Sony A7R V: 61MP full-frame mirrorless camera with AI-optimized autofocus

Sony has just announced its latest high definition full frame hybrid, the Sony A7R V (A7RV). It uses the same sensor as its predecessor, but what makes this camera so special is that it has a fully dedicated AI chip, giving it unparalleled AF performance.

In addition, it features new video modes that allow you to shoot in 8K at 24p, and has a brand new rear screen! To give you an idea of what this little miracle machine can do, here's a full rundown of all its features.

Three years after the A7R IV, Sony returns with its newest and most advanced mirrorless camera: the A7R V. This is also Sony's first 5th generation full-frame mirrorless camera, which means major changes and improvements over previous models. These include a new AI-based autofocus system, improved image quality for both stills and video, and a user experience more suited to professional photographers.

The 61MP full-frame backlit sensor, dual BionZ XR processor and AI chip work together to create stunning photos.

Three years ago, Sony shook up the market with its 61MP A7R IV sensor. This year, Sony is using the same sensor (but backlit and without a low-pass filter), paired with its dual-processor Bionz Z XR chip (as on the Sony A1 and A7 IV). However, the real novelty here is the new artificial intelligence chip, which would greatly increase the computing power. The result is a much faster and more accurate autofocus system - which we will see in this article.

The ISO range is the same as before: from ISO 100 to 32,000 by default, but expandable from ISO 50 to 102,400 (for photos only). The dynamic range is still 15 EV; however, Sony promises a better restitution of areas in high and low light.

The 61MP sensor is still 5-axis stabilized, but the maximum gain increases to 8 stops. This allows for sharper images at 24mm with an exposure time of 1 second. The camera also benefits from a new active mode, more efficient in video. Only time will tell if it can beat the Canon EOS R3.

The "Pixel Shift" mode was present on the A7R IV and is now available for the Sony a7R V (A7RV). Using tiny sensor shifts, the camera can take 240MP shots that will be post-processed and stitched together via the Imaging Desktop software. According to Sony, the AI function has been added to compensate for any subject movement.

In addition, the "Focus bracketing" mode allows you to take multiple pictures with slightly different focuses. When merged, these images give you a wider focus area, which is very useful for nature or product photography.

The new autofocus system can detect and track any subject using artificial intelligence.

The Sony A7R V (A7R5) features a "hybrid" autofocus system that uses both phase correlation and contrast detection techniques. The sensor has 693 phase correlation points (up from 567 on the previous model, the A7R IV), which cover 86% of the image in height and 93% in width.

More importantly, Sony uses a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence system based on Deep Learning. This allows the device to identify humans by facial features, such as eyes, nose, ears, neck, etc., and other physical features such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, etc.

In fact, the camera is able to identify the subject's eye much faster, even when the subject is wearing a hat, sunglasses or a mask. According to Sony, eye detection should work even when the subject is moving, at a great distance and/or against the light. Similarly, another person crossing in front of the subject would not bother this type of camera focused on portrait photography. These are all aspects that should appeal to photographers looking for new equipment options.

In addition, the camera has an autofocus function specially designed for animals of all sizes (dogs, cats, birds, mice, horses, etc.), where you can choose to focus on the head of the animal's eyes or on its body. This makes it much easier for photographers who want to take pictures of pets to get clear shots in which the focus is aligned precisely on the eyes. Finally, we should mention a new mode created especially for insect photography.

The manufacturer has also added aircraft, car and train specific detection and tracking modes - something we've seen before on the Nikon Z9, Canon EOS R3, Fujifilm X-H2S and Olympus OM-D E-M1X. The camera focuses on the target's windshield (or cockpit) in real time - tracking that is supposed to be very effective even when the subject is moving quickly - with less rolling shutter (which remains unverified).

The AI mechanism must be able to anticipate the subject's movements to predict random human or animal movements.

In addition, (many) options have been added to the menus to adjust the sensitivity / granularity of detection for both the subject and their eyes. For example, if you are a professional photographer working with different types of subjects or settings, you can now easily switch between them by assigning one of the camera's customizable buttons. In group photos where multiple faces are present, simply use the left and right buttons to quickly switch between them.

Finally, the camera should be able to take clear photos in low light and better manage shadow areas. In addition, the AI should make the colors a more accurate representation of what is being photographed. White balance is also improved for different types of scenarios, such as snowy landscapes, as an infrared sensor is placed in the front.

10 continuous shots per second and large photo capacity

The Sony A7R V (A7R5) improves on its predecessor in a number of ways, including increased buffer capacity. With the A7R V, you should be able to capture up to 583 images in compressed RAW - up from just 68 with the A7R IV. In compressed RAW + JPEG mode, the buffer increases to 184 images. Finally, in uncompressed RAW mode, the buffer is capable of taking 88 images (compared to 30 images with the A7R IV).

The camera has a lossless compression mode for RAW files, like the Sony A1. This reduces the file size by 50-80% without reducing the image quality, which is essential given the resolution of the sensor.

The APS-C crop mode applies a 1.5x factor, resulting in 26-megapixel files - a feature that can be particularly useful for wildlife photographers who sometimes need to increase the range of their lens. In addition, the camera allows you to reduce the file size to 15MP, but 10-bit HEIF files offer better image quality overall.

According to Sony, flash photography has finally been simplified. The camera must take into account the (presumed) exposure of the subject's face and adjust the flash intensity accordingly. In addition, the white balance must be more accurate.

