Sony didn't reinvent the full-frame camera with the A7 V.
Instead, it seems to have looked at the A7 IV, fixed many of its weaknesses, added a lot more speed and created what might be one of Sony's best all-round cameras.
The A7 V still uses a 33MP full-frame sensor, but this time it's a partially stacked Exmor RS sensor. The big difference isn't really megapixels. It's speed. The new sensor reads significantly faster, allowing the camera to shoot up to 30fps with autofocus and auto exposure tracking. (Sony)
That's a huge jump from the A7 IV.
The Autofocus Is Probably the Star
Sony has also brought its newer AI-based subject recognition into the A7 V.
It can recognise people, animals, birds and several other subjects, while Sony's Real-time Tracking continues to do what Sony cameras are already famous for: keeping things in focus without making the photographer work too hard.
DPReview described the autofocus as working extremely well even with its default settings. (DPReview)
For family photography, events, travelling, street photography or even sports, this is probably one of those cameras where you can concentrate more on the photo and less on fighting the autofocus.
It's Also a Serious Video Camera
The A7 V records oversampled 4K60 using 7K capture, while 4K120 is available with an APS-C/Super 35 crop.
There's also improved stabilisation rated up to 7.5 stops in the centre.
So this isn't really a photography camera that happens to record video anymore.
It's genuinely a hybrid camera.
But It's Not Perfect
The biggest problem might actually be that the A7 V is becoming too much camera.
Sony's menus and enormous number of customisation options can feel complicated. Some competing cameras also provide more specialised video features such as RAW video and open-gate recording.
And if you already own an A7 IV and mainly take normal photos, upgrading isn't automatically necessary. Image quality itself hasn't suddenly jumped several generations.
The improvements are more about speed, autofocus, dynamic range and video capability. DPReview's testing found particularly impressive dynamic-range performance from the new sensor. (DPReview)
So, Should You Buy It?
If you want one camera for travel, family, portraits, events, sports and video, the Sony A7 V is difficult to complain about.
33MP is plenty.
30fps is seriously fast.
The autofocus is excellent.
The video capability is strong.
And Sony's huge E-mount lens ecosystem remains another major advantage.
But here's the question I'd ask before upgrading:
Is your current camera actually stopping you from taking better photos?
Because the Sony A7 V is definitely better.
That doesn't necessarily mean you need it.