Is A7RV worth the extra $$$ over the A7iv? It depends...

[@petereprice]

The reason Sony chose the CF Express Type A is because the design allows for the card slots to support both CF Express and SD Cards in the same slot. The CF Express Type B do not allow for that design. Which means you have to run only one slot or one card type which in my experience can be limiting. For instance if you only have one CF card slot and one sd card slot, your buffer is limited to the SD cards supported buffer when writing to both card slots. For those that do redundant record this is a game changer. At least Sony gives you the option to use dual SD cards and if you need faster cards you just swap the SD for CF and you are good to go. I think that’s a superior design compared to the others who only support 1 CF card slot and the second supporting SD only. At least you have a choice to stick with Dual SD as opposed to being forced to buy 1 CF card for like a Canon R5 since it only supports one SD card slot.

[@Battlem0nk]

I still use SD cards so nice having dual slot but CFE-a is so expensive. 640GB $1250 USD.... ouch. While CFE-b 512GB cost about $200-400 USD.

[@RandumbTech]

Thx for the clarification! For professionals, I can imagine it would make more sense, but for the casual user (or pro that does not need that kind of write speed) it just seems overpriced for what it is.

[@RandumbTech]

Yeah, it's really just the expense. Since no one else adopted the Type A format, there is essentially no competition. It's actually really surprising that more memory card makers haven't started producing them. The Sony market alone is huge. If you could undercut the Sony cards by a few hundred $$, you'd sell a TON of them.

[@petereprice]

@@RandumbTech ProGrade, Delkin and Lexar all make Type A cards for a bit cheaper and during sales are much better priced. But like I said. It’s for those that need it and so if you don’t then you can still use the Dual SD cards. It’s nice to have options.

[@Beyondmediauk]

One of the best comparison reviews of the a7RV. Been searching for this type of video for a while! Totally agree with the rolling shutter in real world scenarios. The colour science behind the a7RV is one of the major reasons I am going for it. I'm sick of constantly correcting the green/yellow tint that previous models have.

[@RandumbTech]

Thx so much - glad you enjoyed it! The color science is VERY good on this camera. For the green/yellow tint, it may be the lenses you are using. What I'm discovering is that my Sigma lenses give me the look/colors I am going for SOOC, especially for SLOG3. I did a quick test last night just to make sure I wasn't imagining it and I most certainly am not. The Sigma lenses just render beautifully and have very accurate colors (at least to my eye and taste). I plan on doing a video about that eventually.

[@soholingo]

Also interested in your take comparing the A7R5 to the FX3. Thanks!

[@RandumbTech]

The 12MP sensor in the FX3 is very special. It's cool that you can now buy a ZV-E1 with it at a fraction of the price. If I was doing video only, I'd choose the FX3 every time. If shooting hybrid, you absolutely need an EVF so I'd go for the A7RV or A7iv.

[@soholingo]

@@RandumbTech debating getting the zv-e1 or a7r5 or this upcoming 6700. I want 4k 120p, small lenses, and full frame photos. I love the idea of having one camera do it all, and it seems the 7r5 may be it. If the zv-e1 came in an a7c body I would be all over it as I need a viewfinder.

[@onkar096]

Nice comparison review. keep it up!

[@RandumbTech]

Thanks, will do!

[@AWAShowme]

It's annoying when KZbin places add on unmonotized channels. The creator gets nothing, but KZbin does. An awesome video, thanks for the great content. Awesome audio.

[@RandumbTech]

Hopefully I'll get monetized in the next 6-12 months. I have the watch time, but struggling with 1K subscriber count. Thx for the kind words and welcome to the community!

