Sony has officially launched the A7 V, the long-awaited successor to the hugely popular Sony A7 IV. With both models positioned as hybrid full-frame mirrorless cameras aimed at advanced enthusiasts and professionals, many are now asking: how does the Sony A7 V vs A7 IV comparison work out?
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At first glance, both cameras share a similar design, featuring a 33MP full-frame sensor and the familiar compact A7-series body. However, under the hood, the A7 V delivers several important upgrades that position it as a significant step forward, especially in autofocus performance and video capability.
The biggest difference is the inclusion of Sony’s new AI processing unit in the A7 V, which vastly improves subject detection and tracking. Real-time Eye AF now includes a broader range of subjects, such as vehicles and insects, in addition to humans, animals, and birds. While the A7 IV features excellent autofocus, the A7 V’s system is faster and more accurate in dynamic environments.
Another standout improvement is the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The A7 V boasts a 9.44M-dot OLED EVF—more than double the resolution of the A7 IV’s 3.69M-dot unit—resulting in a crisper, more immersive shooting experience, particularly useful for manual focus or fast action scenes.
Video shooters also benefit from the A7 V’s 4K 60p oversampled from 7K, compared to the A7 IV’s 4K 60p from a cropped 4.6K region. Heat management has also been refined, allowing longer recording times without overheating, which was a concern with the A7 IV during extended 4K sessions.
The ergonomics have received minor tweaks, with the A7 V offering improved grip comfort and slightly revised button placement. However, both models retain dual card slots, USB-C connectivity, and similar body sizes.
If you’re a current A7 IV user primarily shooting stills and occasional video, the jump to the A7 V may not be essential. But for those focused on fast-paced photography, wildlife, or advanced video work, the A7 V’s performance leaps—particularly in autofocus and viewfinder clarity—make it a compelling upgrade.
Sony A7 IV Vs Sony A7 V Specifications Comparison:
| Feature | Sony A7 IV | Sony A7 V |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 33MP Exmor R CMOS | 33MP Exmor R CMOS |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | BIONZ XR + AI Unit |
| Autofocus Points | 759 phase-detect | 759 phase-detect + AI Tracking |
| Subject Detection | Human, Animal, Bird | Adds Vehicles, Insects |
| Viewfinder | 3.69M-dot OLED | 9.44M-dot OLED |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch, 1.03M-dot | 3.2-inch, higher brightness |
| Video Resolution | 4K 60p (cropped) | 4K 60p (oversampled from 7K) |
| Colour Profiles | S-Log3, S-Cinetone | S-Log3, S-Cinetone |
| IBIS | 5-axis, up to 5.5 stops | 5-axis, up to 7 stops |
| Body Weight | Approx. 658g | Approx. 672g |
Price and Availability:
The Sony A7 IV is currently available for around £2,199 / $2,299. The new Sony A7 V is priced slightly higher at £2,399 / $2,499 and is available for pre-order via Sony’s official site at https://www.sony.co.uk/. While both cameras offer excellent value, the A7 V justifies its premium with cutting-edge features that will appeal to power users seeking the best of Sony’s hybrid imaging tech.
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