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The Newly Released Sony A7R V | Worth The Upgrade?

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It's Here!

The Sony A7R V offers a 60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor as the Mark IV. Still, Sony says this latest processor allows it to use the fullest extent of the sensor's capabilities in more ways than the previous generation camera couldn't, enabling the A7R V to offer a broader range of capabilities than most existing cameras for creators.

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Bionz XR processors

The camera's Bionz XR processor showcases an improved series of functions, such as an enhanced menu system. Sony is always dedicated to crunching the complex AI-trained algorithms used for nuanced camera functions such as focus, exposure, and white balance.

Enhanced AF

AF is always at the top of anyone's mind for quality filmmaking. The A7R V's processor ultimately pushed the envelope for computing subject recognition capabilities. While the A7R IV had a keen ability to recognize and prioritize people – the V takes this much further. It gains a system designed to identify human subjects better and trained to recognize a wide range of non-human subject types. You're set to select the subject type from the main menu, the FN menu, or a custom button that can then be tailored only to include the modes you use, streamlining the workflow.

Whole New Level Of Intelligence

With stunningly new state-of-the-art AI processing, the A7RV now has better "memory, " enabling large amounts of data to process even faster. The camera detects detailed information about human forms and postures to improve its subject recognition accuracy and thoroughly use its possible resolution. Also, subject recognition has expanded to include several new subject types, including vehicles and insects.

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High-Powered Video

The A7R V can shoot 10-bit video, just as the other cameras built around Bionz XR processors, which helps offer significantly more flexible Log footage or high dynamic range "HLG" film.

The A7R V can record native 7860 x 4320 pixel UHD 8K videos at up to 25p from a 1.24x cropped area of its sensor. As an alternative, it can captureUHD 4K videos at up to 30p using its entire sensor width. Additionally, the 8K part of the sensor can record 4K at up to 60p, while the APS-C / Super35 region can record 6.2K oversampled 4K.

However, in the oversampled APS-C 4K modes and the 8K option, a noticeable rolling shutter might distract some. The camera also has the same heat-dissipation technology as the previous generation, allowing you to record 30 minutes of 8K if the temperature limits are relaxed.

The A7R V also records the camera's gyro data as you're shooting, allowing digital correction to be applied to footage (including 8K capture) using the company's Catalyst software.

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How Does It Compare? Worth The Upgrade?

While more testing is in the works, one question begs the filmmaking audience: how does it compare to the Sony A7R IV?

The A7R V can shoot 10-bit video, just as the other cameras built around Bionz XR processors, which helps offer significantly more flexible Log footage or high dynamic range "HLG" film. The A7R does, however, boast the most recent BIONZ XR processor, which is also featured o Alpha 1, which, according to Sony, will "enhance the basic image quality" in addition to providing 8x more processing power than the A7R IV.

There is one significant difference between them: on the A7R IV, this mode only functions for objects that are not moving.

An updated version of the Imaging Edge Desktop, which will be made available simultaneously with the new A7R V, can automatically identify and fix minor movements, such as those made by humans or the leaves on trees, on the new A7R V.

With numerous substantial improvements that bring it closer to the flagship A1, the Alpha A7R V is a significantly better video camera than the prior generation.

Again, more to test — but we love what we're seeing so far.

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