Sony a7 V
Faster, Smarter, and More Versatile than Ever
Sony has returned with its most capable all-around full-frame camera yet: the a7 V. The release takes the a7 lineup to new heights of speed and intelligence thanks to the introduction of Sony's first-ever partially stacked 33MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor and a brand-new BIONZ XR2 processor with a built-in AI unit. Engineered for the multi-hyphenate creator requiring excellence across stills and video, the a7 V is a balanced tool that performs equally in action, portraiture, landscapes, documentary work, and video production.
Also, the FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II has been officially revealed. This new, electronic kit lens accommodates the improvements of the a7 V, allowing users to unlock the camera’s full potential. Check out our announcement and video review for more information.
33MP Partially Stacked Full-Frame CMOS Sensor- BIONZ XR2 Processor with Integrated AI Unit
- Up to 30 fps Blackout-Free Continuous Shooting with AF/AE
- Pre-Capture Function; Speed Boost Button
- 4K60 Full-Frame, 4K 120p Super35; S-Log3 & S-Cinetone
- 759-Point Phase-Detect AF with Real-time Tracking
- 7.5-Stop 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
- 3.68M-dot Quad-VGA OLED EVF with 120 fps
- 3.2” 2.1m-dot Tilting Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- Dual USB-C Ports for Power & Data Transfer
For the first time in a Sony mirrorless camera, the a7 V sports a partially stacked 33MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor. Compared to traditional sensors, the partially stacked design adds extra circuitry at the top and bottom of the sensor to provide faster readout speeds, improved image quality, and reduced rolling shutter effects compared to the a7 IV. This translates into 16 stops of dynamic range, improved low-light performance and noise handling, and higher continuous shooting speeds.
The a7 V’s other hardware innovation is the new BIONZ XR2 processor that integrates the AI unit that was previously separate in Sony cameras, resulting in a pronounced jump in accuracy for autofocus and autoexposure. The AI processing unit handles subject recognition independently of image processing and unlocks significant improvements in identification, tracking, and subject component recognition.
The need for speed leads the list of gains in the a7 V, with the blackout-free continuous shooting of up to 30 fps with full AF/AE headlining the bunch. This means the camera is now a stalwart option for sports, wildlife, news, and event imagemakers, especially when combined with a new maximum electronic shutter speed of 1/16,000 sec. Faster readout speeds mean less time between bursts and faster autofocus means less time hunting and more time nailing the shot.
Inherited from the a9 III and a1 II are Pre-Capture and Speed Boost modes, both made possible by the a7 V’s upgraded hardware. Pre-Capture mode supports continuous shooting for up to one full second before capture by half-pressing the shutter button, while the Speed Boost function enables instant switching between different continuous shooting rate. Taken together, the camera leaves users fully equipped to capture peak action in all its glory.
Dedicating subject recognition to the integrated AI processing unit doesn’t just yield gains in speed. It also affords the a7 V’s leaps in autofocus intelligence and accuracy. Human pose estimation, Eye AF performance, distant subject recognition, multiple subject differentiation, and wildlife distinction are all improved in the new camera, with applications across the imaging spectrum.
Video gains from subject recognition through the AI-based Auto Framing feature, which automatically centers, repositions, and crops the frame to keep subjects prominent even while the camera remains stationary.
The AI processing unit also aids in low-light photography and exposure, allowing the camera to lock focus in dark environments, improve automatic white balance in mixed-light scenarios, reduce noise, and deliver more accurate colors and exposures.
The a7 V enhances the ethos of the a7 line by empowering hybrid creators with a broad set of pro-level tools and features. Upgrades to video, image stabilization, battery life, data transfer, and power delivery join a robust and weather-resistant build, making the a7 V an ideal companion for wide-ranging pursuits in even the most challenging environments.
- Full-frame 4K60 video, downsampled from 7K
- 4K 120fps with Super35 crop, Full HD 240 fps
- S-Log3, S-Cinetone, and imported User LUTs
- 4-channel, 24-bit audio recording
- 5-axis IBIS at up to 7.5 stops
- Dynamic Active mode for stabilized, handheld video
- Improved thermal regulation for extended 4K60 recording
- Blackout-free EVF up to 30 fps
- 4-axis multiangle, tilting rear LCD touchscreen
- Dual USB-C Ports for simultaneous data transfer and power delivery
To accommodate the power and performance of the a7 V, Sony is releasing the FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II, a brand-new, fully electronic kit lens that can support AF/AE at up 120 fps. Featuring Linear AF and a seven-blade diaphragm, the lens’s dust- and moisture resistance ensures it can pair with the new camera wherever it goes. Compact and lightweight enough for handheld use, this standard zoom lens is an ideal starter accompaniment to the a7 V.
