The upcoming Sony a7 V is a highly anticipated camera among loyalists, many of whom want a higher megapixel sensor. We reported earlier that this device will launch anytime soon, and we have even learned the reason behind it. If what we know is true, other manufacturers will likely face challenges with their launch as well. What is it? Well, it has something to do with Donald Trump.
Contribution to this article was done by Editor in Chief Chris Gampat
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What’s Being Said Online about the Sony a7 V Delay
According to Sony Alpha Rumors, the Russian camera media is stating that there is a serious delay to the latest tariffs on Chinese products, and thus, the camera may not launch until next year. Here is what the article states:
The ideal conditions means a supply chains that are undergoing serious corrections because most photo mfrs (I assume he means not native Chinese but Japanese) are leaving China due to very high tariffs that are being placed on parts made in China. Every mfr is moving factories to places like Vietnam or Thailand or South Korea, there are serious delays with implementing something new. Behind the closed doors Sony said A7V will get a new sensor and will be a pretty interesting camera. Nothing else was said.
This report was revealed by GetLens, a Russian outlet, with Sony Alpha Rumors sharing the translated version with us. Furthermore, the earliest one can expect the camera to arrive is October 2025. Furthermore, the company said in a private meeting at CP+ Show that the a7 V will only be revealed if there is stability amid the supply change following the move to go out of China.
Similar Moves
This also makes sense because Tamron recently unveiled its latest factory in Vietnam. As a quick reminder, Tamron is partially owned by Sony. This was their second plant in the country, and it is considered to be one of its biggest, spanning 28,500 square meters in a Hanoi industrial complex. Another reason is that Tanron has to pay a 25% duty, in addition to a 2.3% regular tariff if the lens is made in China and exported to the US. If Tamron, being a third-party lens manufacturer, can think of this, then Sony can as well. Furthermore, Fujifilm has also been eyeing India for its plant setup, as the country offers better benefits in terms of labor and cost. Sony already has a plant in India, but the company announced in 2023 that it will continue to branch out, especially since COVID-19 impacted its shipments.
There are also alleged reports of Sony working on a new sensor (up to 60MP) for the a7 V, but that alone can’t cause such a delay. Trump’s tariffs have caused upheaval, and every manufacturer is finding ways to produce cameras and lenses that will not cost one their kidney and also give them successful profit rates. If the cost of a camera goes higher than what it is, there will be a challenge for many to purchase a new camera and instead rely on the second-hand camera market. Since October is an important month, when the a7 IV turns four years old, it makes perfect sense to have a launch then. However, we may have to wait a little longer to see what Sony has been up to.
Clarification: Sony’s Cameras Aren’t Made in China, but Components Come From There
Several years ago, Sony flew the Phoblographer out to Thailand for a factory tour. While we can say with solid certainty that even the Sony a1 II is made in Thailand, we also can assume that it would take a lot of work to move the factory to China or India. So with that said, you should know that Sony’s cameras are most likely not going to be made in China in the near future. This may come as a surprise because other brands have moved manufacturing to China. But it wouldn’t make sense for Sony to do something like this.
However, they’ll need to get components from somewhere else — and that could take time.
And in the meantime, the Sony a7 IV is still a pretty solid camera; and it’s still available for purchase.