Good deal – The Sony Alpha 7R V (A7R V) “5-star” camera box at €3,419.00 (-24%)

Sony is back with a new, very defined 24×36 box: 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 autofocus tracking significantly improved. The Sony Alpha 7R V wants to be a new reference for the studio, but not only.

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

Strong points

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

Weak points

• Burst mode limited to 10 fps.
• Electronic shutter limited to 1/8000 s.
• Manual focus 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.

NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).

Alternatively

Canon timidly entered the full-frame hybrid market in 2018. A little less than two years later, the manufacturer has had time to take care of its top of the range and it shows! The EOS R5 hybrid is positioned as one of the best cameras of the moment, all categories combined. Since perfection is not of this world, it is quite possible to find some shortcomings here and there. However, the overall performance is so good that it is difficult to really fault the EOS R5.