Sony A7 V Camera Body

Sony A7 V Camera Body Summary

With a brand new partially stacked 33MP sensor and new AI-driven BIONZ XR2 processor, the Sony A7 V Camera Body arrives as the next generation in Sony’s full-frame hybrid mirrorless camera line-up. This update to the popular mid-range A7 series is powerful enough for professional users, yet still caters to beginners and enthusiast creators who are refining their skills.

Along with new core technology, it provides upgraded video with 4K 120p in APS-C mode, full-frame 4K 60p, the option to preview looks through imported LUTs, and Sony’s S-Cinetone profile for a more refined starting point.

The Alpha mirrorless camera shoots at blistering speeds of up to 30 frames per second completely blackout-free, just like high-speed A9 and A1 series cameras. It also includes professional photography features such as Pre-capture mode, enhanced in-body stabilisation of up to 7.5 stops, and composite RAW processing, which is inherited from the A1 II.

Dynamic range is expanded to 16 stops, and the exterior body design has been refined with an improved grip, a 4-axis multi-angle LCD screen, and two USB-C ports for simultaneous live streaming and power delivery. The body design still includes a dual CFexpress Type A / UHS-II SD card slot, allowing you to shoot with a combination of SD or CFexpress Type A memory card depending on the project.

With support for vertical content creation, improved battery life, hugely upgraded autofocus performance and much more, this is by far Sony’s best ever all round A7-series camera for hybrid creators.

Sony A7 V Key Features

• New partially stacked 33MP full-frame sensor with AI-driven BIONZ XR2 processor
• Blackout-free continuous burst at up to 30fps with full AF and AE in Electronic Shutter Mode
• In-body stabilisation up to 7.5 stops
• 4K 120p in Super 35 and 4K 60p full-frame recording
• Updated noise reduction for internal and external microphones
• Improved autofocus with AI subject recognition and tracking
• x2 card slots with 1x SD and 1x CFexpress Type A / SD
• Refined grip and improved 4-axis multi-angle LCD screen
• Vertical content support, 4K 30p streaming and dual USB-C for constant power
• Longer battery life, auto framing and additional upgrades

Sony A7 V Camera in More Detail

Does the Sony A7 V Have a New Sensor?

Yes. The A7 V is the first Sony camera to use this new partially stacked sensor design. It features a 33 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with faster readout than a standard sensor.

What are the benefits of a partially stacked sensor?

A partially stacked sensor can read data more quickly than a standard CMOS sensor, without the extra cost of a fully stacked design such as the one in the flagship Sony A1 II. Even though it is not fully stacked, the A7 V can shoot continuous bursts at up to 30 frames per second with the electronic shutter, and 10 frames per second with the mechanical shutter, with full autofocus and auto exposure capabilities (AF/AE).

It also supports higher frame rate video recording in-camera, with reduced rolling shutter artefacts, which we explore in more detail below.

Sony’s new partially stacked 33MP sensor also achieves wider dynamic range, with up to 16 stops, enabling more highlight and shadow detail to be captured in high-contrast scenes.

Sample with 24-70mm GM II at 24mm. Camera settings: 1.0 second (handheld). f/8. ISO 160

Does the Sony A7 V have a new processor?

Yes, it introduces the next-generation BIONZ XR2 processor, which makes its first appearance in the A7 V.

What real-world benefits does the BIONZ XR2 processor deliver?

Sony’s new BIONZ XR2 processor delivers several improvements for everyday hybrid content creation, including:

• Better overall responsiveness
• Integrated AI processing without a separate AI chip
• Enhanced autofocus subject recognition and tracking
• 60fps autofocus calculation speed
• Updated subject recognition with human eye, face, body and pose estimation
• New subject types including animal, bird, insect, plane, train and vehicle
• Faster burst shooting with a max. 30fps blackout-free with full AF and AE in 14-bit RAW
• More accurate Auto White Balance even in challenging lighting
• Improved heat management and longer battery life

Sample with FE 70-200mm F/2.8 GM II @176mm. Camera settings: 1/250 seconds. f/9. ISO 200

Which other Autofocus Improvements does the Sony A7 V feature?

