Sony a7RV (a7R5) Definitive Review: the Maturation of 61MP

Photographer Dustin Abbott shares a deep dive review into the amazing new Sony a7RV (a7r V | a7R MK5) - 61MP | Read the Text Review: bit.ly/ILCE-7RM5da | Visit the Image Gallery: bit.ly/ILCE-7RM5pics | Purchase the Sony a7RV @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/3ZivNyZ | Adorama howl.me/cjNY1LU3gFH | Amazon amzn.to/3CRCDlq | Camera Canada shrsl.com/3vulf | Sony Canada bit.ly/BuyA7R5 | Amazon Canada amzn.to/3H8yeNH | Amazon UK amzn.to/3kbg5FM
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Table of Contents:
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0:00​ - Intro to the a7RV
1:07 - Build and Features
8:30 - Autofocus
14:20 - Image Quality
32:00 - Video
34:40 - Conclusion and Pricing
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Keywords: Sony a7R5, Sony a7RV, ILCE-7RM5, Sony a7R5 review, Sony a7RV review, Review, Telephoto, Action, Tracking, Hands On, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Sharpness, Bokeh, Flare Resistance, Autofocus, Image Quality, Sample Images, Video, Photography, Sony a9, sony a7III, sony a7RIV, a9II, Sony Alpha 1, Sony A1 let the light in, #letthelightin, DA

[@RickAtlanta]

Excellent video. I just purchased this camera and your video helped to better understand it. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meta4101]

Dustin, thanks for the best body and lens reviews (on KZbin or anywhere for that matter). Your reviews are comprehensive, meticulous and always spot on.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@bluecheese20401]

I've had this for 2 months or so now. .The most honest thing I can say is that it's like having a cheat code on. Video, autofocus...image quality are sensational. Makes me think the a1ii and the a9iii are gonna be stupidly gd too.the a7r5 is incredible imo

[@markshirley01]

Its £3000 now here in the UK about £1000 more than I wanted to pay, but its just got everything I could need for hybrid work. I plan on getting the Tamron 20-40mm and keeping that lens on permanently. My current lenses are 20 24 35 and 50. I reckon if I put it into crop mode at 40 im covered

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's the way I felt the first time I did tracking with an a9. It was so effortless compared to anything I'd seen on DSLRs.

[@bluecheese20401]

@@markshirley01 With those lenses you''ll enjoy this camera

[@jlozano281]

Its an excellent second camera for my A1. I love using it and sometimes leave the a1 at home.

[@paulspeller572]

@@markshirley01 £3000 in the UK? Where?

[@andymiles5156]

Totally agree Dustin. Not only has Sony added some great features to this camera such as the rear screen and AI focusing, it’s the fact that it’s implemented and tidied up so many minor things that really makes it feel complete. I feel like I’m using a camera from a camera company rather than an electronics company. I’ll mostly use medium raw reserving the large raw for landscape/architecture/macro. I love that I can use medium raw and then use APSC mode to get extra length from the lens with the resolution staying the same.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

"I feel like I’m using a camera from a camera company rather than an electronics company." That's a great line. I should have thought it up and used it ;)

[@Eddie87Grant]

You definitely brought up some good points and a great perspective about it being a camera from a camera company instead of an electronics company. You gave me an excellent thing to truly think about!!! Thank you!!! This camera on my to buy list!!!

[@Eddie87Grant]

@@DustinAbbottTWIAndy brought that perspective home!!!

[@danclark9987]

Andy, good comments. I am looking forward to getting mine. About “…tidied up so many things…”, I can’t comment much because I have no experience with the Alpha series. That said, I’m a retired software engineer with 40+ years experience. What I learned in that time is that many engineers (software, hardware, etc) develop features they think are important but customers do not. My Panasonic GH3 is full of those features. It got so bad that I stopped using it and just got by with my iPhone for the last several years. I’ve watched many a7RV You Tubes over the last month or so. My constant reactions have been, “Damn that’s nice.” “Oooh, be still my heart”. “That’s a feature I can use!” 💕. And your comment was right on…. Unlike Panasonic (based on my experience), Sony is a camera company and not an electronics company. The a7R5 is mature and appears to have ALL of the major features that I want.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

I remember some of your older videos where we both agreed that Sony needed to implement a smaller RAW option. I'm very glad to see that not only they listened, but that the result is really good!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly.

[@BrunoMira]

Excellent work, as always, Dustin! Currently waiting for my a7r v to arrive. Can't wait for it!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@jlozano281]

You will love it. Paired with the 135GM its excellent even in low light it just works!

[@FilmyDawidK]

Thank you Dustin for the review, as always very nice and through! Probably worth mentioning that Sony added few welcome futters like focus stacking, expanded bulb mode and improved pixel shift mode. Looking forward for review of new Sony lenses - 70-200GM II and 24-70 GM II :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've got those lenses both coming mid-February.

