Sony A7R V Underwater Review
A Trip of A Lifetime with the Sony A7R V
Over the course of dozens of dives throughout Misool, the Fam Islands, Batanta, and Central Raja, I had the opportunity to really push this new camera to its limits. Huge stands of soft coral gave me the opportunity to try out the Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens with the Sigma MC-11 adapter. Quick schools of fish allowed me to see just how fast the new AI autofocus processor could be. A storm in Batanta kept us relegated to muck diving sites - giving me the perfect opportunity to push the Sony 90mm macro lens and Kraken KRL-05s +13 diopter to their limits.
But most importantly, I had the opportunity to learn from our guests and get a new feel for what underwater photographers need in a camera. Many of our shooters were Sony shooters. It was a unique situation where I could compare the A7R V to other top cameras like the Sony A7R IV and the Sony A1. Right off the bat, I could see that the Sony A7R V did not overheat when shooting 4K/60p video, unlike the Sony A1, and the A7R V did indeed give me faster autofocus than the Sony A7R IV. So let's take a look at all the reasons why the Sony A7R V is a solid choice for all underwater photo and video shooters...
Sony A7R V Specifications
- 61 megapixel full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- Dual Bionz XR Processors
- 8 stops of 5 axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- 10 fps burst shooting (compressed RAW)
- AI based real-time tracking AF system with a dedicated AI processor
- Autofocus in lowlight down to -4EV
- 8K/24p and 4K/60p (10-bit 4:2:2) video recording
- 4K 16-bit RAW video can be recorded to an external recorder
- S-LOG3, S-Log2, S-Cinetone picture profiles available
- 3.2" 4-axis multi-angle touchscreen
- 9.44 million dot EVF with a 120 fps refresh rate
- 1/250 sec shutter sync speed (with strobes)
- Dual CFexpress type A/UHS-II SD card slots
- Size: 131 x 97 x 82mm
- Weight: 723 grams
Sony A7R V Key Features
Build Quality, Ergonomics, & Battery Life
Sony has come a long way from the days of ergonomics infamy. In fact, the Sony A7R V has quickly become one of my favorite cameras ever designed when it comes to ergonomics, customization options, and menu design. Dare I say, I even prefer the design to my personal Nikon Z6 or the Canon R5. While the body may feel a little blockier to hold than a Nikon or Canon camera, button and dial layout is what really matters.
The A7R V uses essentially the same body as the Sony A7 IV. In fact, some housings will be compatible with both cameras (contact us at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com for compatibility information). My favorite features of this newer body design are the new video to photo mode switch underneath the mode dial and the three dial design for controlling ISO, shutter speed, and aperture independently. The new switch makes it extremely easy to switch between taking photos and videos - eliminating the need to spin the mode dial all the way around until you get to video mode.
The A7R V also has a plethora of customizable buttons - from the dedicated C1-C4 buttons to many of the buttons that are assigned out of the box. Check out our Sony A7R V underwater settings article to learn our recommended settings and customizations for underwater photo & video.
The new Sony menu system is a massive upgrade from the A7R IV. In fact, for me personally, I think the upgrade to the Sony A7R V is worth it if only for the menu system. The design of the menu layout is now vertical instead of horizontal, and color coded - much like Nikon. Many of the descriptions have been improved and make much more sense to they every day photographer.
When it comes to battery life, the Sony A7R V is rated for 530 shots when using the LCD. In practice I found this was enough for a full day of diving (about 4 dives). I didn't carry a spare battery during the trip and did not feel a need to.
61 Megapixels of Pure, Unrelenting Resolution
At 61 megapixels, the Sony A7R V is the highest resolution full-frame camera in the world. Now don't get me wrong - this isn't exactly a new feature. The sensor in the A7R V is the same sensor found in the A7R IV. This means you're met with all the same benefits and drawbacks of packing so many pixels onto a full-frame, 35mm space.
With even more resolution than the flagship Sony A1, the Sony A7R V is a delight for underwater macro photography. You can crop....and crop.... and crop and never really worry about a file that is too small for printing. In fact, the RAW files themselves are about 130 Mb each! Now having that much detail is a huge benefit if you want to print very large prints. But it can also be a hinderance as you need lot of space to carry all that data. I typically find myself using up 1 TB on a 10 day liveaboard trip.
