C O N T E N T S
Photo Corners headlinesarchivemikepasini.com
A S C R A P B O O K O F S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R
Enhancing the enjoyment of taking pictures with news that matters, features that entertain and images that delight. Published frequently.
Sony Announces Alpha 7 V, FE 28-70mm
2 December 2025
Sony has introduced its Alpha 7 V powered by a newly-developed partially-stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and the BIONZ XR2, a new image processing engine that incorporates the AI processing unit functions of the latest Alpha series.
The company also launched the FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II, a full-frame compatible, compact and lightweight standard zoom lens that supports the Alpha 7 V's high-speed continuous shooting.
Details follow.
ALPHA 7 V
"The Alpha 7 V resets expectations on what an all-around Full-frame camera can achieve," said Yang Cheng, Sony vice president. "By evolving autofocus intelligence, color science and system responsiveness, we're enriching our expanding lineup with a powerful new option that provides creators with an advanced tool capable of keeping up with their creativity and bringing them one step closer to achieving their dreams."
The AI capabilities of the BIONZ XR2 engine deliver improvements in autofocus speed, accuracy and reliability, the company said. AI-driven Auto White Balance leverages advanced scene analysis for consistent color rendering and uses light source estimation through deep learning technology.
The partially-stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with 4.5 times faster readout speed and the BIONZ XR2 processor results in high image quality with minimal distortion, the company added.
High-precision tracking with up to 60 times AF/AE calculations per second and blackout-free continuous shooting up to 30 fps with AF/AE tracking helps capture of fast-moving subjects moving in complex patterns. Even during 14-bit Raw shooting, it achieves high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with AF/AE tracking.
The Pre-Capture function records up to one second before the shutter is pressed.
The Alpha 7 V achieves up to 16 stops of dynamic range so even scenes with extreme contrast show natural and smooth gradations from dark to bright areas.
Highlights of the new Alpha include:
- 33-megapixel partially-stacked Exmor RS sensor
- BIONZ XR2 processor, built-in AI
- 759-Point PDAF with real-time tracking
- AI subject recognition, auto framing
- 4K 60p 10-bit video, S-Log3 & S-Cinetone
- 7.5-stop, 5-Axis image stabilization
- 3.68m-dot EVF with 120 fps refresh rate
- 3.2-inch 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- Pre-Capture, Speed Boost, 30fps shooting
- FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II lens
Specifications for the camera include:
SONY ALPHA 7 V SPECIFICATIONS Sensor 33-Megapixel partially-stacked CMOS sensor
Aspect Ratios: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9Bit Depth 14-Bit Lens Mount Sony E File Formats Raw, JPEG, HEIF Storage Slot 1: CFexpress Type A / SDXC (UHS-II)
Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)Viewfinder 0.5" 3,686,400-dot OLED
23mm eye point
0.78x magnification
100 percent coverage
Diopter adjustment: -4 to +3Monitor 4-axis tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD
2,095,104 dotsShutter Electronic Shutter:
- 1/16000 to 30 seconds
Mechanical Shutter:
- 1/8000 to 30 seconds
- 1/8000 to 1 second in Movie mode
Bulb modeFrame Rate Up to 30 fps at maximum resolution for up to 95 Raws/85 Raw+JPEGs/185 JPEGs
Up to 10 fps at maximum resolution for up to 10,000 Raw+JPEGsISO Photo:
Native in Manual Mode: 100 to 51,200 (50 to 204,800 Extended)
Native in Auto Mode: 100 to 12,800
Video:
Native in Manual Mode: 100 to 51,200 (100 to 102,400 Extended)
Native in Auto Mode: 100 to 12,800Autofocus Yes Live View Yes Image Stabilization Five axis sensor shift Flash TTL, shoe mount, no built-in flash Maximum Sync Speed: 1/250 second Movie H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit:
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
H.264/XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit:
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit:
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94/100/120 fps
H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-Bit:
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94/100/120 fps
XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit:
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
No recording limitConnectivity Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 6.0
HDMI output, USB-C input, USB-C (USB 3.2/3.1 Gen 2) Data input/outputPower NP-FZ100 rechargeable lithium-ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh
750 shotsDimensions 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.8 inches Weight 1.5 lbs. The Alpha 7 V body will be available by the end of December 2025 for $2,899. The Alpha 7 V with SEL2870-kit will be available in February 2026 for $3,099. Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
FE 28-70 ZOOM
The compact, lightweight FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II is designed to fully leverage the continuous shooting capabilities of the Alpha 7 V sensor, Sony pointed out. On compatible cameras, the new lens achieves up to 120 fps AF/AE tracking, continuous shooting, seamless body-lens coordinated image stabilization, autofocus available even during zooming and built-in breathing compensation support.