[@syrcular]

Hey Dustin! I just wanted to thank you for your definitive review of the A7rV. I've watched a lot of them on YT, but yours is by far the best when going over the photography features of this camera. I'm really glad you went over the MRAW and SRAW options. I totally agree with you, that this camera is a very complete system. I admit I was at first very dismissive of the the A7rV especially being an A1 owner myself, but after I was able to get my hands on one to test, I completely underestimated the capabilities of this camera. The flexibility of essentially a tri-resolution sensor, mixed with its AF improvements, rear screen design, and overall improved processing compared to the A7rIV, makes me really think about making this my secondary or B camera to my Sony A1. I'm curious, to see how it compares in dynamic range and high ISO performance when comparing it to the A7IV. I'm considering selling my A7IV to replace it with the A7rV if I can get similar or better high iso performance compared to the A7IV. I know that the A7IV has a larger ISO range, but I am curious about how they compare within the normal ISO range. This camera was a lot better than I had thought!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a very solid camera now. I'm impressed.

[@wawanbalik]

Another wonderful, well detailed review Dustin, thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@donaldstuckey9096]

Excellent review Dustin. I certainly agree with your conclusion that the A7R5 is a very complete camera. My first Sony body was the original nex-7. This is when Sony first to introduced the e-mount system. Since then many of the Sony cameras have suffered with autofocus and image quality issues and actual camera performance. The A7R 5 demonstrates years of r&d that has produced a excellent result. Looking over a recent event shoot that I did I found that I had so many of the profile shots where you could hardly see the eye many of them the subjects had on glasses were perfectly and focus. Even in a recent partridge shoot with my mother the autofocus nailed her eye threw a pair of dark sunglasses. Not to mention how impressed I have been with the cameras ability to quickly transfer images onto my phone. It's not perfect but it is one of the best somebody cameras that I have ever used.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's great anecdotal feedback.

[@6gwilliams]

Thanks again Dustin for another comprehensive real-world review. You are the best. Cheers

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@davidromano2421]

Nice job on the review, as always! I've just spent some time with the camera and have been looking closely at the underexposure recovery, comparing it to the A7rii I also have. Even though the noise is about a half stop worse in the new camera, I'm really pleased with the ability to recover underexposed images. I've found that it's better to underexpose by 4 stops at ISO 100, than it is to correctly expose at ISO 1600. The A7rii could only benefit from a 3 stop push.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The RII has a great sensor for ISO sensitivity, but dynamic range has improved a bit in the RV

[@davidromano2421]

@@DustinAbbottTWI yes it has, I think the two things get conflated often. Very closely related, but not the same thing

[@meladkareme5851]

THANK YOU DUSTIN! love your amazing reviews

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@J-Dawg-1]

Excellent reviews as always!!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks again!

Fantastic review

[@jack_konte]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VladimirNaumoff]

Excellent review. Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GilbertTV]

some great grey import deals on this camera right now .. very tempting .. this truly is a great camera . thanks for your reviews Dustin , I don't know anyone who does reviews like you who I can trust & respect

[@rphandler]

Dustin, this is your most informative review to date. Thank you! I currently use mostly an a7Riv but I have also used the a7Rv and intend to purchase it. What I learned from this review is that noise in medium compressed lossless RAW is noticeably less than in 61mp capture. For low light, astro, my 61mp a7Riv is actually superior to the a7iv 33mp. The noise is finer grain, easier to suppress in post without losing image detail. else has investigated this, and it is intriguing. Perhaps the new lossless compressed M 26mp will be better yet?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It probably should be, yes.

[@Kobegermany]

Fantastic Review. Thank You. Your spoken English is amazing.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I hear that quite often. Many people for whom English is not their first language seem to have an easier time understanding me.

[@spartahill]

Very helpful review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jean-philippeperetti8463]

Wow! You really got me there! My first SLR was a Pentax Spotmatic F, around 1977.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's cool!

[@fonluc6241]

Thanks Dustin for this review...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@Eric840929]

Thank you Dustin, always enjoying watching your in depth reviews before purchasing any gear. Curious if there is a difference in dynamic range by going to mraw or sraw, like the advantages you saw in high iso performance?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The only difference might be in the noise levels.

[@mikeflannery7905]

A rully rully good review 😊

[@drsuppan]

Thank you ,very helpful. It would be good to see DR for Medium RAW and High ISO, especially for wedding or indoor events

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I believe I do demonstrate high ISO MRAW here.

[@zacharymoran7596]

The full size RAW to Medium RAW was exactly what I was hoping to see. It could be useful to configure one of the custom dials to a Medium RAW high burst rate setting. At full size RAW it's a bit rough dealing with strings of 123mb files. That works out to over 1gb per second of shooting. Sure you lose the cropping power, but on the other hand smaller files with some better color performance. If you shoot a static subject you can always swap back to full size image and drop the shutter speed and burst rate. I'm satisfied. What I'm eager to see is if some of the improvements in the A7RV make it into an A9III.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly.

