State-of-the-art AI processing uses detailed information about human forms and postures to dramatically improve the camera's subject recognition accuracy1 and make full use of its potential resolution. Also, subject recognition has been expanded to include a number of new subject types, including vehicles and insects.
The α7R V is equipped with an AI processing unit specifically dedicated to interpreting significant amounts of data to enable more accurate recognition of subjects and recognition of a wider range of subject types
The α7R V uses subject form data to recognize movement, providing a roughly 60% improvement in human eye recognition3. Human pose estimation uses learned human forms and postures to precisely recognize not just eyes, but body and head position, making it possible to lock onto and track a subject facing away from the camera or wearing a mask, for example.
In addition to humans, animals and birds, the camera now recognises insects, cars, trains and airplanes4, providing even greater flexibility and reliability when shooting both stills and movies. Heads and bodies are now recognized in addition to eyes (Real-time Eye AF) for the Human, Animal, and Bird settings.
The α7R V's 7R V's AWB (auto white balance) function has evolved in tandem with the camera's AI capabilities. In addition to the Visible Light + IR sensor on the front of the body, the camera's AI processing unit helps to achieve more accurate white balance in difficult lighting, such as when the subject is in shadow.
The output from the 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor, with approximately 61.0 million effective pixels6, is processed in real time to the fullest extent by the advanced BIONZ XR™ processing engine to deliver breathtaking detail in both stills and movies.
With up to eight times the processing power of its predecessor7, the new BIONZ XR processes huge volumes of image data while minimizing latency and markedly boosting the camera’s movie and still-image processing power.
The α7R V now supports the lossless RAW format, with three selectable pixel counts - L (60M), M (26M), and S (15M). Both M and S sizes offer the same resolution in full-frame and APS-C fields of view, for simpler post-production workflow.
A new stabilization algorithm provides precise detection and control right down to the single-pixel level, taking full advantage of the sensor's 61.0 megapixel9 resolution to bring out the finest subject details.
Pixel Shift Multi Shooting takes advantage of precision in-body image stabilization system control. Up to 16 pixel-shifted images are captured and later composited using a computer to achieve overwhelming resolution in a single image. Even tiny movements down to single-pixel level can be detected and compensated for by the PC software performing the compositing.
The α7R V's AF system delivers dramatically enhanced overall performance, drawing on major advances in subject recognition technology. Deep learning technology supports powerful Real-time Recognition AF (autofocus) as well as more reliable Real-time Tracking11 which is supported by higher Fast Hybrid AF performance over a wider area.
The latest AF algorithms enable high AF precision down to light levels as low as EV -4.0 in AF-S mode13. The α7R V also includes a Focus Priority mode that provides more reliable AF in low light or when using smaller apertures.
The camera will automatically shoot up to 299 images with sequentially shifted focus points, with custom intervals and sequence specified by the user. Pick the perfect shot, or post-process multiple shots to achieve creative composites with impossible focus depth.
When shooting stills with AF-C or AF-S autofocus, the lens's focus ring can be rotated to instantly switch to manual focus mode at any time. This makes it easy to switch focus to a different subject on the fly.
The XAVC HS format enables in-camera recording of high-resolution, high-quality 8K (7680 x 4320) 24p (25p)18 movies with efficient HEVC/H.265 compression, bringing out the very best in Sony's lenses and taking full advantage of the resolution provided by the sensor and full-pixel readout. Even the finest subject details are faithfully captured.
Full frame and Super 35mm formats can be selected for 4K movie recording. Full pixel readout in the Super 35mm mode without the need for pixel binning20 makes 2.6x oversampling possible for 4K movies21. The XAVC S-I (All-Intra) or the XAVC HS format is supported, with 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling.
The S-Log3 gamma curve emphasizes gradation characteristics from shadows to mid-gray (18% gray), achieving up to 14+ stops22 of latitude for efficient editing.
Thanks to improvements in subject recognition, Real-time Tracking is now even better, automatically tracking specified subjects with precise focus, including focus on the subject's eyes23.
Active Mode24 provides strong image stabilization for handheld movie shooting. In addition to in-body stabilization, compatible lenses with their own built-in image stabilization25 coordinate with the camera body for highly effective control, allowing even handheld telephoto shots.
The α7R V provides various movie tools such as a clear recording tally frame on the display, Flexible Exposure mode, WB adjustment while recording, new Shot Mark, aspect markers, and a movie self-timer.
Sony's newly developed 4-axis multi-angle monitor combines the utility of a conventional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility. It allows greater shooting freedom by providing unrestricted angle adjustment in both horizontal and vertical orientations28.
The 9.44 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder offers a 1.6x improvement in resolution, 0.90x viewfinder magnification30, a 41° diagonal FOV, and a selectable 120 fps setting for minimal motion blur.
The α7R V's two media slots support both CFexpress Type A memory cards and UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards31. The fast writing capabilities of CFexpress Type A cards contribute to the ability to process large volumes of data without stress. There are separate modes for relay and simultaneous recording.
The Still/Movie/S&Q dial allows fast, independent selection, putting the most useful shooting settings for each mode within quick reach.
The Touch Focus, Touch Tracking and Touch Shutter functions can be sequentially activated by touching an icon on the shooting display. During playback images can be selected by touch.
Easy streaming in 4K21 is possible with a UVC/UAC compatible smartphone or PC33 via USB connection34, so the α7R V can be used as a high-resolution webcam.
The camera has been redesigned from the ground up to ensure effective heat dissipation and prevent overheating. 8K 24p (25p) 10-bit 4:2:0 video can be recorded continuously for approximately 30 minutes35.
For more robust outdoor use, sealing is provided at all body seams, buttons and the battery compartment cover. A carefully designed lens lock button and cushioning around the mount also help resist dust and moisture36.
An ultrasonic actuator causes the filter in front of the image sensor to oscillate at more than 70,000 cycles per second, effectively removing dust and particles from the filter surface. There is also a Shutter When Power Off function that closes the shutter for lens changes.
