The Sony A7 IV is the latest flagship mirrorless camera from Sony, designed to deliver exceptional image quality, impressive autofocus capabilities, and robust video features. As a successor to the highly acclaimed A7 III, the A7 IV promises significant upgrades in various areas, making it an exciting prospect for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Design and Build

The Sony A7 IV boasts a solid magnesium alloy body with a weather-sealed design, ensuring durability and resistance to dust and moisture. Weighing in at approximately 659g (body only), the camera is relatively light and ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold and maneuver for extended periods. The grip has been slightly revised to accommodate larger hands, providing a more secure grasp.

The A7 IV features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1,440k dots of resolution, offering excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the camera includes a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 5-axis stabilization and 9.44 million dots of resolution, providing an immersive shooting experience.

Image Sensor and Autofocus

The Sony A7 IV is equipped with a full-frame 32.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, which offers improved low-light performance, reduced noise, and enhanced dynamic range. The camera’s advanced autofocus system boasts 759 phase-detection points covering approximately 93% of the image area, allowing for fast and accurate subject tracking.

Sony has also introduced a new Real-time Eye AF feature, which uses AI-powered algorithms to detect and track human eyes with incredible precision. This technology enables seamless portraiture, sports, and wildlife photography.

Video Capabilities

The Sony A7 IV is designed to capture stunning video footage, boasting impressive features such as:

• 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) at up to 120fps
• 10-bit 4:2:2 color output via HDMI
• S-Log3 and HLG gamma profiles for enhanced dynamic range
• Real-time Tracking AF and Eye AF during video recording
• Internal timecode, allowing for seamless editing

Shooting Modes and Burst Mode

The A7 IV offers a wide range of shooting modes, including:

• Manual (M) mode with aperture priority, shutter priority, and ISO sensitivity control
• Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), and Program (P) modes
• Auto ISO and White Balance settings

In burst mode, the camera can shoot up to 10 frames per second (fps) in RAW format or 30 fps in JPEG.

Connectivity and Ports

The Sony A7 IV features a comprehensive set of connectivity options:

• USB-C with SuperSpeed+ support for faster data transfer
• HDMI output with 4K resolution at 60p
• Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer and smartphone remote control
• Microphone input and headphone jack

Battery Life

The camera uses the same NP-FZ100 battery as its predecessor, providing approximately 580 shots per charge based on CIPA standards. While not exceptional, this is still a respectable performance considering the A7 IV’s advanced features.

Conclusion

The Sony A7 IV is an impressive flagship mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality, robust autofocus capabilities, and comprehensive video features. Its solid build, intuitive design, and feature-rich interface make it an attractive choice for enthusiasts and professionals seeking a reliable workhorse.

With its competitive pricing starting at $2,499 (body only) and going up to $3,298 (with 28-70mm lens), the A7 IV is definitely worth considering for those in search of a high-performance camera that excels in various disciplines.

Technical Specifications:

• Sensor: Full-frame 32.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS
• Autofocus: 759 phase-detection points, Real-time Eye AF
• Video: 4K at up to 120fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 color output via HDMI
• Shooting Modes: Manual (M), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Program (P)
• Burst Mode: Up to 10 fps in RAW format or 30 fps in JPEG
• Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi, NFC, Microphone input and headphone jack
• Battery Life: Approximately 580 shots per charge based on CIPA standards