Today Sony releases the 61MP Alpha 7R V mirrorless camera with a new AI processing unit chip. The new AI processing unit enhances autofocus and more accurate white balance. Sony states the autofocus is much improved with AI and now includes insect priority AF.
The new camera can shoot 8K video, with 8-stop image stabilization; the fifth-generation Alpha 7R V is well-rounded for both photography and 8K, 4K video applications.
Sony Alpha 7R V Key features
- 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit
- AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
- 8K 24p, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
- 4K 16-Bit Raw Output; S-Log3/S-Cinetone
- 9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
- 3.2″ 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- 10 fps Shooting with AF/AE Tracking
- 8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
Exmor R BSI Sensor and BIONZ XR Processor
The Alpha 7R V features a back-illuminated design. Sony states the full-frame 61MP Exmor R CMOS sensor offers a mixture of high resolution with high clarity, low noise, and a wide 15-stop dynamic range. The sensor’s structure promotes impressive image quality, and a copper wiring layer improves data transmission speed for creating 14-bit, high-resolution 61MP stills with a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-32000, which can be further expanded to ISO 50-102400.
A new BIONZ XR processing engine offers up to 8x greater processing performance compared to previous generations, which enables faster overall performance, better image quality with wide sensitivity and dynamic ranges, and improved processing that’s capable of handling AI tasks and intelligent AF alongside imaging processes. This processing system also reduces rolling shutter.
The sensor and processor enable up to 10 fps shooting, at full resolution with a mechanical shutter, for up to 583 consecutive compressed raw frames, with full-time AF/AE. If shooting JPEG only, more than 1000 frames can be recorded in a single burst.
New 5-Axis Image Stabilization
The Alpha 7R V gets an updated IS system that supports up to 8 stops of camera shake compensation. The 5-axis stabilization system combines a high-performance gyro sensor with an optimized algorithm for more precise shake control and improved communication between the camera body and lens.
Video Features
The Alpha 7R V can capture up to 8K video and 4K capture oversampled at 6.2K without pixel binning. For a more cinematic look, the camera includes S-Log 2 & 3 and S-CINETONE.
A new feature for a stills camera is the inclusion of Breathing Compensation. This will lower the issue when rack focusing and the background shifts making it a bit distracting. Also included is a Quick main menu. This is the same as the FX30.
Focus map
Face AF toggle
Shot marks
Flexible exposure mode
Shockless WB
There is also an Active IS mode that adds even more precise stabilization methods for even smoother footage. Also, this digital stabilization system has been updated with a new algorithm that offers the best stabilization performance when paired with select OSS-enabled lenses.
With the new AI processor, AF is also improved in video modes with more advanced tracking features.
Making use of the high-resolution sensor and fast processing capabilities, UHD 8K 24p and UHD 4K 60p XAVC HS 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording is possible using the full width of the sensor with full pixel readout for.
If using a Super 35 crop, full pixel readout recording is possible at up to UHD 4K at frame rates up to 30p or 6.2K oversampling can be used for greater sharpness and detail.
Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling is possible in all recording modes, and if recording externally via the full-size HDMI A port, 16-bit raw output can be used. Raw output is supported at up to 4K 60p and simultaneous internal 4K recordings.
The a7R V has two codec options. XAVC HS, which uses HEVC/H.265 encoding to retain more detail at smaller bitrates, and XAVC S-I, which is an intraframe codec for consistent performance and quality at higher bitrates.
If recording in Full HD, high-speed, 120 fps recording enables 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording with the frame rate playback set to either 30p or 24p.
No recording time limit allows for unlimited clip lengths, and the camera’s physical design features an improved heat-dissipating structure to promote longer possible recording times.
Resolutions
Tha Alpha 7R V has the folling codecs avaiable. MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265
- 7680 x 4320 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 7680 x 4320 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 7680 x 4320 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 7680 x 4320 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 600 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 500 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 100 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 75 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 75 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 45 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 45 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 300 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 250 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 140 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 140 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 240 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 50 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 30 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
- 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Flip Out Screen
Sony has finally relented to the flip-out LCD screen with the Alpha 7R V. The new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor retains the tilt function but also flips out and can be reversed for a selfie, or self-shooting situations.
Media
The pro camera has Dual UHS-II SD/CFexpress Type A slots.
The new Sony Alpha 7R V is an impressive camera with the addition of AI processing for improved autofocus and tracking. It’s the future for sure, and I’m sure we will see this tech come to other cameras very soon. On the other side of high tech is the most versatile flip-out and multi-adjustable LCD monitor to date. Sony went from a tilting LCD to full-on articulating version with the a7r V. Good on you, Sony. It’s been a long time coming.
Pricing and Availability
The new Alpha 7R V will begin shipping in December and is available for approximately $3,900 USD and $5,300 CAD.
