What You Need To Know About The Sony A7R V

The first thing you'll notice on the new Sony a7R V is it doesn't look too different from previous models. There's an impressive 61 Megapixel sensor and an equally brilliant processor that's the same as the Sony a7R IV. Where this camera differs is in the introduction of an AI processing unit. This new piece of technology provides an ability to identify and predict human poses, making already accurate autofocus even better.

In this article, we’ll dive in deep to understand what impact the new technology brings to the table. By the end of this article you should have a good knowledge about the Sony a7R V, and whether or not this mirrorless camera is right for you.

Main Specifications of the Sony a7R IV

• 61MP Back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit
• 8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilisation
• Selectable RAW Options
• AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
• 9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
• 693-Point High Density Phase Detection AF
• 10 fps Shooting with AF/AE Tracking
• 4-Axis Multi-Angle LCD
• 3.2" Type Large Screen
• Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
• 8K 24p, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
• 4K 16-Bit Raw Output; S-Log3/S-Cinetone

Impressive Resolution

As the newest camera in the 7R lineup, the flagship continues the company's pursuit of high image resolution. The full-frame, 35mm back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor has 61.0 million pixels and is processed using the latest BIONZ XR imaging engine. This results in outstanding detail and resolution. The camera is also sensitive to various light conditions, making it ideal for various applications. In addition, the camera includes several other features that make it a top choice for cinematographers and photographers, including 8K video recording, an electronic viewfinder, and a tilting LCD screen.

Body Construction, Power and Storage

The camera is designed to be durable and reliable, even in tough conditions. Most of the camera plates are made from lightweight, high-rigid magnesium alloy, ensuring its strength in various mounting environments. The camera's shutter is also designed for durability and reliability, with a fast-response motor that minimises shutter vibration and a tested lifespan of more than half a million shutter cycles. Furthermore, the camera is designed for quiet operation, shooting up to 10 frames per second. As a result, the camera is an ideal choice for photographers who need a durable and reliable camera that can perform in various conditions.

Turning your attention to storage, the Sony a7R V has two media slots, so you can use CFexpress Type A memory cards and UHS-I, UHS-II, SDXC, and SDHC memory cards to store a lot of data and read and write it very quickly! There is also the option of recording stills/movies and JPEGs/RAW formats simultaneously. As a bonus, a relay mode will automatically switch the recording of still images and movies to the second media card when the recording is completed. This means that you will never have to worry about running out of space on your memory card, and you can be confident that your data is safely backed up.

In terms of power, aside from the battery, the Sony a7R V can use USB PD (Power Delivery). With this feature, it allows three to four times faster changing than before. Thanks to the USB PD feature, you can also use an external power source to keep your camera running at its peak performance. So, whether you're shooting photos or videos, you can be sure your camera will have the power it needs to get the job done.

New AI Processing Drives The a7R V's Decision Making

The Sony a7R V is a high-end digital camera with state-of-the-art AI processing and deep learning. This technology allows the camera to accurately recognise and track subjects, even when they are moving. The camera's resolution has also been dramatically improved, making it ideal for capturing detailed images. In addition, various new subject types have been added to the camera's subject recognition abilities, including insects and vehicles. As a result, the Sony a7R V is one of the most advanced digital cameras on the market today.

Auto Focus Driven By Artificial Intelligence

Although the A7R V produces high-resolution images, its autofocus system makes it even better for photography. With 693-Point High-Density Phase Detection AF points covering nearly the entire image sensor (79%), you can lock onto it quickly and accurately no matter where your subject is in the frame.

The newer version of the A7R IV features even more improvements in autofocus, including 60% better tracking of human eyes and 40% better animal recognition. In addition, the AI processing unit enables human pose estimation, making the A7R V an even more versatile camera for all your photography needs.

For instance, this new feature helps track humans when they aren't facing the camera or wearing a mask. The camera can do this as it has pre-programmed human forms and poses in its dataset, so it can use the tracking data of the eyes, head and torso to predict what the focus system should follow.

Autofocus Recognition For More Subjects

The new camera can now identify insects, cars, trains, and aeroplanes, in addition to humans, animals, and birds, providing greater flexibility and reliability for stills and videos. This type of advancement is beneficial for portrait, wildlife, macro and plane and train spotters who all rely heavily on autofocus. For bird lovers with up to 40% greater precision, more species are in the dataset, making focus a breeze, especially when pairing with a 600mm telephoto lens.

