The Sony A7 IV is a highly capable hybrid camera that successfully bridges the gap between high-resolution photography and professional video production. Its standout features include a significantly upgraded autofocus system with reliable subject tracking and a versatile 33MP sensor, though users should be aware of the trade-offs between burst speed and image quality in Raw mode. While the price is higher than its predecessor, the comprehensive feature set makes it a compelling upgrade for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Strengths
- +Significant autofocus improvements including seamless switching between human, animal, and bird eye detection for both stills and video.
- +New 33MP BSI-CMOS sensor provides higher resolution and detail compared to the previous 24MP model while maintaining 10fps burst shooting.
- +Enhanced video capabilities featuring full-width oversampled 4K from 7K, 4K/60p in APS-C mode, and a dedicated movie mode switch.
- +In-body stabilization rated up to 5.5 stops and a high-resolution 3.69M dot OLED viewfinder improve handling and composition.
- +Practical dual card slot configuration supporting CFexpress Type A and UHS-II SD cards for professional workflow flexibility.
Watch-outs
- −Shooting uncompressed Raw at 10fps requires lossy compression which damages image quality, while lossless compression drops the speed to 6fps.
- −Silent shutter mode causes significant rolling shutter distortion on moving subjects due to a slow 1/15 second full-sensor readout time.
- −The camera's price increased by $500 compared to the launch price of the a7 III, raising the entry cost for this generation.
How it compares
The Sony A7 IV distinguishes itself with a 33MP sensor that offers higher resolution than the 24MP Nikon Z6 III and Z6 II, though it lacks the 6K video capabilities of the Z6 III. While its autofocus is excellent, it does not match the specialized vehicle tracking of the Canon R6 II or the 40MP resolution of the Fujifilm X-T5. It serves as a balanced hybrid option, but users must accept slower burst speeds in lossless Raw compared to the Canon R6 II's 40fps electronic shutter.
Rating sources
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
