Sony A7 V Officially Launched: 33MP Partially Stacked Sensor, Priced At RM11,999

Sony has officially taken the wraps off the Alpha 7 V, the highly anticipated fifth generation in its “baseline” full-frame mirrorless lineup. For years, the standard Alpha 7 series has been the safe recommendation for photographers who don’t need the extreme resolution of the R series or the video-centric features of the S series. However, with this latest iteration, the distinction between “entry-level” and “flagship” is becoming increasingly blurred.

The biggest headline here is the introduction of a new partially stacked 33-megapixel Exmor RS CMOS image sensor. While the resolution remains familiar, the stacked architecture is a significant trickle-down of technology from Sony’s higher-end, flagship cameras like the a9 and a1.

Powering this sensor is the new BIONZ XR2 image processing engine. Uniquely, Sony has integrated the AI processing unit directly into this engine rather than using a separate chip. This integration is the driving force behind the camera’s claimed 16 stops of dynamic range and improvements in minimizing rolling shutter distortion.

The Alpha 7 V is also capable of blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with full AF/AE tracking, even when shooting in 14-bit RAW. To ensure you don’t miss the shot, Sony has also added a Pre-Capture function that records up to one second of images before the shutter is fully pressed.

On the autofocus front, the camera utilizes 759 phase-detection points covering 94% of the frame. Sony claims a 30% improvement in Real-time Recognition AF speed and accuracy. Thanks to the AI integration, the camera can supposedly identify and track subjects with high precision even in low-light conditions down to EV -4.0. The system now performs up to 60 AF/AE calculations per second, which should result in stickier tracking for erratic subjects.

Hybrid shooters haven’t been left out. The Alpha 7 V expands its video capabilities with 7K oversampled 4K 60p recording available in full-frame mode, meaning you no longer have to sacrifice field of view for higher frame rates. For slow-motion work, 4K 120p is available, though this is cropped to the APS-C / Super 35mm mode.

The camera also features Dynamic Active Mode image stabilization for smoother movement. There is also an AI-driven Auto Framing function that automatically crops and adjusts composition to keep the subject centered, a feature likely aimed at solo content creators.

Launching alongside the camera is the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II (SEL28702). This is an updated, compact standard zoom lens designed to keep up with the Alpha 7 V’s high-speed capabilities. It supports up to 120 fps AF/AE tracking and features built-in breathing compensation, making it a versatile option for both stills and video.

The Sony Alpha 7 V body retails at RM11,999 and is scheduled to be available from the middle of December 2025. If you are looking to pick up the kit lens bundle, the Alpha 7 V kit with the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens will arrive slightly later in February 2026.