Take a look at this 100% crop test below of a lady bug amphipod. Even using a Sony 90mm macro lens with a stacked Kraken +13 diopter, I didn't have enough magnification to capture my subject. But once I added a 100% crop, the A7R V made up for my lack of appropriate gear.
Sony A7R V 100% Crop Test
Resolution Considerations & Drawbacks
Better In-Body Image Stabilization
Better In-Body Image Stabilization
Every year, it's hard to fathom how Sony manages to make their autofocus even better, but they did it again! This time by adding a new, dedicated AI autofocus processor. While I was skeptical at first that the autofocus on the A7R V would be any different from the Sony A1 or the Sony a7 IV, I was happy to see that there have been improvements. I was able to compare the autofocus system of a Sony A7R IV we had on board to my A7R V and there was a noticeable difference in the stickiness of autofocus tracking as well as autofocus acquisition speed. Unless you are an action photographer, however, I'm not sure if it would warrant an upgrade as the autofocus performance of the Sony a7R IV is still very good.
When compared to more recent models like the Sony a7 IV and the Sony A1, the A7R V is more refined. There are a series of features available in the camera that you can play around with that allow you to select left eye vs right eye or even feed your camera images to learn from. The animal eye autofocus tracking system is better at finding fish eyes and selecting them, though I still believe recent Canon cameras are more capable at finding the eyes of underwater subjects.
Overall, there was never a point in my trip that I felt like I was missing shots due to autofocus issues - even when shooting with the Canon 8-15mm fisheye and the Sigma MC-11 adapter. In the past, I have had extreme difficulties shooting this combination, but now I believe third party lenses with the Sigma MC-11 can have acceptable autofocus. Native lenses, of course are lighting fast. The Sony 90mm with the Sony A7R V was one of the fastest macro combinations I've had the pleasure of shooting.
On this review, I decided to almost exclusively use the autofocus tracking system as it's the best AF system for controlling your autofocus point while recomposing your shot. To activate tracking, go to AF-C for your autofocus setting and then select the autofocus setting farthest down in the autofocus area menu. I find that my success rate with autofocus tracking far outweighs my success rate when shooting autofocus single, unless my subject is not moving.
Better In-Body Image Stabilization
The Sony A7R V is a powerhouse for underwater photography. With improvements over the A7R IV in IBIS, it's now easier to get sharper photos and take advantage of a whopping 61 megapixels of resolution. While the image quality is not different from its predecessor, macro photographers can take full advantage of an unprecedented ability to crop photos. Those who are looking to make huge prints with a lot of detail will not be disappointed.
And perhaps more importantly, the A7R V is equipped with the world's best autofocus system and a dedicated AI autofocus processor that makes it extremely easy to get tack sharp photos of the right subject for you composition.
Even though a burst rate of A7R V is "slow" by modern standards at 10 fps, most would consider it to be fast enough for underwater strobe photography, as most strobes would not be able to keep up with that recycle time. That said, the A7R V is likely not the best camera choice for quick action, pelagic photographers who are not using strobes. This is partly due to other cameras having higher burst rates and partly due to higher noise at high ISOs.
After diving with the A7R V for a couple weeks, I personally felt the ergonomics, image quality, and autofocus system made the A7R V just as fun to shoot as any other high end camera on the market like the Canon EOS R5 and the Sony A1.
Sony A7R V for Underwater Video
A series of new video features make the A7R V a much more compelling camera over the A7R IV for video shooters. Although a high resolution sensor is not usually optimal for underwater video, the A7R V is capable of 8K/24p video. This allows underwater macro shooters to crop in their video and export in 4K or HD, as long as they keep their footage stable.
Speaking of stability, the new IBIS system built into the A7R V is excellent. It's even enough stabilization to shoot handheld video with the Sony 90mm macro. Being able to film at 4K/60p also helps videographers stabilize their video as it allows one to slow the clip in post production, reducing overall movement. There is a slight 1.24x crop in 4K/60p mode but there is technically no limit to recording times in 4K and I did not run into overheating issues on my dives. I shot in 4K/60p when filming most my video so that I could get as much stability as possible.
The A7R V also allows video shooters to use the newer S-Cinetone picture profile as well as record 16-bit RAW video to an external recorder. While I still prefer shooting in S-Log3 for an easier workflow than RAW recording but a wide range of flexibility, it is nice to have more recording options for different workflows.
