Sony Announces the Alpha 7R V
Sony unveiled the Alpha 7R V, the latest R-series camera in their acclaimed Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens camera family. The Alpha 7R V combines a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition – a first in any Alpha camera – as well as the potent BIONZ XR image processing engine – a first in the “R” full-frame lineup – with Sony’s highest resolution image sensor in an Alpha camera. In both still photography and video, major advances in subject detection and capture are made possible by the high-resolution sensor and these CPUs.
The updated Alpha 7R V features refined 8K movie recording, a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, high-speed communication features, high-level operability, and seamless workflow integration in addition to 61.0MP still images and the most effective 8-step image stabilization system ever offered in any of Sony’s Alpha cameras. The most recent camera from Sony is perfect for experts who require a top-notch high-resolution imaging instrument.
“The newest addition to our Alpha 7R lineup is the perfect example of our relentless drive to develop industry-leading imaging technology,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Alpha 7R V with high-resolution and extremely advanced AI integrations that deliver next-generation autofocus performance. We are excited to see what our community creates with the new Alpha 7R V.”
Thanks to a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing engine with deep learning, the Alpha 7R V offers next-generation AF Real-time Detection AF with improved accuracy and broader subject recognition. Modern AI processing greatly improves recognition accuracy over systems that merely detect the face and eyes by making full use of precise knowledge about human shape and position estimates. Real-time Recognition AF has been designed to support a variety of topic categories, including as animals, cars, and insects. Additionally, the Alpha 7R V offers continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to 10 frames per second.
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
Additionally, the Alpha 7R V has focus features that support high resolution, such as continuous DMF (direct manual focus) and focus bracketing, a highly-requested feature that enables focus-stacked photos.
The latest BIONZ XR image processing engine and a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with roughly 61.0 effective megapixels were used in the Alpha 7R V’s design to produce stunning detail. In order to produce the highest resolution at low sensitivity in the Alpha series to date, the most recent BIONZ XR image processing engine makes sure that the resolution potential of the camera’s sensor is fully utilized. This provides extensive dynamic range with 15 stop for stills and sensitivity settings from ISO 100 to ISO 32000 for both stills and videos.
A high-precision image stabilization device, improved gyro sensors, and better image stabilization algorithms for stills and video have all been added to the Alpha 7R V’s image stabilization system. The new stabilization system offers precise detection and control down to the single-pixel level in addition to the up to 8-step compensation effect for still images, making the most of the sensor’s 61.0-megapixel resolution capability to bring out the smallest subject details. The most recent camera from Sony also features enhanced Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, which makes use of the in-body image stabilization system control to capture multiple pixel-shifted images that are later combined in software to produce an image with astounding clarity. Small pixel-level changes, such as a shift in the subject’s position or leaves on a tree, are automatically identified and corrected for optimum compositing using the most recent version of the Imaging Edge Desktop Ver.3.5 computer application. It is possible to create 16-image composites with a resolution of about 240.8 million pixels (19,008 x 12,672 pixels) from data that is roughly 963.2 million pixels in size. For even more creative freedom, the Alpha 7R V also enables accurate and flexible external flash control. The Alpha 7R V also successfully reduces flickering from artificial lights in low-light situations for both still images 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
The Alpha 7R V boasts cutting-edge video capabilities in addition to outstanding still shooting skills. For excellent image quality and versatile editing, Sony’s newest camera offers 8Ki 24/25p video, 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning, a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, all intra recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and more. Additionally, it features enhanced in-body image stabilization, breathing compensation, and subject identification that has advanced for unmatched real-time tracking accuracy. The Alpha 7R V is compatible with some lenses that have built-in image stabilization for even more stable framing and smoother footage, in addition to in-body Active mode image stabilization for smoother on-the-go filming.
With a small, lightweight form factor, the Alpha 7R V offers exceptional durability for professional needs in both stills and movies. The Alpha 7R V features an electronic viewfinder with 9.44 million dots and an unique 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor that combines the functionality of a traditional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility. The Alpha 7R V also features a brand-new menu system with touch control and a large range of customisable features, as well as two CFexpress Type A/SDXC compliant media slots.
Professionals may also enhance their productivity with the Alpha 7R V thanks to updated connectivity for better support. High-speed data transfer is possible either wired SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps connections or Wi-Fi (802.11ac) 2×2 MIMO over a USB-C connector. New USB streaming features enable UVC/UAC, enabling direct streaming from the camera even in 4K (QFHD) resolution with audio in addition to efficient remote shooting and still and movie file transfers.
The Alpha 7R V incorporates enhanced heat dissipation for longer recording intervals, an upgraded dust and moisture resistant construction, a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis, and other modifications for optimal durability in difficult working circumstances based on feedback from professionals.
The new PCK-LG3 Screen Protect Glass Sheet, which retains touch sensitivity while shielding the LCD monitor against stains and fingerprints, is also compatible with the Alpha 7R V.
Here are some sample pictures:
The Sony Alpha 7R V camera is priced at $3,900 and will be available to purchase in mid-December.
More info on Sony’s website.