8K video at 24p with advanced shooting modes

The Sony A7R V ( ILCE-7RM5) is the second such camera made by the company that can shoot 8K video. This is thanks to the 61MP sensor and the dual Bionz XR processor it is equipped with.

With the Sony A7R V, you can shoot 8K at 24/25p and 4K 60/50p with 4:2:2 10-bit color depth, with a slight 1.2x crop applied to the image. The camera is also capable of shooting 4K 30/25/24p footage without any cropping, upsampled from 6.2k continuous recording. For those who want slow-motion capabilities, there is an internal slow-motion mode that records at 120 frames per second in Full HD quality. Like the Sony A1 model that preceded it, this camera also benefits from 16-bit ProRes RAW video output via the HDMI port, but only when used with a compatible recorder.

Sony has designed a new heat dissipation system for the A7R V, similar to that used in the A1 and A7S III. With this improvement, the camera should be able to shoot continuous 8K at 24 fps for 30 minutes.

The camera also offers many features for making videos, which were first seen on the Sony A7 IV and A1. One of these features is the S-Cinetone mode, which gives colors a more natural look.

The A7R V's active mode has been modified and expanded to make it easier to capture handheld video, even with a telephoto lens. Plus, in the field, this camera will be able to smooth out any jerky movements you might make so your images look smooth and polished.

The Sony A7R V ( ILCE-7RM5 ) also has two new video modes that make shooting solo easier. The "Focus Map" option is very useful when using wide aperture lenses. It shows which images are in back focus (blue) and which are in front focus (orange). This makes manual focusing much easier.

On the other hand, we find the focus breathing compensation mode. Using one of the compatible lenses, the camera is able to stabilize any framing variation that occurs when changing focus.

The A7R V's live streaming capabilities are also very impressive. By connecting the camera to a computer via USB, you can choose "Live Streaming" from the camera's menus and immediately start video in 4K quality at 15 fps or Full HD at 60 fps. Therefore, this makes the A7R V ideal for functions that require high quality webcams, such as classes or lectures.

The ergonomics have been improved and the viewfinder can be oriented in several ways

The Sony A7R V features a magnesium alloy chassis that is both durable and strong. In terms of ergonomics, it is on par with the recent A7S III and A4 IV models. 

The 3.2-inch LCD screen is rotatable, so you can use it for photography and video no matter how you hold the camera.

Notably, the screen is attached with a double hinge and a ball joint. This allows the screen to be not only tilted in the viewing axis but also folded to the left side of its housing. In addition, it can be folded inwards for safety reasons during transportation. In other words, this system allows those who prefer the through-the-body view and the remote view to get both what they want from a single product. Finally, it is important to note that the definition of said has increased significantly from 1.4 Mpts to 2.095 Mpts .

The new Sony A7R V ( ILCE-7RM5 ) also has a much better viewfinder. The OLED panel is based on 9.440 million dots (compared to 5.76 on the A7R IV), which provides a much superior viewing experience. This impressive number allows the A7R V to compete even with the Sony A7S III and A1 models. As with the aforementioned models, the eye relief is 25 mm and the maximum refresh rate is 120 Hz.

The ergonomics of the body has been revised for a more comfortable grip and better handling. The video recording button has been moved to the top edge, next to the shutter release. In addition, the encoder wheel on the right is now customizable, and is no longer reserved for exposure compensation

The photo/video/S&Q switch is now located below the shutter release; each mode has 3 customizable modes accessible via positions 1, 2 and 3 of the dial

The Sony A7R V's shutter curtain extends in front of the sensor to prevent dust from entering when changing lenses. The camera also features a new system to remove dust more efficiently. In addition, Sony says it has reworked its mechanical shutter to make the release process smoother and reduce vibration. Finally, the reinforced mechanical shutter can withstand up to 500,000 shots before needing maintenance

In addition, the A7R V benefits (thankfully) from the new menus found on the A7S, A1 and A7 IV. The tab icons are located on the left, photo and video settings are completely separate, allowing specific shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings to be applied for stills - as well as various specialized settings for video.

Two SD UHS-II and CFexpress Type A memory card slots.

The new Sony A7R V features a dual slot for UHS-II (UHS-I compatible) and CFexpress Type A SD memory cards, allowing for write speeds of 700MB/s and read speeds of 800MB/s. In addition, the cards can be inserted into the same slot as traditional SD cards, saving space. In addition, the cards can be inserted into the same slot as traditional SD cards, saving space. The A7R V also benefits from the new, more secure memory card flap release system already present on the A7S III and A1 models.

One Ethernet port for full connectivity.

Keeping in mind the needs of image professionals, the Sony A7R V has a complete connectivity (inherited from the Sony A1). It is compatible with 2.4 and 5 Ghz wifi bands (UEEE 802.11ac 2x2 Mimo standard), which allows even faster transfers to multiple devices simultaneously (Multiple Inputs, Multiple Outputs, 2 inputs and 2 outputs) with less interference. In addition, thanks to 5G compatibility, transferring files to an FTP server is faster than ever when using a compatible smartphone.

The A7R V features a USB-C 3.2 10Gbps jack for quick connection to a computer, and a "true" HDMI Type-A port for connecting an external monitor/recorder. The Gigabit Ethernet port supporting the 1000BASE-T standard is relegated to the optional handle. Photojournalists will enjoy even faster and more secure transfer as the device now supports FTPS (SSL or TLS) protocols.

Sony A7R V: what is the price?

The Sony A7R V will be available from the end of November 2022 at a price of 4499 €, an increase of 500 € compared to its predecessor at the time of its release.

As always, MCZ DIRECT offers you a better price.