Good news: Sony officially registered a new camera in China and this might be the Sony A7V coming in early 2025

It’s official, folks! Sony has registered a new camera with the code “WW773396” in China (source Weibo). It has dual-band Wifi support 2.4G/5.1GHz That means it:

  • After registration, it usually takes up to 3-4 months for this camera to be announced.
  • Since it has dual-band wifi support, it is definitely not a cheap entry-level camera

I believe this is the new Sony A7V as several trusted sources told me the camera will be announced in early 2025. They did NOT share any A7V specs, so I will share my own speculation from now on. I repeat: speculation and NO rumors from trusted sources, ok? I have a “conservative” and an “advanced” scenario when it comes to the possible Sony A7V specs:

Scenario 1: Conservative Evolution

This potential path sees the A7V retaining much of the A7 IV’s core specifications, with meaningful but incremental upgrades:

  • Sensor and Resolution: A continuation of the 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor found in the A7 IV, offering excellent dynamic range and low-light performance.
  • Processor: The A7V could inherit the advanced BIONZ XR processor from the A7 IV while incorporating the AI processing chip featured in the Sony A9 III. This would enhance computational photography capabilities like real-time subject recognition and tracking.
  • Autofocus: Improved AI-based autofocus, benefitting from faster and more accurate subject detection and recognition technologies.
  • Continuous Shooting: Up to 10 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical or electronic shutter, when using the compressed RAW or JPEG format.
  • 5.76m-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF: An upgrade from the 3.68m-Dot EVF of the A7IV
  • Body Design: Borrowing the A9 III’s ergonomic design, the A7V could feature a more comfortable grip, better button placement, and increased durability for demanding use cases.
  • Video Features: Continuation of 4K 60fps recording with Sony’s excellent color science and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording for high-quality post-production flexibility.

This scenario is likely to appeal to photographers who value reliability and consistency, as it builds upon the A7 IV’s already strong foundation.

Scenario 2: Bold Innovation

In a more revolutionary approach, Sony may surprise the market with cutting-edge advancements in sensor technology and overall capability. It could use the recent IMX366AJK sensor that has those key specs:

  • Sony Semiconductor PDF
  • 35mm full frame
  • Back illuminated type
  • 44.72 million pixels
  • 26.15ps in still image mode
  • 8K 12bit
  • Designed for use in consumer digital still cameras and camcorders
  • rolling shutter
  • Electronic front curtain shutter

If the Sony A7V uses that new sensor than specs could be something like this:

  • New Sensor: 44MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor (IMX366). This sensor would push resolution while improving readout speeds for better video and still performance.
  • Continuous Shooting: Up to 20 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical or electronic shutter, when using the compressed RAW or JPEG format (The iMX366 sensor supports up to 26fps but I guess it will be limited to 20fps to now really come too close to the Sony A1II)
  • Enhanced Video Capabilities: The A7V could include 4K 120fps recording and possibly 8K recording at 30fps, positioning it as a hybrid powerhouse for content creators.
  • 5.76m-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF: An upgrade from the 3.68m-Dot EVF of the A7IV
  • AI Advancements: AI-driven autofocus that excels in challenging conditions, along with enhanced real-time eye and animal tracking for both stills and video.
  • Body Design: Borrowing the A9 III’s ergonomic design, the A7V could feature a more comfortable grip, better button placement, and increased durability for demanding use cases.

In both cases, I don’t expect the A7V to support the new generation 4.0 CFexpress Type A. Why? It’s hard to understand why the Sony A1II flagship didn’t get this, while the entry-level Sony A7V does.
The price will be somewhere in the mid $2000’s, with the current Sony A7IV keeping the new heavily discounted price of $2098.

So folks, what are your thoughts: Is the conservative scenario the most likely? Is it also enough for you to upgrade? Or like me are you praying to see “Scenario 2” becoming real? :)

New leaked Sony A1II images and specs

An Asian Youtuber accidentally published his Sony A1II review prematurely. The video has since been deemed to be removed, but here are some screengrabs and a few notes from the video:

1) Stabilization
The Soy A1II will be the first camera with 8 stops stabilization + 8.5 stops “center stabilization”. There is also dynamic stabilization mode (obviously has cropping)

2) Pre Capture
precapture from 0,03 up to 1 secs (max 30 pre-shot in RAW)

3) Image Quality:
He claims the A1II has slightly improved image quality with better detail and more dynamic range (particularly in the highlight).

