Sony A7V shipping out in Europe. Third party lenses working fine on it

A couple of European  SAR readers told me their Sony A7V preorder shipped out yesterday/today.One of our readers (Thanks!) just sent me this:

Ok here I am again from the Netherlands.
I received the A7V today!

Also, I’ve seen some talk about third-party lens support. All my third-party lenses are working.
Tamron 35-150mm
Sigma 60 600 mm
Sigma 56mm 1.4 DC DN (apsc)
Even de viltrox af 15/1.7 (apsc)

Could be that the shipped Sony A7V come with final firmware installed that gets rid of the issues reported by Kai in his video.

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 A7 IV vs Sony A7V specs and size comparison

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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Here is a spec comparison between the “old” Sony A7iV and the new Sony A7V. It doesn’t also mention some other differences like less overheating, faster autofocus performance, new AI white balance and other minor improvements:

Category ILCE-7M5 (A7V) ILCE-7M4 (A7 IV)
Image Sensor
Sensor size Full size Full size
Sensor type Partially laminated type Back-illuminated
Effective pixel count (megapixels) Approximately 33 million pixels (Note: 16 stops dynamic range) Approximately 32.7 million pixels (15 stops dynamic range)
Maximum recording pixels 7008 × 4672 7008 × 4672
Aspect ratio 3:2, 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, APS-C 3:2, 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, APS-C
Low-pass filter Mounted No information
Image stabilization 7.5 rows in the center, 6.5 rows around 5.5
Dust removal function Shutter closing function Anti-static coating, Sensor shift
Read speed 1/67.5 s 1/15 s
Low light ISO No information 5365
PDR No information 11.71
Processor
Image processing engine BIONZ XR2 BIONZ XR
RAW output format Supports 14-bit 30fps, Lossless compression, Image quality priority, Compression 14-bit compression, Lossless compression (L/M/S), Uncompressed
Other outputs HEIF HEIF
Recording media SD UHS-II, CFexpress A SD UHS-II, CFexpress A
Media slot 2 (CFeA slot1) 2 (CFeA slot1)
Movie
Video recording format MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MPEG-H HEVC/H.265
Audio recording method LPCM LPCM, AAC
Recording format XAVC S, XAVC SI, XAVC HS, 4:2:2 10-bit XAVC S, XAVC SI, XAVC HS, 4:2:2 10-bit
4K ~120p, ALL-I/LGOP, ~600 Mbps ~60p, ALL-I/LGOP, ~600 Mbps
FHD ~120p, ALL-I/LGOP, ~222 Mbps ~60p, ALL-I/LGOP, ~222 Mbps
Video crop None (4K 60p), S35 (4K 120p) None (4K 30p), S35 (4K 60p)
Continuous shooting time Unlimited Unlimited
Time-lapse video – –
Video recording function Skin Beautification Mode, Gamma Display Assist, Focus Map, Breathing Compensation Skin Beautification Mode, Gamma Display Assist, Focus Map, Breathing Compensation
Video profile PP, S-Cinetone PP
Electronic image stabilization Active (4K 120p compatible), Dynamic Active Active
Proxy Correspondence Correspondence
Timecode Correspondence Correspondence
Anamorphic – –
Drive
Shutter speed 1/8000–30 seconds 1/8000–30 seconds
Electronic front-curtain shutter 1/8000–30 seconds 1/8000–30 seconds
Electronic shutter speed 1/16000–30 seconds 1/8000–30 seconds
Flash sync 1/250 s (full size), 1/320 s (APS-C size) 1/250 s (full size), 1/320 s (APS-C size)
High-speed continuous shooting Electronic shutter up to approximately 30 fps maximum, approximately 10 fps mechanical shutter (14-bit compatible) Up to 10 frames per second (compressed RAW), 6 frames per second (uncompressed RAW)
Number of continuous shots RAW: 95 frames, Lossless: 35 frames 6 fps RAW: 1000, Uncompressed RAW: 1000
Low speed limit setting Supported, auto adjustment Supported, auto adjustment
Pre-continuous shooting function Up to 1 second ago –
Self-timer 2/5/10 seconds 2/5/10 seconds
Other drive features Continuous shooting speed boost, Blackout free
Viewfinder / Monitor
Viewfinder method 0.5 type OLED 0.5 type OLED
Viewfinder resolution (dots) 3.69 million dots 3.69 million dots
Eyepoint (mm) Approximately 23 mm Approximately 18.5 mm
Maximum viewfinder magnification Approximately 0.78 times Approximately 0.78 times
