New Artificial Intelligence (AI) Processing Unit Combined with 61 MP High Resolution Image Sensor and BIONZ XR™ Processing Engine Combine to Deliver Best-Ever Image Quality for an Alpha Body

Sony announced the Alpha 7R V (model ILCE-7RM5) as the newest R series camera in its acclaimed line of Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The Alpha 7R V combines Sony’s highest resolution image sensor with a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition – a first in any Alpha camera – as well as the powerful BIONZ XR™ image processing engine – a first in the “R” full-frame lineup. The combination of the high-resolution sensor and these processors enables new breakthroughs in subject recognition and capture for both still photography and video.

“The newest addition to our Alpha 7R lineup is the perfect example of our relentless drive to develop industry-leading imaging technology,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “We are thrilled to introduce the all-new ALPHA 7RV with extremely advanced AI integrations that enables next-generation autofocus capabilities. We are excited to see what our community creates with the new ALPHA 7RV.”

Improved AF Based on Newly Developed AI Processing Unit

The ALPHA 7RV features next-generation AF with advanced subject recognition thanks to a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit, which includes deep learning. State-of-the-art AI processing uses detailed information about human pose estimation to dramatically improve the camera’s subject recognition accuracy and make full use of its potential resolution[iii]. AI subject recognition has also been expanded to include several new subject types, including vehicles and insects[iv].

In addition to the advanced AI technology, the ALPHA 7RV includes improvement 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
  • Continuous shooting at up to 10 fps[vi] with AF/AE tracking
  • Silent, vibration-free shooting[vii] at up to 7 fps
  • Continuously shoot up to 583 compressed RAW images at high speed
  • The ALPHA 7RV also includes focus features that support high resolution including full-time DMF[x] (direct manual focus), and focus bracketing], a highly requested capability that allows for focus stacked images.

Extraordinary Resolution Known to Sony’s Alpha 7R Series

The ALPHA 7RV was designed to deliver overwhelming detail thanks to the latest BIONZ XR™ image processing engine and a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor with approximately 61.0 million effective megapixels. The latest BIONZ XR image processing engine ensures that the resolution potential of the camera’s sensor is fully utilised to deliver the highest resolution at low sensitivity in the Alpha series thus far. This enables sensitivity settings from ISO 100 to ISO 32000[xii] for both stills and movies and wide dynamic range with 15 stops[xiii] for stills.

The ALPHA 7RV’s entire image stabilisation system has been updated with a high-precision image stabilisation unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimised image stabilisation algorithms for stills and video. In addition to the 8-step compensationii effect for stills, the new stabilisation 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. Sony’s newest camera also offers upgraded Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, which takes advantage of the precision in-body image stabilisation system control, capturing multiple pixel-shifted images that are later 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 subject’s position or leaves on a tree, are automatically detected and corrected so that perfect compositing can be achieved[xiv]. 16-image composites with approximately 240.8 million pixels (19,008 x 12,672 pixels)[xv] can be produced from data that is equivalent to approximately 963.2 million pixels. The ALPHA 7RV also supports precise and versatile external flash control for additional creative flexibility. Additionally, when in challenging lighting conditions the ALPHA 7RV effectively suppresses flickering from artificial lights[xvi] for stills and video.

Additional features that offer flexibility for still photography includes:

  • 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.
  • Cinematic Video Capabilities

In addition to incredible still photography capabilities, the ALPHA 7RV offers advanced video capabilities. Sony’s newest camera delivers 8Ki 24/25p video, 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning , a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, intra recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and more for high image quality and flexible editing. It also includes 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 stabilisation. In addition to in-body Active mode image stabilisation for smoother on-the-go recording, the ALPHA 7RV is compatible with select lenses that include built-in image stabilisation for even more stable framing and smooth footage.

Operability and Reliability

The ALPHA 7RV pairs outstanding reliability for professional needs in both stills and videos with a compact, lightweight form factor. The ALPHA 7RV includes a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor[xx] 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 7RV also includes two CFexpress Type A/SDXC compatible media slots and a brand-new menu system with touch control and a wide range of customisable functions.

The ALPHA 7RV also allows professionals to optimise their workflow with updated connectivity for improved support. Data can be transferred at high speed over Wi-Fi (802.11ac) 2×2 MIMO[xxi] or a wired SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps connection via a USB-C® port. In addition to allowing efficient remote shooting as well as 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 as well.

Based on feedback from professionals, the ALPHA 7RV includes improved heat dissipation for extended recording times[xxii], an upgraded dust and moisture resistant design[xxiii], a durable magnesium alloy chassis, and other refinements for maximum reliability in challenging working environments.

The ALPHA 7RV is also compatible with the new PCK-LG3 Screen Protect Glass Sheet, which maintains touch sensitivity while protecting the LCD monitor against stains and fingerprints.

Designed for Professionals with Sustainability in Mind

Measures have been taken to reduce the environmental footprint of this product at every stage of its life cycle: from product development through supply chain, production, and packaging. Sony aims to inspire through the most efficient use of energy and resources. Recyclable plastic including SORPLAS™[xxiv]  were used for this camera body partially. In addition, manufacturing takes place at a facility using renewable energy.

