The Sony Alpha 7R V (A7R V) has arrived: a very defined hybrid that makes few concessions

Sony continues to develop its hybrid fleet by launching the fifth generation of 24×36 boxes. Almost ten years after its first hybrid full frame, the first Alpha 7R (A7R) of the name, here is the Alpha 7R V (A7R V). The Japanese manufacturer has long since passed the stage of maturity and offers with each new iteration high-performance devices, which often act as a benchmark for the competition.

R for king of definition?

This is how the A7R V arrives, from the R range, synonymous with high definition at Sony. The device has a 61 Mpx 24×36 BSI CMOS sensor. Here, there is no novelty since it is the same one that has been installed in the Alpha 7R IV (A7R IV) since 2019 and which remains to this day the most defined full-frame sensor on the market. Aesthetically, the A7R V borrows heavily from the latest generation of Sony devices, starting with the Alpha 7 IV (A7 IV).

An almost familiar design

In addition to the letter R on the front and a screen on a ball joint that can be rotated on four axes that also comes off the back of the case (for more latitude and to reduce heating), it is quite similar to the A7 IV. It is equipped with the double port for CFexpress type A cards, also compatible with SD cards. Another difference with the A7 IV, the 9.44 Mpts viewfinder, as with the Alpha 7S III (A7S III) and the Alpha 1 (A1).

The connection is very complete:

• HDMI type A,
• synchro-flash,
• headphone jack,
• microphone jack,
• USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port (10Gb/s),
• Remote control socket,
• Hot shoe with digital audio transmission.

Cropped 8K

The video has not been forgotten and we can now film in 8k 24 fps, but with a 1.2x crop which also operates in 4K UHD and 60 fps. Whether All-I or LongGOP, sampling is possible internally up to 4:2:2 10-bit. It also incorporates the video advances found on the A7 IV or the FX30 camera. Functions inspired by Sony cinema cameras, such as the S-Cinetone color profile or Focus MAP to facilitate focusing. You will have more details by consulting the test of the A7 IV.

Autofocus tracking still a step ahead of the competition

One of the main advances of the A7R V undoubtedly focuses on autofocus. Using new recognition algorithms, the A7R V is Sony’s most advanced device in this field. Human face and eye tracking has been vastly improved, with even better eye-catching. Animals and birds also benefit from these advances. And for the first time at Sony, recognition and tracking have been extended to various vehicles (planes, trains, cars, etc.) but also, and this is more surprising, to insects!

Price and availability

The Sony Alpha 7R V (A7R V) will be marketed from mid-November 2022 and for €4,500 naked. It is already possible to pre-order it. Crises of all kinds and inflation oblige, the box costs 500 € more than its elder the A7R IV but finds itself directly opposite its most direct competitor, the Canon EOS R5.

For more details and information on the Sony A7R V, we invite you to browse the test that we have already devoted to it. It is an exceptional device that easily wins its five stars.