AE (mechanical shutter)
- Up to 7 fps with the electronic shutter
- 4-axis multi-angle 3.2-type LCD
- 9.44M dot EVF with 0.9x magnification and 120fps at full resolution
- Two CFexpress Type A card slots (also accept UHS-II SD cards)
- 8K video at up to 24p/25p using full pixel readout (1.2x crop)
- 4K 60p video
- Super35 4K video with 6.2K oversampling
- New main menu design with improved usability
- Built-in Wi-Fi and SuperSpeed USB (10Gbps)
- $3,900 USD body only ($5,300 CAD)
- Available in mid-December
Sony a7R V Video Previews & Reviews
SAN DIEGO, CA – October 26, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. announced the Alpha 7R V (model ILCE-7RM5) as the newest R series camera in its acclaimed line of Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The Alpha 7R V combines Sony’s highest resolution image sensor in an Alpha camera with a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition – a first in any Alpha camera – as well as the powerful BIONZ XR™ image processing engine – a first in the “R” full-frame lineup. The combination of the high-resolution sensor and these processors enables new breakthroughs in subject recognition and capture for both still photography and video.
The new Alpha 7R V offers 61.0MP still images plus the most effective 8-step1 image stabilization system ever offered in any of Sony’s Alpha cameras, as well as refined 8K2 movie recording, a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, high-speed communication functions, high-level operability and smooth workflow integration. Sony’s newest camera is ideal for professionals who need a first-class high-resolution imaging tool.
“The newest addition to our Alpha 7R lineup is the perfect example of our relentless drive to develop industry-leading imaging technology,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Alpha 7R V with high-resolution and extremely advanced AI integrations that deliver next-generation autofocus performance. We are excited to see what our community creates with the new Alpha 7R V.”
Improved AF Accuracy Based on Newly Developed AI Processing Unit
The Alpha 7R V features next-generation AF Real-time Recognition AF, with advanced accuracy and broader subject recognition thanks to a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit with deep learning. The state-of-the-art AI processing uses detailed information about human form and pose estimation to dramatically improve recognition accuracy beyond systems which only detect face and eye and make full use of its potential3. Real-time Recognition AF, using AI subject recognition, has been developed to include several subject types, including animals, vehicles and insects4. The Alpha 7R V also includes continuous shooting at up to 10 fps5 with AF/AE tracking.
In addition to the advanced AI technology, the Alpha 7R V includes improvement to many beloved features from other cameras in Sony’s Alpha series that are now included for the first time in Sony’s 7R series:
- Tenacious Real-time Tracking6
- Faster and more precise wide-area, high-density AF system
- Silent, vibration-free shooting7 at up to 7 fps8
- Continuously shoot up to 583 compressed RAW images at high speed9
The Alpha 7R V also includes focus features that support high resolution including full-time DMF10 (direct manual focus), and focus bracketing11, a highly-requested capability that allows for focus stacked images.
Extraordinary Resolution Known to Sony’s Alpha 7R Series
The Alpha 7R V was designed to deliver overwhelming detail thanks to the latest BIONZ XR™ image processing engine and a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels. The latest BIONZ XR image processing engine ensures that the resolution potential of the camera’s sensor is fully utilized to deliver the highest resolution at low sensitivity in the Alpha series thus far. This enables sensitivity settings from ISO 100 to ISO 3200012 for both stills and movies and wide dynamic range with 15 stops13 for stills.
The Alpha 7R V’s entire image stabilization system has been updated with a high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimized image stabilization algorithms for stills and video. In addition to up to the 8-step compensation effect for stills, the new stabilization algorithm provides precise detection and control right down to the single-pixel level, taking full advantage of the sensor’s 61.0-megapixel resolution potential to bring out the finest subject details. Sony’s newest camera also offers upgraded Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, which takes advantage of the precision in-body image stabilization system control, capturing multiple pixel-shifted images that are later composited using a computer to achieve overwhelming resolution in a single image. Using the latest version of Imaging Edge Desktop™ Ver.3.5 computer application, small pixel-level movements, such as a shift in the subject’s position or leaves on a tree, are automatically detected and corrected for optimized compositing can be achieved14. 16-image composites with approximately 240.8 million pixels (19,008 x 12,672 pixels)15 can be produced from data that is equivalent to approximately 963.2 million pixels. The Alpha 7R V also supports precise and versatile external flash control for additional creative flexibility. Additionally, when in challenging lighting conditions the Alpha 7R V effectively suppresses flickering from artificial lights16 for stills and video.
Additional features that offer flexibility for still photography includes:
- Addition of Lossless RAW image compression and selectable RAW image sizes and quality
- Greatly expanded focus and exposure bracketing
- Creative Look settings for stills and videos in camera
- High-quality HEIF images with high compression efficiency
- Wide brightness range for large screen viewing
Cinematic Video Capabilities
In addition to incredible still photography capabilities, the Alpha 7R V offers advanced video capabilities. Sony’s newest camera delivers 8Ki 24/25p video, 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning17, a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, all intra recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and more for high image quality and flexible editing. It also includes evolved subject recognition for unprecedented real-time tracking reliability, breathing compensation and the ability to use camera metadata for post-processing and advanced in-body image stabilization. In addition to in-body Active mode18 image stabilization for smoother on-the-go recording, the Alpha 7R V is compatible with select lenses19 that include built-in image stabilization for even more stable framing and smooth footage.
Operability & Reliability
The Alpha 7R V pairs outstanding reliability for professional needs in both stills and videos with a compact, lightweight form factor. The Alpha 7R V includes a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor20 that combines the utility of a conventional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility, and an electronic viewfinder with 9.44 million dots. The Alpha 7R V also includes two CFexpress Type A/SDXC compatible media slots and a brand-new menu system with touch control and a wide range of customizable functions.
The Alpha 7R V also allows professionals to optimize their workflow with updated connectivity for improved support. Data can be transferred at high speed over Wi-Fi (802.11ac) 2×2 MIMO21 or a wired SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps connection via a USB-C® port. In addition to allowing efficient remote shooting as well as still and movie file transfers, new USB streaming features support UVC/UAC, allowing direct streaming from the camera even in 4K (QFHD) resolution with audio as well.
Based on feedback from professionals, the Alpha 7R V includes improved heat dissipation for extended recording times22, an upgraded dust and moisture resistant design23, a durable magnesium alloy chassis, and other refinements for maximum reliability in challenging working environments.
The Alpha 7R V is also compatible with the new PCK-LG3 Screen Protect Glass Sheet, which maintains touch sensitivity while protecting the LCD monitor against stains and fingerprints.
Designed for Professionals with Sustainability in Mind
Measures have been taken to reduce the environmental footprint of this product at various stages of its life cycle: from product development through supply chain, production, and packaging. Sony aims to inspire through efficient use of energy and resources. Recycled plastic including SORPLAS™24 were partially used for the camera body. In addition, manufacturing takes place at a facility using renewable energy.
Sony is working towards the use of plastic free25 packaging materials that provide ample protection against shock and impact. Plant-based non-woven fabrics are used for product bags26. All of these considerations help to minimize environmental impact.
Pricing and Availability
The new Alpha 7R V will begin shipping in December and is available for approximately $3,900 USD and $5,300 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
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