[@byjohnycli]

What do you mean by better color performance on the smaller files?

[@joseagustinruiz-escalante2099]

Very informative video. It is giving me a better understanding of my new camera. I have a question. What is the name of the desk tripod you are using? Thank you

[@falconhawksoldier]

Thank you Dustin, I really appreciate your reviews. I used to have an A7R3 and upgraded it to A7R5 two weeks ago. I think I will intensively use M-Raw option with this camera. İt is great option for me too :) Sony finally did it this time. Additionally, could you also review Sony 24-70mm GM 2.8 II and 70-200mm GM 2.8 II lenses, please?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Congrats on your new camera, and, good news, Sony is sending me both of those lenses when I have an available slot in mid-February.

[@6gwilliams]

Update for me 9/5/23. Sony is running a sale with rebate and trade-in bonus for a total of $900 USD off om the A7RV, so today I traded my A7RIV in and bought the A7RV, a really nice upgrade to a high-resolution camera I have used around the world and loved the images I have made with it. . Looking forward to all the better features and performance. Have the Viltrox 16mm f1.8 coming too, both from my favorite mom and pop dealer Allen Camera, outside Philadelphia, Pa. Thanks for your always comprehensive and superb test/reviews. This will join my A1 and my A7SIII. Cheers and best to you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm really enjoying the a7RV - probably as much as I have enjoyed any Sony camera, including my A1

[@6gwilliams]

@@DustinAbbottTWI sounds great. Cheers and best to you.

[@cohoonatube]

Hey Brother, late to this one :D. As always wonderful review. I just placed an A7RV on order… fixed several needs I’ve discovered with my A7iv… the first one being reach. One of the selling points of the Sony system is it’s lens eco-system, one of the drawbacks is no TC for 3rd party. I snagged a 50-400 for sub $1k and have been loving it, but I really need to get out to 600mm so I’ve been looking seriously at Fuji or Sony A6700 etc. I then ran across a thread on DPR applauding the A7RV’s secret Crop Mode weapon due to it’s 26mp resolution… this effectively gives all my lenses 2 different usable focal lengths. Even though you can just crop in post, the smaller file sizes and the improved AF at distances (BIF etc.) is an amazing feature. I was secretly waiting for a D500 replacement (Z800?), but this is a better solution. I’ve also found I haven’t been using my A7IV as much as my Z6ii since purchasing it and have had a hard time figuring out why till I looked at a higher rez screen on a friends camera… that was it! Because I feel the need to look at everything in post on the lower rez screens of the A7IV it’s a deterrent to me wanting to use it… seems shallow, but that was the reason. The A7RV has the same rear screen rez/dimensions as my Z6ii plus a 9mp EVF! I’m excited to test your M-Raw findings as well. The more I thought this through (and with the current rebates) I decided this was really everything I needed and wanted… such a flexible and well-rounded camera. This setup will give me the reach I’m looking for without purchasing another lens and roughly for the same price as getting an A6700 after selling the A7iv. When I bite the 200-600mm Sony bullet with the 2X TC I could get out to ~1800mm in crop mode! Thanks again Dustin, extremely informative review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You'll enjoy that ability to crop. It is very useful.

[@HarmonicGrunt]

This Camera is incredible! i Love it!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm loving mine, too.

[@graphixpro]

Hi Dustin, thanks for the terrific review. One thing I was hoping would be addressed is my A7r4’s sensor is a dust and dirt magnet. Have they done anything to improve that? Hoping you’ll say yes. Once I get it really well cleaned again I almost hate to open the camera to change lenses.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes - you do have the option to have the shutter blades come down at power-off and protect the sensor. It definitely makes a difference.

[@BenSussmanpro]

Great review, thanks! Given your confidence in med-raw quality, do you think med raw would produce equivalent crop capability as full-raw (assume like 50% crop)?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't know if I completely understand your question. You would have much fewer pixels to crop from, though the quality is still good.

[@thedronescene7474]

Any shutter shock when using full mechanical shutter?

[@jestonyaguilar9069]

One of those credible reviewers out there.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you

[@sandypak888]

HI DUSTIN, GREAT VIDEO AS ALWAYS.. CAN YOU PLEASE TELL OR IF POSSIBLE DEMONSTRATE, HOW MUCH CROP AN ACTIVE STABILIZATION MODE AND FOCUS BREATHING COMPENSATION MODE TOGETHER CAUSE ON A SONY 35MM 1.4 GM IN VIDEO MODE. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO BUY THIS LENS. YOUR GUIDANCE WILL HELP A LOT. THANK YOU....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You can actually see that in this video. Just compare the framing of the video without focus breathing compensation on and the one that shows it afterward.

