Sony's a7 series is split into three lines, with the a7 IV being the latest model in the generalist camp, offering a range of improvements and new features over its already highly respected predecessor. With impressive capabilities for both video and photo work, the a7 IV looks like a fantastic option for hybrid shooters, and this great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and quality you can expect from it in practice.
Coming to you from Think Media, this excellent video review takes a look at the Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera. The a7 IV comes with a variety of upgrades and new features, including:
- 33-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor
- Improved autofocus with real-time object tracking
- Human and animal eye autofocus available for both photo and video work
- Improved menus
- Fully articulating touchscreen
- 3.69-million-dot EVF
- In-body image stabilization offering up to 5.5 stops of compensation
- Over 15 stops of dynamic range
- Full frame 4K 30p video and 4K 60p video in Super 35
- Compensation for focus breathing
- S-Cinetone and S-Log3 oferring up to 15 stops of dynamic range and 10-bit 4:2:2
- 828-shot buffer
The Super 35 crop when shooting 4K 60p video has definitely been a concern of many potential buyers, but overall, the a7 IV looks like a very capable and well-balanced camera, particularly at its price point. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
My subjective opinion - the A7III is still the bar. It's hard to overstate how big of an improvement it was over mirrorless cameras at the time, and that resonates today. The A7IV is a somewhat more expensive, incremental upgrade over an excellent baseline camera.
The jello shutter is a bigger negative than 4k60 crop to video creators that have any movement, probably. The GH5 with Sony lens adapters is probably a much better solution for that. And it still doesn't have any of the cool GH5 video features like color parades or anamorphic stretch.
Sony still defines the AF bar for hybrid cameras...
I think it hits a sweet spot with the resolution with its 33 MP sensor. As a Canon user, I can only get 20 MP with the R6 & 45 MP with the R5. I think maybe a resolution somewhere in the middle is "just right".
That is by far the best argument as to why Sony chose a 33mp sensor. All other enthusiast features aside, the single easiest way to differentiate the A7IV from its closest competitor (R6) is to split the resolution difference with the R5.