An upgraded 33-megapixel semi-aligned sensor and the new Bionz XR2 processor deliver next-level performance, while design changes improve handling.
The more advanced A7 IV coming in 2021 will have a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor, excellent battery life, and a significantly lower price.
But before Sony fans get disappointed, the A7 V features Sony’s latest processor and a new type of sensor that should deliver a significant performance boost. As we discovered during our product testing, the A7 V has also undergone several design changes aimed at improving the user experience.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the Sony A7 V and Sony A7 IV based on real-world tests.
1. Sony A7 V vs Sony A7 IV: Sensor
- Both cameras are equipped with 33 MP full-frame sensors.
- The A7 V has been partially tweaked to improve performance.
- In contrast, partially armored sensors have historically had low sensitivity to light.
The A7 V is Sony’s first attempt at a partial fusion sensor, and it is very different from the regular sensor in the A7 IV (similar to the Nikon Z6 III, which was upgraded to the Nikon Z6 II). The more expensive Sony A1 II has a full-fledged new generation sensor.
Both cameras deliver 33-megapixel still images, but there are several performance improvements, including faster sensor readout speeds on the A7 V and better handling of the A7 IV’s notorious shutter distortion.
On the other hand, partially laminated sensors have historically had low light sensitivity, which can affect image quality in low light and degrade dynamic range. On the other hand, Sony says that the dynamic range of the A7 V has increased by 16EV compared to the A7 IV.
We didn’t test both cameras side-by-side to make this comparison, but we did test the A7 V and found that while the 16EV is ambitious, the dynamic range of the new model is certainly no worse than the A7 IV.
However, Sony has managed to achieve better performance by using a new type of sensor without compromising image quality.
- Sensor Winner: Sony A7 V
2. Sony A7 V and Sony A7 IV: Autofocus and Speed
- Sony A7 IV is equipped with the new Bionz XR 2 processor.
- It has a built-in AI processor and advanced autofocus capabilities.
- Maximum shooting speed has been increased from 10 to 30 fps and now includes pre-capture.
For the first time from Sony, the A7 V is equipped with the new Bionz XR2 processor with a built-in Artificial Intelligence processing unit. The device has two separate processors from the main processor in the A7R V and A1 II, but here they are combined into a single processor to provide the expected “AI” performance improvements, including subject detection autofocus and improved white balance accuracy.
Sony says AF performance has been “significantly” improved by expanding the range of human detection to include eyes, face, head and torso, expanding the range of detected objects, and adding a more convenient AF subject detection mode. The α7 IV’s autofocus is very effective, but very simple.
Using the electronic shutter also increases the shooting speed from 10 to 30 frames per second. These speeds can be supported for up to 185 JPEG, 95 RAW, or up to 1000 images at 10 frames per second. The A7 V’s mechanical shutter is limited to 10fps, which matches the A7 IV’s top speed regardless of the type of shutter used. It is also now possible to pre-capture up to 30 frames (or one second). This is a new feature in the series.
This means the A7 V has a more versatile autofocus, allowing you to shoot faster and for longer periods of time.
- Speed Winner: Sony A7 V
3. Sony A7 V and Sony A7 IV: Performance
- The A7 V’s in-body image stabilization is rated at 7.5EV, while on the A7 IV it is 5.5EV.
- Battery life has been increased from 580 to 750 shots.
- Video recording lasts longer even at higher temperatures.
Other less flashy but very useful performance improvements include built-in image stabilization, better battery life, and longer video recording duration. For example, the A7 V’s in-body image stabilization is up to 7.5 stops in the center and 6.5 stops at the edges, while the A7 IV’s is up to 5.5 stops.
Battery life has also been improved. The A7 V records 750 frames using the LCD screen and 630 frames using the viewfinder, while the A7 IV records 580 and 520 frames respectively. The battery life of the α7 V is one of the features that makes it superior not only to the α7 IV, but also to competing products from Canon and Nikon.