[@enigmo20]

Dustin, thank you for this awesome review of the a7rV. The great tip about using MRaw is much appreciated. It definitely helped me in my Milky Way photography!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NeXMaX]

This camera came out 6 months too late for me. I liked the a7RIV, but it was missing too many QoL features that I was looking for. Hence why I went for the Nikon Z7II and have been very happy with it thus far (albeit without the nice selection of third party lenses on Sony, at least for now). But it's fantastic to see Sony address pretty much all of my complaints with this revision. They've finally done it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's always tough when a company does what you want...a little too late!

[@RobDTom]

But you do have access to those fantastic Nikon Z lenses, which really are the best in the industry.

[@letsfindout6587]

Nikon is way far behind. I would not invest. Sony, Canon is the way to go.

[@echoauxgen]

There are a lot of areas to cover like a book I got over 900 pgs. I have the A7s iii and this camera I found noise the same when doing Milky Way capture. This camera was way more sensitive to light at night, Siii 3200 but V had to come down to 800 and a faster SS of 2s vs the 8s both getting excellent sharp stars using NPF for accurate for each model. I only wish for the old playmemories Digital Filter I had on my A7S and A7rii (will never get rid of)- yes in camera processing a sky and foreground of different settings processed in camera with a RAW output. A lot of in store SONY reps never knew about, just bring it back!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be a nice feature. It's similar to Fuji's DR200 and DR400 settings.

[@sgpork]

I upgrade my A7Rii to A7RV after 7 years of using only the A7Rii.. I cant be happier. I still shoot my A7rii but man o man... technology move so fast in 7 years time. Especially the AF.. AF has advance so much over the years.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can imagine what a huge upgrade that must feel like.

[@vettepwr23]

Great review as usual. Have you tested any birds in flight or moving subjects? I have an A7RII and had a A7RIV for a few months. I liked the handling of the camera but the auto focus will still not up to snuff when shooting moving subjects. Any thoughts on this? Is this a good alternative to the more expensive A1? Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The a7RV doesn't have the burst rate or buffer depth of the Alpha 1 for sports, but the focus system is top notch.

[@shiragikumusic]

I have this an the fx3… perfect combo. I like it a lot better than the A7IV. Not that it’s bad, it’s just if you want the extras and they have value to you. No brainer.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a great camera.

[@Jeo-What]

Thank you for the detail review of this camera. As tempting as the A7R V is after you showing the mRAW quality at 26MP, I am still going to hold back the upgrade from A7 IV and hoping for A1 II to have the 61MP and more features over the A7R IV.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, there's no guarantee that they can do a stacked sensor at the 61MP resolution

[@Jeo-What]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Just got to have… faith!😉

[@AdamCasada]

A 20% resolution increase doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe in 2 or 3 generations they'll make a significant increase. Hard to imagine 80, 100mp stacked. But, tech can evolve a lot over time

[@acscw8408]

Ooo.. u have satisfied my query on whether the down sampling of the 61mp to lower res will improve noise. Cuz thats what phones do to improve noise control. Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@barrydillon8801]

Great review, I would like to have you test for BIF. As the mirroresscomparison site found its BIF performance worse that the a7iv and a7riv. Would to have seen your test in it

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm actually in the process of purchasing an a7RV, so I will do further tests, but I would be very surprised if the BIF is worse, as the a7RV has the AI machine learning that really helps tracking.

[@fabriceparmentier4125]

Hi Dustin, very useful review! Once conern I have about the a7RV is the file size (I don't need 61Mpx resolution, and the storage and procesing that brings), so I was very interested in what commented about the mRAW and sRAW, especially with respect to noise at higher ISO (I like to take photos in low light situations). I'm having a hard time deciding whether to go for the a7IV and the a7RV (the first is cheaper, does have better articulated screen than my A6600) but the second has an even more flexible articulated screen and some interesting AI-based features. Still, because photo in low light situations is something important for me, I was wondering whether you had an opinion as to what is best between the low light picture quality of the a/IV and that of the a/RV shooting in mRAW o sRaw... Thanks in advance!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I feel like investing in the a7RV is the better long term strategy. It has newer technology, the MRAW option gives you more versatility in terms of resolution, and having that high resolution can come in handy. You could also sell your a6600 as the 26MP APS-c mode is actually higher quality than your a6600.

[@blindguymcsqueezy1]

Incredibly effective tool that's a pleasure to hold and do work with. You can rest assured that the AF won't disappoint 99.9998% of the time. It's crazy how smart this piece of tech is. Pair it with good quality gm or Sigma art glass and you'll be amazed.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's pretty much it!

[@christopherloffredo9126]

Great review as always. I’m so tempted to🎉 buy one except for the super slow FPS. CANON can do 40 fps with eshutter in a $1,500 camera. All the great AF performance is wasted for me if only 10 fps or 7 with electronic shutter.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Unfortunately that's the nature of the beast, and, to be fair, you're referencing a camera with a much lower resolution point.

