Sony a7R V with FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens Kit

Key Features

• 61 megapixel full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R image sensor +BIONZ XR
• AI powered deep learning real-time autofocus system
• True hybrid capabilities with 8K 24p video, 10-bit 4:2:2 with full pixel readout and no binning
• 4K 60fps / 6.2K oversampling
• 5-Axis in-body stabilisation for up to 8-stops plus Active mode video IS
• S-Cinetone and S-LOG picture profiles
• Upgraded 693 Phase-detection AF points covering 79% of the sensor
• Human recognition of poses, faces, nose, eye, ear and more
• Advanced animal, bird, vehicle, insect subject recognition
• Improved low light performance
• Improved Auto white balance and more natural skin tones
• Upgraded 240MP pixel shift multi shot with automatic movement detection through Imaging Edge App
• Up to 10fps with AF/AE for 88 uncompressed RAW and 184 compressed RAW
• 4-axis multi-angle LCD touchscreen
• Class-leading 9M dot quad-XGA EVF
• Dual CFexpress memory cardslots
• Heat dissipation for 8K recording
• Lossless RAW compression and multi-resolution JPEG or RAW oversampling

Sony a7R V with FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens Kit Summary

The next generation high-resolution full-frame mirrorless Alpha camera arrives for enthusiast and professional photographers, in the form of the Sony a7R V Camera Body. This update marks a significant turning point for the entire Sony alpha camera range, by introducing deep learning AI subject recognition, which delivers improved recognition and real-time tracking of humans, animals, birds, vehiclesand insects.

Despite capturing 61 megapixel images from the full-frame back-illuminated sensor, you can now shoot RAW at up to 10fps and record 8K 24p video with full pixel readout and no binning. The sensor also offers wider AF coverage, with 693 Phase-detection AF points and harnesses deep learning AI to acquire and track a broader range of subjects including airplanes, cars, trains and an ever-increasing number of animals.

Sony hasn’t stopped there, ensuring the durable aluminium body is adopted by advanced users across genres like studio, portraiture, wildlife, landscapes, weddings and other subjects where the ultimate image quality is highly desirable.

To meet these demands, the ILCE-7RM5 body includes a class-leading 9M dot EVF and 4-axis/4-way multi-angle LCD touchscreen for difficult angles and clear shooting. Skin tones have been improved in the a7R V, together with better Auto White Balance, improved low light performance and incredible in-body stabilisation delivering up to 8-stop compensation from the upgraded 5-axis IBIS unit. The Imaging Edge desktop app has also been updated to compensate for movement when shooting pixel shift multi shot, helping creators achieve perfect billboard sized images even when minor movements take place in the scene.

Sony a7R V mirrorless camera in more detail

Extraordinary subject recognition

AI processing is at the heart of the Sony a7R V, which defines the capabilities of this generation high resolution body. This system enables you to achieve fast, accurate and consistent Real-time autofocus tracking of subjects through unique AI-driven technology. With this professional camera, you can capture sharp pictures and video, even in difficult shooting conditions.

Upgraded phase detection AF

Sony’s proficient phase-detection system benefits from wide area high density AF, which is now faster and more precise. 79% of the sensor is covered using 693 AF points when a full-frame lens is attached, up from 567 points and 74% coverage in the a7R IV. The 693 AF points are available regardless of whether shooting in full-sensor or crop mode, which is ideal for distant subjects including action and wildlife.

Improved subject recognition

Every aspect of the a7R V’s ability to recognise subjects has been improved, along with the addition of new subjects and dedicated human AI processing. This estimates human poses, intelligently recognises the nose, left and right eyes, ears, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles. This signifiant upgrade will influence all future camera releases with a system that harnesses deep learning and ever-improving AF and real-time tracking capabilities for stills and video.

The system works regardless of whether the subject is extremely small in the frame, recognises the head, body and eye of animals and birds. You can also accurately track cars, planes and trains, as well as increasing the number of animals and insects, which are recognised. The table below highlights in bold the new AI based subject recognition features.

