Sony Alpha 7 V and FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II Announced
Sony has launched the Alpha 7 V, the fifth generation of its full-frame mirrorless A7 series, featuring a new 33MP Exmor RS sensor, improved AI-powered autofocus, blackout-free shooting up to 30fps, and advanced video capabilities such as oversampled 4K 60p in full-frame and 4K 120p in Super 35mm crop mode. Alongside the camera, Sony also introduced the compact FE 28–70mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS II lens, designed to complement the A7 V’s speed and versatility. The Alpha 7 V body is priced at around £2,799 / €2,999 and is already available, while the new lens is scheduled to arrive in February 2026 for about £429 / €479.
From Sony:
Sony introduces the Alpha 7 V, 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 MP (megapixels). The new image processing engine BIONZ XR2™1 incorporates the AI processing unit functions of the latest α™ (AlphaTM) series. Through these innovations, the Alpha 7 V delivers a significant performance boost across every aspect of imaging, from Real-time Recognition2 AF(Auto-Focus) to Real-time Tracking3, speed, stable colour accuracy, still capture, and video versatility.
Additionally, Sony launches the FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II, a full-frame compatible, compact and lightweight standard zoom lens that supports the Alpha 7 V’s high-speed continuous shooting.
“The Alpha 7 V resets expectations on what an all-around Full-frame camera can achieve,” said Yann Salmon-Legagneur, Head of Marketing, Sony Imaging, Products and Solutions, Sony Europe. “By evolving autofocus intelligence, colour 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 BoostsThe 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% improvement4 in Real-time Recognition AF that instantly recognises targeted subjects and continues to capture them with high precision. With 759 phase-detection points and up to 94% frame coverage, the camera ensures precise subject tracking across nearly the entire image area, even in challenging low-light conditions down to EV -4.05.
High-resolution RAW processing is now supported through Imaging Edge Desktop application6 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 faster7 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 fps8 with AF/AE tracking9 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 function10, which can record up to 1 second before the shutter is pressed, captures decisive moments even with subjects whose movements are difficult to predict, such as pets and sports.
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Outstanding Still Image Performance
Engineered for maximum creative control, the Alpha 7 V achieves up to 16 stops of dynamic range11, 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 (AWB) leverages advanced scene analysis for consistent colour 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 colour tones, it enables natural and stable colour reproduction, resulting in more faithful colours 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 recording12 available in full-frame mode and 4K 120p13 mode recording in APS-C mode/Super 35mm delivers 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 stabilisation features Dynamic Active Mode14, 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 functionality15 ensures high-quality audio recording by reducing steady background noises, minimising interference, and maintaining natural sound.
Enhanced Operability and UsabilityDesigned with efficiency in mind, the Alpha 7 V offers Wi-Fi® 6E GHz compatibility16 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 life17 even further, while improved thermal management supports extended18 4K recording with uncompromised quality, approximately 630 shots when using viewfinder per CIPA standards.
FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II – The All-Around Lens
Compact, lightweight, and engineered for speed, the FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II is designed to fully leverage the continuous shooting19 capabilities of the Alpha 7 V sensor. When combined with compatible cameras, this new lens offers up to 120 fps AF/AE tracking20, continuous shooting, seamless body-lens coordinated image stabilisation, 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 f/3.5-5.6 OSS II, operate at 100% renewable energy. The packaging uses Sony's proprietary environmentally friendly Original Blended Material21 instead of plastic22.
Pricing and Availability
The Alpha 7 V Body will be available to purchase from 2nd December 2025 for approximately £2,799 / 2,999 EUR.
The FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available in February 2026 for approximately £429 / 479EUR.
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new Alpha 7 V and Sony's other imaging products can be found here, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire content creators.
For more information, please visit the Sony website.
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Footnotes
[1] Bionz XR Two.
[2] Available subject settings are: AUTO, Human, Animal/Bird, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplane. Subject types other than the type specified may be erroneously recognised in some cases.
[3] [Tracking] in the menu.
[4] The 30% improvement is a value from Sony's internal measurement comparing the eye recognition performance for human eye with the real-time Eye AF of the Alpha 7 IV.
[5] AF-S, ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens.
[6] The latest version of Imaging Edge Desktop required. Download at Creators' Cloud Web page. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information.
[7] Compared to the Alpha 7 IV. Based on Sony measurement conditions.
[8] When using the electronic shutter. [Hi+] continuous shooting mode. A software update may be required for some lenses. See Sony’s support web page for information on compatible lenses
[9] When using electronic shutter, based on Sony measurement conditions. Continuous shooting speed may decrease depending on shooting conditions. When focus mode is set to AF-C, continuous shooting speed varies depending on the attached lens. For details, please check the lens compatibility information support page.
