photoxels
- 33MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- OLED EVF 3.68M dots
- 5-Axis 5.5 Stops IBIS
- 10fps Continuous Shooting
- 4K/60P Video
- Dual card slots: CFexpress Type A/SD UHS-II
- Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
QUICKFACT SHEET
The Sony A7 IV (aka a7 IV, α7 IV, Alpha 7 IV) is a pro-level/expert-level full-frame mirrorless camera for pros and photography enthusiasts. It is compact for a full-frame camera and is fully featured with many professional-grade features, accessories and lenses. It offers 5-axis 5.5 stops in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The Sony A7 IV continues to set the standard for an all-round full-frame mirrorless cameras.All three models share more or less the same body design and pro-level features, but the S model and the R model each have their own special characteristic.
The A7 is the all-round general-purpose camera, great for every type of photography: portrait, street, wedding, landscape, macro, sports, wildlife, etc. It is also the most affordable of the three. (Sony A7 IV: 2021, US $2,500)
The A7S is for photographers and videographers who need a camera with a very Sensitive image sensor that allows them to shoot a lot in very low-level lighting situations while capturing the best image quality at high ISOs. The low pixel count also means faster sensor readout, resulting in better video performance. (Sony A7S: 2020 US $3,499.99)
The A7R is for photographers who shoot very high Resolution images. So, it will have an image sensor with very high resolution, allowing the capture of highly detailed images. It is ideal for detailed landscape and architectural photography. (Sony A7R V: 2022, US $3,900)
The A7 IV improves (except for the higher introductory price) on the A7 III in the following ways:
| Sony A7 III | Sony A7 IV | |
| Sensor | 24MP | 33MP |
| Eye AF | Human | Human, Bird, Animals; Stills and Video |
| Video | 4K/24P (no crop), 4K/30P (1.2x crop) | 4K/30P/24P (no crop), 4K/60P (1.2x crop) |
| EVF | 2.36M | 3.68M |
| LCD | 2.95-in., Tilt Touch, 921.6K, AF point | 3.0-in., Vari-angle Touch, 1.04M, AF point, Navigate menus |
| Cards | Dual slots. Slot 1: SD UHS-II; Slot 2: Memory Stick Duo/SD UHS-II | Dual slots. Slot 1: CFexpress Type A/SD UHS-II; Slot 2: SD UHS-II |
| Price | US $1,988 | US $2,488 |
These are the main changes on paper. There are a lot of small improvements that, together, add up to making the A7 IV the much better and capable versatile camera whether in handling, rear controls, Tracking AF speed and stickiness, image quality, better menu interface, better video performance, live streaming, connectivity, etc. If you own an A7 III, it’s definitely worth the upgrade to an A7 IV.
Though the A7 IV has major buttons and dials sealed, and sealing is provided throughout the body to minimize entry of dust and moisture (and therefore can be considered somewhat weather resistant), it does not sport an industry rating nor is it rated as freeze-proof. In fact, Sony is careful to post a disclaimer that the “Alpha 7 IV has improved dust and moisture resistance to provide outstanding reliability even in challenging outdoor shooting environments. Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.”
Of course, the Sony A7 IV is supported by a system of high quality lenses, vertical grip, external flashes, microphones, monitor hood, shooting grip with wireless remote commander, grip extension, and software that further expand the shooting system.
| SONY A7 IV SPECS AT A GLANCE (OCT 21, 2021) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE: | MIRRORLESS, FULL-FRAME | ||
| SENSOR RESOLUTION: | 33MP | SENSOR TYPE: | FULL-FRAME CMOS |
| LENS MOUNT: | SONY E | ISO: | 100-51200, 50, 204800 |
| FOCUS: | 759 POINTS; HUMAN, ANIMAL, BIRD, INSECT, CAR, TRAIN, AIRPLANE | AF SENSITIVITY: | EV -4 to 20 (F2.0 LENS) |
| VIEWFINDER: | OLED EVF 3.68M DOTS 0.78X MAGNIFICATION, 23MM EYEPOINT | LCD: | 3.0-in. 1.04M DOTS, VARI-ANGLE TOUCH LCD |
| I.S.: | 5-AXIS (5.5EV) | VIDEO: | 4K/60P/24P, FULL HD/60P/30P/24P |
| SHUTTER: | 1/8000 SEC. – 30 SEC. | X-SYNC SPEED: | 1/250 SEC. |
| CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: | 10 FPS | STORAGE MEDIA: | Dual slots. Slot 1: CFexpress Type A/SD UHS-II; Slot 2: SD UHS-II |
| MICROPHONE: | 3.5MM DIAMETER STEREO MINI JACK | HEADPHONE: | 3.5MM DIAMETER STEREO MINI JACK |
| CONNECTIVITY: | WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, USB TYPE-C | ||
| OTHER: | WIRELESS REMOTE SHOOTING, HI-SPEED SYNC FLASH MODE, USB TETHERING, OPTIONAL VERTICAL GRIP | ||
| DIMENSIONS: | 131.3 X 96.4 X 79.8 MM (5-1/4 X 3-7/8 X 3-1/4 IN) | WEIGHT: | 658 G (1 LB 7.3 OZ) WITH BATTERY AND MEMORY CARD |
| PRICE: | US $2,499.99 BODY ONLY | BUY: | SONY A7 IV |
We highly recommend the Sony A7 IV (2021, US $2,499.99) as an exceptional all-round versatile full-frame mirrorless camera.
For those who shoot landscape, architecture or portraits, and require more detailed and higher resolution images, check out the Sony A7R V (2022, US $3,900) with 61MP (with a 204.8MP option).
If you shoot sports events professionally, check out the Sony A9 II (2019, US $4,499.99).
If you instead shoot a lot in challenging low-light conditions and also needs as an excellent video camera, you may want to check out the Sony A7S III (2020, US $3,499.99) with 12MP, a standard ISO range of ISO 80-102400 for stills and movies (expandable ISO range: 40-409600 for stills, 80-409600 for movies), Hybrid Phase- and Contrast-Detection AF with an AF low-light performance of -6EV.
If the Sony A7 IV is the camera that is best for you, please support this site by ordering it as well as accessories from our Trusted Sponsor B&H Photo-Video, the Professional’s Source, satisfying millions of customers for over 35 years (prices are in USD):
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