The wait is over, the bar has risen, and we are ready for it! Time to finally welcome the new Sony Alpha 7 IV! Redefining “basic”, this full-frame camera has set a new standard for image quality and performance. Featuring Sony’s most advanced imaging technologies, including the latest BIONZ XR™ processing engine and advanced autofocus from the Alpha 1, a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor, plus streamlined operability and enhanced reliability, the Alpha 7 IV is the perfect all-around camera for photo and video enthusiasts and professionals!
The new Alpha 7 IV is a stunning hybrid camera, jam-packed with exceptional still image quality and evolved video technology with advanced autofocus. Boasting a newly developed 33 mega-pixel (approx., effective) full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor and a wide ISO sensitivity range expandable to ISO 50 – 204,800, the A7 IV creates smooth gradation, fine details and textures while reducing noise. With 15-stops dynamic range, it also allows for a wide expressive range for photographers and videographers alike.
Working off of Sony’s flagship Alpha 1, the A7 IV uses the latest BIONZ XR™ processing engine, delivering high-speed AF, uninterrupted continuous shooting up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking and a large buffer for those lengthy shoots. Real-time Tracking and 759 phase-detection AF points in a high-density focal-plane phase-detection AF system that covers approximately 94% of the image area allows the A7 IV track with exceptional accuracy. Additionally, for the first time, Real-time Eye AF can now track bird and animal eyes for both stills and movies, in addition to humans.
Cinematographers will be excited for the real-world movie production-inspired features of the A7 IV, which includes the S-Cinetone™ picture profile adopted from Sony’s highly regarded Cinema Line cameras. A high-quality, rich, cinematic look is achieved with 4K 60p recording in Super 35mm mode and up to 4K 30p recording with 7K oversampling is available in full-frame mode. The A7 IV also features 10-bit depth 4:2:2 colour sampling to enable natural gradation. To meet the high demand for precise autofocus performance when shooting videos, the A7 IV has AF Assist that supports focus transitions when using AF, and Focus Map that visualizes depth of field. As well, for the first time in the Alpha series, the A7 IV features Breathing Compensation to combat focus breathing and maintain a consistent angle of view throughout focus changes and can be switched on or off.
As a genuine hybrid camera, the A7 IV can easily switch back and forth from photo to video, while maintaining outstanding operability and reliability. Another first for Sony’s Alpha camera is a dual-layer mode dial, with a lower layer for selecting Still/Movie/S&Q and a top layer for Auto/P/A/S/M and MR (Memory Recall). This enables users to quickly select and switch between the dedicated settings. It also has 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization for a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage, an improved grip for greater comfort, and a CFexpress Type A compatible media slot to support media with faster writing and clearance. The 3.68 million-dot (approx.) OLED Quad-VGA viewfinder has 1.6 times the resolution of the Alpha 7 III viewfinder, giving users an upgraded live-view image quality that minimizes false colour and increases resolution. Videographers can record 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video continuously for more than an hour, thanks to the camera’s heat-dissipating structure. Both photographers and videographers will appreciate the 3-inch (3.0-type) 1.03 million-dot (approx.) side-opening vari-angle touch-panel rear LCD monitor, top-panel REC button and high-capacity Z-series battery.
The enhanced design and build of the A7 IV allow it to be even more dust and moisture-resistant while maintaining an overall robust structure at only 658g thanks to its magnesium alloy body. The A7 IV was also designed with Sony’s environmental efforts in mind, based on their “Road to Zero” initiative. This includes the A7 IV’s design, production and packaging. The camera uses recycled plastic, SORPLAS™, which does not depend on non-renewable resources and is produced at the sites by using renewable energy such as solar power generation. The product packaging also adopts recyclable plastic-reduced materials.
Workflow is also enhanced thanks to a variety of connectivity options. The A7 IV can do on-the-spot streaming and sharing of high-quality content to meet the growing need for remote communication in real-time without sacrificing excellent image and sound quality. The connection between the camera and Imaging EdgeMobile™ application is simplified via Bluetooth, and fast data transfer is possible by 5GHz/2.4.GHz Wi-Fi.
The A7 IV has a range of new features, including many to support live streaming and remote communication without needing dedicated software. UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) turn the Alpha 7 IV into a high-performance live streaming camera when connected to a computer or smartphone. As well, the A7 IV includes “Shot Mark” to enable easy access to the marked scenes in a video clip, within the camera and on Sony’s Catalyst Browse/Prepare applications. Finally, Sony plans to offer a new cloud service next year, “AI Video Editing Studio” for automated editing with AI technology. This will allow creators to focus on more creative tasks, as AI Video Editing Studio will automatically perform initial editing in the cloud using AI technology.
Click here for more information and to finally pre-order the Alpha 7 IV!
For a closer look at how the Alpha 7 IV holds up in the field, check out TCSTV’s latest, hands-on review!
Featured in this blog:
Sony a7 IV Body
Sony a7 IV with 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS
