Good deal – The Sony Alpha 7R V (A7R V) “5-star” camera body at €4,399.00

Sony returns with a new, very defined 24×36 camera: the A7R V. If the definition (61 Mpx) does not change, the ergonomics of the device have been redesigned, with an 8K video mode, or even significantly autofocus tracking. improved. The Sony Alpha 7R V aims to be a new benchmark for the studio, but not only that.

While using the same – very good – sensor from the A7R IV, the Sony Alpha 7R V (A7R V) gives its predecessor a little old-fashioned look. Revised body, refined ergonomics and ever more impressive AF tracking, the A7R V is a demanding, but ambitious and efficient device. Its main fault remains rolling shutter far too marked in electronic shutter, whether in photos or video. It nonetheless remains a formidable device which still demonstrates all of Sony’s know-how in photography.

Strong points

• Very good electronic viewfinder.
• Good sensitivity management.
• 240 Mpx mode.
• 8K 24 fps video mode.
• Internal 4:2:2 10-bit recording.
• No cropping in 4K UHD at 30 fps.
• AF detection and tracking of faces or eyes (human, animals, birds) in photos and videos.
• Detection and tracking of multiple subjects (vehicles and insects).
• Sensor stabilization up to 8 stops.
• Quick Start.
• Touch screen on ball joint.
• Connections (double SD slot, USB Type-C socket, etc.).
• Customization functions.
• Shots while feeding.
• Resistance to humidity and dust.

Weak points

• Burst mode limited to 10 fps.
• Electronic shutter limited to 1/8000 s.
• Manual MAP assistance limited to focus peaking.
• Cropping in 4K UHD at 60 fps and 8K and absence of the DCI cinema video format.
• Very marked rolling shutter.
• Livestreaming in 4K limited to 15 fps.

Alternatively

The Nikon Z8 is a pretty impressive device. It renews all the advances of the Z9 and gets rid of the few “defects” that could be attributed to the Japanese monoblock. It is an expert device, very versatile in both photography and video, which easily competes with the best sports and studio hybrids, all with an aggressive pricing policy. That said, the Z8 is still bulkier than its competition, especially equipped with large Nikon lenses for hybrids. But once you’ve tasted it, it’s hard to do without it.