Sony Alpha ILCE7M5MB Black
About This Camera
- Full-frame partially stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor with approximately 33 .0 effective megapixelsA partially stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor features high-speed circuitry above and below the sensing layer. Sensor readout is approx. 4.5 x*1 faster than the α7 IV, maximum shutter speed is 1/16000 s, *2 blackout-free bursts at up to 30 fps are available with AF/AE tracking, *3 and video can be recorded at 4K 120p.
- Newly developed BIONZ XR2™ image processing engine with built-in AIThe new BIONZ XR2 processing engine delivers dramatic improvements in image and sound quality, communication, integration, and operation. It also incorporates AI-based Real-time Recognition AF and*6 Real-time Tracking, *7 plus accurate, stable color reproduction. A lightweight RAW format has been included, while user interface, networking, and file management functions have been refined for smooth workflow.
- Excellent image qualityThe new 33.0-megapixel*8 sensor and BIONZ XR2 processing engine work together to deliver up to 16 stops of dynamic range. *9 Lifelike gradations from shadows to highlights enable highly effective HDR processing when needed, and effective noise reduction applied at all sensitivities achieves high resolution throughout the ISO 100-51200 still and movie range (expandable to 50-204800 for stills and 100-102400 for movies).
- Real-time Recognition AF:*18 Human pose estimation technologyAI processing in the new BIONZ XR2 processing engine improves recognition by approximately 30% over the α7 IV. Human pose estimation technology uses detailed form and pose data to achieve reliable human eye recognition as well as accurate recognition of body and head position, even with challenging subjects. Multiple subjects can also be recognized, making it possible to track the desired subject.
- Real-time Recognition AF:*19 A wider range of recognized subjectsReal-time Recognition AF supports [Human], [Animal], [Bird], [Insect], [Car/Train] and [Airplane] recognition,*20 and an [Auto] mode can automatically select the subject type.*20 Animal recognition has been improved by about 30%,*21 and now recognizes the eyes of some grazing and small animals in addition to the eyes, heads, and faces of dogs, cats, and similar. Bird recognition has been improved by about 50%. *21
- Blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 30 fps *24 with full AF/AE trackingHigh-speed bursts at up to 30 fps*24 with uncompromised AF/AE tracking are now possible when using the electronic shutter, and there is no viewfinder blackout when shooting stills. 60 AF/AE calculations per second ensure that fleeting moments can be captured with confidence, even when shooting fast, unpredictable action or portraits where expressions can change in an instant.
- Pre-Capture captures moments prior to shutter release*25This feature “retroactively” captures moments that occurred before the shutter was released. After half-pressing the shutter button to set focus, full-pressing the shutter captures a series of images starting from up to 1 second*26 before the shutter button was initially half-pressed at all framerates up to 30fps.
- One-button Continuous Shooting Speed Boost temporarily boosts speed while shooting bursts*27This assignable function makes it possible to change continuous shooting speed at any time while shooting a continuous burst. Instantly switch from a “normal” burst rate to a higher rate when the decisive moment approaches, for example.
- 7K oversampled 4K 60p recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning *28The new BIONZ XR2 processor and Exmor RS sensor enable full pixel readout with no pixel binning when recording full frame, allowing 3.3x the data required for 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) to be compressed into spectacularly detailed 4K 60p*28 images with minimal moiré and jaggies.
- High frame rate 4K recording at up to 120p*29Internal 4K recording at up to 120p*29 makes it possible to produce up to 5x slow motion video with revealing 4K resolution. *30 Frame rates up to 240 fps*31 are available when recording at Full HD resolution, allowing up to 10x slow motion playback (24p recording) for detailed sports analysis and more. A variety of formats are supported, including 4:2:2 10-bit recording, Long-GOP, and All-Intra.
- Original 4-axis monitor maximizes shooting flexibilitySony’s 4-axis multi-angle monitor swings upward by 98°, downward by 40°, and sideways by 180°. When open it rotates up to 270º.*43 The 3.2 type 2.1 million dot (3:2 aspect ratio) display panel is touch sensitive, has a wide color gamut,*44 and provides clear viewing in bright outdoor conditions. A [Monitor Low Bright] mode reduces monitor brightness and battery drain when the camera has not been used for a preset time.
- 3.68 million dot Quad-VGA OLED electronic viewfinderA 3.68 million-dot (approx.) Quad-VGA OLED electronic viewfinder delivers clear viewing. Brightness and color temperature are adjustable for optimum viewing in any situation. The finder frame rate can be set to [Standard] (60 fps), or [High] (120 fps).
- Excellent power efficiencyThe low power consumption of the new BIONZ XR2 image processing engine notably improves overall stamina. The α7V can shoot approximately 630 still images per charge when using the viewfinder, or approximately 750 still images per charge when using the LCD monitor (CIPA standard).
- 5-axis IBIS for up to 7.5-step central and 6.5-step peripheral*14 stabilizationAn advanced optical stabilization unit, gyro sensors, and algorithm accurately detect and correct image shake. Up to 7.5-step central and 6.5-step peripheral stabilization*14 allows handheld shooting without having to boost sensitivity. The body also works with compatible lenses*15 for even better stabilization. Even shake that is amplified at telephoto focal lengths is effectively suppressed.
- High-density 759-point*23 focal plane phase-detection AF759*23 phase detection points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system cover approximately 94% of the image area for precise focusing. The large amount of data from the image sensor is processed in real time by the new processing engine to ensure ideal focus in situations that can normally be challenging, such as small subjects or people in a night scene where focus often falls on the background.
- Precise AF in low lightThe latest AF algorithms achieve high AF precision down to light levels as low as EV-4.0 in AF-S mode (ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens) so that AF is precise and reliable even in low light.
