Sony A7RV is the fifth iteration of the company’s flagship full -frame mirrorless collection that offers enhancements over the previous models. Coming in at a recommended price-tag of S$5,749 (body only), it’s certainly aimed at the professional user and not for your average budding photographer. Check out the full run-down of the specs sheet below.
Key Specifications
- 60MP BSI CMOS sensor
- Improved AF with subject recognition
- In-body stabilization rated at up to 8.0EV
- Continuous shooting at up to 10fps with flash (JPEG or Lossy compressed Raw)
- 8K/24p or 4K/60p video (both with 1.24x crop)
- Full-width 4K up to 30p
- 10-bit 4:2:2 video options, including S-Log3, S-Cinetone and HLG
- Fully-articulated rear screen on tilt-out cradle
- Reduced-size Raw files (26MP/15MP)
- Focus bracketing mode (with stacking via computer)
- Multi-shot pixel shift high-res mode with motion compensation (via computer)
- Sensor-shift dust removal and close shutter with power off option
- 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi
- UVC/UAC USB-standard video for use as webcam
For RAW shooters who still want to shoot the format but don’t necessarily want to have to deal with the huge file size, The a7RV introduces both an MRAW (26MP) and SRAW (15MP) in the Lossless Compressed mode. It also retains multiple options for the RAW file type at full resolution, which include Uncompressed, Compressed, and Lossless Compressed.
Body and Controls
The two-layer dial that allows the user to have different configuration for stills and video is definitely something good to have. Touch control on the screen has been fully implemented on all menus with reduced input lag. There’s also a slight increase in screen size from the previous iteration, A7RIV, from 3″ to 3.2″, enough to make a difference. Articulating or folding screen? Sony chose both so we get the best of both worlds – rejoice!
Card Slot
In comparison with its previous version, the A7RIV had two UHS-II compatible slots, the A7RV went above and beyond to have dual CFExpress Type A/ UHS-II SD slots. Many professional shooters will be glad to hear this since CFExpress cards meaning faster data transfer. But not so professional shooters might not need such extensive capabilities, especially the improved buffer that comes with the faster write/read rates.
Video Capabilities
The 5-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilisation) also got a huge upgrade on the Sony body. Sony’s SteadyShot makes sure that users get the cleanest shot even handheld, especially with run-and-gun video situations. The Sony A7RV has removed all recording limits (previously 29:59), so that means you can record video in glorious 8K24P until the cows come home or your card fills up – chances are the card’s getting filled up first.
Ports
The Sony A7RV has a whole bunch of ports and we’re definitely not complaining. Full sized HDMI ports bringing big smiles for video professionals. The USB-C port is a USB3.2 Gen 2 that allows for up to 10Gbps transfer speeds. Separate microphone port on the top allows you to have an unblocked view with a front facing screen – Sony really thought of everything.
Conclusion
The Sony A7RV, paired fittingly here with the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens is a dream to use. It’s capabilities and speed makes it one of the most enjoyable cameras we’ve used for video work to date. Menu systems and button layouts are well thought out and super intuitive, especially with the full-sized HDMI port and separate 3.5 audio input and output jacks.
While the only possible downside is it’s high price tag, you’re definitely getting a lot of camera for what you’re paying for. And especially if this is going to be your workhorse, the Sony A7RV will surely pay itself off in no time.
