Sony Alpha A7R V: The Best Mirrorless Camera of 2021

The Sony Alpha A7R V is the newest addition to Sony's mirrorless camera lineup. With a brand new 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, incredible autofocus capabilities, and lightning-fast image processing, the A7R V is quickly becoming popular among photography enthusiasts. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what makes the Sony Alpha A7R V stand out among other mirrorless cameras in the market and why it's one of the best cameras of 2021.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Alpha A7R V article cover photo

Key Features

Oct 26 2022

Announced

61 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight723g
MSRP$3898USD

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Overview of the Alpha A7R V

As the world of photography continues to evolve, so does the technology behind the cameras we use. With the release of the Sony Alpha A7R V, photography enthusiasts are experiencing a groundbreaking new mirrorless camera. The A7R V features a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor that delivers stunning detail and color accuracy, along with cutting-edge autofocus capabilities that make capturing stunning shots a breeze. In this blog, we'll delve into some of the key features of the Sony Alpha A7R V and explore what sets it apart as one of the top mirrorless cameras in the market today.

Sony Alpha A7R V Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Alpha A7R V camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution sensor (61 MP)
Fast autofocus system
High-quality video recording (4K)
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)
Compact and lightweight design
Weather sealing
Wide dynamic range and low light performance
Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
Excellent electronic viewfinder
Compatible with a wide range of lenses

Cons

Expensive price point
No built-in flash
Battery life could be better
Limited touchscreen functionality
No dual card slots
Limited buffer capacity for continuous shooting
Limited native lens selection
Menu system can be complex for new users
No headphone jack for monitoring audio
Limited compatibility with third-party accessories.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Alpha A7R V

Weather sealed
Dimensions131 x 97 x 82mm
Weight723g
Thickness82mm
Weight
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Max
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Weather Sealing

The Sony Alpha A7R V camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Alpha A7R V is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully articulated
Screen Resolution2,360k dots
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyExcellent
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 2,360k dots. This makes the Sony Alpha A7R V very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Alpha A7R V includes a electronic viewfinder with 9,440k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.9x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony Alpha A7R V has a 61MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 61 pixels. Sony Alpha A7R V has a native ISO range of 100 - 32000 which can be boosted to 50 - 102800. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Oct 26 2022

Announced

100 - 32000

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISO50 - 102800
Max resolution9504 x 6336 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Alpha A7R V camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Alpha A7R V is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageDual SD/CFexpress Type A slots
Battery Life600 shots
Battery ModelNP-FZ100
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony Alpha A7R V supports Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Sony Alpha A7R V is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.

Battery

The Sony Alpha A7R V uses the NP-FZ100 model of battery pack. This is rated for 600 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony Alpha A7R V does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sony Alpha A7R V boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of 10.0 fps or an electronic shutter speed of 7.0 fps, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony Alpha A7R V includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 693 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony Alpha A7R V?

The Sony Alpha A7R V features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Sony Alpha A7R V weather sealed?

Yes the Alpha A7R V does have weather sealing.

When was the Sony Alpha A7R V announced?

The Sony Alpha A7R V was announced on Oct 26 2022

Does the Sony Alpha A7R V have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Alpha A7R V does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony Alpha A7R V?

The Alpha A7R V has a native ISO range of 100-32000, which can be expanded to ISO 50-102800 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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