Sony has updated the Alpha 7R series with its fifth generation design that incorporates dual processing units, with one based on artificial intelligence image recognition.
Coupled with the BIONZ XR processing engine, a dual processor configuration makes the A7R V capable of advanced subject recognition in both still photography and video capture.
Image Credit – SONY
“The newest addition to our Alpha 7R lineup is the perfect example of our relentless drive to develop industry-leading imaging technology,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
“We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Alpha 7R V with high-resolution and extremely advanced AI integrations that deliver next-generation autofocus performance. We are excited to see what our community creates with the new Alpha 7R V.”
With a full frame, 61MP backside-illuminated Exmor image sensor, the largest sensor of any Alpha camera made, the A7R V can capture 8K video at 24 frames per second in H.265 with up to 15 stops of dynamic range.
4K video comes from oversampled 6.2K mode without binning in 10-bit 4:2:2 color and all intra-recording. The camera also uses AI-driven subject recognition with real-time tracking, breathing compensation, and Sony’s 8-step image stabilization system.
The camera also is capable of capturing still images at up to 10 frames per second with Autofocus and Auto Exposure Tracking, and can continuously capture up to 583 compressed RAW images in a single burst.
The camera also supports lossless RAW image compression and selectable image sizes and quality, with support for Apple’s High-Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) compression.
Image Credit – SONY
Image Credit – SONY
Back to the A7R V’s AI-driven image processor. The image stabilization scheme is a 5-axis optical in-body IS system, and the camera utilizes Eye Autofocus for video and still image recording.
The camera’s AI-driven processor uses detailed information on the human form and history of posing data to improve recognition accuracy and not only detect faces and eyes, but also animals, insects, and even vehicles.
Sony has also added a new Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode which identifies small movements at the pixel level through the image stabilization system control.
Then, when using Sony’s Imaging Edge Desktop app, the software can correct the image with optimized image composition with up to 16 images.
Image Credit – SONY
The camera also features a four-axis multi-angle LCD monitor that uses both tilting and side-opening vari-angle flexibility and an electronic viewfinder with 9.44 million dots of resolution.
The camera saves the image and video data to dual CFExpress Type A media slots and data can be transferred over 8.211 AC Wi-Fi with 2×2 MIMO or a wired 10Gbps USB-C connection.
Image Credit – SONY
Now the question is, are all these refinements, or what users call “fins” justify upgrading from the Sony A7R IV? The A7RIV has a similar 61MP Exmor Image Sensor and captures with the same 15 stops of dynamic range. The camera is also capable of capturing 4K video from an oversampled 6.2K full frame resolution at up to 60 frames per second.
So, in essence, the A7R V is an upgraded A7R IV, with just a few new AI-driven features and a cinematic 8K original camera file output that can squeeze a bit more performance out of the R series design.
Only the content creator can decide if the upgrade is worth Sony’s $3,900 USD price tag, or if they should take a generation off and keep the A7R IV until the next beat on the tick-tock development cycle.
However, if looking to take the next step to the 8K realm is the goal, the A7R V may be the most gentile move on the learning curve.
[source: SONY]
Order Links:
- Sony A7R V Mirrorless Camera (B&H)
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