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Sony Debuts AI Technology in Sony A7R V

Sony A7R V, rear

re: What Does the Future Hold for a Sony A7R V?

I will be testing the Sony A7R V just as soon as it becomes available (December 2022).

Use this link to preorder Sony A7R V starting Oct 27 @ 7 AM Pacific time

A few years back, Sony announced the formation of its AI (artificial intelligence) group. That effort has apparently borne fruit, and it should be interesting to see just how well it works.

Will the Sony A1 or Sony A7R IV gain any of the new features via firmware upgrade, eg focus stacking support?

Overall, I would characterize the Sony A7R V as primarily a functionality upgrade: operational improvements, computational photography gains, improved EVF and speed, etc. Watch the video if you can’t get to sleep.

  • 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
  • BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit
  • AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
  • 8K 24p, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
  • 4K 16-Bit Raw Output; S-Log3/S-Cinetone
  • 9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
  • 3.2" 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • 10 fps Shooting with AF/AE Tracking
  • 8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization
  • Dual CFExpress Type A/SD Card Slots

Thank you for for ordering your A7R V and all gear all the time these links or any link on this site. It helps fund my work, and it also means that B&H Photo can make loaner gear available for review.

Sony and Recommended Lenses (partial list)
$2948 SAVE $250 = 7.0% Sony a7R IVA Mirrorless Camera IN STOCK in Cameras: Mirrorless
$2848 SAVE $150 = 5.0% Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 FE GM IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless
$798 SAVE $100 = 11.0% Sony 20mm f/1.8 FE G IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless
$1248 SAVE $150 = 10.0% Sony 24mm f/1.4 FE GM IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless
$1248 SAVE $150 = 10.0% Sony 35mm f/1.4 FE GM IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless
$1848 SAVE $150 = 7.0% Sony 50mm f/1.2 FE GM Lens (Sony E) IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless
$948 SAVE $150 = 13.0% Sony 90mm f/2.8 FE Macro G OSS IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless
$1848 SAVE $150 = 7.0% Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 FE G OSS IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless

Three sharpness enhancing features

Autofocus — AI-based autofocus is surely the future. The only question is how far this first iteration will move the bar forward. Accurate focus is the #1 factor in image sharpness, so this is an exciting development for many shooting scenarios.

Image stabilization —  improved (8 stops claimed) extends the shooting envelope and dovetails with the sharpness thing, reducing blur shooting handheld.

Focus bracketing —  At long last, focus stacking support via a focus bracketing drive mode. But will it be as brain-dead as pixel shift mode, insisting on storing uncompressed raw files?

Others

Frame averaging — apparently none (why is low-hanging fruit left unpicked?), but see the workaround using pixel shift.

Pixel shift — Improvements include subject motion correction. But if this requires the Sony Imaging Edge crapware, then you’re stuck with workflow-disrupting dreck software that might or might not exist 10 years from now (gimme a DNG at least!), instead of blazing-fast LibRaw PixelShift2DNG. It’s not clear if the corrections are done in camera, or in the software—probably in the software—yuck.

Resolution —  Past work proves that the 61MP sensor of the Sony A7R IV offers near-nil real-world advantage in resolving power over the 50MP sensor of the Sony A1, or even vs the 42MP Sony A7R III. But if the sensor in the A7R V is improved somehow, maybe there will be a discernible albeit small difference if not stopped down too far.

Sony Electronics' New Alpha 7R V Camera Delivers a New High-Resolution Imaging Experience with AI-Based Autofocus

Sony Electronics - 10/26/2022 New Artificial Intelligence (AI) Processing Unit with 61 MP High Resolution Image Sensor and BIONZ XR™ Processing Engine Combine to Deliver Best-Ever Image Quality for an Alpha Body

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Electronics Inc. announced the Alpha 7R V (model ILCE-7RM5) as the newest R series camera in its acclaimed line of Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The Alpha 7R V combines Sony's highest resolution image sensor in an Alpha camera with a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition – a first in any Alpha camera – as well as the powerful BIONZ XR™ image processing engine – a first in the "R" full-frame lineup. The combination of the high-resolution sensor and these processors enables new breakthroughs in subject recognition and capture for both still photography and video.

The new Alpha 7R V offers 61.0MP still images plus the most effective 8-stepi image stabilization system ever offered in any of Sony's Alpha cameras, as well as refined 8Kii movie recording, a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, high-speed communication functions, high-level operability and smooth workflow integration. Sony's newest camera is ideal for professionals who need a first-class high-resolution imaging tool.

"The newest addition to our Alpha 7R lineup is the perfect example of our relentless drive to develop industry-leading imaging technology," said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. "We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Alpha 7R V with high-resolution and extremely advanced AI integrations that deliver next-generation autofocus performance. We are excited to see what our community creates with the new Alpha 7R V."

Improved AF Accuracy Based on Newly Developed AI Processing Unit

The Alpha 7R V features next-generation AF Real-time Recognition AF, with advanced accuracy and broader subject recognition thanks to a new AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit with deep learning. The state-of-the-art AI processing uses detailed information about human form and pose estimation to dramatically improve recognition accuracy beyond systems which only detect face and eye and make full use of its potentialiii . Real-time Recognition AF, using AI subject recognition, has been developed to include several subject types, including animals, vehicles and insectsiv. The Alpha 7R V also includes continuous shooting at up to 10 fpsv with AF/AE tracking.