Highlights of the new zoom include:
- Full-frame format
- Apertures: f3.5-5.6 to f22-36
- Rounded 7-blade diaphragm
- Lightweight, compact design
- Linear autofocus motor with internal focus
- Supports AF-C with AF/AE Up to 120 fps
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- 1 ED element, 3 aspherical elements
- Dust and moisture-resistant construction
Specifications for the zoom include:
SONY 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Sony E Focal Length 28mm to 70mm Aperture Maximum: f3.5 to f5.6
Minimum: f22 to f36
7 rounded diaphragm bladesAngle of View 75° to 34° Minimum Focus Wide Angle: 11.8 inches
Telephoto: 1.5 feetOptical Design 9 elements in 8 groups
1 ED element, 3 aspherical elementsAutofocus Yes Image Stabilization Optical SteadyShot image stabilization Filter Thread 55mm Dimensions 2.9 x 3.3 inches Weight 10.3 oz. Sony said the FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available in February 2026 for $449. Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
Sony Electronics Launches Alpha 7 V and FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II
Advanced AI Subject Recognition and Unmatched Autofocus Capabilities Deliver a Dramatic Evolution for Stills and Video Evolution for Stills and Video
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Sony Electronics introduces the Alpha 7 V (ILCE-7M5), the highly anticipated fifth generation in the popular Alpha 7 Full-frame mirrorless line-up, powered by the newly developed partially stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels. The new image processing engine BIONZ XR2 incorporates the AI processing unit functions of the latest Alpha series. Through these innovations, the Alpha 7 V delivers a significant performance boost across every aspect of imaging, from Real-time Recognition AF (Auto-Focus) to Real-time Tracking3, speed, stable color accuracy, still capture and video versatility.
Additionally, Sony launches the FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II (SEL28702), a Full-frame compatible, compact and lightweight standard zoom lens that supports the Alpha 7 V's high-speed continuous shooting.
"The Alpha 7 V resets expectations on what an all-around Full-frame camera can achieve," said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. "By evolving autofocus intelligence, color science and system responsiveness, we're enriching our expanding lineup with a powerful new option that provides creators with an advanced tool capable of keeping up with their creativity and bringing them one step closer to achieving their dreams."
AI-Powered Performance Boosts
The Alpha 7 V integrates the AI processing unit into the BIONZ XR2 engine, delivering a substantial leap in autofocus speed, accuracy and reliability. The Alpha 7 V has up to 30 percent improvement in Real-time Recognition AF that instantly recognizes targeted subjects and continues to capture them with high precision. With 759 phase-detection points and up to 94 percent frame coverage, the camera ensures precise subject tracking across nearly the entire image area, even in challenging low-light conditions down to EV -4.0.
High-resolution Raw processing is now supported through Imaging Edge Desktop application for unparalleled post-production flexibility.
No compromise High-speed Continuous Shooting
The combination of a partially stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with approximately 4.5 times faster readout speed increased and the BIONZ XR2 processor results in high image quality with minimal distortion.
