kit check | Sony A7R VI
Autofocus performance during video is among the best currently available. Sony’s AI-powered Real-time Recognition AF+ reliably tracks eyes, faces, animals and vehicles while maintaining smooth transitions that feel much more natural than older Sony systems. Subject tracking is sticky without looking overly robotic, making solo shooting far easier. Sony has also improved stabilisation to a claimed 8.5 stops at the centre of the frame. Handheld shooting is steadier, although aggressive walking shots can still show slight digital stabilisation wobble if Active mode is pushed too hard. There are some omissions. Open gate recording is absent, which might disappoint creators wanting maximum flexibility for vertical reframing. Though rolling shutter is vastly improved, it still can’t match Sony’s global shutter A9 III that simply has no issues at all. And of course, Sony refuses to add video Raw internal capture. However, it has addressed the massive stills Raw files that all those megapixels generate, thanks to new compressed Raw options that preserve quality well while reducing storage demands. Serious shooters will still want fast CFexpress Type A cards to fully exploit the camera’s capabilities such as its 14-bit Raw stills, especially for bursts and 8K recording, but workflow flexibility is improved. Gain without pain Image quality is predictably superb. Sony claims up to 16 stops of dynamic range and, while marketing figures should always be treated carefully, both shadow recovery and highlight retention are genuinely impressive. The A7R VI produces files that have excellent colour depth and a more filmic look out of camera. There is also improved low-light behaviour thanks to a new Dual Gain mode which blends low- and high- gain footage. But this does slow down the readout speed, so rolling shutter can be an issue. It locks ISO between 200 and 3200, and is only available in S-Log 3, 4K in 30fps Files have excellent colour depth and a more filmic look out of camera
Hidden details that matter The Sony A7R VI is packed with smaller refinements that users will appreciate, such as the illuminated button system. Press the dedicated light button on the top-plate and key rear controls glow softly. Different brightness levels are available. There are also subtle tactile touches designed for low-light operation. The lens mount now features a raised alignment notch so lenses can be attached by feel rather than sight, while the Auto position on the mode dial has also been raised for quick identification. Dual USB-C ports allow simultaneous charging and tethering, there’s a new front tally lamp for video recording confirmation and the upgraded NP-SA100 Li-ion battery increases capacity by around 27% while charging faster.
The three custom settings on the top dial are now reduced to two, but the third now has a star icon which gives you access to up to 30 more stored internally. Ten each for stills, video and S&Q modes. There is also a new 32-bit float audio mode, but you have to buy Sony’s new XLR handle adapter.
Alpha male The A7R VI not only offers super-high resolution as well as speed, but Sony has tweaked its colour science for a more pleasing, natural look
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July/August 2026
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