[@tekguyphoto]

I had the A7IV and the R6 at an air show. Both using with V90 cards the R6 was able to take faster frames and clear the buffer quicker compared to the AIV which felt like it took for ever. Those jets fly by super fast and there is no time for buffer clearing. I looked at the TYPE A and you can only get 160MB for a fortune. Wow with 33mpix and 10 frames you can chew through 2 or even 3 of those at an all day air show. So 3 cards in Canada will cost you over a thousand dollars. So after a year I sold the A74 and went R5/R6mk2. The Type B card cost me 200 dollars over the holidays for a fast Delkin 512GB card - yes 512GB storage. I haven't given up on Sony yet and kept the Sony 200-600 G lens since its a really nice and sharp lens. I'm hoping by summer time the A7R5 prices drop a little or even buy a used one and also by then the TYPE A cards drop in price and offer larger storage because shooting jets all day with an SD card and a Sony is frustrating. But that's like asking Canon to allow 3rd party lenses.

[@RandumbTech]

Interesting about the faster write speeds in Canon using the same V90 cards. I wish Sony went with Type B, but unfortunately we're stuck with the super expensive Type A cards with very small capacities. I haven't run into any situations where the V90 hasn't been able to keep up with my shooting, but I also haven't been to any air shows ✈️✈️

[@tekguyphoto]

@@RandumbTech could because R6 only has 20mpix. Smaller files.

[@KoenLaureij]

Thank you for the video. It is helpfull. What kind of grip are you using under the camera?

[@RandumbTech]

Glad you found it helpful! It's the Smallrig Base Plate 3666. Here's a link to it on Amazon: www.amazon.com/SmallRig-Baseplate-Switching-Between-Stabilizer/dp/B09P9ZVDVP

[@hasenmyer]

Looks like A7Rv may be in my future. Im really waiting to see if a A7c2 is released b/c that is more my style

[@RandumbTech]

Get it. It's an amazing camera. The more I use it, the more I enjoy it. I'm finding the images using the RAW (M) 26MP setting are just perfect for most situations. The best part? You can throw it into APS-C mode and get that same 26MP image with just as much resolution. The benefit is that every prime lens now essentially becomes 2 primes. My 35 f1.4 is now also a ~52 f2. Same thing can be done when shooting 4K/30p and the APS-C video actually looks slightly better! I honestly haven't even begun to goof around with AF yet because right out of the box it just works soooo good.

[@hasenmyer]

@@RandumbTech I hear you, but I've been with sony long enough I"ve learned unless you absolutely need something its best to wait b/c something more awesome is just around the corner

[@soholingo]

perfect video for the average guy with a family. I shoot a lot of my kids atheletic events, and pull action photos from the video. Did you get a chance to test out 8k video? I would really love your opinion, especially at sporting events. Thank you and I am subbed. looking forward to more of your videos.

[@RandumbTech]

Thanks for the kind words! I didn't test out the 8K because I had no intention of ever using it. I actually ended up selling the A7RV only because it was overkill for what I needed it for. I do miss the EVF and 4-way screen, but am hopeful that they put those features in the next A7V. Welcome to the community!

[@LucasOfficial-N]

Hi Rolling Shutter video you took with ur daugher, was it on 4k 60p or 8K? Because in 4k Rolling Shutter is not an issue. 8K is big issue and I have that camera my self and 8k cant whip pane must be still.

[@RandumbTech]

I don't remember if if was 30p or 60p, but I haven't had any issue with either. Lately, I've been using my APS-C lenses on the camera and it's working fantastic! The only issue is that there is a slight vignette when shooting 4k/60p but it's easy enough to crop in post to remove it.

[@janvirtanen9110]

The sensor in these cameras are too slow for video. Except maybe when camera is using line skipping or cropping, then it can read sensor faster. But the quality drops alot. For video better get some different camera. For photography this is awsome.

[@xXSCARECROW19Xx]

What has your experience wkth noise been? I'm upgrading from an a7iii and really want the a7rv but love astrophotography too. Im not sure whichi should go with. I'd keep my a7iii for astro but the cost of the a7rv makes me want to recoup what i can. Hard choice. Any advice from anyone is appreciated.

