Professional Bokeh: The large F1.2 maximum aperture with 11 rounded aperture blades creates exceptionally smooth, circular bokeh with creamy background separation—perfect for portraits and artistic storytelling
Low-Light Champion: Capture clean, vivid images in challenging lighting conditions where other lenses struggle
7 Elements in 5 Groups: Advanced optical configuration ensures sharpness, enhanced contrast, and true-to-life color reproduction
DeClick Aperture System: Smooth, clickless aperture ring enables seamless exposure transitions—ideal for video work
Precision Manual Focus: Experience the satisfying ritual of perfecting your focus, from soft blur to crystal-clear sharpness
Luminous Scales: Innovative fluorescent coating glows in darkness, allowing easy reading of settings for night photography and astrophotography
Retro Inspiration: Draws design cues from legendary 1981 AIS 50mm F1.2, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary manufacturing
Compact & Lightweight: 360g Perfect balance of performance and portability for everyday carry
75mm Equivalent: On APS-C cameras, provides ideal portrait focal length with beautiful compression
Technical specifications:
Attribute
Specification
Focal Length
50mm (75mm equivalent on APS-C)
Maximum Aperture
F1.2
Aperture Blades
11 rounded
Optical Construction
7 elements in 5 groups
Minimum Focus Distance
0.7m (2.3ft)
Aperture Ring
DeClick design
Focus
Manual
Special Feature
Luminous distance scales
Mount Compatibility
Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Canon RF, M4/3 (APS-C)
The new Sony A7 V maintains the 33 MP sensor, which is now stacked with integrated AI, blackout-free bursts at 30 fps, and 1-second pre-capture. It also offers significantly stronger stabilisation (7.5 stops vs the A7 IV’s 5.5), and filmmakers will love the uncropped 4K60 and 4K120 in Super 35, plus LUT import and smarter auto white balance. The new model also has a sharper, articulating screen, a better grip, quieter shutter control, and longer battery life.
33MP stacked sensor with integrated AI
Improved autofocusing speed and accuracy
Enhanced 7.5 stops of image stabilisation
Blackout-free shooting at up to 30fps
Full-frame 4K60 video, 4K120 in Super 35
Sharper, articulating LCD screen
Full Sony a7 V details after the break:
AI-Powered Performance Boosts
The Alpha 7 V integrates the AI processing unit into the BIONZ XR2 engine, delivering a substantial leap in autofocus speed, accuracy, and reliability. The Alpha 7 V has up to 30% improvement4 in Real-time Recognition AF that instantly recognizes targeted subjects and continues to capture them with high precision. With 759 phase-detection points and up to 94% frame coverage, the camera ensures precise subject tracking across nearly the entire image area, even in challenging low-light conditions down to EV -4.05. High-resolution RAW processing is now supported through Imaging Edge Desktop application6 for unparalleled post-production flexibility.
No compromise High-speed Continuous Shooting
The combination of a partially stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with approximately 4.5 times faster7 readout speed increased and the BIONZ XR2 processor results in high image quality with minimal distortion. Additionally, high-precision tracking with up to 60 times AF/AE calculations per second and blackout-free continuous shooting up to 30 fps8 with AF/AE tracking9 ensures no missed opportunities even with fast-moving subjects moving in complex patterns, such as in wildlife and sports photography. Even during 14-bit RAW shooting, it achieves high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with AF/AE tracking. The Pre-Capture function10, which can record up to 1 second before the shutter is pressed, captures decisive moments even with subjects whose movements are difficult to predict, such as pets and sports.
Outstanding Still Image Performance
Engineered for maximum creative control, the Alpha 7 V achieves up to 16 stops of dynamic range11, ensuring remarkable tonal detail across highlights and shadows. Even in scenes with extreme contrast, it expresses natural and smooth gradations from dark to bright areas. The newly introduced AI-driven Auto White Balance (AWB) leverages advanced scene analysis for consistent color rendering and uses light source estimation through deep learning technology. By automatically identifying the light source in the shooting environment with high precision and adjusting to appropriate color tones, it enables natural and stable color reproduction, resulting in more faithful colors and reducing post-production workload.