Although the A7R V would not be my camera of choice for a dedicated video shooter, it certainly makes the A7R V an effective hybrid camera for serious stills photographers that also want to shoot high quality video.
Who Should Buy the Sony A7R V?
The Sony A7R V is an ideal camera for photographers that need and want a lot of resolution. It's a camera for croppers and printers and professionals. If you're the kind of photographer that wants some nice photos for Facebook and social media, the Sony A7 IV or Canon EOS R6 Mark II might be a better choice.
The A7R V is a great option for would-be photo-oriented Sony A1 shooters. If you don't need the video quality of the Sony A1 and you want to save $2600, the Sony A7R V is a much better value for money for photo shooters.
Now that said, I personally don't think most Sony A7R IV photographers need to upgrade to the Sony A7R V. With image quality being almost exactly the same, the main reason to upgrade from the A7R IV is to take advantage of improvements in autofocus. And while they are noticeable, they are not hugely different in practice. On the other hand, if you are at Sony A7R IV shooter and are considering getting into underwater video, the Sony A7R V is definitely worth the upgrade. It has many more features than the Sony A7R IV, including frame rates that are essential for underwater video - like 4K/60p.
Finally, many Canon shooters are going to be wondering if the Sony A7R V rivals the popular Canon EOS R5. In my opinion, it does. I found the A7R V to be just as pleasant to shoot underwater with incredible image quality that rivals the Canon EOS R5. I do think the Canon EOS R5 has a slight edge over the Sony A7R V for video shooters with better frame rates (e.g., 4K/120p). It also has a slight edge over the Sony A7R V for having better underwater lens options.
All in all, if you are looking for a professional high resolution camera, there's no other camera on the market with higher resolution and better autofocus.
Conclusions
At the end of my adventures in Indonesia, I found myself much more pleased with the experience of shooting the Sony a7R V than I expected. While the camera is not a huge upgrade from the original Sony A7R IV, it represents an affordable professional model at a much better value than the Sony A1, rivaling the Canon R5. The A7R V is a solid tool for any underwater creative, and you'd be hard pressed to find someone that needs more from a camera. With more resolution than any full frame camera in the world, the A7R V opens up another dimension in cropping and printing. And when every pixel needs to be perfect at high resolutions, the A7R V offers an autofocus system and IBIS system to back it up. Ultimately, I returned home happy with a hard drive full of vibrant color, incredible details, and some nice video clips to top it off.
Sony A7R V Underwater Lenses
Best Wide-Angle Lenses
With improvements in autofocus with the Sony A7R V, I now believe the Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens with the Sigma MC-11 adapter is the fisheye option for most wide angle shooters. I found the autofocus to be effective, though not as fast as a Sony native lens.
For both photo and video, the Sony 16-35mm F4 lens with an 8-inch dome or larger is an excellent choice. There are also some great wet wide-angle lenses available such as the Nauticam wet wide-angle lens or the Kraken KRL-01 wet wide-angle lens that can be used with the Sony 28mm prime lens. The Sony 28mm prime lens also works well with a fisheye conversion lens to capture even wider shots of large reefscapes.
If you're looking for the most versatile wide-angle Sony set up for underwater shooting, the Sony FE 28-60mm F4-F5.6 lens behind a flat port with zoom capability paired with the Nauticam WWL-1B Wide-Angle Wet lens is the way to go. The downside is that it's currently only compatible with Nauticam and Marelux housings. Check out the Underwater Photography Guide's article about the Sony FE 28-60mm F4-F5.6 lens for more information or email us at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com to get set up with this combination.
Best Mid-Range Lenses
The Sony 28-70mm F3.5-F5.6, the Sony 24-70mm F4 and the Sony 35mm F2.8 portrait lens are three good mid-range options.
Best Macro Lenses
There are two native Sony lenses that we think are great macro options: the Sony 90mm and 50mm macro. The 90mm has a faster autofocus motor, but if you need to get a little more in your composition, the 50mm macro does an ok job. Recently, we reviewed the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DN DG Art macro lens. It's an excellent and more affordable option to the Sony 90mm with better image quality. However, it is not a great choice for video due to focus breathing. We already mentioned the Sony FE 28-60mm F4-F5.6 lens and how it makes a great wide-angle option when used with a wide-angle wet lens, but combine it with the Nauticam Compact Macro Converter CMC-2, and it becomes a very versatile and highly capable macro set up too.
