High fence in performance and cost: we tested the Sony A7R V camera with a resolution of 61 MP and 8K recording

In the vast and complex audiovisual market, camera manufacturers have wisely diversified their strategy. Some compete in the enthusiastic “active and adventure sports” segment, others seek quotas in the amateur world and bet on the most authoritative high performance for image professionals. Sony knows it’s a benchmark to be surpassed, and its high standard has driven major filmmakers out of brands like Canon and Nikon. After four A7R series, NIUSGEEK is testing the fifth generation Should I buy the Sony A7RV?

Sony A7R V: Specifications

Sony A7R V: everything you need to know

Optimized design. In this case, we are dealing with a solid device with a strong grip and well-placed access points. Sony has already corrected this saga with the A7S – depending on sensitivity – and A7R – depending on resolution – down to the millimeter, but this fifth generation further emphasizes the jump between video, photos and recording at different speeds.

We are talking about an aluminum alloy chassis that is easy to navigate, with a screen that we can move in two ways: up or down, as in previous Sony versions, and rotate around the axis to position the panel next to the screen. equipment and recording in selfie mode.

However, interesting additives are hidden under protective covers. On the one hand, we have two slots for SD or CFexpress type A, which we can configure for backup storage, keeping photos and videos separate, or increasing the storage capacity. This is very handy when you don’t want to work with different formats on the same prop, as I did.

Another addition, along with microphone and headphone ports, is a full HDMI port. Unlike other models that add micro HDMI, here we have a standard output port – with a capture device, this is the best webcam on the market. To top it all off, we have a USB-C 3.2 port for fast data transfer or for using this camera as a USB webcam, as well as for charging the battery on the camera itself using the PowerBank.

The Sony A7R V’s external controls include a dedicated button for video recording, photo capture, a two-level knob for switching between image modes and format type – photo, video or S&Q, as well as customizable dials and a traditional menu control panel. The 0.9x OLED viewfinder is of good quality – 2048 x 1536 pixels – and reproduces configuration menus and shooting options without any problems, and has an excellent proximity sensor that activates as soon as we put our face at eye level. eyes.

High measurement sensor. Its 61-megapixel 35.7 x 23.8mm full-frame sensor is effective in every format, delivering high-quality and stabilized shots thanks to the BSI-CMOS sensor, which also receives support for the Bionz XR processor, the first team in the R line to receive it. .

In this case, we have 11 autofocus modes, detection assistance, artificial intelligence to recognize pets, vehicles and objects as an anchor point for continuous focusing, 2x and 4x digital zoom, 693 focus points and a shooting speed of up to 10 frames per second. .

For video, we have resolutions up to 8K at 25 fps (note that when recording a frame at this resolution, there is a 1.24x crop – up to 60 in 4K and 120 in Full HD. In the absence of a built-in ND filter, we have five levels of exposure compensation, btw we have 10-bit HLG recording and H.254 or H.265 compression with multiple profiles to choose from.

New menu. The cutest to use. In this case, we have a vertical layout separated by tabs that allow us to quickly access the opening and configuration options. With one of the dials, we can quickly change pages and jump to the focus, video or utility tabs without even taking our eyes off the viewfinder.

With this kit, I had the opportunity to test the 16-35 lens with 2.8 aperture and excellent aperture. I took this kit with me during my coverage of CES Las Vegas, and I want to share some random thoughts while you check out what we have for our hour-long special:

Very payload. This surprised me the most. With the only battery I had, I was able to cover my 4-day image quota. Please note that I have limited the recording to 1080 and 60fps bitrate for slot 2 but left JPG + RAW in slot 1. Please note that the format is ARW so you must download the plugin on Windows and Mac to download photos in Lightroom. . However, we can choose the recording level in the camera itself.

The weight is not for everyone. This is where the point-and-shoot offering of affordable ranges from Sony or Canon can gain more following among less experienced users. It’s not as big and heavy as my trusty old Canon 70D, but it outperforms compact lines like Canon’s new R or Sony’s own RX or ZV lines. We are talking about 723 grams of weight in the body alone with the battery included, and 1.3 constant kilograms when we add the 16-35 2.8 lens that the brand provided me for review.

High sensitivity, but nothing more. In terms of image quality, ISO 32,000 – note that we can go from 50s to 102,800s Booster ISO – Ideal for low light conditions in CES booths. Personally, my priority use is video, so ISO below 3200 is already more than enough for the darkest environments – come on, there are almost no dark spots in Las Vegas -. I had the opportunity to record in a variety of environments and the availability of S-Log helped a lot to record without much data loss.

Focus accuracy. Due to my vision problems, I have to give myself eternal autofocus confidence when I have a viewfinder that I can’t see from a distance, doing a full face a couple of meters from the camera. I never doubted the very precise focus of this equipment, nor its ability to follow me or keep focus on what I really need to focus on. I rarely used manual mode and I could understand the temperament of this set’s fast AF-C system.

Sony A7R V Is it worth it?

If you have almost 4 thousand dollars, take it without hesitation. It’s not a safe purchase unless you make it profitable, it’s not a minor toy or start-in-the-audio-visual equipment. No, this is for people who know what they are doing and what they need. Taking into account the lens, we are talking about a budget that can reach 6 thousand dollars along with the body. 24 thousand soles is, no joke, not a little money. Do it if you can make it pay off with your work. It’s the best there is.

* Equipment provided by Sony Peru for the period from December 28, 2022 to January 13, 2023 Price in Peru: Sol 16,399 (body only) at Sony Peru. $3898 on Amazon.