[@jasona2305]

Just another question, mostly from a Macro photographer's point of view On my existing FF body (A7R3), I often find myself cropping for the end result Instead, I could have used the crop mode on my A7R3, thus apart from not being concerned with the area I wouldn't be using anyway (and smaller files), also benefit for that extra DoF But the crop mode on the A7R3 would give me less than the 24MP of my a6300 - thus, lose somewhat in pixel density and therefore clarity My question here, with regard to the crop mode of this new A7R5 (26MP?) vs the native a6300 (24MP) Should I expect to see a fractional increase in terms of IQ whilst shooting with an A7R5 in crop mode (as opposed to my a6300)? Is a direct comparison as this feasible or am I missing something from the equation?

[@louisswalen3843]

Excellent objective review, Dustin. I would like to know your opinion about the lenses which I have for my Sony A7Riii. Is Zeiss 2.8/18, batis 2/25 and sony FE 4/24-105 usefull for the sony A7R V of should I buy for the Sony A7R V other lenses with more quality? All the best from the Netherlands.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Those lenses should be fine. The Batis lenses are no longer top tier in terms of autofocus capabilities, but they are still good optically.

[@nafnaf0]

25:00 I learned something new here. That is a good trick. If I need to go really high ISO, I'll use 26MP mRAW

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I saw something similar back on the Canon 5DsR, so I was watching for it here.

[@Jwitherow1964]

I order one thanks Dustin

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@dollhausenx]

Great review, as always. Also, am I the only person that uses my pinky underneath as a stability point of contact? I have yet to find a reviewer that does that.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can't speak for other reviewers, but I don't do that myself.

[@DavidHernandez-fp4sw]

Great review, one of the best I’ve seen of the A7RV, I have one question, does it work with the Sony 200-600?, I purchased the A9M2, because the A7RIV could not work well with the lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi David, I didn't do a lot of tests with the 200-600 (wrong time of year), but I haven't heard the negative focus feedback at all with the a7RV that I did with the RIV.

[@DavidHernandez-fp4sw]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for your answer.

[@kingweddingmedia]

Great review as always Dustin! I’m left with one question please, do you know if you set it to medium raw and then punch in to apsc mode, if the image taken in apsc mode is still 26 MP? I saw another video saying this was the case but I’d rather have that confirmed by a more trusted reviewer! Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, that's the case. It's a nice balance if you're shooting an event and want all of your files to be a similar size.

[@kingweddingmedia]

Thanks@@DustinAbbottTWI - I do weddings and have more hybrid ones coming up where having the extra versatility from a prime lens could be handy for the photo side. 61MP is too much so I really like the medium raw option and that's a real sweetener that it can maintain that in apsc mode! Thanks for your confirmation!

[@frankfurter7260]

Amen on the knuckles rubbing against the lens. This is my biggest complaint since moving to Sony years ago. And I’ve always needed to use the pinky grip attachment when not using the vertical grip attachment. I think Sony cameras were designed for tiny hands.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly.

[@dailysmelly9756]

How would you compare the ease of taking sharp photos with this high resolution camera compared with another, but older, high resolution camera, the 5DSR? I was gifted one and find it challenging for the exact reasons outlined in your past review (noise, bilurr, softness) and was wondering if it's worth learning to master it or if my time would be better served shifting to new technology?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

A few factors help the newer camera. The inclusion of IBIS gives stability to shots. It’s much better in terms of high ISO performance. It has a better focus system. The 5DSr was fine under ideal conditions, but the a7RV is just an easy camera to use in a wide variety of situations.

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@Bo_Hazem]

Impressive review to say the least!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@RichardoBrit]

Great video comparison. Pretty much the definitive review that I’ve seen so far. Very interesting regarding MRaw. I own the A7Riii and while I’m attracted to the (much) improved autofocus in both stills and video (including animal eye autofocus for my cats!), I was concerned about low light noise and the rolling shutter in video.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I still think the a7RIII has a great sensor, but I would consider the a7RV the upgrade worth making.

[@danclark9987]

Great review! Detailed, concise, and thorough. I will be buying this Sony to replace my Panasonic GH3 which is very long in the tooth. It promised to be a great combo cam. Sadly it did not prove to be that. While it decent videos and ok stills, it was a pain to use because it would only store ONE set of parameters for both. Barely usable. The a7RV is what the GH3 promoted, but did not deliver - a true combo cam that delivers great stills and video. Thanks again for a great review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think you'll like the a7RV. I certainly do.

[@billyisreal9597]

Dustin I remember your review with the Canon R5 and you really loved it and now the Sony R5 is out how do they compare?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Both cameras are awesome. They each have subtle strengths relative to the other, but for me the Sony wins for the whole ecosystem. So many more quality lens choices at a variety of price points.

[@asherdog9248]

Have you had a chance to evaluate the older Zeiss ZF lenses on the Sony A7R5?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I have not.

[@suedestone04]

anybody can answer me if the LCD is clear enough for sunny outdoor shooting? my a7r3 was horrible in this aspect...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's better, for sure, but there are probably still lighting conditions that won't leave you overjoyed with shooting this way.