Canon Lenses for the Sony A7R V
Canon lenses can be attached to the Sony A7R V with the Metabones, Sigma MC-11, or Photodiox adapters, but auto-focus is generally better with Sony lenses. Lenses like the Canon 8-15mm, 16-35mm, 17-40mm, and 100mm can work well. I found that the Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens worked better with the Sigma MC-11 adapter than with the metabones adapter.
Sony A7R V Underwater Housings
Marelux MX-A7RV Underwater Housing
*Made from Durable Alluminum Alloy with top-notch ergonomics*
The latest release from is the Marelux MX-A7RV Underwater Housing, designed exclusively for the Sony A7RV. This Sony A7RV underwater housing combines best-in-class ergonomics with innovative features, placing every camera control at your fingertips for seamless operation underwater.
The Marelux MX-A7RV introduces a 125mm front port design—an industry-first innovation that allows you to change lenses effortlessly without removing the camera body from the housing. Crafted from durable, scratch-resistant anodized aluminum alloy, this Marelux housing ensures the prevention of seawater erosion durability while offering a sleek, stylish look in a range of attractive colors.
We often recommend pairing it with one of the innovative Marelux strobes, be it the Apollo III 2.0 or the Apollo S, for stunning lighting underwater or utilizing the Marelux Flexibuoy system for perfect buoyancy control. For lens compatibility, we suggest you consult the Marelux port chart to find the perfect setup for your needs.
As a leader in Marelux underwater housings, this model is designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, delivering unmatched performance and reliability. Contact one of our Sales Team to ensure you get the best service and assistance while putting together your perfect Marelux underwater system.
Ikelite Sony A7RV 200DL Underwater Housing
*A lightweight yet durable, budget-friendly option*
Crafted from a specially formulated ABS-PC polycarbonate blend, the Ikelite A7R V 200DL underwater housing offers a lightweight, affordable, and reliable solution for capturing underwater images, making it a reliable alternative to traditional aluminum housings.
Being one of the most affordable options on the market, the Ikelite underwater housing offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Its clear polycarbonate back allows you to easily monitor your camera inside the housing, providing added peace of mind during your dives. Paired with Ikelite’s vacuum check system and their signature open-groove o-ring design, the risk of water damage is minimized, ensuring your gear stays safe and dry.
Ikelite not only provide sleek and affordable underwater housings, but they some of the most popular underwater strobe setup's for thier housing, with Ikelite strobes like the DS160 II or DS232, used by a large number of photographers to achieving stunning lighting in any conditions. Complete your rig with an Ikelite tray for improved stability and control, and use the Ikelite vacuum pump to double-check your housing’s seal before every dive.
Isotta Sony A7RV Underwater Housing
*Ferrari of the Sea, combining elegance with functionality *
The Isotta Sony A7RV Underwater Housing, a masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship and precision engineering. Known as the "Ferrari of the Sea" for its striking red finish and unparalleled design, Isotta has earned its reputation as a leader in the world of underwater photography. This housing is a favorite among professional photographers who demand both performance and aesthetic appeal, thanks to its curved lines, rounded ergonomics, and meticulous attention to detail.
The Isotta A7RV housing features a fully detachable back housing for easy camera insertion, a single-hand closing knob for quick setup, and aluminum buttons and dials with engraved symbols that mirror your camera’s controls. The wide back display viewfinder glass ensures you never miss a shot, while the standard Isotta viewfinder provides exceptional clarity underwater.
Built for reliability, the housing includes double O-ring seals on all buttons and removable parts, a moisture sensor with an LED indicator (featuring a replaceable battery), and a safety lock on the porthole to prevent accidental opening. The removable B120 bayonet port offers versatility, while the wide, rubber-covered feet ensure stability on boat decks or the sea floor.
For added functionality, the housing is equipped with an M8 hole on the upper side for accessories like focus lights and two M6 holes on the bottom for mounting strobes or tripods. It’s also prepared for the Isotta vacuum system (sold separately), providing an extra layer of safety for your gear.