Class leading image quality

Where the previous generation body marked a new era in high resolution full-frame capabilities, this generation mark V camera takes imaging to the next level through:

• Improved low light capabilities – Sony’s best low sensitivity in alpha history
• Improved AE algorithm and colour reproduction – more accurate lifelike skin tones and more preferable colour reproduction of nature for landscapes
• Improved Auto White Balance – AWB performance has evolved due to AI processing to provide more accurate colours, particularly in shaded scenes
• Improved Pixel Sift Multi mode – Sony’s new Imaging Edge Desktop app will now detect and correct minor pixel movements which naturally occur, correcting people or leaves moving during multi shot compositing in huge 240 megapixel images. This benefits the a7R V as well as the flagship Sony alpha 1.
• APS-C crop mode provides extra reach for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, with maximum 26MP quality.

Faster high-speed shooting even at high resolutions

With 61 megapixels available the a7R V is able to shoot continuously as up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking for a greater number of shots. You can now capture approximately 88 uncompressedRAW + JPEG, approximately 184 compressedRAW + JPEG as well as 1000+ JPEG-only. This provides ample opportunity to use the a7R V for fast paced action if required, with the ability to crop more heavily for sports, wildlife and bird photography.

High resolution video quality

In full-frame mode you can capture beautiful 8K video at 24fps with full pixel readout without pixel binning. For slow motion effects the a7R V also records 4K at 60fps in-camera, thanks to a new heat dissipation structure, which enables you to record high resolution 8K at 24fps.

When using Super 35mm mode you can capture 4K 30fps with full pixel readout without binning and 6.2K oversampling.

In addition to 8K and 4K recording, you can enjoy a professional video experience with 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, S-Cinetone and S-LOG picture profiles. Unique to the Sony eco-system, it also includes features like active stabilisation and breathing compensation, for a professional experience when using Sony lenses.

Improved ergonomics, user experience and workflow

Sony has included a new 4-axis/4-way multi-angle LCD monitor with the a7R V, which provides side-opening and fully tilting operation. The 3.2-inch type screen offers approximately 2095-dot resolution for clearer previews.

A class leading Quad-XGA electronic viewfinder adds to the experience with a 0.64-type 9440K dot screen, which provides 0.90x magnification and 41º FOV. This can be used in standard 60fps or 120fps high frame rates depending on the shooting situation.

The Alpha 7RV aims to provide a smooth platform for photographers and video content creators who want to focus on their craft, with the durable aluminium body and shutter taken from the a1.

5-axis optical stabilisation

An upgraded in-body stabilisation unit provides up to 8-stops of compensation against camera shake, enabling you to handhold the camera even in the darkest low light situations for stills images.

A new upgraded active mode also makes it possible to compensate when using longer telephoto and heavier lenses, which often results in larger camera shakes, although not currently available in 8K, nor when shooting over 100 fps.

New lossless RAW compression mode

A full resolution lossless RAW compression mode results in approximately 50% – 80% smaller file sizes without degradation. This accompanies 100% uncompressed and lossy compressed RAW giving you three modes to choose from.

The a7R V is also a true multi-resolution camera, enabling users to select image size in RAW and JPEG to suit any needs.

In full-frame mode you can choose between three RAW settings and three JPEG (HEIF) settings with two available in APS-C mode (medium / small) for both RAW and JPEG. This provides seamless flexibility for different situations from distant wildlife subjects to full uncompressed RAW, where every pixel matters in a portrait, landscape, city or interior shot.

Dual CFexpress card slots

The a7R V features two media slots which support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards, as well as Sony’s CFexpress Type A memory cards with considerably faster read/write speeds. These are available in CFexpress Type A 80GB, 160GB Type A CFexpress and the Sony 640GB CFexpress Type A. These are capable of capturing 8K movie data and high-resolution bursts, which the camera delivers at 800 MB/s read and 700 MB/s write speeds.