Sony is working towards the use of plastic free[xxv] packaging materials that provide ample protection against shock and impact. Plant-based non-woven fabrics are used for product bags[xxvi]. All of this helps to minimize environmental impact.

Pricing and Availability

Sony a7r V mirrorless camera $3898 at B&H Photo

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14 comments

  1. I've never shot Sony's full frame cameras...and therefore have no real basis for commenting on this particular body and specifically, its autofocus features.

    ...but based on price this one is in the R5 range.

    I look forward to seeing the R5 II specs!

    Competition is a good thing...if nothing else for the comments here in CR!
  2. I've never shot Sony's full frame cameras...and therefore have no real basis for commenting on this particular body and specifically, its autofocus features.

    ...but based on price this one is in the R5 range.

    I look forward to seeing the R5 II specs!

    Competition is a good thing...if nothing else for the comments here in CR!
    It seems like a minor upgrade for existing A7R4 users. Compared to R5 - battery life, cooling, EVF(higher res still nearly double battery life of 440 shots vs R5s 220) and MIMO wifi certainly are nice upgrades.
  3. Just watched the Gerald Undone review and the dual flippy screen looks very cool. Tilts like an A1 or full range: “conventional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility”.
    Also “an electronic viewfinder with 9.44 million dots” would not suck.
    No word on my favorite niche feature, focus bracketing, but I’m not holding my breath. (Edit: Apparently, my reading comprehension is terrible today.)
    • The ALPHA 7RV also includes focus features that support high resolution including full-time DMF[x] (direct manual focus), and focus bracketing], a highly requested capability that allows for focus stacked images.
    I do wish S would get rid of their obsession with CF Express Type-A cards.
  4. That flip/tilt screen looks amazing and it would be the single reason for me to upgrade. Most of the times, I’d need just to flip and which is quite annoying with canon’s flip screen but I still prefer having that over just tilting one.
    But this Sony combines it all together. Easy to tilt up/down but still able to flip for vertical shots or a “selfie”.
  5. Hmmm.
    I do shoot with MK IV. Ordered it to lower weight for BIF (with the great Sony 200-600mm lens). But never been happy with a lot of noise. Really a lot. It is not a pleasure to run each photo in Topaz Denoise.
    i was still hoping for an new sensor with lesser noise until today. But Sony improved some other specs. Cool ideas ( AF, Screen,...). But still this old fashioned outfit (just look at the sexy R3) and the narrow design that keeps handling not a pleasure for my big hands and old fingers.
    So I´ll have a look on real reviews wether noise is still a problem at Iso >800.
    Btw, I had no problem with the Af at BIF and small birds.
  6. I'm not sure that Canon couldn't deliver this as a software upgrade. I'd really like it.
    What do you mean by that? R5 has focus bracketing (with most if not all RF lenses and with some EF ones).
  7. The original R doesn’t have it, but every other R body starting from the RP has focus bracketing.
    To the ongoing annoyance of many of us - the 5D IV (whose sensor ended up in the EOS R) had it too. I don't generally whinge about features being left out, especially of a high value (relatively low $) body like the EOS R, but this has always smarted. And it could (frankly) have been added with a simple firmware update.
  8. To the ongoing annoyance of many of us - the 5D IV (whose sensor ended up in the EOS R) had it too. I don't generally whinge about features being left out, especially of a high value (relatively low $) body like the EOS R, but this has always smarted. And it could (frankly) have been added with a simple firmware update.
    Unfortunately, Canon has a history of having features in lower level bodies and not in the higher ones. That said, the R pricing is lower than the 5Div body.
  9. But never been happy with a lot of noise. Really a lot. It is not a pleasure to run each photo in Topaz Denoise.
    i was still hoping for an new sensor with lesser noise until today.

    So I´ll have a look on real reviews wether noise is still a problem at Iso >800.
    60 mp sensor = tiny pixels= more pronounced shot noise (random photon noise). Similar situation with 5DS. Less exposure exaggerates.
    It’s the physics of light. To get rid of it noise reduction of some sort would have to be applied, and no doubt that’s what will happen.
    I look at files from the 12 mp A7S and think they look so pleasant. If only 12 mp didn’t have such a tiny output size at 600 or even 300dpi.
  10. Unfortunately, Canon has a history of having features in lower level bodies and not in the higher ones. That said, the R pricing is lower than the 5Div body.
    Yes I agree - the comment was from last year, and I must say, but the sentiment still manages to raise my blood pressure. The context was that the RP, an even lower priced body than the EOS R, and based on an older sensor, had focus bracketing activated! I should check whether the new APS-C bodies have it too - but that would just annoy me even more ...
  11. The context was that the RP, an even lower priced body than the EOS R, and based on an older sensor, had focus bracketing activated!
    Interestingly it’s one of the ways to get the RP to shoot with full electronic shutter, and so totally silent, but I think it’s shooting in 12 bit in this mode, although I can’t find any information that confirms this.

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