San Diego, CA—Sony Electronics introduced the Alpha 7R V into its Alpha lineup of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. The Sony Alpha 7R V combines Sony’s highest resolution image sensor in an Alpha camera with a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit for image recognition—a first in an Alpha camera.
Model ILCE-7RM5 also employs a Bionz XR image-processing engine, which is a first in the R series of full-frame ILCs. Moreover, the Alpha 7R V offers 61-megapixel still images plus the most effective 8-stop image stabilization system offered in any Alpha camera. The camera is also capable of 8K-resolution movie recording and continuous shooting at 10 frames per sec with AF/AE tracking.
“The newest addition to our Alpha 7R lineup is the perfect example of our relentless drive to develop industry-leading imaging technology,” said Yang Cheng, vice president, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
“We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Alpha 7R V with high-resolution and extremely advanced AI integrations that deliver next-generation autofocus performance. We are excited to see what our community creates with the new Alpha 7R V.”
Sony Alpha 7R V Key Updates
The Alpha 7R V’s Bionz XR processing engine pairs with a 35mm full-frame, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor. The Bionz XR works to ensure the 61MP resolution potential of the camera’s sensor is fully utilized. Consequently, they deliver the highest resolution at low sensitivity in the Alpha series. The result is also sensitivity settings of ISO 100–32,000 for both stills and movies, as well as wide dynamic range with 15 stops for stills.
The 7R V also features next-generation real-time recognition AF (autofocus), with better accuracy and broader subject recognition. That’s thanks to a new AI processing unit with deep learning. Moreover, the AI processing uses detailed information about human form and pose estimation to improve recognition accuracy beyond systems that only detect face and eyes. Real-time Recognition AF works with several subject types, including animals, vehicles and insects.
In addition, popular features from other Sony Alpha series cameras are now included for the first time in the 7R series. They comprise real-time tracking; a faster, more precise, wide-area, high-density AF system; silent, vibration-free shooting at 7 fps; and high-speed, continuous shooting of 583 compressed RAW images.
The 7R V also includes focus features that support high resolution. They include full-time DMF (direct manual focus) and focus bracketing that allows for focus stacked images.
The new Alpha also employs a 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor that combines the utility of a tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility. And a brand-new menu system enables touch control as well as customizable functions. The camera is also compatible with the PCK-LG3 screen protect glass sheet. Consequently, it maintains touch sensitivity while protecting the LCD monitor against stains and fingerprints. An electronic viewfinder with 9.44-million dots complements the new monitor.
Improved Image Stabilization
Additionally, Sony updated the camera’s entire image stabilization system with a high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors and optimized IS algorithms. Beyond the 8-step compensation effect for stills, a new algorithm provides precise detection and control down to the single-pixel level to bring out the finest details.
What’s more, upgraded Pixel Shift Multi Shooting takes advantage of the in-body IS control. It captures multiple pixel-shifted images that photographers can composite using the latest version of the Imaging Edge Desktop ver.3.5 computer application.
Small pixel-level movements, such as a shift in the subject’s position or leaves on a tree, are automatically corrected for optimized compositing. Consequently, 16-image composites with 240.8-million pixels (19,008×12,672 pixels) are produced from data, which is equivalent to approximately 963.2MP.
Additional Photo Features
In addition to supporting external flash control, the Alpha 7R V suppresses flickering from artificial lights for stills and video capture.
Additional photography features include lossless RAW image compression and selectable RAW image sizes and quality; expanded focus and exposure bracketing; creative look settings for stills/videos; HEIF images with high compression efficiency; as well as a wide brightness range for large-screen viewing.
Sony Alpha 7R V Cinematic Capabilities
Sony’s newest camera delivers 8K 24/25p video; 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning; a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec; all intra recording; as well as 10-bit 4:2:2 recording.
It also includes evolved subject recognition for real-time tracking, breathing compensation and the ability to use its metadata for post-processing and advanced in-body image stabilization.
Professionals can also optimize their workflow with updated connectivity for improved support. The camera transfers data over Wi-Fi (802.11ac) 2×2 MIMO or a wired SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps connection via a USB-C port. 
In addition to allowing remote shooting as well as still/movie file transfers, a new USB streaming features support UVC/UAC. They allow direct streaming from the camera, even in 4K (QFHD) resolution, with audio. The ILC also includes two CFexpress Type A/SDXC media slots.
Moreover, based on professional feedback, the camera includes improved heat dissipation for extended recording times. It also provides upgraded dust and moisture resistance and a magnesium alloy chassis.
Sony also took measures to reduce the environmental footprint of this product at various stages of its life cycle. Sony partially used recycled plastic, including SORPLAS, for the camera body. In addition, manufacturing takes place at a facility using renewable energy.
The Sony Alpha 7R V ships this December. It will have a suggested retail price of $3,900.