Diopter adjustment range -4 to +3m-1 -4 to +3m-1
Fluorine coating Correspondence
Frame rate 60/120 fps 60/120 fps
Monitor format TFT color TFT color
Monitor resolution (dots) 2.1 million dots 1.04 million dots
Monitor size 3.2-inch 3.0 type
Movable method 4-axis tilt Vari-angle
Touch panel Correspondence Correspondence
Interface
Digital terminal 1: USB-C USB3.2 10Gbps, 2: USB-C USB2.0 USB 3.1 Gen2 Micro B
Special terminal – –
Sync terminal – –
HDMI terminal A A
External microphone jack 3.5mm 3.5mm
Headphone jack 3.5mm 3.5mm
Remote control terminal – USB Micro B RM-VPR1
Wireless remote control RMT-VP2 RMT-VP2
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.3 4.1
NFC – –
GPS – –
Environmental sensors – –
Tethered shooting Imaging Edge Imaging Edge
Flash – –
Electronic level 2-axis 2-axis
Drawing function
HDR shooting – –
Multiple exposure – –
Interval shooting – –
High-resolution photography – –
Bracket AE/WB/DRO AE/WB/DRO
Other features Composite RAW shooting
In-body RAW development – –
Lens correction Peripheral illumination, Chromatic aberration, Distortion, Breathing Peripheral illumination, Chromatic aberration, Distortion, Breathing
Color presets 12 types (FL2/FL3), PP, S-Cinetone 10 types, PP
Finishing settings Custom 6 frames, Contrast ±9, Shadow ±9, Highlight ±9, Fade ~9, Saturation ±9, Sharpness ~9, S.Range ~5, Clarity ~9 Custom 6 frames, Contrast ±9, Shadow ±9, Highlight ±9, Fade ~9, Saturation ±9, Sharpness ~9, S.Range ~5, Clarity ~9
White balance Auto (3 types), Sun, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (4 types), Flash, Color Temperature (2500–9900), Color Filter, Custom (3 frames), Underwater Auto (Ai driven) Auto (3 types), Sun, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (4 types), Flash, Color Temperature (2500–9900), Color Filter, Custom (3 frames), Underwater Auto
Digital filter – –
Power supply and body
Battery NP-FZ100 NP-FZ100
Vertical grip VG-C4M VG-C4M
USB charging USB-PD USB-PD
USB powered USB-PD USB-PD
Number of photos that can be taken 630-image EVF, 750-image LCD 520-image EVF, 580-image LCD
Videos that can be recorded Approximately 210 minutes EVF, Approximately 210 minutes LCD Approximately 170 minutes EVF, Approximately 175 minutes LCD
Body material Top, Front, Rear, Internal frame Top, Front, Internal frame
Body size width (mm) 130.3 131.3
Body size height (mm) 96.4 96.4
Body size depth (mm) 82.4 79.8
Weight (including media and battery) Approximately 695 g Approximately 658 g
Mass (body only) Approximately 610 g Approximately 573 g
Dustproof and waterproof Considerate design Considerate design
Operating temperature 0°C to 40°C 0°C to 40°C
Autofocus
AF method Hybrid Hybrid
Ranging point 759 points 759 points
Coverage area Approximately 94% Approximately 94%
Distance measurement brightness range -4 to 20 (F2 lens) -4 to 20 (F2 lens)
Focus mode AF-S, AF-A, AF-C, DME, DMF, MF AF-S, AF-A, AF-C, DME, DMF, MF
Distance measurement area mode Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible (XS/S/M/L/XL), Expandable Flexible, Custom, Lock-On Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible (S/M/L), Extendable, Lock-On
Face detection Correspondence Correspondence
Eye detection Eye AF, left/right switching supported Eye AF, left/right switching supported
Customizable tracking characteristics Tracking Sensitivity Tracking Sensitivity
Subject detection function Auto, People, Animals, Birds, Insects, Cars, Trains, Airplanes Animal eyes, Bird eyes, Real-time tracking
Midfielder assist Peaking, Focus Map Peaking, Focus Map
Exposure
Photometry method (divisions) 1200 divisions 1200 divisions
Photometry method (patterns) Multi, Center-weighted, Spot, Wide-screen average, Highlight-weighted Multi, Center-weighted, Spot, Wide-screen average, Highlight-weighted
Photometric range -3 to 20 -3 to 20
Exposure mode AUTO, P, S, A, M, C3 frame AUTO, P, S, A, M, C3 frame
Regular ISO sensitivity 100–51200 100–51200
Extended ISO sensitivity 50, 204800 50, 204800
Exposure compensation ±5.0 EV ±5.0 EV
Flicker reduction Correspondence Correspondence
DR correction 5 stages 5 stages

via Asobinet

PetaPixel: Sony a7 V vs a7 IV, the 15 Biggest Improvements!

