The Sony A7 has traditionally been the entry-level camera in the lineup, with the 'R' models adding resolution and the 'S' models adding speed and sensitivity. While the A7 IV technically replaces the A7 III, it is a far more advanced camera that we believe is aimed at a higher-level audience (the Sony A7C will provide a 'beginning' alternative for the full-frame Sony camera system).
Specifications
Sensor: 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS
ISO range: 100 to 51,200 (exp 204,800 stills, 102,400 video)
Image processor: BIONZ XR AF points: 759-point hybrid phase/ contrast-detect
Metering modes: Multi-segment, Centerweighted, Spot (Standard / Large),Avg, Highlight
Max image size: 7,008x4,672
Video: 4K 30p full-width, 4K 60p Super35 crop
Memory cards: 1x CFexpress Type A/ SD UHS-II, 1x SD UHS-II
Max burst: 10fps, up to 828 raw + JPEG (with CFexpress Type A card)
Viewfinder: 0.5 type Quad VGA OLED, 3.69m dots, 100% coverage
LCD: 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04m dots
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Weight: 658g (with card and battery
Size: 131.3 x 96.4 x 79.8mm
Price: £2,399/$2,498 (body only)
Performance
Still image quality on the A7 IV is excellent. Aside from the sheer resolution, the A7 IV's jpegs have great colour rendition. Sony claims that the A7 IV's colour rendition is better than the A7 III's, and while this is difficult to quantify, the A7 IV's jpegs definitely seem quite excellent. The video has been downscaled from 7K to 4K. In principle, the video on the A7 IV should be sharper, if only slightly. Our sample clip looked amazing when seen in full screen on a 4K monitor.
However, we're not thrilled on the A7 IV's image stabilisation. Sony claims a 5.5-stop shaking advantage, and the A7 IV also includes Active Mode digital stabilisation with a small cut for more stable film. However, while our A7 IV stabilised nicely for relatively static photographs, it seemed to struggle with run-and-gun camera motions. However, we have no qualms regarding the autofocus, as the eye AF is uncannily good.
The A7 IV isn't Sony's new "entry level" full-frame mirrorless camera. It's far too powerful, sophisticated, and costly. It's more like a mini-A1 that does everything horribly well for a fraction of the price. Still shooters will benefit from the camera's 33MP resolution and burst mode, while videographers will benefit from a camera that outperforms the previous A7 III.
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