- Deep learning based light source estimation for accurate white balanceAuto white balance (AWB) performance has been improved by the adoption of deep learning technology for light source color estimation. More accurate, stable white balance is achieved in scenes that can be challenging only with conventional AWB systems, such as those that include a mix of skin tones, vegetation, shade, and more.
- Composite RAW supportComposite RAW shooting automatically captures multiple RAW images that can then be composited*10 using a computer. [NR Shooting] and [Shooting for HDR] settings are provided. [NR Shooting] produces low-noise images while maintaining high resolution even at mid to high sensitivities. [Shooting for HDR] captures high dynamic range. *11 4, 8, or 16 images are captured at 30 fps*12 to allow handheld shooting.
- Extended RAW Processing offers refined RAW developmentThe Imaging Edge Desktop*13 application now includes a new Extended RAW Processing feature that takes full advantage of the large amount of information in RAW image files for enhanced RAW development, particularly with moving subjects. Two processing modes are provided: [Extended NR] for extremely low noise while maintaining full resolution, and [Extended Hi-Res] for 4x the normal pixel count and reduced noise.
- New lightweight RAW formatA new lightweight RAW format achieves high image quality in smaller files that are easier to manage. The new [Compressed (HQ)] format is provided in addition to the existing [Lossless Compressed] format, providing even greater compression in lightweight RAW files that allow extended continuous shooting while prioritizing image quality.
- Creative Look creates visual moods in-cameraThe Creative Look function makes it easy to create visual moods in-camera. 12 presets are provided, including [FL2] and [FL3] selections. The presets can be used as-is or edited to create custom looks. Adjustments can be made using 7 parameters*16 including contrast, saturation, highlight, shadow, and more while viewing the results on the monitor display. *17 Custom looks can be saved for later use.
- Reliable Real-time Tracking*22AI-based Real-time Tracking*22 accurately focuses on and tracks the selected subject while the shutter button is half-pressed. If the subject cannot be recognized or subject recognition AF is OFF, Sony’s original algorithm will process color, pattern, and spatial data at high speed for reliable focus and tracking. If [Touch Tracking] is engaged, touching a subject on the monitor will instantly select it for tracking.
- High-performance digital audio interfaceThe camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe™ features a built-in digital audio interface that allows connection to Sony’s ECM-W3 Wireless Microphone or ECM-M1 Shotgun Microphone for direct digital input and recording with top-quality sound.
- Dust and moisture resistant design*48Refinements throughout the body achieve outstanding dust and moisture resistance. External seams and the battery cover feature a sealed structure that effectively prevents intrusion of dust and moisture, maximizing reliability even in challenging outdoor conditions.*48
- Durable magnesium alloy chassisA lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy is used for the top cover, front cover, internal frame, and rear cover. The grip and front cover are manufactured as a single unit for high rigidity, while the mount is attached by six screws for extra strength. High strength and rigidity provide maximum durability in applications where large, heavy lenses are often used.
Overview
Performance
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong display (100th percentile) 100th
- Strong battery (97th percentile) 97th
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile) 96th
- Strong af (96th percentile) 96th
Cons
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | BSI CMOS |
| Size | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 33 |
| ISO Range | 50 |
| Processor | BIONZ XR2 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 759 |
| Eye AF | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes |
| Subject Detection | Yes |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 |
| Burst (Electronic) | 30 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 120 |
| 1080p FPS | 240 |
| 10-bit | Yes |
| RAW Video | Yes |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3.2 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | Yes |
| EVF Resolution | 3680000 |
Build
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.3 lbs |
| Battery Life | 700 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
vs Competition
| Spec | Sony Alpha ILCE7M5MB | Fujifilm X-H2 X-H2 | Canon EOS R EOS R6 Mark III | Nikon Z9 Z9 | Panasonic LUMIX GH7 GH7 | OM System OM OM-1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless |
| Sensor | 33MP full-frame | 40.2MP aps-c | 32.5MP full-frame | 45.7MP full-frame | 25.2MP micro-four-thirds | 20MP micro-four-thirds |
| AF Points | 759 | 425 | 1053 | 1053 | 315 | 1053 |
| Burst FPS | 30 | 20 | 40 | 30 | 75 | 120 |
| Video | 4K @120fps | 8K @60fps | 6K @120fps | 8K @120fps | 5K @120fps | 4K @60fps |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 612 | 579 | 609 | 1160 | 721 | 511 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Evf | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Alpha ILCE7M5MB | 95.6 | 88.6 | 95 | 90.9 | 88.4 | 59.9 | 97.3 | 99.5 | 93.3 | 54.1 | 96 |
| Fujifilm X-H2 X-H2 Compare | 88.1 | 95.6 | 89.6 | 85.4 | 99.9 | 97.1 | 96.9 | 84.4 | 93.3 | 94.7 | 93.4 |
| Canon EOS R EOS R6 Mark III Compare | 98.3 | 88.1 | 94.8 | 93 | 89.9 | 58.5 | 96.5 | 99.1 | 93.3 | 94.7 | 99.6 |
| Nikon Z9 Z9 Compare | 98.3 | 89.7 | 99.3 | 96 | 98 | 64.8 | 97.3 | 84.4 | 93.3 | 84.9 | 84.6 |
| Panasonic LUMIX GH7 GH7 Compare | 84.7 | 88.1 | 97.4 | 95.2 | 97.5 | 55.8 | 89.2 | 84.4 | 93.3 | 94.7 | 96 |
| OM System OM OM-1 Mark II Compare | 98.3 | 99.7 | 81.8 | 99.8 | 84.1 | 25.6 | 94.2 | 84.4 | 93.3 | 94.7 | 99.6 |
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.