[@karolmcgonigle1689]

Dustin, if you were in the market for a video camera, choosing between an FX3 or this A7RV, which one would you go for?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The FX3 is a dedicated video camera, though the a7RV is a very balanced all around camera (I bought one, myself)

[@rchris528]

Thank you for all the detailed reviews you are providing. May i ask how you would rank AF accuracy (sharp photo %) between A7R V, A7IV, A9 ? (i do wildlife, BIF, and i see mylself cropping as hell, and kind a bit disappointed with A7IV AF keepers [i know i have to improve my skills]).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would rank them as RV, a9, then a7IV.

[@tekguyphoto]

I found the same with the A74. Just could not keep up with fast flying birds and pans. I know it was not advertised as a sports camera but it was priced so well with the 200-600.

[@r51234x]

Have you considered the a1. That stacked sensor means no blackout and your eye never loses sight of your subject as long as you can keep up and the a1 also has Dual Bionz XR. No automatic focus stacking but with practice you can achieve that on your own.

[@michaelwarren5152]

Thanks so much for these in depth and dependable reviews. I find myself adding your name into the search bar in combination with whatever product I’m considering. I do have a question on the a7r5 that I haven’t found much information on. So. The infamous rolling shutter. Video is not important to me at all but I tend to shoot stills with a silent shutter a good deal. I focus on bird photography with sometimes skittish ducks, warblers, etc. mainly small songbirds. I rarely shoot birds in flight and if I do I switch over to a mechanical shutter so BIF and crazy fast action isn’t something I need this camera to excel in. However. This has the slowest sensor readout in any current Sony camera body…is this going to cause artifacts and distortion, say if a duck is flapping its wings or a songbird moves its head quickly on a perch? Most of my images are perched or stationary birds but those quick little movements while perched are also very important to me. I don’t need to be able to freeze hummingbirds with a silent shutter, but I do need to capture a small songbird as it forages on a branch or blade of tall grass. Is this an unrealistic expectation with the silent shutter? Thanks again and, if you made it this far in my question, I look forward to hearing your opinion.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Michael, that's a solid question, but I'm not sure that I tested the camera enough in that kind of setting to give you a quality assessment. I did this review in deep winter when there are very few birds or other animals in motion, so it's a little hard to assess things like that.

[@michaelwarren5152]

@@DustinAbbottTWI That’s completely fair, thanks for the response. I think I might just need to rent/buy this one and try it out for myself.

[@erik1836]

I like your straightforward breakdown; your style of narration is easy to understand and pleasant to listen to the - keep up the good work. I just subscribed to all notifications and I look forward to seeing more of what it is you do!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much!

[@billx4266]

Hi Dustin, if you do raw shots in lightroom with your sony cams, which profile do you use, adobe standard? Thx.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Typically standard, though for landscapes I'll sometimes go with landscape. I also have built custom color profiles for everything.

[@LeboMakesFilms]

I'm still torn on whether to get this or the A1. So many things to love about the A1 but that price, even with the end of 2023 drop, is still very steep. Great review nonetheless. Didn't know you were a pastor Dustin!

[@MarkusGebhard]

Hi Dustin, thank you for this great review. Would you recommend this camera for wildlife photography and birds in flight? I purchased the Sony 200-600 for my a7rii some months ago and it turned out that I enjoy photographing wildlife more than any other type of photography. I'd like to have better autofocus though. An a9 would be suited for fast action, but I wouldn't want to have less megapixels than I have now and the a1 is way too expensive.

[@markrigg6623]

It's not perfect for birds in flight, but you will still get keepers. For everything else it's fantastic.

[@MarkusGebhard]

@@markrigg6623 I got myself a used a1. It is a spectacular camera for wildlife and especially for birds in flight

[@Peterogen]

Thank you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome

[@ldmndz4652]

Just wondering..so on my A74..I set my custom operations on the back AF-On as AF-On..and the AE-L as "Eye AF" so I can choose to use the eye or regular focus point when I want and I am usually using Spot:Medium as my Focus Area hence the ability to separate between the focus..but on the A7R5 under AF/MF menu there is no section for the Face/Eye AF itself like it did on the A74 sub section 3) so in essence I can't figure out a way to have the "eye" and regular focus area Medium separately? like I did before..so on the A7R5 I am still using Spot:Medium Focus Area.. I press AF-On and it automatically looks for the eye..which I dont want..I want it separately customized like I did before using the AE-L as my "Eye AF"..the A7R5 did away with the Face/Eye section?..any one with suggestions on how I can have them separately again?..would appreciate it..thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi there, I only had the a7RV as a loaner, so I can't go in a try to recreate what you are describing. You probably should reach out to Sony about that.

[@captainamerica1797]

Hi Thank you . Cant imagine the "free wheel" on the exp comp . Is it lockakble ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes

[@denis5850]

It can be nice to see the m raw a7rv vs a full raw a7iv to see witch one is more noisy

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting idea.

