Sony announces $4,699 A7 V with partially-stacked 33MP sensor, 30fps

Sony has introduced the A7 V, the fifth-generation model in its full-frame mirrorless A7 series.

The camera features a new 33-megapixel partially stacked Exmor RS sensor and an upgraded BIONZ XR2 processor with integrated AI, bringing improvements to autofocus, readout speed, colour accuracy, and video capabilities.

The update positions the A7 V alongside recent competitors such as the Canon EOS R6 III, Panasonic S1II, and Nikon Z6III.

Autofocus is a major focus for Sony with the A7 V. The company reports a roughly 30% increase in subject recognition accuracy compared to the A7 IV.

The system now supports six subject types plus a configurable Auto mode, with 759 phase-detection points covering up to 94% of the frame and tracking down to EV -4.

Faster sensor readout enables blackout-free shooting at up to 30fps with AF/AE tracking using the electronic shutter.

This is a significant improvement over the A7 IV, which topped out at 10fps, whether using its mechanical or electronic shutter. That said, the A7 V still shoots at 10 fps when using its mechanical shutter.

This is made by possible by a new processor, which is an update to the one found in Sony's earlier cameras, such as the A1 II, A7R V and A6700, which used distinct processors for managing autofocus and processing.

Now, both functions are bundled onto the one chip, which Sony says makes the system more efficient when doing the same tasks.

A new Pre-Capture mode that first appeared in the a9 III has also been added. This saves frames up to one second before the shutter is pressed.

The A7 V offers up to 16 stops of dynamic range with the mechanical shutter and introduces AI-assisted auto white balance for more consistent colours in mixed lighting.

Video capabilities have also been enhanced. The camera now supports oversampled 7K-to-4K 60p recording in full-frame mode and 4K 120p in Super 35/APS-C mode. Full pixel readout without binning, upgraded Dynamic Active stabilisation, and improved heat management extend recording options.

However, features like open gate shooting, DCI 4K, and internal RAW capture remain absent, unlike rival models in this price range such as the Canon EOS R6 III, and Panasonic S1II.

The new processor enables algorithm-driven features such as Auto Framing, which crops and follows a subject within the frame.

Users can set up a wide-angle shot while the camera simulates operator-style panning, with three crop levels and an option to briefly show the full frame before zooming in on the subject.

Body design is largely similar to the A7 IV, with the same 3.69M-dot viewfinder (0.78x magnification), but adds a fully articulating 4-axis multi-angle LCD. Other updates include Wi-Fi 6E, dual USB-C ports, and a redesigned grip.

Battery life is rated at 750 shots using the rear screen and 630 shots via the viewfinder, a noticeable improvement over the previous model, which is pretty impressive as it relies on the same battery as that camera. 

Alongside the camera, Sony announced the FE 28–70mm F3.5–5.6 OSS II, a compact standard zoom lens designed for high-speed shooting with coordinated stabilisation and improved autofocus.

The Alpha 7 V will be available in Australia from mid-December for $4,699 AUD, with the FE 28–70mm lens following in mid-January for $699 AUD.