Sony A7rV Lab test by Lesnumeriques: A7rV has super start up time, IBIS is more effective than the α1 in live action

Sony A7rV Preorders:
In US at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, FocusCamera, BeachCamera, Buydig.
In EU at Fotokoch, Amazon EU, FotoErhardt, Calumet DE, WexUK. ParkCameras UK.
In Australia at CameraPro, Camerahouse, Sony.

Lesnumeriques made a very accurate review of the new Sony A7rV and here are some key findings:

Build/Appearance :

• It’s similar to its predecessor, but it’s clearly evolved.
• Equipped with a function to protect the sensor by closing the shutter curtain when the power is turned off.
• Previously, the startup speed was like a diesel car (over 1.5 seconds), but this camera averages 0.58 seconds, which is very fast. Faster start-up speeds are comparable to SLRs.

Portability :

• It’s a compact camera, but you’ll be surprised by its weight.
• It weighs 737g. Half the size of the Nikon Z 9, but slightly heavier than the Canon EOS R5.
• The weight difference is noticeable from the days of the α7R II and α7R III.
• It’s not as big as the LUMIX S1R, but it’s getting close in weight.

Grip :

• The grip surface has a fine texture.

Usability :

• Except for the monitor section, the control layout looks the same as the α7IV.
• Movie mode has disappeared from the PASM mode dial, and a switch that can switch between still images and movies is installed at the bottom of the dial.
• All controls are customizable with the exception of the PASM dial and MENU button.
• Customization is expert-oriented and will take some getting used to, but you can expect satisfying results.

Image stabilization :

• It has a correction effect of up to 8 stops.
• It seemed to be more effective than the α1 in live action.

Monitor :

• Sony explains that moving the monitor away from the back of the camera also improves heat dissipation at 8K.

Focus system :

• I tested it with the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II.
• In daylight there is a slight difference to the A7R IV, but in low light the A7R V is much better.
• It supports object recognition of vehicles.
• You need to get close enough to detect an insect.

High sensitivity ISO noise :

• JPEG looks good up to ISO 12800.
• Detail is very good up to ISO 1600.
• Detail starts to fall off at ISO 3200, but is still useful at ISO 6400.
• It is after ISO 12800 that I feel the problem of detail.

Dynamic range :

• Since there is no way to edit RAW at present, it is not evaluated.

Video :

• The 8K image quality is on par with the α1, but below the EOS R5 and Z9.
• The rolling shutter is quite noticeable.

Overall review

It has the same very good sensor as the A7R IV, but with some upgrades. It’s an ambitious, high-performance camera with an improved body, improved ergonomics, and increasingly impressive AF tracking. The biggest drawback, whether still or video, is still the rolling shutter, which is too pronounced for an electronic shutter. Still, I think it’s a worthwhile camera that embodies camera-making know-how.

• Pros :
  – Very good EVF – Good
  ISO performance
  – 240-megapixel high-resolution shooting
  – 8K 24p
  , 4:2:2 10bit
  – 4K UHD 30p without cropping
  – Subject detection AF
  – 8 stops Image stabilization
  , fast startup
  , 4-axis free-angle monitor
  , a wide range of interfaces
  , customizability
  , dust and splash proof
• Cons :
  Continuous shooting speed up to 10fps
  Electronic shutter fastest 1/ 8000s
  Limited focus map assist
  Crop at 4K 60p and 8K
  No DCI format support
  Noticeable rolling shutter
  4K live streaming 15fps limit

Summary via Asobinet