Photography News

 

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 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% 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 Usability 

Designed 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.

-------------

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.

If you buy a luxurious German-made Leica, it makes sense to want a luxurious German-made bag to keep it in, right? A bag that oozes understated elegance and quality, just like your camera. That’s exactly what a hand-made Oberwerth Leica Q Bag® delivers.

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Generative Expand in Photoshop lets you fix tight framing, rework aspect ratios, and build layouts you never captured in camera. If you often wish you had backed up, shot horizontal instead of vertical, or left more headroom, this tool gives you a practical way to rebuild that space with believable detail.

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Masking in Lightroom Classic can feel slow and clumsy when every move depends on the mouse. Keyboard shortcuts change that, letting you move faster, stay in the flow, and spend more time actually shaping the image instead of hunting through panels.

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Pushing past the usual 1:1 macro limit changes how you see small subjects, from jewelry to tiny objects that normally look flawless at a glance. At 1.4x and even 2.8x magnification, every scratch, engraving, and tiny imperfection jumps out, so your lens and technique decide whether that detail works for you or against you.

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Thunderbolt 5 docks are starting to decide how your desk actually works, from power delivery to how many high-resolution screens you can run at once. If you spend long hours culling, editing, and tethered to a laptop on photography jobs, you are dealing with the same pain points that photographers run into when a dock chokes their storage or display setup.

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Win £500 to spend with MPB

Win MPB Vouchers Worth up to £1,000 this Christmas

This festive season, MPB is giving creators the chance to upgrade their gear in a way that’s simple, secure, and sustainable. We’re sponsoring three special ePHOTOzine prize draws, with MPB vouchers worth up to £1,000 up for grabs. Whether you’re a photographer chasing golden-hour light or a filmmaker capturing winter stories, this is your moment to unwrap something amazing.

The Prizes

• Day 1: A £1,000 MPB voucher to spend on the camera or lens you’ve been dreaming about
• Day 3: A £500 MPB voucher to help you step up your creative game
• Day 9: A £250 MPB voucher that’s perfect for adding the finishing touch to your setup

Used Gear, Done Better

At MPB, we believe used doesn’t mean second-best. It means smarter. We make buying, selling, and trading photo and video gear simple, secure, and sustainable. Every week, thousands of creators trade in their old gear and upgrade to something new-to-them.

• Buy better: Save money and shop gear that’s been checked by experts and backed by warranty
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Find out how to sell your gear or start exploring our latest arrivals at mpb.com.

Creativity for Every Kind of Creator

Whether you’re a professional with a packed kit bag or just starting out, MPB is built for you. Our platform connects photographers and videographers across the world, creating a community that values creativity and sustainability in equal measure.

We’re passionate about helping people find the right tools the right way. Gear that inspires creativity, captures stories, and makes a difference. Because when your tools fit your vision, your ideas come to life.

Visit MPB

Today's Prize Join the Giveaway

Don’t miss your chance to win an MPB voucher worth up to £1,000 this Christmas. Enter the ePHOTOzine/MPB giveaway to start the new year with your dream setup.

Shop used. Shoot better. Win big with MPB.

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As a thanks to all of you who support the site by purchasing Plus Membership, you will receive 2 entries per draw.

Also, a huge thank you to all of our members, old and new, Plus and Free, for being part of our amazing community and to those clients who have supported us this year, through continuing tough economic circumstances. It's certainly been another challenging year, so thanks - we couldn't have made it through 2025 without you!

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and here’s hoping 2026 will be healthy and happy all round. The ePHOTOzine Team.

[PRIZE_ENTRY]7003[/PRIZE_ENTRY]

 

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?
 

Adjust your white balance accordingly

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.
 

Consider a tripod for steady shots

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.
 

What if the weather's a bit bleak?

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.
 

Make sure you dress appropriately

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
 

Now that you have your new Nikon ZR in hand, you’re probably already thinking about ways to dress it up. Well, if I were you, here are the first three accessories I would add to my shopping cart.

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If you've ever photographed a fast-moving propeller and watched it turn into a series of curved boomerangs, or captured a golf swing where the club looks like overcooked spaghetti, you've met rolling shutter. It's one of the most misunderstood phenomena in digital photography, but don't worry, I'm here to teach you what you need to know.

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The latest winner of our popular daily photography theme which takes place in our forums have been chosen and congratulations go to altitude50 (Day 23 - HDR)

 

Daily Theme Runners-Up

If you didn't win this time, keep uploading your images to the daily competition forum for another chance to win! If you're new to the Daily Theme, you can find out more about it in the Daily Theme Q&A. 

Well done to our latest runners-up, too, whose images you can take a look at below.

  Day 24

Still Life Photography

[COMMENT_IMG]portfolio|253884|3856014[/COMMENT_IMG]

  Day 25

Abstract Landscapes

[COMMENT_IMG]portfolio|7853|3754655[/COMMENT_IMG]

 

Day 26

Children

[COMMENT_IMG]direct|16262|16262_1764121563.jpg[/COMMENT_IMG]

 

Day 27

Groups

[COMMENT_IMG]direct|320788|320788_1764254109.jpg[/COMMENT_IMG]

  Day 28

Low Light Photos

[COMMENT_IMG]direct|154993|154993_1764298143.jpg[/COMMENT_IMG]

 

Day 29

Indoor Portraits

[COMMENT_IMG]direct|163790|163790_1764415553.jpg[/COMMENT_IMG]

 

Day 30

Christmas Markets

[COMMENT_IMG]portfolio|19665|3894234[/COMMENT_IMG]

 

You’ll find the Daily Themes, along with other great photo competitions, over in our Forum. Take a look to see the latest daily photo contests. Open to all levels of photographer, you’re sure to find a photography competition to enter. Why not share details of competitions with our community? Join the camaraderie and upload an image to our Gallery.

