Sony’s A7 IV, a mirrorless hybrid that is widely regarded as the best camera, is almost three years old. New rumours suggest a release date for its replacement.
Sony Alpha Rumours reports that the Sony A7 V will be available in January-March 2025, citing “two trusted sources.” The camera was supposed to be introduced in October 2024, so this is a little later than expected.
Still, it’s encouraging to hear that an announcement is in the works (perhaps in late 2024), with Sony Alpha Rumours suggesting that “the camera will start shipping in Q1”. That means, at worst, before the end of March.
What improvements can we expect to the full-frame camera that our Sony A7 IV review deemed “the best hybrid mirrorless camera you can buy right now”? The specifications are currently foggy, however Sony Alpha Rumours suggests the major improvements will be connected to “speed” and “new AI features”.
Sony’s A7R V and ZV-E1 models contain AI chipsets that offer useful video functions since the A7 IV introduction. ‘Auto Framing’ crops into the complete image and intelligently tracks your subject as it moves throughout the frame, while Sony’s subject-detection autofocus is still the best available.
Two things we should not expect, according to Rumours include 8K video capabilities and a global shutter similar to the Sony A9 III. For most people, they are somewhat specialist features, so it wouldn’t be a huge loss – and we’d expect that the A7 V could also inherit the A7R V’s useful four-axis touchscreen.
The new sweet spot?
The main appeal of the Sony A7 IV was that it combined most of the best features of Sony’s stills and video cameras in one small, approachable body ā so if the A7 V can repeat that trick, it could be a real contender to take the crown at the top of our guide to the world’sĀ best cameras.
Our only real complaints with the A7 IV, other than its price hike from the classic Sony A7 III, were its relatively modest burst shooting ceiling (of around 9fps) and its heavily cropped 4K/60p video. If the A7 V improves on those, as the rumors predict it will, while adding AI features, it could be a near-perfect camera for those who like to shoot an even mix of photos and video.
The only genuine stumbling point could be outside of Sony’s control.Canon has reported delivery delays for new goods, including the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, due to “the impact of global parts supply.” We’re not sure if that’s the cause for the A7 V’s supposedly delayed announcement, but Sony has been silent on the announcement front this year.
Still, Sony Alpha Rumours reports that a Sony A1 II would be released “within the next 6-7 months,” coupled with a new 24-70mm f/2 lens and another mystery lens. So it appears that the Sony camera drought will end in spectacular manner soon, even if it is a little late for Christmas.