Alongside new subject types, pose estimation and improved real-time tracking, the Sony A7 V introduces several AF updates that help when focusing, so that you can concentrate on the moment. These include:

• The ability to fine-tune autofocus speed and tracking sensitivity to match changing subject movement
• Better control in real-world situations, such as setting more stable tracking to keep focus on the bride during a wedding
• A new AF area mode with XL, L, M, S and an XS ‘tight’ option for precise AF point placement

Is A7 V Autofocus better than the A7 IV?

Yes. With processor-based AI calculations the A7 V achieves more accurate subject recognition and pose estimation, along with more reliable real-time tracking. AF is improved even when a subject is wearing glasses, looks briefly away or becomes partially obscured, offering significant improvements in AF compared to the previous model.

Does the Sony A7 V Camera feature in-body image stabilisation?

Yes, and Sony has improved the in-body image stabilisation system (IBIS), with up to 7.5 stops of compensation in the middle of the frame and 6.5-stops at the periphery, which is up from 5.5 stops in the previous model.

What benefits does improved IBIS provide?

With improved IBIS you can shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds and in lower light without needing a flash or tripod, while capturing cleaner images with less noise. It also helps stabilise video footage, achieve more accurate framing at longer focal lengths, and provides steadier results when tracking moving subjects.

Has Auto White Balance improved on the A7 V?

Yes, the A7 V features a more advanced Auto White Balance system that evaluates the light source, the subject and background all together, for a clearer understanding of the overall scene. This results in a more accurate colour balance, particularly in mixed or difficult lighting, and when using a flashgun.

What stills photography modes does the camera feature?

Several advanced photo modes, including features inherited from the A1 II, give the A7 V professional-level stills capabilities. These include:

• 14-bit RAW Capture
• Pixel Shift Multi Mode
• Lightweight RAW for smaller file sizes
• High-Resolution RAW processing
• Composite RAW mode
• RAW Compositing is available when using Sony’s Imaging Edge Desktop application
• Pre-Capture and Burst Speed Boost

With improved electronic shutter shooting that includes 14-bit RAW, Sony has added the option to adjust the electronic shutter sound with six volume steps. This lets you shoot in complete silence when needed, or make it louder, which could be useful for outdoor shooting where audible feedback is beneficial.

Sample with FE 50mm F/1.2 GM. Camera settings: 1/6400 seconds. f/1.6. ISO 100

What do Composite RAW modes mean for image quality?

1. Noise reduction mode captures multiple images that can be composited to create a full-resolution image with very low noise at mid to high sensitivities.
2. Pixel Shift Multi Mode captures multiple pixel-shifted images that are composited to achieve higher resolution in a single image.

What are Pre Capture and Burst Speed Boost Modes?

Pre-Capture records up to 1 second of stills frames before you fully press the shutter, which allows you to capture decisive moments that happened just before you actually take the shot. This is especially useful in unrepeatable situations such as during a wedding ceremony, while capturing wildlife and sporting events and other critical action.

Burst Speed Boost lets you temporarily increase the continuous shooting rate when needed, helping to manage memory use and buffering while still keeping the camera fast during action.

With completely blackout-free 30fps burst shooting, this is a seriously impressive camera for high-speed subjects such as sports, action and wildlife.

What video recording formats does the Sony A7 V support?

The A7 V offers upgraded internal recording options, including High frame rate 4K recording at up to 120p in Super35 (APS-C mode) and 4K 60p in full-frame with both 4:2:2 10-bit and 4:2:0 8-bit available.

It also introduces new video tools such as auto framing, Flexible ISO and user LUT import.

Sample with FE 400mm F/2.8 GM. Camera settings: 1/3200 seconds. f/4.5. ISO 800

How does Sony’s auto framing help with content creation?

Auto framing is particularly helpful for solo creators, as it automatically tracks the subject and adjusts the composition to keep you framed while recording or streaming. It creates more dynamic shots by cropping and repositioning the image, even while the camera stays fixed in place.

What is Flexible ISO?

Flexible ISO lets you record in Log and still change the ISO as you would during normal movie shooting, giving you more control over exposure. You can then complete the final look by colour grading during post-production.

Is the A7 V good for live streaming?

Yes, the Sony A7 V supports 4K 30p UVC/UAC streaming, and can function as a high-quality webcam when connected to a computer via USB-C. You need a computer for live streaming in this mode, as the camera sends the video signal directly over USB.

It also features two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps/480 Mbps, allowing you to stream through one while powering the camera with the other, which is useful for longer live streams.

