GEAR
SONY A7R V
THE VERDICT
the ability to detect and correct for small pixel-level movements. The 61-megapixel stills are finely detailed anyway. But if you must have it all, a 16-image stitch can create a 1.98GB file – and you’ll need some serious processing power to create the resulting 19,008x12,672 pixel image. You can record full-size compressed Raw files at up to 10fps. The speed drops if you go for uncompressed Raws, but the camera will still enable you to keep up with most fast-moving subjects. Speeds are reached with the use of CFexpress Type A cards in the dual slots, but these also double as SD slots should you want to stick with more modestly priced media – just don’t expect tip-top performance or use of all the codec choices. Like the A1 and older A7R IV, there is 8K video on offer here at up to 25p, in 4:2:2 10-bit for lots of colour information. However, compared to the more expensive A1, which has a faster stacked sensor, there is a convoluted selection of different crops, oversampling and frame rates when choosing the right codec. Add in crops from the image stabilisation and it gets complex. For example, you can record 4:2:2 10-bit 4K in up to 60fps, or oversampled 4K at up to 30fps in an APS-C crop mode. But if you want full-width from the sensor in 4K, you can only shoot up to 30fps which gives a pixel-binned image from the full 8K resolution. You can “The 8K footage is cropped by 1.2x and suffers from the effects of rolling shutter, where verticals can bend”
There’s lots to like about the A7R V. The images are great, it’s packed with features and the dynamic range is something to behold. If you primarily take stills and occasionally shoot video, it’s a fine choice. Those seeking a serious model primarily to create movies should perhaps cast a wider net before making a final decision though. The A1 is superior in all ways apart from the screen and AF technology, but costs a lot more. The A7S III is limited to 4K – and does it very well – but takes only 12-megapixel stills. And the A7 IV is a less expensive but lower-resolution option at 33 megapixels, so maxes out at 4K and doesn’t have the A7R V’s AI autofocus, tilt screen and improved IBIS. Somewhere in Sony’s line is a camera to suit pretty much any user and budget – and the A7R V might just be the perfect option for you.
HOW IT RATES Features: 9 Only lacking waveform monitoring and internal video Raw Performance: 8 Excellent, but noticeable 8K rolling shutter Handling: 9 Best-handling Sony mirrorless ever Value for money: 9 Cheaper than the A1 but CFexpress is pricey OVERALL RATING: 8/10 A great all-rounder for stills and video Pros: High-quality images, impressive autofocus, wide dynamic range Cons: No internal Raw, not many high-speed options
More information
sony.co.uk
POST-PROCESSING The colours are quite bold out of camera, plus there are lots of gamma options
switch to 4K/60p, which doesn’t use an APS-C crop – but it does use a 1.2x crop on its pixel-binned image. And unlike the A1, there’s no 4K/120p option at all. The 8K footage is also cropped 1.2x and does suffer from rolling shutter effects. Crop to APS-C and you can also get 6.2K oversampled. But Full HD at 120p is less than outstanding for slow motion – 240p is more the norm on cameras at this price point. So, the headlines are that this camera can shoot 8K, 4K/60p and HD in 120fps. But it’s at a variety of different crops and technologies to get the 8K signal down to the selected 4K or 2K. That’s where the A1’s much faster sensor scores massively, as you can pretty much choose every resolution without
any crops, plus 4K/120p and HD in 240fps too. The footage from the A7R V is very good and the pixel binning and oversampling are handled very well. Plus there are no significant heat issues, even in 8K. There are also the useful S-Cinetone and S-Log2 and 3 for maximum dynamic range, especially good as there are 10-bit 4:2:2 options. Raw video is possible too, via the full-size HDMI socket. And while high-resolution cameras often have a reputation for noise at higher ISOs, the A7R V is remarkably good. Compared to something like the A7S III, which has a sensor made for low noise, it doesn’t compare. But as an all-round performer that offers excellent video footage as well as highly detailed stills, it’s a winner.
SONY SIZE While other manufacturers’ cameras have grown, Sony sticks with more compact bodies
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