Big test
priced media. Don’t expect tip-top performance, though. Video functionality is always something Sony cameras excel at, and while the A7R V is richly specified in this regard, there are better video-focused models elsewhere in the company’s line-up. More suited to occasional use than full-on video productions, 8K video is on offer here at 25p, plus there’s 4K/60p and Full HD at 120p. This all sounds great, but the 8K suffers from obvious rolling shutter, with verticals bending during panning. And 8K footage is cropped 1.24x, so if you want uncropped frames you have to shoot 4K. Full HD at 120p is also not outstanding for slow motion – 240p is usual on cameras at this price. Footage itself is very good, with plenty of advanced functionality on offer – including S-Log3 and focus mapping. Raw video is possible, too, via the full-size HDMI socket. PN
benefits across the board. The A7R V won’t win any speed awards, but the fact that you can record full-size compressed Raw files at up to 10fps is faintly ridiculous. Speed drops if you go for uncompressed Raws, but the camera will still let you keep up with most fast-moving subjects, whatever your file-size preference. Speeds are enhanced with the use of CFexpress Type A cards in the V’s dual slots, but these also double as SD slots should you want to stick with more modestly
PERFORMANCE: EXPOSURE LATITUDE Sony claims that the A7R V offers 15 stops of dynamic range, and on the basis of the exposure latitude test, this is one of the best-performing sensors I’ve seen in a while. Its tolerance to both under and overexposure is impressive – the latter being the real talking point. Most sensors will handle underexposure
almost imperceptible shift in colour. Only grain was more noticeable. The same can be said of the file overexposed by three stops. There was no real shift in colours and less of an issue with grain. Shadows were salvageable on the file that was four stops overexposed, but highlights started to bleed. Regardless, this is an impressive performance, with most other cameras only capable of rescuing detail from 1.5-2 stops of overexposure.
reasonably well – and the Sony’s is no different. A file underexposed by four stops was easy to pull back, with detail retained in both shadows and highlights, and an
WORKHORSE The V also has the video functionality to be a capable performer
Final word
Verdict There’s a lot to like about the A7R V. The images are great, it’s packed to the rafters with useful features and the dynamic range of the sensor is impressive. I’m not 100% convinced by the layout and handling, but it didn’t stop me thoroughly enjoying my time with the camera. If you primarily make stills and occasionally dabble with video, it’s a fine choice, but those looking for a serious contender to create both photos and movies would be advised to cast the net wider before making a final decision. 24 /25 FEATURES There’s nothing missing, and plenty that you may never use but is nice to have. The extra functionality over the A7R IV is also welcome, even if you don’t get a larger resolution
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21 /25 HANDLING
Great rear LCD, excellent viewfinder and comfortable handgrip, but the layout of the camera is a little chaotic for my liking, plus some of the controls are fiddly Outstanding stills images allied to a great AF system make this a strong performer. Video is also steady, but rolling shutter is pronounced up at 8K If this is the resolution you want and the features you’re after, this is the cost of entry. Be prepared to factor in lens upgrades and CFexpress cards for optimum performance An undeniably great stills camera, with impressive autofocus and features aplenty. Video doesn’t quite match the stills results, but if you’re only going to film occasionally – or not at all – this probably won’t be an issue
22 /25 PERFORMANCE
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22 /25 VALUE FOR MONEY
89 /100 OVERALL
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
PROS High-quality images, great feature set, impressive autofocus, wide dynamic range CONS Some aspects of handling fiddly, rolling shutter on 8K video, may require upgraded lenses as well, susceptible to dust on sensor
Where will your kit go next? Inspire others, earn some extra cash and make a difference. Sell your used kit and let someone else love it as much as you have. Make good use of your used gear. Sell yours today at mpb.com/sell
Issue 105 | Photography News 19
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