Sony A7R V review

Sony A7R V: A Comprehensive Review of the Ultimate Mirrorless Camera

Introduction

As a long-time Nikon fan who has been immersed in the world of photography for several years, my trusty companion has always been the Sony A7R III. It faithfully served me through countless shoots, capturing breathtaking landscapes and soulful portraits. However, as technology advances, it’s only natural to be curious about newer gear that could potentially enhance my photographic journey. Thus, when the Sony A7R V was released with its enticing array of features, my interest was piqued.

Initial Thoughts and Considerations

At first, I was hesitant to jump into the upgrade, questioning whether the new features were genuinely necessary. My A7R III had been a reliable workhorse, and its high shutter count of 200,000 bore witness to its years of faithful service. Nevertheless, a few glitches on the old camera began to surface, nudging me to reconsider my options. With a sense of excitement and a hint of trepidation, I decided to borrow the Sony A7R V and embark on a thorough test, covering landscapes, portraits, and everything in between.

Evaluating the Sony A7R V

Size and File Size

One of my primary concerns was the size of the new camera. I feared that it might be bulkier and heavier than its predecessor, which could affect my shooting experience during extended photo sessions. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the A7R V maintained a similar form factor, making it a seamless transition from the A7R III. Additionally, the introduction of lossless compressed RAW shooting options alleviated any worries about file size. Though larger and more detailed images meant a potential storage challenge, my old PC managed to handle the increased data comfortably, at least for the time being.

Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

The most immediate noticeable improvement was the autofocus speed and accuracy. With its fast Hybrid AF system incorporating both phase-detection and contrast-detection AF, the A7R V demonstrated a significant boost in locking focus, even in challenging lighting conditions. The ability to precisely track subjects and maintain sharpness throughout bursts of continuous shooting provided a new level of confidence in capturing decisive moments, particularly during portrait sessions and wildlife photography.

Focus Stacking: A Game-Changer

As a landscape photographer, the introduction of the Focus Stacking feature in the Sony A7R V was an absolute delight. It allowed me to achieve unparalleled depth of field, ensuring that every element in the scene remained tack-sharp, from the foreground to the distant horizon. No longer limited by the constraints of aperture and focus distance, this newfound capability expanded my creative possibilities, resulting in stunning landscape compositions.

Enhanced Screen and EVF

The A7R V impressed me further with its revamped 4-way tilting touchscreen, boasting a larger size and higher resolution compared to its predecessor. Navigating the camera’s menu and adjusting settings became more intuitive and enjoyable. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) also received notable upgrades, providing a clear and detailed view of the scene, making it easier to compose shots accurately and confidently, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Superb autofocus and tracking for various shooting scenarios
• Exceptional photo quality with its 61.0-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor
• In-body stabilization for sharp and steady images
• Advanced video capabilities up to 8K resolution
• Intuitive rear display and improved EVF for a seamless shooting experience
• Focus Stacking feature for enhanced depth of field in still images

Cons

• Menus may be confusing for users accustomed to older Sony camera models
• Slight differences in Custom button locations may require some adjustments for familiar users
• Relatively high price point, though justifiable given the camera’s performance

Sony A7R V – Technical Specifications

The technical specifications of the Sony A7R V showcase the camera’s prowess in the realm of mirrorless photography. The E-mount lens system complements the 61.0-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, offering a 35mm full-frame format for stunning image quality. The camera supports various recording formats, including JPEG, HEIF, and RAW, providing flexibility in post-processing. Its ability to shoot 14-bit RAW images ensures the preservation of the finest details in photographs.

Furthermore, the A7R V incorporates advanced video recording capabilities in XAVC S and XAVC HS formats, delivering impressive 8K resolution for professional-grade videography. The dual media slots support both SD (UHS-I/II compliant) memory cards and CFexpress Type A cards, accommodating a variety of storage preferences.

The camera’s ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 32000 for still images, with expandable settings up to ISO 50 and ISO 102400. This expansive ISO range allows photographers to achieve remarkable image quality even in challenging lighting situations.

Sony A7R V – Ergonomics and Build Quality

Beyond the technical specifications, the Sony A7R V’s ergonomics and build quality contributed significantly to its overall appeal. The camera’s familiar form factor made it comfortable to handle, particularly for photographers already accustomed to Sony’s mirrorless lineup. The 4-way tilt screen was a welcome addition, providing versatility in shooting angles, whether capturing low-angle perspectives or composing images from creative high vantage points.

Moreover, the 5-axis image stabilization system, combined with the faster AF system, solidified the camera’s reputation as an excellent tool for capturing sharp and blur-free images. This feature proved invaluable, especially during handheld shooting or in low-light conditions where stabilization is crucial.

Sony A7R V – In the Field

Putting the Sony A7R V to the test during a photography journey around Lake Tyrrell, I primarily focused on landscapes, exploiting the camera’s resolution to capture stunning details and vibrant colors. However, the true test of the camera’s capabilities came when I borrowed it for portrait sessions. The A7R V effortlessly handled the nuances of portraiture, delivering breathtaking images with precise focus and exceptional skin tones.

Curiosity led me to explore various genres of photography using the A7R V, from macro shots of delicate flora to capturing the playful antics of my pets. In each scenario, the camera proved its versatility, proving its mettle as an all-in-one tool for photographers seeking to broaden their horizons.

Battery Life and Buffer Performance

The Sony A7R V’s battery life, while similar to its predecessor’s, provided ample power for extended shoots. The camera’s efficiency in power consumption ensured that a single battery could sustain a studio session or several hours of outdoor photography without needing frequent replacement.