Video recording time is 90 minutes at an ambient temperature of 25°C. However, especially in high temperatures up to 40°C, you can now record video on the A7 IV, up from 10 minutes to 60 minutes.
- Performance Winner: Sony A7 V
4. Sony A7 V and Sony A7 IV: Image and video quality.
- Both cameras shoot 33-megapixel photos in 14-bit RAW format with the same dynamic range as the A7 V.
- Video recording has been upscaled to 4K 60p (upsampling and decropping at 7K).
- Auto white balance accuracy has been improved.
If you primarily shoot landscapes or simple still subjects, the difference in image quality between the α7 V and α7 IV may be negligible. For these photographers, the most notable update will be the improved accuracy of the automatic white balance. We found that the A7 V could handle particularly challenging lighting scenarios with ease and produce bright, pleasing colors. Unfortunately, aggressive JPEG processing still exists.
For photographers, the improved image quality is primarily the result of the A7 V’s superior performance features, including improved autofocus accuracy and versatility, elimination of rolling shutter distortion, and faster shooting speeds.
The biggest benefit of the upgrade is the A7 V’s video recording capabilities. It offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps without cropping and upscaling to 7K resolution. We’ve also added 4K at 120fps, even though the frame rate is 1.5x.
One of the secrets hidden by the A7 V is what Sony calls “high-resolution RAW processing.” This mode combines up to 16 images (using Sony’s Imaging Edge desktop app) into one file to reduce noise and improve resolution. This mode is especially useful for shooting still subjects such as landscape photos.
- Picture Quality Winner: Sony A7 V
5. Sony A7 V vs Sony A7 IV: Design
- The 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen now has a variable angle on two axes instead of just one.
- The electronic viewfinder is the same, but the α7 V does not have a power-off feature.
- A7 V ergonomic improvements
First of all, the A7 V and A7 IV are remarkably similar cameras. However, if you are familiar with Sony cameras, you can easily switch between them.
However, after using the new A7 V for a longer period of time, I noticed some useful and subtle improvements in its performance compared to its predecessor. First, the handle design has been redesigned to make it easier to hold for long periods of time.
In addition to the improved handle shape, the 3.2-inch LCD touch screen on the back has also changed from a single-axis vari-angle type like the A7 IV to a dual-axis vari-angle type. In fact, the gimbal hinge allows the screen to be moved away from the port so that the cable attached to the camera does not interfere with the rotation of the screen. It provides clear vision even when shooting at difficult angles, vertically and horizontally. Both cameras have the same electronic viewfinder, but the A7 V’s electronic viewfinder has no power switch. I know several photographers who are interested in this.
In terms of ports, two USB-C ports (3.2 and 2.0) have been added. Data transfer, gimbal connection and/or camera charging can be done simultaneously. Sony says the quality of the internal microphone has also been improved, particularly in its ability to reduce background noise.
- Design Award: Sony A7 V
Sony A7 V vs Sony A7 IV: Initial Verdict
Not surprisingly, it’s an outright win for the Sony A7 V, which is a better camera than the Sony A7 IV in almost every way.
Photo quality is about the same, but the A7 V offers next-level speed, making it more versatile in every way. Video quality is also improved with better management of shutter distortion and no cropping for 4K recording at 60fps. Intelligent Subject Detection technology improves autofocus performance and improves overall color reproduction.
I also like the A7 V’s controls. The soft grip feels comfortable in the hand, and the dual-axis variangle screen is especially useful when shooting from difficult angles in both portrait and landscape formats.
The only thing that gives the Sony A7 IV an edge in this battle is its price. Because it is a four-year-old product, its price is much lower than when it was released, and significantly cheaper than the A7 V. At the time of writing, you can get it for about $1,000 less. Additionally, if you typically shoot still subjects and don’t need the productivity boost, it may be wise to opt for two cameras.
