The Sony Alpha 7R V (A7R V) is the Japanese manufacturer’s fifth-generation high-definition hybrid box. It features the same 61MP BSI CMOS Exmor R sensor as the Sony Alpha 7R IV (A7R IV). Indeed, since the second iteration, Sony has made a habit of only changing the definition every two models. Perhaps we will then see a 100 Mpx sensor on a possible A7R VI?
Anyway, who says new case, often says new image processing, even at least. Thus, some time after the publication of our test devoted to the Alpha 7R V, our software is now able to open and edit the raw files of the device. Let’s take a look at the dynamics of the A7R V.
Exposure latitude
Dynamics management is often one of Sony’s strengths against the competition. The A7R V, despite its very high definition, is no exception to the rule. As far as low lights are concerned, the recovery is done without really noticeable noise down to -3 EV. It appears more frankly at -4 EV, but remains reasonable. Of course, the phenomenon increases down to -5 EV. However, the image is not completely degraded and we do not notice any particular colorimetric drifts.
Regarding the recovery of highlights, the sensor shows a good behavior. It is possible to easily recover details up to +2.6 EV, a nice performance. However, if you want to keep the colors really accurate, you should stop at +2 EV: beyond that, the colors will be quite clearly altered.
Facing the Canon EOS R5
Opposite, one of the great rivals of the A7R V, the Canon EOS R5, is not bad either, but it has to bow to Sony’s latest addition. The recovery of details is possible without problem up to +1.6 EV, a first degradation is noticeable at +2 EV and, as with the Sony, the colors lose accuracy beyond that.