[@RandumbTech]

I live in a city so I don't do much astrophotography, but I can comment about the noise because I shoot in plenty of low light situations. I tested it against my A7iv and once I scaled the image down to the same size, they were indistinguishable. I ended up selling my A7RV because it was overkill for what I needed it for. I do miss the 4-way screen and AMAZING EVF, but for the work I do, it was a "nice to have", not a need. Now that I'm back using the A7iv, I have a appreciation for just how capable the camera really is. You can't go wrong with either option. Good luck!

[@jameiealehandro]

how does the a7 r4 compare to a7 r5 in terms of value for money ? I can get a brane new a7r5 for $3300, and the a7r4 for $2300, trying to decide now what features on the a7r5 may be worth the extra cash.,

[@RandumbTech]

The 4-axis screen and beautiful EVF are reason enough to get the V instead of the IV. If you need the higher MP camera, you can't go wrong with the A7RV - it's an excellent hybrid.

[@markshirley01]

Thanks this was very helpful, I'm looking at buying a A7R5 and the Tamron 20 40mm

[@RandumbTech]

Glad it was helpful! That will be a great combination, especially for travel and general walk around. The beauty of Sony is that there are lenses for every use case and all budgets.

[@emmanuelvanderbeck]

Thanks for this great video. I currently have an A7RIII and I'm doing a little bit of sports photography for my kids, only. I'm not a professional photographer and I wonder if I would get more speed with the A7RV using the possibility of lowering the number of megapixel to 26 I/O 61 ? I know this is not a sports camera but this is a good all around camera which would be ok for me, I think. On the other hand, if there is no big improvement compared to the A7RIII in terms of speed, I won't change, of course. What do you think about this ?

[@RandumbTech]

There will be some HUGE improvements in speed compared to the A7Riii. To get the maximum performance from the camera, you have to shoot in Compressed RAW. In most situations, you would never be able to tell the difference between Compressed and Uncompressed. The AF on the A7RV is at least 2 generations better than what you currently have. In real world use, assuming you shoot in AF-C, that alone is worth the upgrade. Throw in the incredible 4-way screen, awesome EVF, and better dial/menu layout and it's absolutely a worthy upgrade.

[@borlach321]

Would there be any benefit to getting an external recorder for video?

[@RandumbTech]

Sorry for the slow reply - I was not getting any email notifications. Yes, I often record with an external recorder. I currently have a Zoom H5 and F6 as well as a Tentacle Sync Track E which is a great lav mic that records in 32 bit float. I primarily use my FX3 when using external recorders because that camera supports Timecode so syncing up in post is super easy. I did try out the new Zoom M4 MicTrac, but the build quality was well below average so I returned it.

[@markshirley01]

I watched another A7R5 review were the camera was used inside a car park with variable lighting and also some daylight. The auto white balance worked seamlessly. Its also been picked up by Taylor Jackson and Manny Ortiz as a fairly big improvement. PS: what is the plate you have on the bottom of the camera

[@RandumbTech]

The AWB is absolutely improved! I still tend to set my WB manually though using an app called "KEV WB". If I don't, I find the footage difficult to color grade later because of the WB shift. I know I can AWB Lock, but that's another step that my pea sized brain can't seem to remember 🤣. The base plate is from Smallrig, designed for the A7iv, but fits the A7RV just fine. It's great - you can check it out here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09P9ZVDVP

[@markshirley01]

@@RandumbTech this worries me because my Nikons AWB is excellent you never notice a shift, I did notice Sony shooter Ive worked with doing custom white balance all the time, I may give Sony a miss as I think this will slow me down

[@holdmyown32]

Great video

[@RandumbTech]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thisiserich]

Something I learned recently is that the 4k at 24, 30, and 60fps on the a7rv has better rolling shutter performance than the a7iv since the pixels are binned. The a7iv’s rolling shutter performance in aps-c mode is about the same as the a7rv’s in full frame. The aps-c mode of the a7rv has slightly better rolling shutter(because it’s 26mp vs 33mp) performance over the a7iv shooting full frame video. Kind of confusing but quite interesting lol. Not that it matters either way to be completely honest.