Sea & Sea Sony A7RV Underwater Housing
**Built to last, Compact Size, Elegantly Engineered, Universal compatibility with Sony Cameras**
The Sea & Sea MDX-A7RV Underwater Housing, a top-tier choice for your Sony A7RV. The Sea & Sea housing is designed with precision and versatility, and this housing forms part of the MDX-αU Universal Housing series, compatible with a range of Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras, including the A1, A9 II, A7S III, A7 IV, A7R IV, and A7R V. Available in sleek black or silver finishes, the Sea & Sea MDX-A7RV combines exceptional ergonomics with superior build quality, making it a favorite among underwater photographers.
Upgraded with new silicone grips for enhanced handling and the SA8 fixed ball base for easy attachment of lighting options like the powerful Sea & Sea YS-D3 strobes, this housing ensures you’re always ready to capture stunning underwater images. The revised ergonomics and colorful exterior design not only look great but also improve functionality and safety.
Key features include a leak alarm unit for added protection, a larger rear window for better visibility of your camera’s interior, and improved handling for a seamless shooting experience. Whether you’re pairing it with Sea & Sea strobes or other accessories, the MDX-A7RV offers unmatched versatility and reliability.
Aquatica A7RV Underwater Housing
*Rugged and reliable housings, offering a perfect balance of strength and portability*
The Aquatica A7RV Underwater Housing is a powerhouse of durability and functionality designed for your Sony A7RV. Renowned for their rugged, reliable, and user-friendly designs, Aquatica housings are trusted by both professional and amateur photographers alike. Built from durable anodized aluminum with a scratch-resistant powder coating, this housing is engineered to withstand the toughest underwater environments while providing seamless access to your camera’s controls.
The Aquatica A7RV housing is one of the most compact on the market, making it easy to transport without sacrificing performance. With a standard depth rating of 300 feet (90m)—upgradeable to 450 feet (140m)—it’s also an excellent choice for technical diving.
Equipped with the proven Surveyor Vacuum System, this housing offers added peace of mind by ensuring your camera stays dry and secure during every dive. Its compatibility with a wide range of flash triggers and sync cords makes it highly versatile, allowing you to customize your setup for any shooting scenario.
Aquatech EDGE Pro Water Housing for Sony A7RV
*Rugged & Reliable, with great Ergonomics for shooting in the Surf *
The Aquatech EDGE Pro Water Housing for Sony A7RV is a lightweight and compact water housing designed for surf, ocean, and water-sports photography. As one of Aquatech’s most advanced and ergonomic housings, the EDGE Pro is crafted from durable polycarbonate with stainless steel controls, offering a perfect blend of strength and precision. Since 1998, Aquatech water housings have been the go-to choice for discerning surf and snorkeling photographers who demand reliability and performance in challenging aquatic environments.
The Aquatech EDGE Pro features an optional pistol grip, making it easier to handle in the water and ensuring you never miss a shot, even in dynamic surf conditions. With a depth rating of 10m (33ft), this housing is ideal for surface photography, wave riding, and water sports, though it’s not designed for deep diving.
Nauticam Sony NA-A7RV Underwater Housing
*Precision engineered, Excellent Ergonomics, and Innovative*
When it comes to underwater photography, Nauticam is a name synonymous with precision, innovation, and exceptional quality. Renowned for its superb design and exceptional ergonomics, this latest Nauticam housing for the the Sony A7RV provides fingertip access to all essential controls, ensuring seamless operation in even the most challenging underwater environments.
Built around the versatile N120 Port System, the NA-A7RV supports a wide range of lens options, from wide-angle to macro, making it perfect for every underwater scenario. Pair it with the Nauticam WWL-1B or other Nauticam wet lenses for breathtaking wide-angle shots, or explore macro photography with Nauticam's innovative macro wet lenses for precision and clarity. Enhance your underwater system further with accessories like the Nauticam FCP (Fisheye Conversion Port) and the optional Nauticam Viewfinders, designed to optimize your underwater imaging. For lens and port compatibility, consult the Nauticam port chart to tailor your setup perfectly.
For added peace of mind, the housing comes pre-installed with Nauticam’s patented Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System, ensuring your camera stays safe and dry during every dive. When it comes to flash triggering, Nauticam offers flexible solutions. Choose between an optional manual LED trigger or a TTL Flash Trigger, both of which utilize the housing’s built-in fiber optic bulkheads. Pair these with optional fiber-optic cables to seamlessly trigger compatible strobes, ensuring perfect lighting for every shot.
