Sony A7R V: Is this the ultimate camera for pros?

The camera world is advancing very fast. Every year, companies release new models with better performance and more features. We all feel that familiar itch: Should I upgrade to the new one? Since the Sony A7R V has been launched, that question feels much more pressing. This camera has a remarkable 61MP BSI CMOS sensor, with the largest resolution of 9504 x 6336. Being so powerful makes it the ultimate camera for professionals? Or probably another highly priced gadget?

Did you consider investing a considerable amount of money? And jumping into the world of high resolution cameras? Should you upgrade from an older Sony camera model, even the A7R IV? Then this post is for you. 

Why should you care about Sony Alpha A7R V?

Sony’s A7R range has always been about delivering astonishing performance. Its predecessor, the A7R IV, set the new limit of 61 MP. Despite that, the A7R V keeps the same 61 MP sensor; there is much more going on.

Being a professional, you know that the extra resolution, can make a significant difference. Especially if you are cropping a lot or printing in large formats. The A7R V has plenty of features that make it a serious contender for professionals. 

Is the 61 MP resolution overkill?

Yes, 61MP is mind blowing. Is like having a microscope in your hands. It captures everything, every little detail, every shade with top-notch clarity.

What we like about it:

It is super flexible. You can crop a lot and still have superb clarity. It’s a perfect benefit when you are not able to get closer to the subject. Or when you need to reframe it in post production. You will love it.

If your niche is product photography, or something that requires a lot of detail, then the Sony A7R V is stunning. 

What we don’t like:

One of its downsides is the storage; it creates huge RAW files that fill up your memory card quite quickly. Approximately 37MB per file (lossy compression). If you choose to buy the A7R V, get ready to buy high capacity storage as well. 

If you are a portrait photographer, 61 MP might feel like overkill.

A7RV has a smarter and faster autofocus.

The new feature on the A7R line is an AI autofocus system with 759 phase detection points. It can track small subjects with high accuracy. 

What we like:

With this new AI autofocus technology, it is as if the camera already knows what you want to focus on before you do it. It can recognise human eyes, animal eyes, birds, or whatever your subject might be. Wildlife photographers will be very pleased with these features.

A7R V autofocus system is rock solid, not just marketing hype. The autofocus locks and stays locked on the subject. On any shooting conditions, low light or fast moving.

What we don’t like:

As with any new feature you might face, there is a learning curve. You will need some time to find the best settings for your style. Test the autofocus modes and the tracking in different situations to grasp it better.

A pleasant surprise at the video’s capabilities.

Mainly, the Sony A7R V is designed for photographers. But it also offers reliability for videographers as well. Quite remarkable: 8K video at 24fps and 4K at 60fps. 

What we like:

It gives you the opportunity to shoot 8K, but not everyone needs it. The extra resolution is a plus; it offers an amplified range to crop or zoom in. If you like a camera that fits both photography and video, then this fits you well.

What we don’t like:

If you are an intense videographer, I do not recommend the A7R V as the best choice. The 8K video quality is nice to have. But the 24fps is not that great. Also, it has overheating issues when you are recording for a long time. The Sony A7S III is a better choice if you want to use it for video.

Handling and build quality: built to last.

Sony produces high quality cameras and the A7RV is no exception. This camera can handle any weather conditions, making it perfect for the outdoors. Also, the ergonomics have improved, with a more comfortable grip.

What we like:

Weather sealing is an advantage for anyone shooting outdoors. Another benefit is the tilting screen, very useful for difficult angles.

What we don’t like:

The ergonomics are improved, but not perfect. If you have larger hands, you might find the grip somewhat uncomfortable. If you add a battery grip, it might solve the issue.

What is the Sony camera price? And is it worth investing in it?

With a price tag of around £3,600, it is far away from being classified as cheap. For such an amount, you can buy a car or 2-3 used cameras.

What we like:

The A7R V is an investment, a tool for professionals, that will pay for itself in the long term.

Its 61 MP, 8K AI clever autofocus makes it future proof. Definitely you won’t want to upgrade anytime soon. 

What we don’t like:

For anyone who does not need such high specifications, it might feel like overkill. If you don’t use it for commercial work, then you should consider other alternatives, like the A7 IV or A7R IV. Great performance with a decent price tag.

Sony Alpha A7R V: for who really is?

If you are a professional photographer, who wants the best resolution and wants a camera that’s future proof, then this one is great companion. It’s great for anyone who wants extreme details.

If your intention is to use it casually, then you should consider alternatives like the A7 IV or A7 III.

Is the Sony A7R V the ultimate camera?

Sony A7R V is a powerhouse, built for professionals. It has incredible resolution, advanced autofocus, which makes it great for serious photographers.

It’s all about your needs. If you need extreme performance and details, then go for it; it’s worth it. Otherwise, you should consider the A7R IV or A7 IV, which are affordable and reliable.

Please see the other article about Sony A7 IV vs. A7 III: Which one is the best for you. You will find out more about the Sony A7 line. In there, we highlight the features and performance. It can help you to decide what camera fits your needs better.

For more technical specifications about the Sony A7R V, please visit Sony official website.