A Goldilocks camera that's not afraid to punch above its weight class, the Sony a7 V is a hybrid mirrorless camera with strong photo performance, strong video recording capabilities, and a healthy dose of the latest AI-based subject recognition and autofocus tech from its flagship siblings. Built for content creators, this is a workhorse camera more than capable of handling everything from high-speed action photography to daily vlogs to full multimedia coverage of events.
The first Sony camera to feature a partially stacked sensor, the a7 V's 33MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor offers faster readout speeds and reduced rolling shutter compared to the a7 IV. Coupled with a new processor, this sensor also enables a handful of flagship-level benefits, including more advanced subject recognition and tracking, faster continuous shooting performance, and improved image quality with 16 stops of dynamic range. The sensor offers a native ISO range of 100-51200 and the partially stacked design also contributes to a faster 1/16,000-sec top electronic shutter speed.
Another contributor to the increased speed and overall performance, the new BIONZ XR2 processor incorporates an AI unit for enhanced autofocus, better color accuracy, and greater auto white balance consistency from frame to frame.
The increased processing efficiency also enables blackout-free 30 fps continuous shooting, with full-time AF and AE, as well as 7K-oversampled 4K 60p video recording and high-speed 4K 120p recording using a S35 area.
Upgraded from its predecessor, the in-body image stabilization system has been revised to support up to 7.5 stops of camera shake compensation in the center of the frame and 6.5 stops at the periphery. This 5-axis stabilization system combines a high-performance gyro sensor with an optimized algorithm for more precise shake control and improved communication between the camera body and lens.
The autofocus performance of the a7 V is a key area of improvement over previous generations; borrowing from the flagship camera, the a7 V now sports an AI Processing Unit and refined subject detection and tracking. The phase-detection AF system itself still comprises 759 points, which cover about 94% of the sensor area, and support focusing down to -4 EV. Subject tracking and subject detection is improved, too, specifically how the camera is 30-50% faster to recognize animals and birds compared to the a7 IV.