Additionally, high-precision tracking with up to 60 times AF/AE calculations per second and blackout-free continuous shooting up to 30 fps with AF/AE tracking ensures no missed opportunities even with fast-moving subjects moving in complex patterns, such as in wildlife and sports photography. Even during 14-bit Raw shooting, it achieves high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with AF/AE tracking.
The Pre-Capture function, which can record up to one second before the shutter is pressed, captures decisive moments even with subjects whose movements are difficult to predict, such as pets and sports.
Outstanding Still Image Performance
Engineered for maximum creative control, the Alpha 7 V achieves up to 16 stops of dynamic range, ensuring remarkable tonal detail across highlights and shadows. Even in scenes with extreme contrast, it expresses natural and smooth gradations from dark to bright areas.
The newly introduced AI-driven Auto White Balance leverages advanced scene analysis for consistent color rendering and uses light source estimation through deep learning technology. By automatically identifying the light source in the shooting environment with high precision and adjusting to appropriate color tones, it enables natural and stable color reproduction, resulting in more faithful colors and reducing post-production workload.
Versatile Video Capabilities
Expanding creative possibilities for hybrid creators, the Alpha 7 V introduces additional 4K recording modes, including 7K oversampled 4K 60p recording available in full-frame mode and 4K 120p recording in APS-C /Super 35mm mode, delivering rich, detailed footage with exceptional flexibility in editing.
Full pixel readout without pixel binning enables highly detailed video recording, down to the finest details.
The image stabilization features Dynamic Active Mode, enabling smooth and stable video expression even when handheld. Users can enjoy high-quality video recording in a wide range of scenes, from vlogs and creative productions to capturing family memories.
The camera also features an Auto Framing function that automatically maintains optimal composition of subjects during recording through AI-powered subject recognition. This enables stable composition video recording in various scenes.
New in-camera noise reduction and improved internal mic functionality ensures high-quality audio recording by reducing steady background noises, minimizing interference and maintaining natural sound.
Enhanced Operability and Usability
Designed with efficiency in mind, the Alpha 7 V offers WiFi 6E GHz compatibility for high-speed, stable wireless transmission, along with dual USB Type-C ports for improved workflow and flexibility.
Vertical format support and an adjustable electronic shutter sound make shooting adaptable across diverse environments.
The 4-axis multi-angle monitor combines tilt and vari-angle design, offering unrestricted horizontal and vertical adjustment for greater shooting freedom.
A better finger fit on the grip provides improved comfort, stability and control during extended sessions.
Built for Reliability
The Alpha 7 V features upgraded power management and enhanced stamina performance, enabling longer shooting sessions without interruption. A new Monitor Low Bright mode extends battery life even further, while improved thermal management supports extended 4K recording with uncompromised quality, approximately 630 shots when using the viewfinder, per CIPA standards.
FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II -- The All-Around Lens
Compact, lightweight and engineered for speed, the FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II is designed to fully leverage the continuous shooting capabilities of the Alpha 7 V sensor. When combined with compatible cameras, this new lens offers up to 120 fps AF/AE tracking, continuous shooting, seamless body-lens coordinated image stabilization, AF available even during zooming and built-in breathing compensation support. From dynamic action shots to fast-paced events or high-quality video capture, this lens delivers smooth, dependable responsiveness and flexibility.
Social Responsibility
Aligned with Sony's ambitious 'Road to Zero' initiative, this product supports the company's vision for achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. The Sony Group's manufacturing facilities for imaging products, including the Alpha 7 V and FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II, operate at 100 percent renewable energy. The packaging uses Sony's proprietary environmentally friendly Original Blended Material instead of plastic.
Pricing and Availability
The Alpha 7 V body will be available by the end of December 2025 for approximately $2,899 and $3,699 CAD. The Alpha 7 V with SEL2870-kit will be available in February 2026 for approximately $3,099 and $3,899 CAD. The FE 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available in February 2026 for approximately $449 and $599 CAD. They will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.