Choosing a new camera can be a daunting task, especially with the rapid advancements in technology and the wide range of options available. For photographers who prioritize image quality and advanced features, the Sony a7R V has remained a popular choice since its release. But is it still worth considering in 2024, with newer models on the horizon?
Coming to you from Dan Watson, this insightful video explores the Sony a7R V and its relevance in the current camera landscape. Watson, a seasoned camera reviewer, shares his personal experience with the a7R V, highlighting the features that ultimately convinced him to purchase it after a lengthy deliberation period. He emphasizes the subtle yet impactful improvements in ergonomics and hardware, such as the innovative articulating screen and refined button placement, which contribute to a more enjoyable and efficient shooting experience.
Watson dives into the camera's autofocus capabilities, praising the AI-powered system that distinguishes subjects from their surroundings, ensuring accurate focus tracking even when other objects momentarily obstruct the view. He also touches upon the video capabilities of the a7R V, acknowledging its limitations compared to dedicated video-centric cameras but recognizing its strengths in 8K resolution and impressive low-light performance.
While the a7R V might not be the absolute best in every category, its well-rounded feature set and exceptional image quality make it a compelling option for photographers invested in the Sony ecosystem. The recent price drop further enhances its appeal, positioning it as a strong competitor against newer models that often prioritize speed and video features over sheer image resolution and dynamic range.
Whether you're a professional photographer or an enthusiast seeking top-tier image quality, the Sony a7R V remains a relevant and powerful tool in 2024. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Watson.
I have this camera and more that I got since 2014 and I am a Stills shooter only. Yes this camera is like a miracle But with a lot learning to know what you can do if you are a hobbyist there is a challenge everyday but still any Sony camera will give you thoughts of images to float around in your dreams. There is one thing I have had since the beginning with my A7SM1 and that is a L-Bracket this camera and the A7SM3 they no longer work because of the rear screen moving every which way. Now SmallRig has a model with a round hole for a lens to go through and an extended part to mount to a tripod, I fell for it as well as the one for the A7SM3 that had a slot cut into the L-Bracket that was more in the way than anything. With this camera and the A7SM3 just go back to the plate needed for you tripod like the old days before L-Brackets, yea I know what about portrait view? You have IBIS and lenses with IS/OSS just hold it that way. I found out about just holding it every which way when I got the A7RM2 and had my tripod but forgot to put the plate for the camera on while at Antelope Canyon BUT did bracketing the norm for most of 3 at +/- 2EV while others with DSLR's did long exposures on sticks all came out fine.
The next thing is Why the need for so many Pixels? Well I got the A7RM2 in '17 for the IBIS mainly but when it is stated "for cropping" it took some time to understand until I did some birding even with the 200-600 and the added 2x teleconverter (no need for the 1.4x because going APS-C mode you get 1.5x) yes you lose 2 stops but hey you have the best of ISO's with less noise. This camera with eye AF using the square at center of image and tracking or even a bird in the nest may be even further you get focused bird while flying and then cropping in. Example I had this camera with my ever ready 24-240mm and shooting at a rookery say 100 to 200 yards and even in APS-C getting 36-360 half of the 200-600mm I got in focus shots that I cropped getting images looking like I was standing 20 yards away!
Also there is Astro MW you can do but requires a faster SS than the A7SM3 even with both the same lens 12-24mm the 3rd image 14mm f/1.8, 6s, ISO 1600. 4th 24-240mm at 126 mm and no cropping. From my A7S with a couple books by Brian Smith and today with books like from Gary L. Friedman that is 600+ pages are need because reviewers on the net do not have the time to show the whole bucket full of things, like what setting are for jpegs only and have to affect on raw. A couple of things left behind with new ones are a panorama mode on the dail and second apps on and processed in camera that are fun to play with so do not forget to look at older Sony cameras that will have life in them for a long time while the other makers struggle to make theirs as good. and like said in the beginning of this video it is hard to move to another brand with a box full of lenses.