Connectivity

The a7RV arrives with updated connectivity including high speed Wi-Fi 2.4Ghz / 5Ghz transfer speeds and a SuperSpeed USB-C 10Gbps connection for remote control or to transfer your content more quickly. The camera also allows you to record in both CFexpress type A or SD in its two card slots for reliable media storage solution.

Further connectivity includes:

• Multi / Micro USB Terminal
• USB Type-C® Terminal
• Sync. Terminal
• Wireless LAN (built-in)
• Bluetooth (Bluetooth Standard Ver. 5.0 (2.4GHz band))
• HDMI connector Type-A
• Multi Interface Shoe with Digital Audio Interface
• Mic Terminal 3.5 mm Stereo minijack
• Headphone Terminal 3.5 mm Stereo minijack
• Remote Control (Wireless)
• Vertical Grip Connector

Extensive mirrorless lens selection

Anyone shooting with Sony alpha cameras gains instant access to 60+ new Sony e-mount mirrorless lenses and a wealth of used Sony lenses. The range also benefits from updated second generation glass, such as the Sony 70-200mm F/2.8 GM OSS Mark II and Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II, and numerous options from seven third-party lens manufacturers.

A series of powerful G Master prime lenses are also available, with wide maximum apertures to take advantage of the high resolution sensor, including the Sony FE 50mm F/1.2 GM Lens and 35mm F/1.4 GM Lens.

This ensures whichever style of content you create, you’ll be able to utilise the perfect lens for your images and videos.

Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera Sample Images

A7R V with Sony FE 70-200mm F/2.8 GM OSS Mark II Lens @200mm. Camera settings: 1/3200sec. f/3.2. ISO 640 ©Gamander Lopez

A7R V with Sony FE 12-24mm F/2.8 GM Lens @200mm. Camera settings: 1/3200sec. f/3.2. ISO 640 ©Albert Dross

Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera Specifications

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Wide Angle Zoom Lens (SEL1635GM2) Summary

In order to meet the evolving needs of content creators, Sony has developed the next generation Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Wide Angle Zoom Lens. This is the third full-frame G Master Sony mirrorless lens to be updated, providing significant image quality and performance enhancements for photographers and video creators who shoot with mirrorless Alpha cameras.

While the original lens was revered for delivering excellent sharpness and resolution, the new model promises even better image quality, faster focusing, better handling, and a 20% lighter design.

It achieves this through an optical formula that includes two XA lenses amongst other special elements, which render more advanced chromatic aberration correction. Four XD linear motors ensure the zoom lens is agile, and it is capable of delivering tenacious tracking when combined with advanced AF found in newer Sony camera bodies.

Moviemakers and hybrid creators also benefit from second-generation Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens features, which include reduced focus breathing, a small centre of gravity shift and optimised in-body stabilisation.

With these updated capabilities, the new 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II zoom is ideal for everything from vlogging and video recording to landscapes, cityscapes and street photography, amongst many more genres.

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens in More Detail

Evolved image quality

Manufacturing has advanced since the original FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens was released back in 2017 and this improved manufacturing technology allows for a more flexible aspherical shape in the newer Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens. The end result is improved image quality with higher resolution and detail, which reduces unwanted artefacts to satisfy even the most demanding professional users.

The new optical formula includes 15 lens elements arranged into 12 groups, which provide excellent resolution and sharpness right into the corners of the frame. The optical design includes the following special lens elements:

1. One aspherical element minimises aberrations
2. One Super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass suppress chromatic aberrations
3. Three XA (Extreme aspherical) lenses effectively minimise aberrations
4. One ED Aspherical element surpasses chromatic and spherical aberrations simultaneously
5. Two ED glass (extra-low dispersion) fourth suppress chromatic aberrations

On top of these the lens utilises an internal focusing and floating focusing design, for greater responsiveness and a more compact, lightweight design.

When compared to the original, the new SEL1635GM2 improves image quality in four key areas, with corner resolution, chromatic aberration control, flare and ghosting as well as close-up performance. These are extremely beneficial, particularly when shooting backlit scenes and other subjects where chromatic aberration is likely to occur.

