Sony has announced the latest addition to their successful Alpha series, the Sony Alpha 7R V. Due for release in mid-November and with a raft of updates and impressive-looking specs it could be a very exciting offering from Sony and the one that many have been waiting for. But what exactly do you get for your money? Read on to find out!

Overview

The new Alpha 7R V’s headline features include a 61 megapixel 35mm [full frame] CMOS sensor, 8K video capability, high level image stabilisation, and improved autofocus based around advanced AI [artificial intelligence]. There are also provisions that promise to make for good digital connectivity both wirelessly and through streaming via USB-C [the latter of which can be used with 4K including audio]. External changes have been made to improve overall durability and improve heat dissipation during long video recordings. Further attention has also been given to environmental sustainability in the design, manufacture, and packaging.

Photo And Video Recording

The new Sony Alpha 7R V boasts a 61mp 35mm [full frame] CMOS sensor which will allow high-resolution images to be captured. Theoretically this could allow images of 80.47cm x 53.64cm in size when printed at 300ppi, and larger if the dpi requirement is reduced. Shutter speed is rated as 1/8000 to 30 s with bulb, and a flash sync speed of 1/250. The BIONZ XR image processor allows for shooting at up to 10fps, and 583 compressed RAW images continuously shot at high speed. Silent, vibration-free image shooting is also supported up to 7fps. Sensitivity is rated from ISO100 up to ISO32,000 for both stills and video, with a dynamic range of 15 stops for stills. 8K [24/25p] video recording is supported as well as 4K [60p] [with a x1.23 crop] and 4K [30p] [no crop] allowing for high quality video recording.

• 61 Megapixels
• 35mm [full frame] sensor
• Shutter speed 1/8000 to 30 seconds
• Flash sync 1/250
• 15 stop dynamic range
• 10 frames per second shooting
• ISO range of 100 to 32,000
• 8K recording [at 24/25p]
• 4k recording [at 60p]

Autofocus, Connectivity, And Other Features

An advanced autofocus system with subject recognition is included which claims to allow you to track a moving subject even when it momentarily disappears from view behind an object. Sony advertises this next-generation system as working with extreme accuracy with human subjects and improvements have also been made for other subjects such as vehicles and insects. This system is demonstrated in Sony’s introduction video for the Alpha 7R V at the bottom of this page.
Connectivity can be made in several ways with data transferred via Wi-Fi [802.11ac] 2×2 MIMO or via a SuperSpeed USB connection via a USB-C port [with a speed of 10Gbps]. Streaming from the camera in 4k with audio is also possible as is remote shooting.
The included image stabilisation is claimed at being Sony’s most advanced, advertising an 8-step compensation effect for stills photography, and breathing compensation for video work.

Design, Build, And Battery

The Sony Alpha 7R V is based around a magnesium alloy chassis with upgraded resistance to dust and moisture. Changes have also been made to include improved heat dissipation for extended recording times. The sensor itself is also equipped with a new anti-dust system which is designed to improve dust removal efficiency. The rear contains the touch sensitive 3.2 inch screen which can be folded out and angled at will. Battery life is rated at approximately 440 shots [with viewfinder] / 530 shots [with LCD monitor] or 90 minutes of view [with viewfinder] / 100 minutes of view [LCD monitor].
Sony have also advertised more attention on sustainability with this new offering claiming environmental footprint reduction measures “from product development through supply chain, production, and packaging.” Part of the camera body itself is made with recyclable plastics and manufacturing takes place in a factory utilising renewable energy. Sony also claims to be working towards plastic-free packaging materials and product bags.

Price And Availability

The Song Alpha 7R V will be available from mid-November with an expected retail price of £4,000.