Versatile Video Capabilities
Expanding creative possibilities for hybrid creators, the Alpha 7 V introduces additional 4K recording modes, including 7K oversampled 4K 60p recording12available in full-frame mode and 4K 120p13 recording in APS-C /Super 35mm mode, delivering rich, detailed footage with exceptional flexibility in editing. Full pixel readout without pixel binning enables highly detailed video recording, down to the finest details. The image stabilization features Dynamic Active Mode14, enabling smooth and stable video expression even when handheld. Users can enjoy high-quality video recording in a wide range of scenes, from vlogs and creative productions to capturing family memories. The camera also features an Auto Framing function that automatically maintains optimal composition of subjects during recording through AI-powered subject recognition. This enables stable composition video recording in various scenes. New in-camera noise reduction and improved internal mic functionality15 ensures high-quality audio recording by reducing steady background noises, minimizing interference, and maintaining natural sound.
Enhanced Operability and Usability
Designed with efficiency in mind, the Alpha 7 V offers Wi-Fi® 6E GHz compatibility16 for high-speed, stable wireless transmission, along with dual USB Type-C® ports for improved workflow and flexibility. Vertical format support and an adjustable electronic shutter sound make shooting adaptable across diverse environments. The 4-axis multi-angle monitor combines tilt and vari-angle design, offering unrestricted horizontal and vertical adjustment for greater shooting freedom. A better finger fit on the grip provides improved comfort, stability, and control during extended sessions.
Built for Reliability
The Alpha 7 V features upgraded power management and enhanced stamina performance, enabling longer shooting sessions without interruption. A new Monitor Low Bright mode extends battery life17 even further, while improved thermal management supports extended18 4K recording with uncompromised quality, approximately 630 shots when using the viewfinder, per CIPA standards.
FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II – The All-Around Lens
Compact, lightweight, and engineered for speed, the FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II is designed to fully leverage the continuous shooting19 capabilities of the Alpha 7 V sensor. When combined with compatible cameras, this new lens offers up to 120 fps AF/AE tracking20, continuous shooting, seamless body-lens coordinated image stabilization, AF available even during zooming, and built-in breathing compensation support. From dynamic action shots to fast-paced events or high-quality video capture, this lens delivers smooth, dependable responsiveness and flexibility.
4 The 30% improvement is a value from Sony’s internal measurement comparing the eye recognition performance for human eye with the real-time Eye AF of the Alpha 7 IV. 5 AF-S, ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens. 6 The latest version of Imaging Edge Desktop is required. Download Creators’ Cloud Web page. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information. 7 Compared to the Alpha 7 IV. Based on Sony measurement conditions. 8 When using the electronic shutter. [Hi+] continuous shooting mode. A software update may be required for some lenses. See Sony’s support web page for information on compatible lenses 9 When using electronic shutter, based on Sony measurement conditions. Continuous shooting speed may decrease depending on shooting conditions. When focus mode is set to AF-C, continuous shooting speed varies depending on the attached lens. For details, please check the lens compatibility information support page. 10 Still image shooting only. 11 Applicable only in mechanical shutter mode. 12 When [4K angle of view Priority] is ON. 13 When [4K Angle of View Priority] is ON. 14 Angle of view is reduced more than in Active Mode. Clear Image Zoom is not available when using Dynamic active Mode. Maximum ISO sensitivity is ISO25600. 15 The effectiveness of reducing lens power zoom noise varies depending on the type of lens used. Even with the setting turned on, it may take some time for the noise reduction function to take effect. 16 5 GHz/6 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions. Requires compatible wireless network. 17 Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage. 18 4K recording time @ 25 deg is approximately 90 min; 4K recording time @40deg is approximately 60 min. 19 Up to 30 fps AE/AF tracking. 20 For compatible cameras, please refer to the support information. 21 Paper material made from bamboo, sugarcane fibers, and post-consumer recycled paper. 22 Excluding materials used in coatings and adhesives.
