Quickly after the launch of the Sony A7 V, studies of the full-frame cameras’ dynamic vary emerged – and the web turned obsessed. I shot with the Sony A7 V, and whereas my expertise was restricted to only a few days with the brand new digicam, I did discover the digicam’s dynamic vary spectacular. However the digicam’s means to seize such a variety between the highlights and shadows makes one specification really feel particularly behind: The low-light autofocus.
The Sony A7 V is a powerful leap for the sequence. I used the very first Sony A7 when it was first introduced, and the A7 V not feels just like the prosumer digicam that the unique A7 was. That hole is exaggerated by the spectacular 30 fps blackout-free bursts and, sure, the spectacular dynamic vary.
A full-frame digicam of this caliber deserves to be put via a number of inflexible assessments – and we’re nonetheless engaged on placing the Sony A7 V via the paces. Whereas we’re nonetheless placing the A7 V to the check within the lab, my hands-on expertise does counsel fairly strong dynamic vary.
I arrange a shot in entrance of a window with no flash and no synthetic inside lighting – which is, fairly frankly, practically each photographer’s worst nightmare – and that is what the A7 V captured utilizing the mechanical shutter:
There’s nonetheless fairly a little bit of element within the shadows, sufficient to learn the textual content on the classic digicam. But, on the similar time, the naked winter branches exterior the overly shiny window are nonetheless intact.
However, there may be one spec that I want would have seen an enchancment from the A7 IV: the autofocus sensitivity in low mild. The Sony A7 V has the identical autofocus sensitivity vary because the Sony A7 IV, which is -4 EV to +20 EV.
That’s not horrible – however it’s behind the competitors. The Canon EOS R6 Mark III is rated right down to -6.5 EV. The Nikon Z6 III laughs on the competitors with a -10 EV low-light autofocus sensitivity (and, equally, the much more reasonably priced Nikon Z5 II).
I took the Sony A7 V out to {photograph} Christmas lights in a small village, lit primarily by a number of avenue lamps and Christmas lights. The A7 V’s autofocus locked on in lots of pictures, however in others, the autofocus hunted backwards and forwards a bit.
I’m impressed with the Sony A7 V’s pace and dynamic vary – and it’s a significant step ahead for the unique A7 sequence. However the autofocus sensitivity vary hasn’t modified between the A7 IV and A7 V, and that’s a bit disappointing, particularly as cameras with fewer megapixels just like the A7 V over the A7R V are usually a bit higher for low mild.
Whereas the Sony A7 V wants extra testing earlier than a last verdict, one factor is obvious – the competitors for full-frame mirrorless at this worth vary is intense, and the best choice will doubtless come right down to which options are most vital to you. The Sony A7 V has spectacular dynamic vary and burst speeds and is a big step ahead in a number of areas, however low-light autofocus isn’t one in every of them.
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Learn the Sony A7 V hands-on evaluate, or browse the greatest full-frame mirrorless cameras.