It’s time to do a little happy dance because Sony has announced the all-new Alpha 7R V! The newest camera in Sony’s acclaimed line of Alpha R series mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, the Alpha 7R V features a brand-new artificial intelligence (AI) processing unit, a 61 MP high-resolution image sensor and BIONZ XR™ processing engine! Combining the high-resolution sensor and these processors enables unimaginable breakthroughs in subject recognition and capture for both still photography and video. Okay, okay, the Alpha 7R V deserves a BIG happy dance!
The Sony Alpha 7R V is the first of any Alpha camera to boast Sony’s brand-new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition. It is also the first R series full-frame camera to have the powerful BIONZ XR™ image processing engine. In addition to this, the Alpha 7R V offers 61.0 MP still images, the most effective 8-step image stabilization system ever offered in any of Sony’s Alpha cameras, plus refined 8K movie recording, a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, high-speed communication functions, high-level operability and smooth workflow integration. Talk about a fully-loaded, outstanding camera!
Featuring next-generation AF Real-time Recognition AF, the Alpha 7R V has more advanced accuracy and broader subject recognition, all thanks to the new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit with deep learning. This state-of-the-art AI processing uses detailed information about the human form and posture estimation to dramatically improve recognition accuracy beyond systems which only detect face and eye and make full use of its potential. Real-time Recognition AF, using AI subject recognition, has been developed to include several subject types, including animals, vehicles and insects. The Alpha 7R V also includes continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE tracking.
In addition to the advanced AI technology, the Alpha 7R V includes improvements to many beloved features from other cameras in Sony’s Alpha series that are now included for the first time in Sony’s 7R series:
- Tenacious Real-time Tracking
- Faster and more precise wide-area, high-density AF system
- Silent, vibration-free shooting at up to 7 fps
- Continuously shoot up to 583 compressed RAW images at high speed
The Alpha 7R V also includes focus features that support high resolution, including full-time DMF (direct manual focus) and focus bracketing, giving users the ability to create focus-stacked images.
With the latest BIONZ XR™ image processing engine and a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels, the Alpha 7R V captures in overwhelming detail. The BIONZ XR image processing engine ensures the Alpha 7R V’s sensor is fully utilized to deliver the highest resolution at low sensitivity. This ISO sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to ISO 32000 for both stills and movies and has a wide dynamic range with 15 stops for stills.
The Alpha 7R V’s entire image stabilization system has been updated with a high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimized image stabilization algorithms for stills and video. In addition to the 8-step compensation effect for stills, the new stabilization algorithm provides precise detection and control right down to the single-pixel level, taking full advantage of the sensor’s 61.0-megapixel resolution potential to bring out the finest subject details.
The Alpha 7R V also offers upgraded Pixel Shift Multi Shooting. This upgrade takes advantage of the precision in-body image stabilization system control, capturing multiple pixel-shifted images that can later be composited using a computer to achieve overwhelming resolution in a single image. Using the latest version of Imaging Edge Desktop™ Ver.3.5 computer application, small pixel-level movements, such as a shift in the position of the subject, or leaves on a tree, are automatically detected and corrected for optimized compositing.
The Alpha 7R V supports precise and versatile external flash control for additional creative flexibility. Additionally, when in challenging lighting conditions the Alpha 7R V effectively suppresses flickering from artificial lights for stills and video.
Additional features that offer flexibility for still photography include:
- Addition of Lossless RAW image compression and selectable RAW image sizes and quality
- Greatly expanded focus and exposure bracketing
- Creative Look settings for stills and videos in camera
- High-quality HEIF images with high compression efficiency
- Wide brightness range for large-screen viewing.
The Alpha 7R V offers advanced video capabilities in addition to incredible still photography capabilities. Delivering stunning 8K 24/25p video, 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning, a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, all intra-recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and more for high image quality and flexible editing. The Alpha 7R V has evolved subject recognition for unprecedented real-time tracking reliability, breathing compensation and the ability to use camera metadata for post-processing and advanced in-body image stabilization. In addition to in-body Active mode image stabilization for smoother on-the-go recording, the Alpha 7R V is compatible with select lenses that include built-in image stabilization for even more stable framing and smooth footage.
Combining outstanding reliability in both stills and videos with a compact, lightweight form factor, the Alpha 7R V is beautifully made for professional needs. The Alpha 7R V includes a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor that combines the utility of a conventional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility and an electronic viewfinder with 9.44 million dots. The Alpha 7R V includes two CFexpress Type A/SDXC compatible media slots and a brand-new menu system with touch control and a wide range of customizable functions.
When it comes to workflow, the Alpha 7R V allows professionals to optimize their processes with updated connectivity for improved support. Data can be transferred at high speed over Wi-Fi (802.11ac) 2×2 MIMO or a wired SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps connection via a USB-C® port. In addition to allowing efficient remote shooting and still and movie file transfers, new USB streaming features support UVC/UAC, allowing direct streaming from the camera even in 4K (QFHD) resolution with audio. Based on feedback from professionals, the Alpha 7R V includes improved heat dissipation for extended recording times, upgraded dust and moisture-resistant design, a durable magnesium alloy chassis, and other refinements for maximum reliability in challenging working environments.
Check out Dave and Evelyn’s TCSTV first impressions of the Sony A7R V below!
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