Can the Sony A7 V shoot vertical content?

Yes. The Sony A7 V supports vertical content creation, with touchscreen controls and video recording options that work in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

Why are LUTs useful for video creation?

LUTs are useful because they let you preview an accurate representation of your final look while recording, and apply consistent colour across your footage, giving you a clearer idea of how the finished edit will appear.

Is S-Cinetone available on the Sony A7 V?

Yes, you can record footage in Sony’s S-Cinetone picture profile. This reduces the need for colour correction and processing while creating a cinematic look for video, with natural skin tones straight out of the camera.

What audio recording options does the Sony A7 V offer?

The A7 V records audio through an internal microphone and also supports a wide range of external mics, including on-camera shotgun mics and popular wireless mic systems.

It also features a new audio noise reduction option that helps to reduce wind noise when using either the internal mic or an external video microphone.

Does the LCD monitor flip out?

Yes, the A7 V features an upgraded 4-axis multi-angle monitor, which can be positioned easily for optimal viewing in horizontal or vertical orientations. The monitor can be tilted:

• Upward by approximately 98°
• Downward by approximately 40°
• Sideways by 180°

The large 3.2-type, 2.095 million-dot display panel is also touch-sensitive, covers a wide colour gamut, and is well suited to bright outdoor viewing.

Sample with FE 400mm F/2.8 GM. Camera settings: 1/2000 seconds. f/4.5. ISO 320

What type of EVF does the Sony A7 V have?

The body features the same bright OLED EVF as its predecessor, which is a 1.3 cm (0.5 type) electronic viewfinder (OLED) with 3,686,400 dots. This provides 100% field coverage and Approx. 0.78x magnification, with dioptre adjustment.

What Connectivity does the body include?

As a thoroughbred fifth-generation hybrid camera, the Sony A7 V offers comprehensive connectivity for both stills and video creativity. Ports and wireless options include:

• 2x USB-C terminals with SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps
• Bluetooth
• Multi Interface Shoe
• Vertical Grip Connector
• 3.5 mm Stereo mini-jack Mic Terminal
• 3.5 mm Stereo mini-jack Headphone Terminal

The camera also features an upgraded antenna system, similar to the dial antenna design in the A1 II, delivering faster and more stable 6GHz Wi-Fi alongside support for 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz).

Does the A7 V have good battery life?

Yes, thanks to the new processor with improved power management, the A7 V delivers better battery performance from the same NP-FZ100. It can achieve up to 640 shots with the viewfinder and around 750 shots when using the LCD, which is a good improvement over the previous model.

In the new power-save mode, the monitor dims automatically, but the camera wakes almost instantly, ensuring you’re ready for unpredictable moments.

Sample with 24-70mm GM II at 24mm. Camera settings: 1/200 seconds. f/4. ISO 2000

Has Sony updated the ergonomics?

The camera’s grip has been refined for a more secure hold, and the body now weighs 695g, which is up slightly from 658g.

Which lenses and kits are available for the A7 V?

The A7 V is available as body-only and several lens kit options, giving creators a choice of focal ranges depending on how they shoot.

• Sony A7 V Camera with 24-105mm G Lens Kit is a popular general purpose zoom for landscapes, portraits, travel and general shooting.
• Sony A7 V Camera with 24-70mm GM II Lens Kit is a premium second-gen. zoom with faster AF and higher optical performance for professional stills and video content.
• Sony A7 V Camera with 70-200mm GM II Lens Kit provides a fast telephoto zoom suited to closer wildlife, sports, events and portraits.
• Sony A7 V Camera with 50-150mm GM Lens Kit is a newer professional telephoto G Master with a compact size for portraits, action, weddings and mid-range low light telephoto subjects.

Outside of these kits is an enormous E mount lens ecosystem covering every focal length and specialism you can imagine. Sony’s own full-frame range spans bright portrait primes, long telephotos, macro lenses, cine-focused options and many more.

The E mount also boasts extensive third-party support from brands such as Sigma, Tamron, Samyang, Zeiss and others, spanning stills, video, commercial, wildlife, travel and YouTube content, with an endless choice of lenses.

What’s in the box

• Sony A7 V Camera Body
• Rechargeable Battery NP-FZ100
• Shoulder strap
• Body cap
• Accessory shoe cap
• Eyepiece cup

Sony A7 V Specifications