Sony A7 IV

Sony's A7 IV digital camera, released in Australia in December 2021 with a recommended retail price of $3,399, represents a significant step forward in the mirrorless camera market. This full-frame hybrid camera is designed to meet the needs of both photographers and videographers, offering a blend of advanced features that make it a versatile tool for a wide range of creative pursuits.

At the core of the A7 IV is a newly developed 33-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor. This sensor delivers remarkable image quality, with a higher resolution than its predecessor, the A7 III, and an expanded dynamic range that captures more detail in both highlights and shadows. The backside-illuminated design of the sensor enhances its light-gathering capabilities, ensuring that images remain sharp and noise-free even in low-light conditions. This makes the camera particularly well-suited for shooting in diverse lighting environments, from bright outdoor scenes to dimly lit interiors.

Complementing the high-resolution sensor is the BIONZ XR image processor, which significantly boosts the camera's overall performance. This powerful processor handles data at a much faster rate, allowing for quicker image processing and enhanced responsiveness. As a result, the A7 IV can shoot continuously at up to 10 frames per second with full autofocus and auto-exposure tracking, making it an excellent choice for capturing fast-moving subjects, whether it be in sports, wildlife, or action photography.

Autofocus performance on the A7 IV is another area where the camera shines. It features a 759-point phase-detection autofocus system that covers approximately 94% of the image area. This wide coverage ensures that subjects are tracked accurately and consistently, even when they move unpredictably across the frame. Additionally, the camera includes Sony’s renowned Real-time Eye AF, which has been improved to work seamlessly with both humans and animals. This feature is particularly beneficial for portrait photographers, as it allows the camera to lock onto a subject's eye with remarkable precision, ensuring that the most critical part of the image is always in sharp focus.

For videographers, the A7 IV offers a robust set of features that make it a compelling choice for high-quality video production. The camera can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, providing smooth and detailed footage that meets the demands of professional filmmakers. What sets the A7 IV apart is its ability to record 4K video using the full width of the sensor with 7K oversampling. This process results in incredibly sharp and detailed video, free from moiré and aliasing. Additionally, the camera supports 10-bit 4:2:2 colour depth and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) for HDR video, giving videographers greater flexibility in post-production and ensuring that footage retains rich colours and detail even in high-contrast scenes.

Ergonomics and build quality have also been given careful consideration in the design of the A7 IV. The camera body is robust and weather-sealed, providing protection against dust and moisture, making it a reliable companion in challenging shooting conditions. The grip has been redesigned to offer a more comfortable and secure hold, which is especially important when using larger lenses or shooting for extended periods. The A7 IV is also equipped with a high-resolution 3.68-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) that provides a bright and clear view of the scene, ensuring accurate composition and focus, even in bright sunlight.

The 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD on the back of the camera adds to its versatility, allowing for easier shooting from high or low angles, as well as making it more convenient to capture selfies or vlogs. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, providing quick access to essential settings and menu navigation. This feature is particularly useful for videographers who need to make adjustments on the fly or for photographers who prefer using the touch-to-focus functionality.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the A7 IV, with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in, enabling seamless wireless transfer of images and videos to a smartphone or tablet. This allows for quick sharing on social media or remote control of the camera via Sony's Imaging Edge Mobile app. The camera also includes a USB-C port, HDMI output, and dual SD card slots, one of which supports CFexpress Type A cards for faster data transfer and more reliable performance during intensive shooting sessions.

Battery life on the A7 IV is impressive, thanks to the use of Sony's NP-FZ100 battery, which is capable of capturing approximately 610 shots per charge when using the LCD or 520 shots with the EVF. This extended battery life ensures that photographers and videographers can focus on their work without constantly worrying about running out of power, making the camera ideal for long shoots or travel photography.

In summary, the Sony A7 IV is a versatile and powerful tool that caters to the needs of both photographers and videographers alike. Its advanced sensor, fast autofocus, high-quality 4K video capabilities, and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice for those seeking a camera that can handle a wide range of creative challenges. With its competitive pricing in the Australian market and a feature set that rivals much more expensive models, the A7 IV stands out as a compelling option for anyone looking to invest in a high-performance mirrorless camera.

This description was last updated September 2024.