For landscape photographers, one of the most crucial purchasing decisions is not always the camera gear, but the backpack you stow it in. Will the WANDRD FERNWEH 50L tick all the boxes? Or is it just another backpack among thousands of other choices available today? Let's find out.

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For most of us, storage is an unavoidable part of the workflow. Many creatives don’t see having a NAS as a luxury, but rather as a necessity. Small studios and teams rely on having a server to be able to access shared files fast and on the go. Having an SSD-powered NAS can be the heart of a small production, but can it handle what is needed from a modern team? I tested it out.

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One of the year’s most awaited cameras is finally here, and it comes with major upgrades that users of the previous generation will love. The Sony a7 V may look almost the same, but the internal hardware and handling have a lot to offer.

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Long wildlife zooms usually force you to choose between reach, speed, and weight, and you often end up sacrificing at least one. The OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO lens is built to pull off a 100–400mm full frame equivalent range while still being something you can actually carry around a bird park for hours.

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Lighting a background with a single light sounds simple until you see the ugly gradient running from one side to the other. If you shoot portraits or products against seamless paper, getting that background clean and even can save time, keep your images consistent, and give you more control over how everything looks in camera.

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AI editing is no longer a side feature you occasionally test and forget. It is now a core part of how you clean, build, and style images in Photoshop, and it changes how much time you spend behind the computer.

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Choosing an all-in-one zoom for a Sony full frame body is a big commitment, because that lens often lives on the camera for trips, family events, and everyday shooting. This video looks at three very different takes on the 20-200mm class and digs into which one is right for you.

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Win a Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit

Day 2: Win a Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit  - Plus Winter Savings Bonus!

Imagine stepping into the new year with a camera that’s built to unlock your creative spirit - the Nikon Z50 II is the perfect way to start. We’re thrilled to offer this as today’s special prize: a compact, powerful mirrorless camera kit that’s ideal for photography, vlogging, travel, and everyday creativity.

What makes the Nikon Z50 II so great:

• Compact & travel-ready — thanks to its DX-format 20.9 MP CMOS sensor and Z-mount design, the Z50 II delivers DSLR-quality images in a light, portable body.  
• Fast, sharp & versatile — EXPEED 7 processor brings impressive speed: shoot up to 30 fps (electronic shutter) or 11 fps (mechanical). Perfect for action, wildlife, or capturing fleeting moments.  
• Excellent autofocus & subject tracking — hybrid autofocus with subject detection makes it easier to nail focus even with moving people, pets or unpredictable lighting.  
• 4K video, vlogging & live-stream ready — ideal for video projects, social media content or behind-the-scenes storytelling.  
• Creative control on the go — the wide-angle 16-50 mm VR lens and in-lens Vibration Reduction help deliver crisp, shake-free photos whether you’re doing portraits, landscapes, or street photography.  

And - right now, this Z50 II + 16-50mm kit is included in the Nikon Winter Instant Savings promotion! 

Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit

Today's Prize Win a Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit Lens

Follow your inspiration with the Z50II standard zoom kit! Includes the Z50II camera and the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR zoom lens. This wide-angle zoom lens captures vibrant wide-angle to portrait views and boasts in-lens Vibration Reduction image stabilisation for shake-free photos and movies. It’s a great walkaround lens that retracts when not in use for easy portability.

Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit

As a thanks to all of you who support the site by purchasing Plus Membership, you will receive 2 entries per draw.

Also, a huge thank you to all of our members, old and new, Plus and Free, for being part of our amazing community and to those clients who have supported us this year, through continuing tough economic circumstances. It's certainly been another challenging year, so thanks - we couldn't have made it through 2025 without you!

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and here’s hoping 2026 will be healthy and happy all round. The ePHOTOzine Team.

[PRIZE_ENTRY]7002[/PRIZE_ENTRY]

Photo by Pete.
As Christmas markets are now decorating our towns and cities alongside them you'll occasionally find the odd ride or two which make great photographic subjects after the sun has set.    What kit is best?

When it comes to equipment, a wide-angle lens will mean you can capture shots of rides and surrounding details but do consider taking a zoom as it'll help you focus on people riding the rides, food, prizes and other items found at fairs. Your tripod is the second most important bit of kit you'll take with you as when slow shutter speeds are in use working hand-held is hard work. A remote shutter release will help eliminate the risk of blur caused by camera movement and don't forget to wrap up warm!

 

What time of the day should I head out?

If you want to shoot general wide shots of the fair then head out just as the lights are coming on when there's still a touch of colour in the sky. That way you'll be able to get the lights, stalls and other foreground interest of the fair set against a deep blue sky. Leave the flash at home though as it can kill the atmosphere you're trying to create.

For more abstract images, wait until the sky's a little darker and turn the rides into streams of light patterns. Look for rides that spin quickly or are bursting with colour as these tend to produce the better results. To do this simply have a play around with slow shutter speeds. Better still, if your camera has it, use the Bulb setting as exposures above and beyond thirty seconds will really blur the movement of the ride and also help remove anyone who happens to be walking through your shot. Just make sure auto ISO is off and that you're using the lowest setting you have. You'll also need to manually focus as auto focus will be searching around in the dark for quite a while then simply use a small aperture to get the maximum depth of field to compensate for any inaccuracies using manual focus may throw your way.

Do take the time to watch the rides to see which angle will give you the best image and do check there's nothing in the foreground that'll spoil your shot. It's also worth keeping an eye on your camera's histogram to check the exposure and consider shooting in RAW so you have the option to tweak the white balance etc. once back home.