Sony has announced the Alpha 7R V as the newest R series camera in its acclaimed lineup of Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The Alpha 7R V combines Sony’s highest resolution image sensor with a new AI 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 new Alpha 7R V offers 61.0MP still images plus the most effective 8-step image stabilisation system ever offered in any of Sony’s Alpha cameras, as well as refined 8K movie output, a new 4-axis multi-angle monitor, high-speed communication functions, high-level operability and smooth workflow integration. Sony’s newest camera is ideal for professionals who need a first-class high-resolution imaging tool.
Improved AF Based on Newly Developed AI Processing Unit
The Alpha 7R V features Real-time Recognition AF, which is next-generation AF with advanced accuracy and broader subject recognition thanks to a new AI processing unit with deep learning. The state-of-the-art AI processing uses detailed information about human form and pose estimation to dramatically improve recognition accuracy beyond systems that 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, a highly requested capability that allows for focus-stacked images.
Extraordinary Resolution Known to Sony’s Alpha 7R Series
The Alpha 7R V 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 for both stills and movies and wide dynamic range with 15 stops for stills.
The Alpha 7R V’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 compensation 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. 16-image composites with approximately 240.8 million pixels (19,008 x 12,672 pixels) can be produced from data that is equivalent to approximately 963.2 million pixels. The Alpha 7R V also 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
Cinematic Video Capabilities
In addition to incredible still photography capabilities, the Alpha 7R V offers advanced video capabilities. Sony’s newest camera delivers 8K 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 7R V is compatible with select lenses that include built-in image stabilisation for even more stable framing and smooth footage.
Operability and Reliability
The Alpha 7R V pairs outstanding reliability for professional needs in both stills and videos with a compact, lightweight form factor. 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 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 7R V 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 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 7R V includes improved heat dissipation for extended recording times, an upgraded dust and moisture-resistant design, a durable magnesium alloy chassis, and other refinements for maximum reliability in challenging working environments.
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 the supply chain, production, and packaging. Sony aims to inspire through the most efficient use of energy and resources. Recyclable plastic including SORPLAS was 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 packaging materials that provide ample protection against shock and impact. Plant-based non-woven fabrics are used for product bags. All of these considerations help to minimise environmental impact.
Price & Availability
The Alpha 7R V will be available in New Zealand from November 2022 for approximately $7,000 NZD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout New Zealand.