Sony Alpha a7 IV Review
- Sony Alpha a7 IV Review: Overview
- Sony Alpha a7 IV Review: Imaging Capabilities
- Sony Alpha a7 IV Review: Video Capabilities
- Recommended Lenses for the Sony Alpha a7 IV
- Final Thoughts on the Sony Alpha a7 IV
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 33.0MP Full-Frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 - 51,200 (expandable to 50 - 204,800)
- Lens Mount: Sony E Mount
- Speed: 10.0 fps
- Autofocus: 759 focus points
- Video: 4K/60p & 1080p/120p
- Size/Weight: 131 x 96 x 80 mm / 659 grams
- Battery Life: 580 shots
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Live Streaming: Yes
- Sony a7 IV Release Date: 2021
- Sony a7 IV Price: $2,399
- Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G
- Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS
- Sony F2 50mm f/1.2 GM
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
- Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM
- Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II
- A Beginner’s Guide to Sony E Mount Mirrorless Cameras
- Three Sony Cinema Camera Options for Any Budget
The Sony Alpha a7 IV is the newest digital camera in Sony’s incredibly popular a7 camera lineup. While the Sony Alpha a7R V is geared towards photographers and the Sony Alpha a7S III for videographers, the a7 IV is a hybrid camera designed for content creators who like to dabble in both photo and video.
This Sony Alpha a7 IV review shares the camera's photo and video capabilities, the must-own Sony FE Mount lenses to pair with it, who will see the best results working with it, and more. Additionally, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a pre-owned Sony Alpha a7 IV has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.
MPB is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling pre-owned photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. All their cameras and lenses are carefully hand-inspected by expert product specialists and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
We’ve been using MPBs online marketplace to buy, sell, and trade in camera equipment for years, and not once have we been disappointed. That’s why we proudly recommend their products and services to you today. Now, let’s jump in and learn more about the Sony Alpha a7 IV!
Check out the video above by Jason Morris for a hands-on review and to see how it stacks up against its competitors.
Table of Contents
Sony Alpha a7 IV Review: Overview
The Sony Alpha a7 IV is a mirrorless camera that was announced in the summer of 2021 and hit stores in December 2021. It replaced the Sony Alpha a7 III as Sony’s flagship all-around camera for professionals and enthusiasts.
A 33-megapixel full-frame sensor and a powerful Bionz XR image processing engine sit at its core. The duo combines to make the a7 IV the fastest and most responsive a7 camera yet. Autofocus performance and video quality are the areas where the improved speed is most noticeable.
Other strengths include a lightweight/compact body, a closeable shutter, and outstanding customization options. The portable body makes the a7 IV a fantastic camera for traveling and everyday use. The shutter cover protects the sensor when the camera is turned off. And the customizable controls allow you to set up the camera to best match your needs.
Now, here’s an in-depth look at the Sony Alpha a7 IV specs and key features:
Sony Alpha a7 IV Review: Imaging Capabilities
The 33MP still images shot on the Sony Alpha a7 IV have a significantly higher resolution than the 24.2MP photos captured by the previous a7 III and other Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras. This large difference in pixel count means more detail retention, better dynamic range, and sharper images. Professionals who need to print images regularly will notice a big difference, especially if the images need to be enlarged.
Another impressive imaging spec is the fast burst shooting. The a7 IV can shoot continuously at up to 10 frames per second (fps) using either the electronic or mechanical shutter. If you want to shoot uncompressed RAW files, the max speed is 6 fps. Also, the buffer is super deep and allows you to capture 828 images using a CFexpress Type A memory card.
More notable features include strong low-light performance, True HDR images, and vibrant colors. The low-light performance provides better results when shooting at night and indoors. True HDR images look more natural than JPEGS and RAW files. And a tweaked color algorithm improves out-of-the-camera colors, meaning you can spend less time editing.
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Sony Alpha a7 IV Review: Video Capabilities
Switching the Sony Alpha a7 IV into video mode also yields great results. It has UHD 4K video capabilities and can capture 4K footage at 24p, 30p, and 60p frame rates. For vlogging and YouTube, we usually recommend shooting at 30p or 60p. However, if you are a filmmaker and want to create a cinematic look, opt for 24p.
Besides 4K, the a7 IV records stunning 1080p/120p Full HD slow-motion video in the camera. Most cameras still can’t capture slow motion, and if that’s the case, you will have to manually create slow-mo clips in post-production. So, content creators who want to jump on the slow-motion trend will save tons of time using this camera.
A few other highlight-worthy video features include in-body image stabilization (IBIS), advanced audio controls, and a fully-articulating screen. The IBIS further enhances low-light shooting and reduces camera shake. Advanced audio controls include headphone/microphone jacks and a multi-interface shoe. And the rotating screen is extremely useful for vloggers, YouTubers, and social media influencers.
Recommended Lenses for the Sony Alpha a7 IV
Here’s a quick list of the must-own Sony Alpha a7 IV lenses. They are listed by price in ascending order.
Final Thoughts on the Sony Alpha a7 IV
As you can see, the Sony Alpha a7 IV is a phenomenal camera and well worth the investment in 2023. Its combination of advanced photo and video features makes it an excellent choice for hybrid photographers who need to shoot photos and videos. It’s especially good for travel photography, wedding photography, and vlogging.
Thanks for taking the time to read our entire article, and we hope it has helped you come closer to deciding on your next camera. Still uncertain? No, worries! Check out the list below to compare the a7 IV with other popular Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. You can get great deals on all of them and more at MPB!
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