4) AI features:
Automatic Multi Subject Recognition Focusing

5) New tidbits:
during video shooting you can take 10 bit HEIF photos

Preorder links:
Sony A1II at  BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
28-70mm f/2.0 GM
 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.

UPDATE: A German Youtube teaser:

Important rumor correction: No 4.0 standard support

Hi folks. I have big doubts that the Sony A1II will support the CFexpress Type A1 4.0 standard. The original (1 month old) rumor that hinted at this possibility has not been confirmed by any leaks I’ve gotten, nor by any trusted sources.

Let’s hope the original rumor turns out to be true, but the odds are 50/50 at the moment :(

 

 

Few more Sony A1II specs

Ordinary Filmmaker added some more new details and I now completed the list between my specs and his smaller additions:

Sony A1II:

  • 50MP sensor
  • AI tracking and human pose estimation with improved AI processing chip
  • 8k 24/25p, 30fps
  • 4k 24/25, 30, 50/60, 100/120 fps in 10 bit
  • 30fps in continuous  with AE/AF
  • 9.44 million dot EVF with 240 fps refresh rate
  • 3.2 inch 4axis LCD
  • pre capture
  • CFexpress Type A dual card (still unconfirmed if it’s indeed the new 4.0 standard)
  • 8.5 stops IBIS
  • Based on the accurate Europe price (7499 Euro) this could be around $6399x

Sony 28-70mm f/2.0:

  • Lens construction: 14 groups and 20 elements
  • Aperture blades: 11
  • Minimum focus distance: 38cm
  • Maximum magnification ratio: 0.23x
  • Filter diameter: 86mm
  • Petal shape hood included
  • Four XCD linear AF motors, floating focus
  • aperture de-click and lock switches
  • zoom smoothness switch
  • XA & super ED elements
  • Nano AR coating and fluorine coating
  • Dimensions: 92.9mm width x 139.8mm length
  • Weight: 918g
  • price around $3,000

Announcement today at 2pm London time!

Preorder links (going live soon)
Sony A1II
at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, WexUK.
ony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM
at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, WexUK.

POLL: Based on what we know so far…will you buy the new Sony A1II and 28-70mm f/2.0 GM?

Tomorrow Sony will announce the new Sony A1II and 28-70mm f/2.0 GM lens. On paper, we know exactly what to expect:

The Sony A1II is the Sony A1 wrapped in the new A9III body and with a new AI Chip. That’s about it. While the 28-70mm f/2.0 will beat the Canon 28-70mm by 500g less weight and 10mm narrower size. Based on this early info, I’m curious if you are considering buying anything:

At the moment, I am considering to preorder the...

View Results

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I will make another poll tomorrow right after the official announcement, maybe after seeing the real final product specs and features you will change your mind :)

Specs reminder:

Sony A1II rumored specs:

  • Sony A9III body
  • Same 50MP A1 sensor
  • Pre-Capture
  • 3.2 inch vari angle screen
  • 8 stops stabilization (Sony A1 has 5.5 stops)
  • 30fps
  • 8k30p
  • AI chip which allows to have all the A9III goodies like accurate subject recognition, improved AF and so forth
  • New 4.0 CFexpress Type A card for faster buffering (still not 100% confirmed)
  • Price 7499 Euro (not sure about price in dollar yet)

Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM

  • Lens construction: 14 groups and 20 elements
  • Aperture blades: 11
  • Minimum focus distance: 38cm
  • Maximum magnification ratio: 0.23x
  • Filter diameter: 86mm
  • Petal shape hood included
  • Dimensions: 92.9mm width x 139.8mm length
  • Weight: 918g
  • price around $3,000

Preorder links (going live on November 19)
Sony A1II
at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, WexUK.
ony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM
at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, WexUK.

 

Full Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM lens specs

I just got the full specs of the lens-…Thanks source ;)

Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM

  • Lens construction: 14 groups and 20 elements
  • Aperture blades: 11
  • Minimum focus distance: 38cm
  • Maximum magnification ratio: 0.23x
  • Filter diameter: 86mm
  • Petal shape hood included
  • Dimensions: 92.9mm width x 139.8mm length
  • Weight: 918g

What’s still missing is the pricing info…should be around $3000 but I don’t have it yet. “somebody” could share this using this contact box or at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com. Thanks!

UPDATE: In Hong Kong the price will be HK$22990 (US$2930)

Preorder links (going live on November 19)
Sony A1II
at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, WexUK.
ony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM
at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, WexUK.