Sony 100mm GM macro at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.

What an amazing lens Sony has created here!

DigitalCameraWorld tested the lens and concluded:

If you already own Sony’s 90mm Macro and you’re wondering if this is worth the upgrade, I can only apologize to your waller – yes, this is 100% worth the upgrade as the performance is a league apart. This is the best macro lens for the E-mount and one of Sony’s finest lenses ever.

And we have new review and webinar videos:

Viltrox knocked it out of the park with the new 85mm f/2.0 EVO — outstanding image quality at an impressively low price. Highly recommended!

You can preorder it at BHphoto, Amazon, Viltrox worldwide store.

Sony A7V preorders:
In USA at at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Henrys.
In EU at  Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Foto Köster, WexUK, Clifton, Park UK, Fnac FR.
In Australia at: Camera Pro, Sony Australia.

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The Internet has gone crazy over the Sony A7V. And here is another “controversial” take:

And here is a new review from Jan Wegener:

Reminder: Sony A7V finally available for preorder on Amazon (click here). “Arrives before Christmas” :)

The Sony A7V uses a new class leading sensor and it delivers stunning Dynamic Range at low ISO according to PhotonsToPhotos testing. We now have more details about how the camera achieves this:

As reported by Petapixel the Sony A7V uses Dual Gain Output (DGO) when using the mechanical shutter at base and low ISO settings. The good news is that the Sony does NOT use baked-in noise reduction with its RAW files. Petapixel writes:

A camera utilizing Dual Gain Output, DGO, captures two readouts of a single exposure with two different ISO settings. In the case of the S1 II, the camera at base ISO combines an image shot at ISO 100 and a second at ISO 800 and merges the results into a single RAW file. This means the camera can take advantage of the higher saturation capacity at low ISO and the improved deep shadow performance at a higher ISO.

The real limitation is that DGO does not work in electronic shutter mode which leads to about 1 stop dynamic range drop. Why?

DGO increases sensor readout times, which are not an issue when using a mechanical shutter but are problematic when using an electronic shutter, increasing the risk of rolling shutter problems.

I think Sony has found the perfect middle ground: outstanding dynamic range with the mechanical shutter (10 fps is more than enough for most users), and when you really need ultimate speed, you can push it up to 30 fps using the electronic shutter.

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Sony A7V preorders:
In USA at at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Henrys.
In EU at  Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Foto Köster, WexUK, Clifton, Park UK, Fnac FR.
In Australia at: Camera Pro, Sony Australia.

Sony A7V preorders:
In USA at at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Henrys.
In EU at  Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Foto Köster, WexUK, Clifton, Park UK, Fnac FR.
In Australia at: Camera Pro, Sony Australia.

PetaPixel wrote that Orders for the Sony a7 V Are Strong Despite Negative Online Discourse. I can confirm through my channels that this is true.

On socials you see many arguing that this camera falls short against the competition. But they miss the point. The Sony is strong and reliable where it matters while others stills struggle (see Canon R6III overheating issues).

PetaPixel reports this comment from a Reddit user:

“Minor upgrade? The hell camera are you comparing it to because it sure as hell ain’t the A7IV. The A7V is like 90% of an A1ii for half the price. Depending on your use case of course but as someone who shoots mostly faster subjects and is photo focused it is an incredible upgrade on all fronts,” the comment reads. “I don’t know how anyone can look at this camera and not see it as a massive upgrade. Okay maybe you shoot portraits and landscape then it’s not? But you were not looking for an upgrade anyway as for those genres the body matters a lot less.”

Yes, I also see this as great new camera from Sony!

Sony A7V preorders:
In USA at at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Henrys.
In EU at  Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Foto Köster, WexUK, Clifton, Park UK, Fnac FR.
In Australia at: Camera Pro, Sony Australia.

DC.watch quickly tested the Sony A7V and writes:

It essentially gives mainstream photographers some of the α1 / α9 III intelligence, but at less than half the price.

Here are the bullet points:

• Model & Positioning
  Sony α7 V is the successor to the α7 IV and sits as Sony’s new all-round full-frame hybrid for photo and video, below the α7R V but with many of its latest technologies.
• Sensor & Image Quality
  33 MP full-frame partially stacked CMOS sensor (same resolution as α7 IV but much faster readout).
  Aimed to deliver cleaner high-ISO performance with around 16 stops of dynamic range in stills.
• Speed & Rolling Shutter
  Electronic shutter up to 30 fps with AF/AE tracking, mechanical shutter around 10 fps.
  Much faster readout (≈1/67.5 s) greatly reduces rolling-shutter distortions compared to α7 IV.
• Autofocus & AI
  BIONZ XR2 processor with dedicated AI unit for subject recognition.
  Tracks people, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains and airplanes with improved reliability over α7 IV.
• New RAW Features
  Composite RAW: combines multiple frames in-camera for reduced noise or higher dynamic range.
  Single-frame “Extended NR / Extended Hi-Res” via Imaging Edge: deep-learning processing of one RAW file to simulate low-ISO cleanliness or extra detail.
• Video Capabilities
  4K 60p from full-frame (no crop) and 4K 120p in Super 35 mode, using XAVC S / HS / SI 10-bit 4:2:2 up to ~600 Mbps.
  S-Cinetone and log profiles available, active and dynamic-active electronic stabilization and long, effectively unlimited clip length.
• Viewfinder & Screen
  3.69M-dot OLED EVF, blackout-free at high burst rates.
  3.2-inch 2.1M-dot rear LCD with 4-axis multi-angle mechanism (tilt + flip) for both stills and video work.
• Body, Handling & Connectivity
  Body size similar to α7 IV, slightly heavier, with deeper grip and refined controls.
  Two USB-C ports (USB 3.2 10 Gbps + USB 2.0), full-size HDMI, mic and headphone jacks, dual card slots (SD UHS-II / CFexpress Type A compatible).
  Wi-Fi with 2.4/5 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster transfers and improved app connectivity.
• Stabilization & Battery
  In-body image stabilization rated around 7.5 stops in the center, improved over α7 IV.
  Uses NP-FZ100 battery; CIPA rating about 630 shots via EVF and 750 via LCD, plus support for USB-PD power/charging.
• Overall Verdict in the Review
  Reviewer sees α7 V as a “no-compromise” general-purpose camera: big speed and usability upgrade over α7 IV, with strong photo quality and very capable video.
  Recommended as the default Sony full-frame choice for most users who want one camera for everything rather than a specialized high-resolution or cinema-focused body.

The french Phototrend website writes:

Overall verdict: a highly capable, versatile stills camera with class-leading AF and strong performance in most scenarios, but a bit “timid” versus rivals for demanding video shooters.