World-Class 5-Axis Image Stabilisation

The new A7R V has many features that make it ideal for capturing high-quality images. In addition to its high resolution, the camera is equipped with advanced gyro sensors, a high-precision image stabilisation unit and OIS algorithms to detect blur. Together, these elements form an 8-step compensation effect for stills, a first for any Sony a series mirrorless camera. With this level of technology, the camera can detect blur at a single pixel level and correct the blur using a combination of the AI processing unit and the new 5-axis stabilisation system. As a result, whether you are shooting handheld or with a tripod, you should get similar results.

16-Bit RAW Output For Pro Video

The α7R V features 16-bit RAW output and can connect to an external recorder through an HDMI cable. This allows for full-frame 3848 x 2168 (16:9 aspect ratio) output with a choice of frame rates. Various XAVC options are selectable including; XAVC HS, XAVC S, or XAVC S-I. Each of these produce 4K and can also be recorded to internal card media through the HDMI port. Using one of these recording modes is ideal for cinematographers who require the highest quality recordings possible.

By connecting to an external recorder, cinematographers can ensure that their footage is captured in pristine quality. Additionally, the ability to record in various formats provides flexibility and ensures that the filmmaker can choose the best format for their needs.

The XAVC HS system provides a major advance in movie recording capability, allowing 8K 24p (25p) movies to be recorded directly from your camera using HEVC/H.265 compression. This brings out the very best of Sony's lenses and takes full advantage of the full-pixel readout of the sensor, maximising the potential resolution of the sensor. The ability to reframe 8K footage for 4K delivery offers unprecedented editing flexibility and the ability to capture even the finest subject details. This system provides a quantum leap forward in movie recording quality and flexibility, giving filmmakers and videographers a powerful new tool for capturing amazing images.

The Sony S-Log3 is a powerful gamma curve setting that helps to match footage shot with VENICE and VENICE 2 digital cinema cameras or FX series cameras equipped with S-Log3. With S-Log3's dramatic gamma curve, the range of tone is emphasised from shadows to mid-grey (18% grey), and a range of 15+ stops of latitude is achievable. Three different colour gamut setting options are included: S-Gamut, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine. This makes it easier to achieve consistent results when shooting in different lighting conditions or using different camera models. 

Video Focus Assistance and Heat Management

One of the most useful features of the camera is the Focus Map, which allows users to see depth of field more clearly when shooting movies. This is extremely helpful when trying to capture details or create a particular effect. Additionally, the camera features a red frame displayed on the screen when recording is in progress. This makes it easy to identify individual scenes within recorded footage. Finally, Shot Marks can be used to tag specific moments within a movie for easy recall later. 

The image sensor, image processor, and AI processing unit are integrated into a unique shaped graphite unit to prevent overheating from happening. This Sigma shaped unit helps to dissipate heat five times more effectively than conventional methods. As a result, the risk of overheating and camera failure is significantly reduced.

Better Focus for Movies and Wildlife Photographers

When using an autofocus (AF) lens, you can change the focus mode by rotating the focus ring on the lens. For example, when shooting stills in AF-C (Continuous Autofocus) mode, you may want to switch to Manual Focus (MF) mode if the autofocus suddenly switches to a different subject. To do this, simply rotate the focus ring until the desired mode is selected. This method can be used with any AF lens, including those with an AF-S (Single Servo Autofocus) mode. In addition, it can be helpful to know how to switch between focus modes when shooting video, as this will allow you to make smooth and accurate focus adjustments without taking your eye away from the viewfinder.

Connectivity and Transferring Data

Sony's latest Imaging Edge Desktop application offers a "Remote" function that allows the user to wirelessly operate the camera on a computer. The Wi-Fi band can be selected between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, as required. This adds the flexibility to be able to work in a variety of network environments. In addition, the camera can be connected directly to your PC wirelessly or via a wireless access point. This allows you to move freely, whether on location or in the studio. As a result, Sony's latest Imaging Edge Desktop application provides great flexibility and convenience for users.

The Wi-Fi module is integrated with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, which supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz14 bands. 802.11ac supports 2x2 MIMO (twice as fast as the Sony a7R IV) for efficient and reliable data transfer and communication. 

Made For Cinematographers and Photographers

If you are thinking of moving to the Sony a7R V from the a7 III, a7R IV, a7S III, then it’s worth every dollar. Not only do you gain better autofocus, and higher resolution, but you can also unlock the ability to shoot in 8K. Basically, as a hybrid shooter, you’ll find this camera has it all. All in all, there's something for the cinematographer and a lot more for the pro photographer when you get this camera in your hands.