[@RandumbTech]

In the past, I obsessed over video quality. Now I'm in the "good enough" camp. At the end of the day, it's more about the composition and lighting the tech specs. That being said, the A7RV is really good despite being pixel-binned. I prefer to shoot with APS-C lenses on the A7RV and get fantastic results.

[@-MrEVIL-]

Is A7rv good for hobbyists?

[@RandumbTech]

Absolutely! The 4-axis screen and awesome IBIS make it a joy to use. I do wish it had a dedicated marked shutter speed dial, but that's not the end of the world. It's a great camera all around.

[@ABarrera]

Great comparison!

[@RandumbTech]

Thx Alex - glad you enjoyed it! There is soooo much to learn with this new AF system, but once it's dialed in it's pretty incredible.

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

Using the A7R5 with 24-105….considering getting the upcoming 20-70F4 for its lighter weight & sharper image but it doesn’t support the 8 stop stabilisation

[@RandumbTech]

For video, the the 24-105 is perfect. But for stills, it simply doesn't have the resolving power needed for the 61MP sensor. I recently tested it against some of my other lenses that cover a similar focal range and it was the worst performer of the bunch. And being f4 is big drawback for me. I don't have any direct experience with the new 20-70, but again the f4 is less than ideal. As much as it pains me to spend crazy money on the 24-70 GMii, I'm leaning that way due to it's incredible performance for both stills and video.

[@rickt.8866]

I’m using the 20-70 G on the A7RV now. I’m getting near prime level sharpness at full resolution! It’s a beast of a lens well suited for the A7RV sensor.

[@bondgabebond4907]

Thank you for a real comparison between the two cameras. I was excited about the A74 but then the A7R5 just happened to pop into the scene. From everything I've seen on the many videos on YT, the R5 is just that much better, and I like the idea of 61mp. I have the R3 which is a great camera on its own, more megapixels than the A74, so it seemed a step down for me as I am mostly a still photographer. That goes back to my days in the 70s and 80s where I shot a lot of photos while working for the base newspaper. I just love stills. And yet, the R5 is a great video camera just for those occasions.

[@RandumbTech]

For stills, you really can't go wrong with any of today's modern cameras. I actually ended up selling my A7R5, not because there was anything wrong with it, it was just absolute overkill for what I need a camera to do. I figured it made sense to sell it now while the value was still high then wait another six months and lose $500. Now that I'm back to using my A7iv, I have a new appreciation for how capable it is for just $2,500. The biggest thing I miss is the 4-way screen and gorgeous EVF from the A7R5.

[@bondgabebond4907]

@@RandumbTech I absolutely agree with you. I love the specs of the R5, but the cost is way out there. I may eventually buy the 7IV for that flippy screen and general photography. I love to do close ups and am picky about details and resolution accuracy. That is where the R3 comes in. It is a beast with a little gray hair. But wow, some of the photos I got of our local hummingbird are amazing, especially when I had to crop in due to the size of the bird. The R3 is absolutely fantastic, much better than my a6600 when cropping. I do know how to get the most of the a6600, with its small sensor. I just make sure I get more of the subject in the sensor so I crop on minor composition adjustments. What is great is that it is so light I can run around making videos of my young grandson and not get tired. I'm waiting for the 7IV to go on sale, hope it does one day.

[@holdmyown32]

Sony uses cf express so they can have the card slots that accept both SD and cf express type A.

[@RandumbTech]

It's nice that we finally have some less expensive type A options from Angelbird.

[@Eazidosit]

if you are looking at the monitor whether to the side or in tilt the shot is framed up the way you see it. I liked the better viewfinder on the a7 RV. I couldn't justify 1400+ bucks for just that alone. The images coming out of the A7 IV are really nice, autofocus is fast and consistent. One shooting warmer or cooler than the other is preference, which doesn't matter if you editing photos anyway.

