- October 26, 2022
- AI Projects
Sony introduces its new high-definition hybrid body: the A7R V. It still houses a 61 million pixel sensor, but beefs up a lot with a dual image processor, improved AF, and new video capabilities.
Just under two years after his A7R IV (tested here), Sony presents the evolution of its hybrid high-definition full-frame sensor. Like its direct predecessor, the Alpha 7R relies on ultra-high definition with its 61 million pixel Exmor R CMOS sensor. No change on this point, the AR7 V takes over the sensor of the AR7 IV.
The novelties are elsewhere, Sony thus equips its new case with a double image processor Bionz XR (that of Alpha 1). The A7R V thus remains capable of maintaining a burst rate of 10 images per second on announced sequences of 583 images, i.e. nearly a minute of continuous triggering. Stabilization is always part of the performance increase. The manufacturer claims a gain of up to eight stops. Sensitivity spans a range of ISO 100-32,000.
AI boosted AF
The big novelty of this A7R V lies in a completely revised autofocus system which is based on the concepts of AI (artificial intelligence), machine learning, and deep learning. A new AF that aims to be dramatically more efficient, whether in terms of subject recognition (aircraft, trains, various vehicles, insects, etc.), eye detection (human or animal), or even anticipation of movements to improve real-time tracking. A phase detection AF which now relies on 693 points covering 79% of the sensor surface (against 567 points and 74% on the A7R IV).
A la carte definition
Who can do more can do less… A definition of 61 million pixels is not always necessary. Sony offers the user to choose from three (61 / 26 / 15 Mpx) in the blink of an eye. And can the most too… Still equipped with PixelShift technology, but now on 16 images instead of 8, the A7R V stitches them together and processes them to provide a composite image of nearly 241 million pixels (19,008 x 12,672 pixels). Although this is not its primary objective, the A7R V offers advanced video capabilities with 8K 24/25p and 4K 60p modes (with a 1.2x crop) and a 4K30/25/24p mode (without crop).
New LCD screen
The A7R V introduces a brand new 3.2-inch (approximately 8.1 cm) LCD screen with a definition of 2 million points. The novelty is hidden in its vertical and horizontal articulation system. A 9.44 million dot electronic viewfinder completes the camera’s aiming/viewing system. The reinforced chassis of the new Sony Alpha is intended to be resistant to humidity and dust without sacrificing anything in comfort and ergonomics of use. The storage is based on a dual format dual port: CFexpress A and SD. The communication system is complete with wifi ac on 5 GHz, USB SuperSpeed 10 Gbps. A UVC and UAC compatible USB for live streaming images and sound. The A7R V remains fully controllable and remotely controllable wired and wirelessly, via PC or mobile terminal with dedicated applications (Imaging Edge Desktop and Imaging Edge Mobile).
Price and availability
The Alpha 7R V will be marketed from the end of November 2022 at the recommended price of 4,500 euros. An A7R V comes to enlarge the very large family of Sony Alpha A1, A7, A7S, A7R, and A9, each branch having its own generation of devices.