The Caira module (aka Alice Camera, previously reported here) connects to iPhones via MagSafe, and it’s the first mirrorless camera in the world to integrate Google’s “Nano Banana” generative AI model. All Kickstarter supporters will receive a free 6-month Caira Pro Generative Editing software subscription (priced at $7 per month, extendable to 9 months if the fundraising goals are met). The full press release can be found here. See also current listings at B&H Photo:
For Black Friday, Squarehood is offering a 20% discount on everything in its store. Squarehood sells several different lens hood solutions for Fuji, Leica, Nikon, and Ricoh cameras and lenses. Visit their website for more information and a list of products. Here are some of the Fuji lens hoods:
Next are a few examples of the Squarehood lens hoods for Leica and Ricoh:
DxO Black Friday 2025 – up to 50% off. Get an additional 5% off the already reduced prices with the coupon code RUMORS when you purchase from this link (valid for new customers only).
The 2025 DxO Black Friday offers up to 50% off their products. You can get an additional 5% off DxO products, in addition to the already reduced prices, with the coupon code RUMORS when you purchase from this link (valid for new customers only). Here is the breakdown of the deals (those offers will end on Tuesday, December 2):
Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 LAB for Nikon Z mount coming in December:
New Viltrox front teleconverters (0.8× and 1.4×), probably designed for compact cameras like the Fuji X100:
“We’ll soon be launching a front teleconverter (increasing the focal length by 1.4×) and a wide-angle conversion lens (reducing the focal length to 0.8×). With these, you can instantly unlock new focal lengths without changing your camera.“
New Viltrox Chip series pancake lenses:
“The Chip series is one of our most distinctive and competitive product lines, and there will definitely be more lenses coming in the future.” (Reddit)
A federal ban on DJI drones in the US is set to trigger on December 23, 2025, unless a designated national security agency (such as the Office of the Director of National Intelligence) completes a mandated security audit beforehand. This deadline stems from Section 1709 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed by Congress in December 2024. If the audit doesn’t happen, DJI (along with fellow Chinese manufacturer Autel Robotics) will be added to the FCC’s “Covered List,” prohibiting the import, sale, and FCC certification of new DJI products. Existing drones owned by consumers and businesses would likely remain usable, but repairs, parts, and software updates could become challenging.
State-level restrictions are already in place in some areas. For example, Florida implemented a ban on DJI drones for government use in 2024, leading to the seizure of equipment worth over $200 million and a switch to pricier US-made alternatives. Similar restrictions exist in states like Arkansas and Mississippi for public agencies, often driven by the same federal concerns.
Reasons for the Potential Ban
Data Privacy and Espionage Risks: Fears that DJI drones could transmit sensitive flight data, images, or videos back to China via backdoors, enabling surveillance. This echoes restrictions on other Chinese tech companies, such as Huawei.
Forced Labor and Subsidies: Accusations that DJI benefits from unfair state subsidies and supply chains involving forced labor in Xinjiang.
Military/Combat Use: Claims that DJI tech could be repurposed for warfare, though DJI counters that it has never marketed military products and actively discourages combat applications.
DJI disputes these, emphasizing features like “Local Data Mode” (which disables internet connectivity) and offering full access for independent audits. The company argues the restrictions are politically motivated, benefiting U.S. competitors like Skydio (which holds only 5-10% market share) by creating a $1-2 billion domestic opportunity at the expense of innovation and affordability.
“Arri Group, a major Hollywood equipment supplier, is cutting jobs and closing two locations in Germany, the latest fallout from the continued decline in movie production. Operations at Arri’s lighting factory, repair and distribution centers in the municipalities of Stephanskirchen and Brannenburg will halt by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of 150 positions, Arri spokesman Kevin Schwutke said in an email.”
Connexion
CMOS image sensor with approximately 4.5 times faster7 readout speed increased and the BIONZ XR2