[@RandumbTech]

I came to that realization as well! 🤣 I sold it about a month ago because it really was complete overkill for my use case. I'm glad I kept my A7iv - it really is a great camera. I also prefer the mechanical shutter on the A7iv - the A7RV was somewhat soft and spongy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Eazidosit]

@@RandumbTech sounds like a good update video 🤣👍

[@stkuj]

Yes it's worth it for the right person for all the reasons you mentioned. The screen is not brighter, but has double the resolution. The a7iv does a 7k downsample vs a7rv 6k downsample (a7iv is a tad sharper). TBH, I shoot this is Medium Raw (26mp). This is actually sharper than the a7iv even if you shoot the a7iv at 33 mp. When I found a big difference between the two is AWB. The a7rv AWB is so good now - skin tones are great (like you). Lastly, I don't know if you mentioned it, but the AF is far better than the a7iv. *I was shooting the a7iv for a few months, and came to the same conclusion. It was worth the price difference and went to the a7rv.

[@RandumbTech]

Glad the A7RV is working well for you! I actually ended up selling it, not because it was bad, but because it was overkill for what I was using it for. The only features I really miss are the 4-way screen and amazing EVF. I shoot mostly video and use my FX3 for that. This was a second camera for me so I didn't need something that nice. Enjoy it!!

[@JiteshJadav]

Thanks for the video. I really enjoyed the content. Can you please make more a7iv vs a7rv comparison? In terms of video & photo qualities. E.g. comparing 100% zoom from both camera 1. a7rv 61 vs a7rv 26 (images) 2. a7rv 61 vs a7iv 33 (images) 3. a7rv 24/30/60k vs a7iv (videos) 4. a7rv super35 (30k) vs a7iv (30k) (videos)

[@RandumbTech]

Glad you enjoyed the content! Yes, I was planning to make a follow-up video with direct comparisons. The APS-C mode on the A7RV is really good and I'm curious if it's better than the A7iv footage. Thank you for the detailed comparisons you'd like to see! Stay tuned...

[@JiteshJadav]

@@RandumbTech Thank you 🙂

[@JiteshJadav]

Also, ar7v 26mp vs a7iv 33mp images, since most of the time people won't be using 61mp. I heard that a7rv 26mp is better than native 26mp sensor images

[@metphmet]

26 Mpx with full sensor but you say it is APS-C ?!!

[@RandumbTech]

Sorry if I wasn't super clear. It shares the same resolution as APS-C, but you are correct in that it's a downsampled image from the full frame sensor. I actually stopped shooting in M RAW because you cannot use the Denoise feature in LR on those images. And I use the denoise feature a LOT with this high MP camera.

[@Manueldeva]

Muchas gracias

[@RandumbTech]

De nada! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@matttheking1655]

Great video,...just subscribe...👍

[@RandumbTech]

Thank you - and welcome to the community!

[@Aroundtheworld-ew6rx]

The A7iv is garbage, it has yellow pics, flip out screen and blurry pics, the camera reminds me of my A7iii so I returned it. Thanks for the review.

[@RandumbTech]

I don't think the A7iv is "garbage" by any stretch. It's still a great camera, not just as good as the A7RV - which is to be expected given the price difference between the two.

[@bryanbuff]

Lol, what a hyperbolic comment.

[@_Eye_Of_Ry]

I'm literally trading my A7IV now. 70 percent of my photos come out blurry🤦🏾‍♂️

[@miba8303]

Biiiig collection of expensive toys

[@RandumbTech]

I do use this gear for my real estate business, but the A7RV was definitely overkill. I ended up selling it because it was just too much camera for my needs.

[@karl8636]

No it isn't.

[@RandumbTech]

I dunno. For some, that extra resolution makes a big difference. For others, the screen is a big deal. Ultimately, I ended up selling it - not because it wasn't a great camera - it was just overkill for what I was using it for.