In addition to the advanced AI technology, the Alpha 7R V includes improvement to many beloved features from other cameras in Sony's Alpha series that are now included for the first time in Sony's 7R series:

  • Tenacious Real-time Trackingvi
  • Faster and more precise wide-area, high-density AF system
  • Silent, vibration-free shootingvii at up to 7 fpsviii
  • Continuously shoot up to 583 compressed RAW images at high speedix

The Alpha 7R V also includes focus features that support high resolution including full-time DMFx (direct manual focus), and focus bracketingxi, a highly-requested capability that allows for focus stacked images.


Extraordinary Resolution Known to Sony's Alpha 7R Series

The Alpha 7R V was designed to deliver overwhelming detail thanks to the latest BIONZ XR™ image processing engine and a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels. The latest BIONZ XR image processing engine ensures that the resolution potential of the camera's sensor is fully utilized to deliver the highest resolution at low sensitivity in the Alpha series thus far. This enables sensitivity settings from ISO 100 to ISO 32000xii for both stills and movies and wide dynamic range with 15 stopsxiii for stills.

The Alpha 7R V's entire image stabilization system has been updated with a high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimized image stabilization algorithms for stills and video. In addition to up to the 8-step compensation effect for stills, the new stabilization algorithm provides precise detection and control right down to the single-pixel level, taking full advantage of the sensor's 61.0-megapixel resolution potential to bring out the finest subject details. Sony's newest camera also offers upgraded Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, which takes advantage of the precision in-body image stabilization system control, capturing multiple pixel-shifted images that are later composited using a computer to achieve overwhelming resolution in a single image. Using the latest version of Imaging Edge Desktop™ Ver.3.5 computer application, small pixel-level movements, such as a shift in the subject's position or leaves on a tree, are automatically detected and corrected for optimized compositing can be achievedxiv. 16-image composites with approximately 240.8 million pixels (19,008 x 12,672 pixels)xv can be produced from data that is equivalent to approximately 963.2 million pixels. The Alpha 7R V also supports precise and versatile external flash control for additional creative flexibility. Additionally, when in challenging lighting conditions the Alpha 7R V effectively suppresses flickering from artificial lightsxvi for stills and video.

Additional features that offer flexibility for still photography includes:

  • Addition of Lossless RAW image compression and selectable RAW image sizes and quality
  • Greatly expanded focus and exposure bracketing
  • Creative Look settings for stills and videos in camera
  • High-quality HEIF images with high compression efficiency
  • Wide brightness range for large screen viewing.

Cinematic Video Capabilities

In addition to incredible still photography capabilities, the Alpha 7R V offers advanced video capabilities. Sony's newest camera delivers 8Ki 24/25p video, 4Kvideo oversampled from 6.2K without binningxvii, a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, all intra recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and more for high image quality and flexible editing. It also includes evolved subject recognition for unprecedented real-time tracking reliability, breathing compensation and the ability to use camera metadata for post-processing and advanced in-body image stabilization. In addition to in-body Active modexviii image stabilization for smoother on-the-go recording, the Alpha 7R V is compatible with select lensesxix that include built-in image stabilization for even more stable framing and smooth footage.

Operability and Reliability

The Alpha 7R V pairs outstanding reliability for professional needs in both stills and videos with a compact, lightweight form factor. The Alpha 7R V includes a new 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitorxx that combines the utility of a conventional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility, and an electronic viewfinder with 9.44 million dots. The Alpha 7R V also includes two CFexpress Type A/SDXC compatible media slots and a brand-new menu system with touch control and a wide range of customizable functions.

The Alpha 7R V also allows professionals to optimize their workflow with updated connectivity for improved support. Data can be transferred at high speed over Wi-Fi (802.11ac) 2x2 MIMOxxi or a wired SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps connection via a USB-C® port. In addition to allowing efficient remote shooting as well as still and movie file transfers, new USB streaming features support UVC/UAC, allowing direct streaming from the camera even in 4K (QFHD) resolution with audio as well.

Based on feedback from professionals, the Alpha 7R V includes improved heat dissipation for extended recording timesxxii, an upgraded dust and moisture resistant designxxiii, a durable magnesium alloy chassis, and other refinements for maximum reliability in challenging working environments.

The Alpha 7R V is also compatible with the new PCK-LG3 Screen Protect Glass Sheet, which maintains touch sensitivity while protecting the LCD monitor against stains and fingerprints.  

Designed for Professionals with Sustainability in Mind

Measures have been taken to reduce the environmental footprint of this product at various stages of its life cycle: from product development through supply chain, production, and packaging. Sony aims to inspire through efficient use of energy and resources. Recycled plastic including SORPLAS™xxiv were partially used for the camera body. In addition, manufacturing takes place at a facility using renewable energy.

Sony is working towards the use of plastic freexxv packaging materials that provide ample protection against shock and impact. Plant-based non-woven fabrics are used for product bagsxxvi. All of these considerations help to minimize environmental impact.

Pricing and Availability

The new Alpha 7R V will begin shipping in December and is available for approximately $3,900 USD and $5,300 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.



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