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

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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.

 

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DC.watch: The Sony A7V gives you the Sony A1II/A9III experience for half the price

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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.

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.

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Spec comparison: Sony A7V vs the Canon R6III…who wins?

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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 vs Canon R6III (full spec comparison on this BH page)

It’s time to make the big discussion: Sony A7V vs Canon R6III. Now one thing has to be made clear: Both are EXCELLENT cameras and nobody should switch system because of “one” camera. But let’s get into the bitty gritty and highlight the differences between the two

1) Sony’s fundamental architectural advantage:

“The Sony A7V uses a more modern, faster sensor architecture (partially stacked vs. Canon’s non-stacked design) and a newer processor with integrated AI. This gives Sony far more headroom for future features added through firmware updates than Canon currently has. In other words, the A7V has significantly greater upward potential that Sony could — and hopefully will — take advantage of. Any missing features today (such as Open Gate) are, at least on paper, well within the camera’s capabilities. Now we just need to push Sony to actually deliver them.”

this is point nearly nobody highlighted: The Canon is based on a regular architecture while Sony has gone all in with a very future proof hardware.

2) Sony is the king of speed:

The devil is always in the detail: While Canon can read out at 13.5ms and the Sony at 15.1ms, the Sony does it in full 14 bit while Canon has to reduce the amount of data with a 12 bit readout. This allows Sony to have an impressive 1+ stop advantage in dynamic range over the Canon! 40fps in lower quality of the Canon is in my opinion not a match for the 30fps 14bit RAW of the Sony.

3) Sony has the edge in still-image quality:

Sixteen stops of dynamic range sounds impressive, and I’m looking forward to proper tests that can confirm whether Sony’s still-image quality now pulls ahead of Canon.

4) Canon wins in video

Canon has 120p uncropped, Open Gate, waveform, false color, 7k. internal RAW recording. Sony’s only advantage is much less overheating issues. Now, Sony has the  margin (speed on the sensor è power on the processor) to improve the video features through future updates. Let’s see if they can close the gap with Canon.

6) Autofocus (to be tested)

Canon has 100% coverage but I suspect Sony will have a more useful, faster and accurate AF system than the Canon. This has to be confirmed via proper testing!

7) Ergonomics and other features

This is mostly a personal preference. The Canon is bigger and maybe easier for some to handle. I personally love the compact size of the Sony A7V. I love their 4 way fully articulating screen. I also found it impressive that the Sony can offer much longer battery life than the Canon

PetaPixel writes:

Before this camera’s announcement, I would have given the best camera of the year to the Canon EOS R6 III. I still might, but the Sony a7 V is easily a contender for this prestigious title.
From a purely photographic standpoint, I think it has minor advantages over the Canon in terms of image quality and focus performance. However, I believe that the Canon is slightly more compelling as a hybrid photo/video product.

Essentially, we have two cameras that are very close in their main specs (33MP resolution, excellent 4K recording), each with its own strengths in specific areas. I feel that Sony has greater potential for growth — but only if Sony recognizes this and is willing to add new features through future firmware updates.

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Sony A7 IV vs Sony A7V specs and size comparison

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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.

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

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

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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.

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.

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