Sony’s new A7 V features a 33MP partially-stacked sensor and faster processor
Given its versatility, it could be the only camera most people would ever need.
Sony has finally announced the A7 V, the eagerly anticipated successor to the very popular A7 IV.
Naturally, the A7 V packs a host of upgrades. Inside, it has a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor that has a partially-stacked design. It also has Sony’s newest Bionz XR2 processor, which has a dedicated AI chip for improved autofocus, subject detection, and auto white balance. The five-axis in-body image stabilisation system has also been improved and is now rated for up to 7.5 stops.
The rear screen is now fully articulating.
On the outside, the design hasn’t changed much. The grip has been tweaked slightly, and the fully articulating rear screen is borrowed from the A7R V. The screen is slightly larger at 3.2 inches and has a higher resolution of 2.09M dots. The resolution of the EVF is unchanged at 3.69M dot, but it has a higher refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
The A7 V uses the same NPO-FZ100 battery as its predecessor and indeed many other Sony cameras. But thanks to improved power efficiency, it’s rated for up to 630 shots with the EVF, and 750 shots with the rear LCD.
It has two memory card slots. One that only accepts SD cards, and another combo slot that works with both SD cards and CFexpress Type A cards.
The Sony A7 V has two card slots.
As for video, the A7 V is capable of recording up to 4K60p using the full width of its sensor. It can also do 4K 120p with an APC-S crop. However, there’s no support for open gate recording. That said, it has all the ports that a videographer might need, including full-size HDMI, a headphone jack, a microphone jack, and dual USB-C ports for data transfer and power.
Based on specifications, Sony’s new A7 V certainly looks like a very formidable hybrid camera that’s well-suited for both photography and videography. Its main rivals are the Canon EOS R6 III, Panasonic DC-S1 III, and Nikon Z6 III.
Availability and pricing
The Sony A7 V will be available in stores in late December and will cost S$3,699 (body only).
From now until 31 December, customers who pre-order will receive a 240GB CFexpress Type A card (worth S$350) for free.