Sony a7R V Final Review

Correction: The a7R V does offer the ability to engage autofocus tracking in video mode with the EVF in use. When setting up custom buttons for video shooting, set one to 'Tracking on' to allow it to initiate tracking.

After spending more time with a production model of the Sony a7R V, we have our final conclusions. How does this camera stack up in terms of image quality, autofocus and video performance? We have answers.

Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store

0:00 - Intro
1:26 - Image quality
3:38 - Autofocus
5:19 - Compared to
6:05 - Video quality
7:58 - Video autofocus
9:13 - The wrap
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[gwilliams]

As a longtime pro I have owned Sony A500, A7RII, A7RIII, A7III, A9, A7RIV and currently own A1, A7SIII and yes I added the A7RV. And I have never had dust on the sensor issues, ever. And yes I shoot all subjects all over the world, including in dusty, sandy places and yes I change lenses in the field. It is all about a few simple techniques in pre-cleaning with a blower bulb (including the rear of each lens), and proper mounting and dismounting lenses with the camera lens opening facing down to avoid dust on the sensor, and shielding the camera with my body when changing lenses in the wind. And my images dont have dust, just a fact. I have owned Nikon, Canon and Leica digital cameras as a pro of over 50 years in the business, and my Sonys have never had worse dust issues than any of them. Cheers and best to you both.

[nikoforu]

Seconds before the issue of dust came up, I tried to wipe my computer monitor thinking it was dirty.

[SLP]

One minor correction: you do not need to tap the screen to turn tracking on and off in video. Just program one of the buttons for “Tracking On” in video mode, or better yet, program it for “Tracking on Toggle.” This will immediately address Jordan’s complaint at 08:22, and it works perfectly. The setting can be found on page 2 (“Focus Area”) of the purple Focus Menu section when you go to program a button via “Custom Key/Dial Set.” on page 3 of the yellow toolbox section. Admittedly, it’s hidden, but it’s there and it’s awesome.

[jean-philippeperetti]

It wasn't easy to save enough money to purchase an A7RV but I was able to finally afford one. I wanted this camera because of its AF and resolution. I am not into video much so I figured that, for portraits, family pics, landscape, it was the ideal camera. I haven't been disappointed. This camera is awesome.
I have been watching a lot of videos about new cameras in the last couple of years. One thing is common among the different models. They all offer compromises.
Enjoy shooting, everybody.

[SoftKitty]

I ordered the A7R V when it first released and it has been an absolutely treat to use for photography. I am glad Chris validated my opinion haha.

[Soundwave]

The a7rV can initialize tracking with a button in photo and video mode. Its called "Tracking on" and "Tracking on + AF On" for photo and "Tracking On" and "Trackin on Toggle" for Video on Page 22 in Custom Key assignment menu. It can also be set with Touch pad enabled with the thumb when you use the EVF.

Im not a fan of using the delicate shutter to catch dust and debris. If something needs protection on a camera its the shuttermechanism. Just have one of those blowers with you and clean your sensor befor a shoot.

4K60 has a way faster readout speed than 4K30. You could use that and just export in 30 fps at the end. This is a phot camera first and i think its very good for the sensor if you think about how limited the rIV was

[rememberforeign]

Whenever dp review uploads its like a mini Christmas present anytime of the year

[mikesmith]

I swear every video Chris says 'DP Review TV' quicker than the one before!

[meat_loves_wasabi]

Finally upgraded my 7yr old 7R2 to this.... Enjoying all the new features especially the improved eye/face AF and latest IBIS which really helps my wife to be able to take sharper portraits

[apocryphal_man]

And still no final review on the A7 IV... Not that I'd need it anymore, now that I've bought it. Just reminding you guys of your promises ;) That aside, thank you for your great service!

[Xetenor]

Awesome review! Upgraded from the R4 to the R5 and I am totally loving everything about the camera as a strict photo camera. I do zero video. I really love the improved ibis, evf, AF, pixelshift motion correction and that flip screen that lets you put in vertical mode (landscape shooters totally will love this). Also finally we have focus stacking and improved EVF. Not sure what I'd want out of a camera focused on stills.

[RobDTom]

Just more confirmation that you will ALWAYS have to compromise on the video or photo side of things. If you are primarily a still photo shooter, this camera looks awesome. If you shoot more video than stills, there are probably too many compromises. As someone who is finally making the switch to mirrorless, more for the video capabilities than anything, I am struggling to know which way to go (as I don't know how much video shooting I will wind up doing as it is pretty new to me).

[ATruths]

Sony A7RV has been great. I mainly don’t shoot video but when I do 4K 30p or 60p works best for me.

[LukeTaylorPhotography]

I want this camera solely for the swivel/tilt screen. All cameras for ever and always need to implement the same design.

[falsemcnuggethope]

2:24 is the funniest thing I've seen this year.

[alhOOOO]

I hate the yellow background colour but jeez Chris is well lit!!! Kudos Jordan

[proguncorn]

full width sample is pixel binning, its not as bad as line skipping sub sampled. It's basically same as A1, and from result the sharpness is like A7S3 in 4K so it would be great to use full width mode.

[stopthefomo]

Sony needs to release an upgraded FX3 incorporating all the latest features mentioned here

[findbinnu]

It's rare that I find Jordan making a mistake about some feature on a camera - but as Patrick Murphy-Racey demonstrates on his channel, A7RV does have Tracking On where you can use the use the joystick to initiate tracking, rather than the Touch screen. Even on the A7IV, if you use Touch Pad+Touch Panel (i.e. Both valid), and Spot Focus Area with Touch Tracking Active, you can use the rear LCD as a giant touch pad to move your Focus spot to your desired subject and initiate Tracking. So the criticism is unjustified, though as usual Sony could have explained or shown off these features more clearly.

[TommyHe]

Shutter closed while lens off and Focus Color changing are also available on A7IV, not new to A7rV.