After Canon released the impressive R6 Mark III, packed with features never before seen in a prosumer-scale camera body, the rumor mill in Sony land seems to have gone into overdrive. This is likely fueled by concerns over the fact that the R6 Mark II is already the world’s best-selling full-frame camera. Canon has clearly decided to outclass that camera in almost every way with the Canon R6 Mark III.
The rumored specifications for Sony’s upcoming model seem somewhat lightweight, which makes me wonder if this is simply a strategic move to get something new on shelves just before Christmas. You know, just in case someone actually wants to purchase a Sony camera. Who knows, maybe Sony has been “naughty” this year—it might even be a decent substitute for coal in 2025!
Here are the rumored specifications from Sony Alpha Rumors so far:
– 33MP sensor (could be new or the same as the A7 III)
– Improved fps rate
– 8 stops IBIS
– New AI chip, similar to the Sony A1 II
– Free-angle tilting 3.2″ touchscreen LCD
– Dual Type A SD card slots (2x)
– No C5 button
– Improved EVF (possibly 5.6 million dots)
– Same body design as the Sony A7R V
– Price close to $3000
– Announcement expected in early December
– Limited batch shipping before Christmas
There are a few things I wish Canon had done with their camera, such as including a free-angle tilting screen rather than just an articulating LCD, since I’m personally not a fan of articulating screens. I would prefer one that tilts.
One unconfirmed but interesting rumor is that the Sony A7 IV will not feature Open Gate, will lack Pre-Capture (which Canon has had since the R6 Mark II), and 4K60p video will still be cropped—something Canon has eliminated on the R6 Mark II. Ouch.
The price is also a bit surprising given the lack of some expected features. The original A7 III launched at $1999, but this new camera is rumored to come in near the R6 Mark III price point, despite offering a less comprehensive feature set. If the price is accurate, I’m inclined to believe these specifications might not exactly reflect the final product. I may not be a huge Sony fan, but I doubt Sony would be this out of touch.
It’s worth noting this isn’t the first time Sony has released a camera in late November; the A1 II was announced on November 19, 2024. So it’s entirely possible Sony will do the same this year.
Finally, I want to be fair and avoid ruffling too many feathers with this rumor article. Without Sony’s push and drive in the mirrorless market, we wouldn’t have the amazing Canon cameras we see today. Competition is essential, and if Sony does surprise us with a new camera before year’s end, the next 30 days will be quite interesting indeed.
https://www.canonrumors.com/sony-panicking-rapid-release-of-the-sony-a7-iv/