Moreover, the camera’s buffer performance proved to be a notable improvement, enabling rapid burst shooting without any noticeable lag. When coupled with high-speed memory cards, the A7R V demonstrated its capability to process and store images quickly, ensuring that photographers never miss a crucial moment.

Sony A7R V – Autofocus Performance

The A7R V’s autofocus performance was a standout feature during real-world tests. The 693 phase-detection AF points, a notable upgrade from the A7R IV’s 567 points, significantly improved the camera’s ability to track and maintain focus on moving subjects. Even with fast-paced action or erratically moving wildlife, the autofocus system exhibited reliable accuracy, granting photographers the confidence to capture the perfect shot.

Furthermore, the introduction of eye-tracking technology, now encompassing both human and animal subjects, enhanced the camera’s capabilities in portraiture and wildlife photography. This feature, combined with the camera’s wide range of focus modes, allowed photographers to customize their focus settings to suit their specific needs.

Sony A7R V – Image Quality

The A7R V’s 61.0-megapixel sensor positioned it at the forefront of full-frame cameras, boasting the highest resolution within Sony’s lineup. This impressive resolution enabled photographers to capture intricate details and produce large-format prints without any loss in quality.

Throughout my testing, I primarily used the RAW format, which preserved the full dynamic range of the sensor, ensuring flexibility during post-processing. Even at higher ISO settings, the A7R V delivered remarkable image quality with minimal noise, making it suitable for low-light photography.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony A7R V has proven itself to be the ultimate mirrorless camera, combining advanced technology, exceptional image quality, and versatility in a compact package. Its impressive autofocus performance, Focus Stacking feature, and superb image quality have elevated my photographic experience to new heights.

As a landscape and portrait photographer, the A7R V’s capabilities have surpassed my expectations, allowing me to push the boundaries of my creativity and explore new photographic horizons. Whether capturing landscapes of awe-inspiring beauty or revealing the soulful essence of a subject’s portrait, the A7R V is undoubtedly a worthy investment for photographers seeking to elevate their craft.

All technical specifications have been taken from Sony’s website; check the website for full specifications.

Lens: E Mount
Image Sensor: 61.0Megapixels, 35mm full frame (35.7 x 23.8 mm), Exmor R CMOS sensor
Recording Formats: JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver. 2.32, MPF Baseline compliant), HEIF (MPEG-A MIAF compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 4.0 format compliant)
Image Quality modes: RAW (Compressed / Lossless Compressed (L / M / S) / Uncompressed), JPEG (Extra fine / Fine / Standard / Light), HEIF (4:2:0 / 4:2:2) (Extra fine / Fine / Standard / Light), RAW & JPEG, RAW & HEIF
14Bit RAW: Yes
Movie Recording Format: XAVC S, XAVC HS, [XAVC S: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264,XAVC HS: MPEG-H HEVC/H.265]
Media: SLOT1: Multi slot for SD (UHS-I/II compliant) memory card / CFexpress Type A card, SLOT2: Multi slot for SD (UHS-I/II compliant) memory card / CFexpress Type A card
Noise Reduction, White Balance Modes
ISO Sensitivity: Still images – ISO 100-32000 (ISO numbers up from ISO 50 to ISO 102400 can be set as expanded ISO range.), AUTO (ISO 100-12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit), Movies – ISO 100-32000 equivalent, AUTO (ISO 100-12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit)
Exposure bracketing: Bracket – Cont., Bracket – Single, 2/3/5/7/9 frames selectable.
Viewfinder: 1.6 cm (0.64 type) electronic viewfinder (Quad-XGA OLED)
LCD Screen:8cm TFT, Touchscreen, Opening Angles (approx.): Up 98°, down 40°, side 180°, rotation 270°
Image stabilization: Image Sensor-Shift mechanism with 5-axis compensation
Bluetooth, Wireless LAN: Yes
Size: Approx. 131.3 x 96.9 x 82.4 mm, Approx. 131.3 x 96.9 x 72.3 mm (FROM GRIP TO MONITOR)
Weight: Approx. 723 g (with battery and SD Card)
Focus
Focus Type: Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF / contrast-detection AF)
Focus Sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor
Focus Point: 35mm full frame: 693 points (phase-detection AF), APS-C mode with FF lens: 693 points (phase-detection AF), with APS-C lens: 567 points (phase-detection AF) / 25 points (contrast-detection AF)
Focus Sensitivity Range: EV-4 to EV20 (ISO100 equivalent with F2.0 lens attached)
Focus Mode: AF-A (Automatic AF), AF-S (Single-shot AF), AF-C (Continuous AF), DMF (Direct Manual Focus), Manual Focus
Focus Area: Wide / Zone / Center Fix / Spot / Expand Spot / Tracking
Eye AF / Subject Recognition AF: Human (Right/Left Eye Select) / Animal (Right/Left Eye Select) / Bird / Insect / Car・Train / Airplane
Other Features: Predictive control, Focus lock, AF Track Sens. (Still), AF Subj. Shift Sensitivity (Movie), AF Transition Speed (Movie), Switch V/H AF Area, AF Area Regist., Circ. of Focus Point, Focus Map (Movie), AF Assist (Movie)
AF Illuminator: Yes (with Built-in LED type)
AF Illuminator Range: Approx. 0.3 m – approx. 3.0 m (with FE 28-70 mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens attached)
Face Detection Modes: Face/Eye Priority in AF, Face Priority in Multi Metering, Regist. Faces Priority
Sony A7R V – Ergonomics and build quality