Sony Alpha 7R V

Will the new features leave other Sony models quaking? £3,999/$3,898 (body only)

- Rod Lawton

Specifications

Sensor: 61MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS

Image processor: BIONZ XR + AI unit

Mount: Sony FE

ISO range: 100-32,000

Shutter speeds: 1/8000-30 sec

Image stabilisation: 5-axis IBIS, Active mode, up to 8 stops

Max image size: 9,504 × 6336 pixels

Max video resolution: 8K 24p

Continuous shooting: 10fps

Viewfinder: 9,444k dot EVF,  0.9x magnification

 LCD: Tilting/vari-angle touchscreen, 3.1-inch, 2,095k dot

Memory cards: 2x SD UHS-II/ CFexpress Type A

Size: 131.3 x 96.9 x 82.4 mm ( 5 1/4 x 3 7/8 x 3 1/4 inches)

Weight: 723 g (incl battery and memory card)

The Sony A7R V is Sony’s ‘resolution’ specialist, though its 8K video capability, improved burst capacity and new AI autofocus are bound to drive a big wedge into the sports/action – and perhaps video – markets, too.

This won’t make the Sony range any less confusing. The Sony A1 remains the powerhouse of the Sony range, though the A7R V beats it for resolution, and the Sony A9 II remains the sports specialist, despite being overtaken for speed by the A1 and by the A7R V for autofocus technologies. The Sony A7S III is still the low-light video specialist, though its 12MP sensor effectively rules it out for stills photography, while the Sony A7 IV is cheaper than the A7R V and perhaps better for hybrid stills/video work.