Nano AR Coating II is responsible for reducing internal reflections for clearer, crisper results. This has even enabled Sony to reduce the size of the new lens hood, which is included in the box.

Improved close-up performance and magnification

Along with improved image quality, the next-gen Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Wide Angle Zoom Lens features a floating focus mechanism for closer minimum focusing of just 0.22m across the entire zoom range. Along with the 11-bladed circular aperture, this provides softer out of focus areas and improved images when you want to separate your subject, such as when recording videos or vlogging.

What’s more, magnification has been increased to 0.32x (vs 0.19x) for frame-filling subjects and even more dynamic compositions.

Next level autofocus

In keeping with the second generation Sony FE 70-200mm F/2.8 GM II OSS and FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II Lens, Sony has included four XD Linear Motors in the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II, for near instant and completely silent focus capabilities. These enable the lens to track at 30fps photos and 4K at 120p video, maximising flagship performance of cameras like the Sony A1.

The XD Linear Motors provide fast, precise AF with excellent response, even at the minimum focus distance.

Refined for moviemaking

In order to satisfy the growth of hybrid content creation and moviemaking, the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens has optically reduced focus breathing. The lens also supports breathing compensation, which is available in mirrorless cameras such as the A7 IV and ZV-E1, as well as the FX3 and FX30, and other Sony pro video cameras.

When recording video handheld, the mark II Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens capitalises on Active / Dynamic mode image stabilisation found in newer camera bodies. This is highly effective at the ultra wide end of the zoom range, with excellent image stabilisation performance, even when walking and shooting.

Other improvements for video creators include an aperture ring with de-click function, which provides silent exposure changes which won’t be picked up by any microphone. You can also shoot with the lens mounted on a gimbal stabiliser without needing to rebalance when zooming thanks to a centre of gravity, which remains virtually unchanged,

Lightweight and incredibly portable

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Wide Angle Zoom Lens is the smallest and lightest zoom lens in its class, which is ideal for photographers who travel and hike to their destinations in order to tell their story. It’s also the smallest and lightest lens in the esteemed holy trinity, which spans the 24-70 GM II and 70-200 GM II updated earlier.

It is approximately 20% lighter than its predecessor at just 547g and measures 111.5mm long, which is 10mm shorter. However, Sony has maintained the 82mm filter thread in order for users to continue using the same lens filters, filter systems and threaded accessories from the first gen.

Excellent control and handling

A design review has inspired Sony to improve control and useability of the SEL1635GM2, and controls now include:

• Zoom ring
• Aperture click switch (1/3-step click stops or without click stops)
• Aperture ring with f-stop engravings
• Focus ring with linear response MF and fine linear focusing
• Two focus hold buttons which can be customised in the camera menus
• Focus mode switch (MF/AF)
• Iris lock switch prevents accidental changes

Built for demanding situations

Sony G master lenses offer the highest build quality for demanding field work and the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II boasts a silicone rubber gaskets and seam seals throughout. The front lens element is also fluorine coated to repel water, oil and other contaminants, whilst making it easier to clean.

Lastly, the new lens hood design is smaller and lighter thanks to improvements in contrast from the Nano AR Coating II, making it more manageable in any situation.

Sony 16-35mm GM II Lens Samples

Sony A7CR with Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II @35mm. Exposure: 1/1600sec. f/5.6. ISO 800

Sony A7CR with Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II @35mm. Exposure: 1/1600sec. f/5.6. ISO 800

Sony A7CR with Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II @35mm. Exposure: 1/500sec. f/8. ISO 320

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens Specifications

What's in the Box

• Sony a7R V Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
• Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Wide Angle Zoom Lens
• Rechargeable Battery NP-FZ100
• Cable Protector
• Shoulder strap
• Body cap
• Accessory shoe cap
• Eyepiece cup
• USB-A to USB-C cable (USB 3.2)