Review of the Sony A7R V: Shooting Experience
Originally previewed by Jeremy Gray on 10/26/2022, the Sony A7R V has since been updated with first shots on 11/22/2022, gallery images on 12/05/2022, and a hands-on review with an updated gallery on 12/21/2022. For a comprehensive overview, click here.

Sony A7R V: A Hands-on Review
The highly anticipated Sony A7R V has arrived, boasting impressive new features. Retaining the 61MP sensor of its predecessor, the camera now includes enhanced processing power, a dedicated AI processing unit, a revamped autofocus system, new IBIS, and much more. It’s a standout camera, but the question remains: is it a significant enough upgrade from the A7R IV?

Main Features and Specifications:

• Full-frame Alpha series mirrorless camera with a 61MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor
• Native ISO range of 100-32,000, expandable to 50-102,400
• Dual Bionz XR image processing engines (Improved)
• Dedicated AI Processing Unit (New)
• AI-powered subject recognition technology with real-time tracking (New)
• 693-point hybrid autofocus system covering 93% vertical and 86% horizontal of the image area (Improved)
• AF sensitivity down to -4 EV (Improved)
• Up to 10 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE (mechanical shutter)
• Up to 7 fps with electronic shutter
• 4-axis multi-angle 3.2-type LCD (New)
• 9.44M-dot EVF with 0.9x magnification (New)
• 5-axis image stabilization system promising up to 8 stops of correction (Improved)
• Lossless compressed raw shooting options (New)
• Better controls and revised menus (Improved)
• Multi-shot high-resolution Pixel Shift shooting with AI-powered motion correction (Improved)
• Focus bracketing (New)
• 8K/24p video, HLG, 4K/60p and more (New)
• CFexpress Type A card compatibility (New)
• Faster connectivity options with 2.2 MIMI Wi-Fi and USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Improved)
• Priced at $3,900 (body only)

Body and Design:
The A7R V’s body is largely similar to the A7R IV, with a few key differences that enhance user experience. Notable changes include a new collar switch under the mode dial for quick mode changes, a customizable blank control dial, and a repositioned record button. The most significant upgrades are the 4-way tilting touchscreen and the 9.44M-dot EVF borrowed from the A1, which provide a sharp, vivid display even in bright light. The menu system has been improved for better navigation and touch functionality.

Image Quality:
The A7R V continues to utilize the 61MP sensor known for its resolution and dynamic range. It delivers excellent color performance and high ISO capabilities, producing sharp images even at ISO 12,800. The camera’s files offer great flexibility in post-processing, allowing for significant recovery of highlight and shadow detail.

Pixel-Shift Multi-Shot:
The A7R V’s Pixel-Shift mode uses AI to assist with movement reduction between shots, creating a 240.8MP final image from 16 shots. While it requires a tripod and the use of Sony Imaging Edge Desktop software, it can produce sharper images in the right conditions.

Autofocus and Performance:
The A7R V introduces a new autofocus system powered by AI, enhancing subject detection and tracking for a variety of subjects. It performs impressively in both good and challenging light conditions. The camera’s burst shooting is limited to 10 fps with the mechanical shutter due to the sensor’s readout speed, but CFexpress Type A card compatibility improves buffer performance significantly.

Summary of the Hands-on Review:
The A7R V is another excellent camera from Sony, though it may not be the groundbreaking leap some expected. It excels in image detail, dynamic range, and autofocus performance. While the camera doesn’t compel A7R IV users to upgrade, it stands as an exceptional high-resolution full-frame camera that is more versatile than its predecessor.

Preview of the Sony A7R V:
Sony’s latest high-resolution Alpha camera, the A7R V, launched with a familiar 61MP image sensor but with significant processing and AI autofocus enhancements. Despite the absence of a new sensor, the camera offers a range of improvements, including a better EVF, tilting display, and a more customizable control layout. With these updates, the A7R V aims to be Sony’s best high-resolution camera to date.