Sony Releases a7 V Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

On December 2nd, Sony released the a7V full-frame mirrorless camera. A kit including the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens is planned for release after spring 2026. This model is positioned as the entry-level model in the α series of full-frame mirrorless cameras. It is the successor to its predecessor, the a7IV, released in 2021, four years later. Its marketing slogan is "Redefine basic."

The AIxSPEED camera concept utilizes a new image sensor and image processor, both firsts for the a series. The image sensor features the a series' first partially stacked CMOS EXmor RS. It has approximately 33 million effective pixels, the same as its predecessor. However, compared to the back-illuminated sensor of the a74, this model uses a partially stacked sensor, resulting in improved readout speed. The new model supports continuous shooting at up to approximately 30 frames per second without blackout. In terms of continuous shooting capability, it rivals the high-end a11 model, which uses a stacked CMOS sensor.

The image processor is the BIONZ XR2. Its key feature is the integration of the AI ​​processing unit, previously a separate device in some α models, into a single chip as the image processor. This reportedly enables high-performance AI-based autofocus while maintaining low power consumption, high computational power, and high speed. AF/AE calculations are performed at 60 times per second.

Incidentally, the AI ​​processing unit, capable of advanced subject recognition through AI processing including deep learning, was first used in the a7R V released in 2022. Other models using this unit include the a1l, a9l, a7C1, a7CR, and a6700. Since the a7IV released in 2021 did not feature it, the a7 V marks the first time this technology has been adopted in the basic product line.