The Sony A7 V rumor mill has kicked into gear, which suggests the full-frame all-rounder may land quickly. Tipsters speculate October or November this yr – I reckon the latter of the 2 is extra possible, however something may occur.
And the fifth-gen mannequin of the best-selling A7 sequence cannot come quickly sufficient for Sony. Its A7 IV misplaced the highest spot in TechRadar’s best cameras guide to subsequent rivals from Canon (the EOS R6 Mark II) after which Nikon (the Z6 III) in 2024.
A lengthy tenure in that guide is proof of just how far ahead the Sony A7 IV was at its launch in 2021. Nevertheless, the highly effective Nikon Z6 III, which got here two and a half years later outfitted with {a partially} stacked 24MP sensor, delivers an all-round speedier efficiency and polished video expertise and is rightly considered a greater decide general right now.
So what does A7 V want so as to steal again that greatest digital camera crown from Nikon and defend that spot from a possible Canon EOS R6 Mark III? I’ve hand picked 5 upgrades that it actually, actually wants.
1. A new kind of sensor
The New Camera leaked two A7 V pictures, certainly one of which means that the upcoming mannequin can have a 33MP full-frame sensor. That is the identical decision because the A7 IV, and already a candy spot within the mid-range market.
What’s much less candy is the efficiency of the A7 IV’s sensor – it has recognized rolling shutter distortion in high-speed taking pictures and for video. To actually higher rivals, the A7 V wants a brand new type of sensor, even when decision stays the identical.
Sony may take inspiration the Nikon Z6 III, which has a speedier partially stacked sensor with quicker learn out speeds and not one of the points that plague the A7 IV, albeit with a decrease 24MP decision.
If the A7 V have been to have a speedier 33MP sensor, then it is off to a fantastic begin. (A worldwide shutter like within the A9 III could be one other stage, however is extremely unlikely). I might be shocked if the sensor seems to be the very same one as earlier than, however I am additionally unconvinced it’s going to be a stacked or partially stacked kind both – anticipate a tweaked sensor, maybe with quicker learn out speeds and improved stabilization efficiency.
2. An AI chip and improved autofocus performance
This upgrade feels like a safe bet. All current Sony Alpha cameras following the A7 IV, starting with the A7R V, function an AI chip that powers subtle topic detection and monitoring autofocus expertise.
Putting such a function within the A7 V would not tread on the toes of its pricier siblings, the A7R V, A1 II and A9 III. Quite the opposite, I might anticipate Sony to introduce this improve to the A7 V.
The upshot will probably be improved autofocus velocity and efficiency for a wider vary of topics. Couple that with a speedier sensor and the A7 V would already be shaping up properly, plus there may very well be much more performance-based upgrades…
3. The latest processor and improved burst shooting
The third upgrade should also center on speed, this time in the form of Sony’s latest Bionz XR processor and improved burst shooting performance.
The A7 IV maxes out at a rudimentary 10fps in its continuous high-speed mode, and those burst sequences don’t even last that long before the camera slows down. Rivals like the EOS R6 Mark II and Nikon Z6 III are leagues above, with faster and longer burst shooting capabilities.
If the A7 V were to combine a stacked or partially stacked 33MP sensor with Sony’s latest processor, quicker burst shooting and versatile AI subject tracking autofocus, it would feel like a much more polished A7 IV, and one that could hold its own against the very best mid-range models of 2025.
Another scenario is that Sony introduces its next generation processor to replace the Bionz XR unit. Unlikely perhaps, but added processing power could be key for positioning the A7 V above rivals.
4. Improved video skills
The A7 IV held top spot in our best cameras guide for such a long time because of its 33MP sensor which is better for general photography than rivals. However, those lower resolution rivals have upped the bar for high-speed photography and video performance, and the A7 V needs to catch up.
As already mentioned, it will need to address the rolling shutter distortion that plagues the A7 IV, through a sensor with faster read out speeds, but the video specs also need a boost – 4K 60fps with a 1.5x crop will not minimize it in 2025.
It is a provided that the A7 V can have significantly better 4K video recording expertise, presumably even 4K 120fps with no crop, and a spread of recent LUTs colour profiles. The query is, will Sony break rank from 4K recording and supply detailed 6K like its rivals do? That I am much less certain of.
5. Refined displays
I really like how the Sony A7 IV handles, but Sony has since improved its Alpha design in consequent full-frame models, the A7R V, A9 III and A1 II.
These fashions function a 2-way tilt / vari-angle touchscreen, which might work for each tilt and out to the aspect selfies. Rumors counsel the A7 V will get such a show, which might trump rivals.
There’s additionally hypothesis {that a} higher-resolution EVF will function, presumably a 5.76m-dot unit. I am 50/50 on this one – the latest RX1R III did not get such an improve, so the A7 V may additionally miss out. If it does, anticipate complaints from grumpy reviewers.
In different areas, Sony wants little enchancment, particularly given its industry-leading battery life.
Quick prediction
I expect Sony to take a similar tack to Canon and Nikon, and ship a speedier successor to the A7 IV that feels extra polished than earlier than, with out breaking vital new floor.
The A7 V’s sensor will probably be quicker though presumably to not the diploma that some hope, whereas autofocus, burst taking pictures and video recording ought to all obtain a significant enhance, along with tweaks to the digital camera’s design. I am pondering it may very well be rather a lot just like the A7R V, however with much less pixels and a probably speedier sensor, with an asking worth of round $3,200 / £2,800 / AU$5,000.
Will the A7 V elevate the bar as soon as extra? Maybe, however unlikely to the extent the A7 IV did. At least, it’ll put up a superb battle and convey Sony again into the mid-range image.
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