Sony A7R V Review – A Wildlife Photographer’s Perspective as an Amateur
Having used the Sony A7R V for the past two months, I wanted to share my experience from the perspective of an amateur photographer who is still learning. With so much information out there, especially on social media and YouTube, choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming. My review isn’t based on lab tests or technical charts – it’s simply my real-world experience of using this camera and putting it to the test.
Stepping Up from the Sony A7 III
Before the A7R V, I was using the Sony A7 III, which was an incredible camera but had its limitations—particularly in autofocus performance. As someone who primarily shoots wildlife and animals, I found the A7 III sometimes struggled with focus tracking, especially for fast-moving subjects. The A7R V has been a massive upgrade in this area, making it easier to get sharp, well-focused shots without feeling like I need to be an expert to make it work.
Autofocus – A Major Improvement for Wildlife Photography
One of the standout features of the A7R V is its AI-driven autofocus system. The ability to detect and track animal and bird eyes is incredibly useful, and I’ve found it works brilliantly even in challenging conditions like busy backgrounds or low light.
For someone like me, who is still learning, having a camera that does some of the heavy lifting when it comes to focus means I can concentrate more on composition and timing rather than constantly worrying about missing shots. Whether I’m tracking a bird in flight or capturing a Deer mid-stride, the camera keeps up impressively well.
Image Quality – Incredible Detail (Even When Cropping)
With a 61MP sensor, the A7R V produces an incredible level of detail. As an amateur, I sometimes make mistakes with framing, but the high resolution gives me more flexibility to crop while still retaining excellent image quality. This has been particularly useful when photographing distant wildlife, where I don’t always get as close as I’d like.
The colours and dynamic range are also fantastic, making it easier to recover shadows and highlights when editing. Even though I’m still learning the ins and outs of post-processing, I can see a noticeable improvement in the quality of my images compared to what I was getting with the A7 III.
Pairing with the Sony 200-600mm – A Perfect Wildlife Setup
I’ve been using the Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens with the A7R V, and it’s been a fantastic combination. As someone passionate about wildlife photography, having that extra reach is essential. The lens’s internal zoom keeps it well-balanced, and the image stabilisation helps a lot when shooting handheld.
The autofocus performance of the A7R V and 200-600mm together is excellent, making it much easier to track animals and birds in motion. For an amateur like me, this setup feels like having a professional-level kit that I can grow into.
Ease of Use & Learning Curve
One thing I was initially worried about was whether the A7R V would be too advanced for me. While it definitely has a lot of features, I’ve found that Sony’s new menu system is easier to navigate compared to older models. The fully articulating screen has also been really useful for getting low-angle shots of animals without having to lie in the mud!
That said, there is still a learning curve, and I’m constantly discovering new settings and features. If you’re an amateur like me, I’d recommend taking the time to explore the camera fully and experiment with different modes and autofocus settings to see what works best for your style of photography.
Battery Life & Practical Use
The battery life is good but not as strong as the A7 III, mainly because of the higher resolution and more advanced processing. However, I’ve found that carrying a spare battery solves this issue. The dual card slots (with CFexpress compatibility) mean I don’t have to worry about running out of storage, but the file sizes can be quite large, so investing in high-speed memory cards is something to keep in mind.
Final Thoughts – Is the A7R V Worth It for an Amateur?
As an amateur photographer, I wanted a camera that would help me improve my wildlife photography without feeling overwhelming. The Sony A7R V has exceeded my expectations.
Yes, it’s an expensive camera, and if you’re just starting, something like the A7 IV might be a more budget-friendly option. But if you’re someone who wants top-tier autofocus, high-resolution images, and a camera that you can grow into, the A7R V is a fantastic choice.
Paired with the Sony 200-600mm, this setup has given me more confidence in my photography. I’m still learning every day, but having equipment that helps me capture sharper images more consistently has made the experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the hype, reviews, and conflicting advice online, my best suggestion is to focus on how a camera works for you and your style of photography. The A7R V might not be for everyone, but for wildlife and animal photography, it’s an incredible tool—even for an amateur like me.