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Sony supercharges its A7 V Fifth-generation Alpha 7 boasts a brand-new sensor with AI-powered AF
J ust as Canon was setting the filmmaking world alight with its all-rounder EOS R6 Mark III, Sony hit back with its rival A7 V, the long- awaited fifth-generation model that sits squarely in the middle of its full-frame mirrorless series. The £2799/$2898 Sony features a newly developed 33-megapixel, partially stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and the all-new Bionz XR2 processor with integrated AI acceleration for a leap in autofocus performance, shooting speed and video capability. Paired with the announcement of a new FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, Sony is positioning the A7 V as the definitive all- rounder for photographers, filmmakers and hybrid content creators. Sony’s upgraded AI processing unit inside the next-generation Bionz XR2 engine enables a claimed 30% increase in Real-time Recognition AF performance with 759 phase detection points covering 94% of the frame and sensitivity down to -4EV. While rival mid-range cameras offer a 24.5-megapixel semi-stacked sensor or a 33-megapixel conventional one, the new Sony is the only to offer a 33-megapixel semi-stacked sensor now offering 4.5x faster readout. This allows blackout-free stills bursts up to 30fps, complete with full AF/AE tracking in 14-bit Raw. Sony also introduces Pre-Capture, allowing the camera to record up to one second before the shutter is pressed. For video spec, the camera gets a major upgrade with new oversampled and high-speed video modes. There is 7K oversampled 4K/60p in full-frame mode, 4K/120p in APS-C crop mode, full pixel readout without binning, advanced Dynamic Active mode stabilisation and new AI-powered auto-framing. But there’s no open gate mode or internal Raw video. It has dual card slots, one CFexpress Type A and a second that takes a UHS-I/II SD card. Noise reduction and an improved internal mic deliver cleaner audio, while
better thermal design supports extended 4K recording without overheating. Sony has redesigned the A7 V’s ergonomics and workflow features, adding a four-axis multi-angle touchscreen, dual
USB-C ports, an improved grip with deeper finger holds, upgraded heat management for longer video sessions and battery life rated at approximately 630 shots. sony.com
MID-RANGE STANDARD ZOOM UNVEILED
and compact, it’s built to be an ideal everyday partner for hybrid shooters and costs £429/$448. It still features nine elements in eight groups, including a single ED element and a trio of aspherical lenses with a seven-bladed aperture. The camera and lens are built using 100% renewable energy due to Sony’s Road to Zero plan, with Original Blended Material packaging.
Sony has also launched the FE 28-70mm f/3.5- 5.6 OSS II, a refreshed standard zoom designed to keep pace with the A7 V’s high-speed burst rate. Key improvements include up to 120fps AF/AE tracking when paired with compatible bodies such as the A9 III, coordinated optical and in-body stabilisation, faster AF and reduced breathing with better zoom tracking. Lightweight
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