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 listed the 15 biggest improvements on the Sony A7V:

  • New 33MP partially stacked sensor (first ever in an Alpha camera), delivering faster readout and better overall performance.
  • Improved dynamic range up to 16 stops with mechanical shutter (about 1 stop better than A7 IV).
  • Massively reduced rolling shutter: ~15ms vs ~70ms on A7 IV.
  • Continuous shooting upgraded to 30 fps RAW with full AF/AE tracking (A7 IV maxed at 10 fps).
  • Blackout-free EVF even at 30 fps thanks to faster sensor & processor.
  • New Bionz XR2 processor with integrated AI—faster, more efficient, and no external AI unit required.
  • Greatly improved AI autofocus (people, animals, birds, insects, vehicles) with pose prediction & subject recognition.
  • Much better automatic white balance, especially for skin tones, blue skies, and foliage.
  • Full-width 4K60p oversampled video (A7 IV only did 4K60 with APS-C crop).
  • Better video AF, improved stabilization, Custom LUT support, and Auto Framing.
  • Significantly improved thermal performance with a new graphite heatsink—no overheating in 4K60 All-I tests.
  • New 3.2″ 2.09M-dot 4-axis screen (vs 3.0″ 1.04M-dot on A7 IV).
  • Better EVF experience (blackout-free, smoother refresh) even with same 3.69M-dot panel.
  • Improved battery life: 630 shots EVF / 750 shots LCD (vs 520 / 580 on A7 IV).
  • New dual USB-C ports (data + charging simultaneously).

In my opinion, this is a solid upgrade — especially because the fundamentals are now much stronger: a new sensor and a new CPU with an integrated AI chip. With that foundation, there’s real potential for Sony to introduce additional features through future firmware updates.

Weird: Chinese third party E-mount lenses do not work properly on the new Sony A7V

Kai noticed that none of his Chinese E-mount lenses worked on the Sony A7V. Sony’s official response to Kai was:

We do not guarantee third party compatibility

It’s possible the A7V was running non-final firmware, or simply that the Chinese manufacturers will need to update their lens firmware for full compatibility. Many Sony users own these Chinese-branded E-mount lenses, and there’s no reason Sony wouldn’t ensure they work properly on the A7V as well.

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.

Curiosities about the new Sony 7V: New AI driven White Balance system, new AI noise reduction and 10Gbps USB-C

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.

By now you know the camera features the world’s highest-resolution partially stacked sensor, a CPU with integrated AI for higher speed and lower power consumption, 16 stops of dynamic range, excellent uncropped 4K60p, and more. But the Sony A7V also introduces several new “tricks”:

  • The camera uses AI to analyze both visible and infrared light to accurately determine the characteristics of the light source in a scene. For example, in shaded forest environments where older models often produced incorrect color temperatures, the Sony A7V can reliably reproduce neutral whites and natural skin tones. This greatly reduces the time and cost of color-correction work for wedding and outdoor portrait photographers.
  • Overall AI recognition rate improved by 30%. The new system introduces “Human Pose Estimation”
  • Sony is introducing two AI-powered RAW stills processing features through Imaging Edge Desktop software. Composite RAW shooting, inherited from the a1 II, combines multiple exposures into a single high-quality RAW file, suited for landscapes and nighttime photography. New to the a7 V is Extended RAW processing, which uses neural networks to generate high-resolution images from a single input, making it suitable for fast-moving subjects like wildlife where multi-frame capture isn’t practical.
  • The camera features dual USB-C ports on the side: one supports 10Gbps high-speed transmission (suitable for tethering), and the other is a dedicated USB 2.0 port for power or communication. The wireless network has been upgraded to Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz) with a 2×2 MIMO antenna, significantly improving transmission speed.

image via unwire.hk