[@paulgarrod1066]

Great review - thanks. What I can never understand is why manufacturers build in such vast ISO options when noise decimates the images?!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Different people have different tolerances for noise...and some of it is for marketing purposes.

[@SLuelmo]

With new noise reductions… noise issues are gone. Iso 12800 treated is like 5 years ago iso 3200

[@nickcarneyphotography]

Thanks for your review, Dustin. Detailed as always. I know this is hard to test, but any comments or thoughts on the weather sealing? I know previous Sony bodies have had a vulnerability of the bottom plate. Curious if that has been addressed.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That was addressed after the a7RIII. I've heard no complaints in recent years, and I've had no issues with my Sony cameras post a7RIII.

[@andymiles5156]

It’s certainly put through its paces here and the bottom is actually submerged at one point which he talks about in a later video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4TcnImGoMmFpqc

[@David.Horne72]

Hi What is that tripod you are using? Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Oben Tabletop Tripod shown in video: bhpho.to/3vL8YWy

[@Jwitherow1964]

Wow that amazing that it track your eye in the mirror

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

agreed

[@r51234x]

My a1 does the same

[@wkpad1]

Hi Dustin, thanks for the very helpful and realistic breakdown and explanation. I intend to get the A7R-V for 3 personal reasons, much better EVF & LCD resolution (to compensate for my weak eyesight) and tilt screen option. I am wondering if I shoot stills in full frame medium Raw or medium jpegs 26MP (not aps-c mode), will the high ISO performance be better/less noisy compared to shooting in full 61MP? I ask because its a common understanding that less megapixel cameras have better high ISO performance than high megapixels cameras. For me high ISO is over 3200 I'd appreciate your input Thanks in advance

[@wkpad1]

Looks like you already answered it around 25:00 and 31:00. thank you for covering that aspect, really important for me

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I ended up buying one and regularly use MRAW when the higher resolution is not needed. It’s very useful

[@NetvoTV]

If I get A7RV as my first camera with 70-200mm F4 macro G ii and just use standard Yellow iPhone 15 to shoot closer things with its 13mm, 26mm and 52mm, is it good setup if I'm just hobbyist with good understanding of photography and compositions who want to enjoy shooting and use for personal products shots too? I choose Sony over other brands because they have the lens with unique feature I want like super tele with macro ability that I mentioned, power zoom lens and standard zoom that start from ultra wide 20mm and I love Sony as a brand too. I choose this over A7CII/R because of its good EVF and 4 ways tilt screen and smaller body don't give benefit with big lens other than weight saving and people still notice you have a camera, A7RV is like just as small but with a big EVF attached. Should I get another lens right away, I have the 16-35mm F4 PZ G in mind, or I should get something faster and prime that still light weight on gimbal? I don't really care for bokeh, that tele will able to do it too if I want to, I like my photos and videos to have story and creativity and not blur out the contexts. Also, have you wonder why put so many effort just to take photos and videos and not just use phone camera to record here and there if it's not your primary work and also your content not all will get pass down and value later? And what camera setup you bring in everyday life and travel, some people use less bulky and performance camera for their own life but use fancy gears for clients and travel, why, isn't everyday life is most parts of our life and important too?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@taxcollector5920]

my dream camera ngl

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is a great one. I ended up buying one and thoroughly enjoy it.

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

Is the ISO performance impacted if you go into super35 (crop) mode?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not really, as the super35 is just cropping a portion of the image. The full frame 26MP does impact ISO because it is downsampling.

[@ryanketola]

Dustin, is there any way you can take high iso shots (6400 to 12,800) with the same lens on A7iv vs A7Rv on medium Raw? The file size is almost the same and I assume many people would be curious how they stack up. If the A7Rv is the clear winner here, there isn’t any advantage the A7iv has for photos

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do plan on buying an a7RV soon, so that might be an interesting exercise.

[@hassanatapour2258]

Dustin, Does this Sony have a screen on sensor for protection from dust and touch? Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You do have the option for the shutter to cover the sensor when it is powered off.

[@mbenjamin292]

Could you please make a video on all the buttons and what they do?I don't know if you have the expertise to make such a video, but I know I could follow your way of teaching. I could learn and follow you, PLEASE 🙏. I have the camera, and I am lost. I have the Sony mark ii I really need help if you can't who would you follow to learn on the sony ar5.😊

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can see the validity of a video like that, but here’s my problem: every review slot is booked for months in advance, so it is hard for me to go back and add content like you suggest.

[@jameiealehandro]

How to remove the green color cast at high iso?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You can do a custom white balance, which will help.

[@ThiagoGuedesC]

I'm debating between this and the A7 IV. The extra pixels are certainly awesome, but not a deal breaker. In terms of Autofocus, is the A7R V much better than the A7 IV? Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Frankly both cameras focus great, so if you don't need the extra pixels, the a7IV remains a strong camera.

