During my recent trip in a helicopter over the Adirondack Mountains and Lake George, I knew I would need a camera that could beautifully capture the foliage-filled landscape. Luckily, I was able to take along the Sony Alpha 7R V Camera to try out its all-new photo and video technology.
I put this camera to the test by doing several different shoots in the same day. As mentioned, I flew over the Catskills, but we also had a Halloween-themed photoshoot both during the day and at night. The key was to shoot a variety of elements to see how the camera can react to each one. Let’s go through some of the camera’s features that we tested out…
Key Features of the Sony Alpha 7R V Camera
- 61 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor
- BIONZ XR image processing engine
- 15 stops of dynamic range
- Advanced image stabilization with 8-stop compensation effect
- Next generation AI autofocus with real-time recognition of 7 selectable targets
- Selectable RAW options
- 4 axis multi-angle LCD monitor
- Shoots 8K video at 24/25p and 4K video at 50/60p – 10bit
- UCV/UAC USB streaming, 4K web camera, and internal recording while streaming
What’s New About the Sony Alpha 7R V Camera?
Stability and Precision
This camera still has the 5-axis stabilization that Sony is famous for. Plus, the all-new 8-stop compensation effect is an algorithm providing control down to the single pixel.
Meanwhile, the next-generation AI auto-focus offers real-time autofocus with seven subject options: Human, Animal/Bird, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplane. For example, during my photoshoot with the camera, I shot a fake skull in low-light conditions. The eye autofocus was able to recognize the orbital bone of the skull. You can also switch settings to focus on the left or right eye depending on your photo needs.
Even more so, the Sony Alpha 7R V camera’s new Car/Train option can recognize the front of a train and keep focus even while it’s moving.
Increased Adaptability
The 7R5’s multi-angle LCD monitor will also come in handy for many types of photographers. You can shoot from any position or angle with ease. The 4-axis screen gives you the option to tilt up and down, and to the side.
Not to mention, you still get amazing EVF with 9.44 million dots and the two CF Express Type A slots. You also have a intuitive touch control and new main menu which makes it very easy to change settings on the fly.
I found myself especially appreciating the selectable RAW files in the Sony Alpha 7R V. You now have large RAW (61 megapixel), medium (26 megapixel), and small (15 megapixel).
Impressive Video Capabilities
While this camera is a monster for photography, it also has some exceptional video options. You can shoot up to 8K video at 24/25p and continuously record for 30 minutes without overheating. There is also 4k video that comes at 50/60p. If you need slow motion, you can reach 120p at fullHD. You also maintain all the usual Sony settings, such as S-Cinetone and S-Log, and have a 16-bit RAW output. For those that need WiFi and super speed, you have a 10 GB USB port, which is also capable of 4K streaming and internal recording while streaming.
Who Should Use the Sony Alpha 7R V?
When I was shooting the Halloween scene in the Catskills, my focus was to check the autofocus features, color and skin tones, and dynamic range. My intention was to not only capture a beautiful portrait, but also capture the environment. This camera exceeded my expectations. Not only would this camera be a great option for portrait photography, but landscape photographers as well.
During the photoshoot, we flew over Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains. The unique colors of the autumn trees were perfectly captured by the Sony Alpha 7R V Camera. The RAW files can easily be manipulated to fix highlights and shadows: although, the photos coming out off this camera require very little color editing.
It was also able to capture details even in low-light conditions, which street photographers and videographers will find useful.
You can also watch some footage from my shoot in the video below:
If you’re a wildlife photographer, the camera’s new anti-dust system will effectively keep dust and particles out. Meanwhile the shutter-close setting (when the camera is powered off) will keep dirt from entering. Considering this — and its new optimized camera-wide heat dissipation — you’ll be prepared to shoot in any condition or environment.
Sony really listened to the needs of its customers with this model. It has all the features we know and love about Sony cameras, but with advanced AI technology that will push your work to the next level. If you are looking to switch to Sony — or currently operating on the R4 — this is a worthy upgrade.
