Sony’s 2025 Engineering Excellence: A Year in Review
▼ Summary
– Sony released three distinct cameras in 2025: the video-focused but disappointing FX2, the long-awaited RX1R III with a high-resolution sensor, and the highly praised a7 V with a new, faster sensor.
– The company launched five lenses, with the groundbreaking FE 50-150mm f/2 GM and the exceptional FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM standing out as major technical achievements.
– The Sony a7 V is considered a fantastic, photo-oriented successor that addresses the a7 IV’s shortcomings, though it lacks some hybrid features found in competitors.
– Despite the FX2 being a letdown and the RX1R III feeling like it had untapped potential, Sony’s overall 2025 product lineup was strong, earning the company an ‘A’ grade.
– Sony maintained its top position in the full-frame market in 2025 but now faces serious competition, requiring continued engineering excellence to stay ahead.
Sony has consistently set the benchmark in the full-frame mirrorless market, but the competitive landscape grew significantly tighter throughout 2025. The year presented a crucial test: could the imaging giant defend its leadership position with compelling new hardware? An examination of their annual product releases reveals a company that delivered exceptional lenses and a standout hybrid camera, even if a couple of models didn’t quite hit the mark.
The company’s three camera releases catered to distinctly different users. First to arrive was the video-focused Sony FX2, which ultimately proved the weakest of the trio. While it boasts a solid design and capable autofocus, its core sensor, carried over from the a7 IV, imposes notable limitations for serious video work. The subsequent arrival of the a7 V later in the year, with its far superior sensor, made the FX2’s value proposition even more challenging.
In contrast, the Sony RX1R III ended a nearly decade-long wait for fans of the compact full-frame series. It integrates a high-resolution 61-megapixel sensor into a refined body, and its timeless Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens remains an optical jewel. However, the very long development cycle meant it inherited several characteristics from its predecessor, including a premium price that demands deep affection for the unique fixed-lens experience.
The clear camera highlight of the year was the Sony a7 V. This model directly addresses the shortcomings of the a7 IV with a new, partially stacked 33-megapixel sensor that delivers dramatically improved speed and autofocus performance. It stands as a phenomenal stills camera that also captures excellent video, squarely placing it among the best mid-range options available. While it lacks some specialized video features found in competitors, its focused excellence in photography is a refreshing and impressive achievement.
Where Sony truly shone in 2025 was with its lens portfolio. The company unveiled several optics that pushed boundaries. The FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is a groundbreaking mid-telephoto zoom, offering a constant f/2 aperture in a remarkably versatile range. It represents a significant technical marvel. Similarly, the long-awaited FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM has set a new standard, arguably becoming the finest macro lens ever produced with its stunning sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and fast focusing.
The lens lineup showed remarkable breadth. Photographers gained a compact and capable ultra-wide option in the FE 16mm f/1.8 G, while wildlife shooters were treated to the extensive reach of the FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS. A modest update to the kit 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II rounded out a year of formidable optical engineering.
Evaluating Sony’s overall year requires balancing these triumphs against the misses. The FX2 was a disappointment, and the RX1R III, while welcome, felt like it could have been more ambitious. Yet, the strength of the a7 V and an absolutely stellar lens lineup cannot be overstated. The competition from Canon and Nikon is now fiercer than ever, meaning Sony can no longer afford to coast on past success. This intense rivalry ultimately benefits photographers, who are gaining access to increasingly capable tools. For delivering a top-tier hybrid camera and a collection of lenses that includes genuine masterpieces, Sony’s 2025 report card remains at the head of the class.
(Source: PetaPixel)