[@DamianBrown]

That screen 🤩🤩🤩 (Fujifilm had something along those lines with the T100, alas they left it there.)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a shame, as the screen is great on the a7R5

[@artmaltman]

Hi Dustin. I am very confused about the real world benefit of 61mp vs 33mp. Seems like the 61mp benefit is just for cropping. Is there a real world image quality benefit when not cropping, in your experience? Thanks so much! Art.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For me it is important for testing lenses, but obviously my needs are much different than most people's. So yes, I would say the main benefit is cropping...though also the ability to have a very useful 26MP APS-C mode. That really does allow you to use even more lenses in a still useful way.

[@miketipton678]

Imaging Edge can import the SML Lossless RAW but most photo viewers will not recognize the file type YET... Adobe LR/PS on CC 23 are not really working yet either but I have not updated in a while. Compressed RAW and Uncompressed RAW do work in PS LR.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Are you sure about that? I had no problem viewing MRAw in Lightroom.

[@miketipton678]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I updated and M RAW works, the S and L are throwing errors.

[@bondgabebond4907]

Great review. After viewing your video on the A74, I came out conflicted. Please do a comparison or the A74 vs A7R5. It might be the added cost gives you something far superior to the more affordable A74. I came out thinking that if I am to get a new camera body, I have to go with the A7R5. It's seems to be vastly superior in many way. Plus I like the idea of the 61mp sensor.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I own the a7IV, and I like it, but the a7RV is definitely a superior camera in most every way.

[@bondgabebond4907]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Do you know that this camera costs more than my first new car? The Datsun 2000 Roadster in 1969. This almost makes he sick.

[@chryseass.5143]

Absolutely gorgeous shots of Nala! I confess that I skipped ahead just to see your kitten but, of, course , will watch the entire video later. I have the Tamron 28-200 and am always astonished at how well it performs - definitely punches above its weight in IQ.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks!

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Fine JPEG files are super nice! No color grade needed and no over sharpness on image quality. 👍🏼 Sony

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a lovely sensor.

[@prabhdeepsp]

Hi , Is the Full frame Xtra fine 26 MP JPEG also benefitting in Low light on A7R5 compared to 61 MP JPEG. Can u suggest on it . i am basically a JPEG shooter and confused between buying a74 and a7r5 , i have good budget for a7r5 and will pull the plug for it , if 26 MP JPEG is also benefitting in low light. You can shoot in 61MP in good lighning for extra detail and resolution on A7R5 and switch to 26 MP for low light benefits if light goes down. i have seen and read that medium RAW benefit s in low light , but so should 26 MP jpeg too , just wanted to confirm with you on it . Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I believe that it does. Essentially you are downsampling in camera from the full resolution to the smaller resolution point, which allows for cleaner looking images on a pixel level.

[@andrewbrooks2001]

What I've been thinking these several months. Will Sony spin off the R series to a medium format system? Sony does make medium format sensors. An increase in resolution for future models makes it sensible. The only issue is a second mount and need to increase production lines for lenses.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s an interesting question. It’s true that Sony has pretty much done everything in the full frame mirror less space. Can they make medium format accessible (and commercial) in a way that FUJIFilm has not fully achieved?

[@lammysdv]

Im an absolute begginer and i bought the a9 because i loved the 3 dials on top. Ive gone to a few parties at night and its ridiculous how these things just work the focus is so good and all you have to do is just tap on the screen. I think these days skill is more important than the camera 😅

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

AF starting with the a9 definitely started to get ridiculously good.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the video. Curious why all the images you are showing in LightRoom are .DNG and not .ARW? Did you not update to 12.1 version?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I have the most recent version of Lightroom. With Sony files I find the DNG more efficient than the ARW wrapper.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

@@DustinAbbottTWI interesting. Do you do a batch conversion? I use PhotoMechanic to import and rename from the memory card and then sync with LrC. I wonder if I can include this conversion in the automation before the sync. Thank you.

[@peterbernhard6087]

@@stevenwaldstein2249 Adobe Bridge (which is free) has a workflow function. So you can batch rename+tag+convert with one click. I also use DNG because you can integrate the tags into a file. With ARW you need to use sidecard (xml) files. Another option would be the also free program DigiKam. But this one i only use to automate face tagging.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

@@peterbernhard6087 I have Bridge so not a problem but LightRoom can covert RAW to DNG. I also found that PhotoMechanic can do this as well if it’s setup to know where Adobe’s DNG converter is installed. There is a lot of threads on the pros and cons of using DNG so I do some trials and studying to determine if is a format I want to adopt. Thank you.

[@zampination]

Oh man it's one of those times again that i watch a Dustin Abbot definitive review video and a few days later i end up ordering the thing... Happened with the Samyang 135mm a month back... hope i can hold up on this though and not upgrade to this body from my a7iii just yet... A7iii still rocks for me... i envy the flippy screen though so much especially when i am composing vertical Ultra wide angle landscape shots..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Oops - this is why wives don't like me very much :)

[@zampination]

@@DustinAbbottTWI She doesn't know yet...