[10] Still image shooting only.
[11] Applicable only in mechanical shutter mode.
[12] When [4K angle of view Priority] is ON.
[13] When [4K Angle of View Priority] is ON.
[14] Angle of view is reduced more than in Active Mode. Clear Image Zoom is not available when using Dynamic active Mode. Maximum ISO sensitivity is ISO25600.
[15] The effectiveness of reducing lens power zoom noise varies depending on the type of lens used. Even with the setting turned on, it may take some time for the noise reduction function to take effect.
[16] 5 GHz/6 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions. Requires compatible wireless network.
[17] Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage.
[18] 4K recording time @ 25 deg is approximately 90 min; 4K recording time @40deg is approximately 60 min.
[19] Up to 30 fps AE/AF tracking.
[20] For compatible cameras, please refer to the support information.
[21] Paper material made from bamboo, sugarcane fibres, and post-consumer recycled paper.
[22] Excluding materials used in coatings and adhesives.
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Top Tips On Photographing Snowy Landscapes
Photo by Emma Kay
What better excuse do we need as photographers than a blanket of snow for wonderful photographic opportunities? When photographing snowy landscapes it's important to get a few techniques right to ensure you capture everything at its best.
Let's start with the ideal conditions, a snowy landscape and blue skies – perfect, but can you get anything wrong on days like this?
Firstly, metering – "intelligent" camera metering systems (matrix, evaluative) are getting better at coping with bright (or dark) scenes, but most will still lead to a degree of underexposure, leaving your whites looking dull but more importantly, your shadow details blocked up.
Keep a close eye on your histogram and expect to have to adjust your camera's meter reading. Ideally, your histogram should end just at the right-hand axis, anything less than this will indicate underexposure.
Secondly, tripods – although on a bright sunny snowy day, high shutter speeds are easier to attain, when going for great depth of field, particularly early or late in the day, shutter speeds can drop slightly and cold hands are not good at holding cameras still. If you're using a carbon fibre tripod, they don't get as cold to the touch as aluminium, but if you're using an aluminium tripod, try wrapping the legs in pipe insulation to give a warmer surface to the touch, or better still, go to a sports shop and get either racing bike handlebar tape, or tennis racquet grip tape; either will give you a warm grip with much less bulk.
Look for good leading lines
Thirdly, how to shoot – I know this sounds a bit basic, but sometimes the most obvious things are overlooked. With the ground often covered in a plain white layer, try looking for good “lead lines” - things that will take your eye into the picture; in the Lakes, dry stone walls, or lake edges are ideal. Now – an important point – if you walk up to a wall, or lake edge to take a photo in one direction, then you walk along it's length and turn round to take a photo back the other way, you will have spoiled the “return” view with your own footprints! So I tend to look carefully from a distance, approach to my first photo point, after taking the picture, I retrace my steps and take a wide route around to my second viewpoint, so the view back remains pristine. Obviously, this only applies when the show is fresh, so the other important point is – when it snows, get out as soon as you can, before it's covered in other people's footprints.
Don't forget details too, a few blades of grass can be just as effective as a simple image as a whole vista, so be careful not to overlook the minimalistic approach. Splashes of colour in a monochromatic view can add enormous impact, too. Also remember, that even in snowy weather, communities keep working, so look out for farming activity in fields too, to add a human – or livestock scale to the picture.
So – what if the weather's not so ideal? I was once out in blizzard conditions just below Watendlath, the same rules of exposure, composition etc. all apply, but you will find that as the background – as well as the sky will simply disappear in a haze of white, strong, graphic foreground shapes can produce striking pictures – often more effective in black & white, almost creating the effect of a pen-and-ink drawing. Keep a very close eye on how strong foreground elements react with each other – try to prevent too much overlap, which will otherwise tend to confuse the composition.
Most important of all, look after yourself, photography isn't the most active of winter pastimes, so wear plenty of layers to trap air and keep you warm, a hat is essential – 33% of body heat escapes through the head, and although gloves are a pain while photographing, reach a compromise that works for you – either fingerless, or gloves that you only take off while you frame and take the shot. I discovered hunting gloves a few years back, which have a slot in the forefinger and thumb of the right glove, allowing them to be pulled back for access to the shutter and control dials, without the rest of your fingers freezing. If you're planning a long spell, hot drinks are worth taking with you.
Article by John Gravett - www.lakelandphotohols.com
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