Last Updated on January 22, 2020
Sony calls the A7R IV as a “different kind of monster” because of the host of features and improvements made on the new full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Video credit: Kai W
It is built with a full-frame 61-megapixel image sensor that is the first in the world. Combined with other innovations, the Sony A7R IV is a camera that boasts of high-quality image output captured at considerable speeds.
A closer look at this camera will reveal why this camera lives up to its description.
Sony A7R IV Design & Features
While the A7R IV looks almost similar to its predecessors, a number of key areas have been redesigned to enhance durability, construction, and performance.
For instance, the camera is made more rugged with enhanced dust and moisture resistance. You can use it anytime and anywhere without worrying about its longevity. Sony has also redesigned the front grip following comments from users pertaining to the insufficient comfort that the A7 series of cameras offer.
The new grip of the A7R IV is now more comfortable with the overhang area extended to better accommodate the middle and little fingers of people with larger hands or longer fingers.
- Stunning resolution: world’s first...
- High speed: up to 10Fps continuous...
- Fast Hybrid Autofocus: 567 Phase...
- Advanced subject recognition: real-time...
The electronic viewfinder and the rear LCD have also undergone significant changes. The OLED electronic viewfinder not only features 5.76 million dots but is also capable of refreshing at up to 120 fps. Moreover, it offers 100% coverage. So, what you see on the viewfinder is the kind of image that you will get.
Unlike its predecessors, upgrades of weather sealing on the A7R IV is at par with its DSLR rivals such as the Canon 5D Mark IV and the Nikon D850. Additional sealing has been placed on the seams on the camera body, the cover of the battery compartment, and the slots for the media cards.
The 61-megapixel full-frame image sensor used on the camera offers and native ISO range of 100 to 32,000 and can be expanded to a high and low of ISO 102,400 and iso 50, respectively.
Combined with a front-end LSI and the BIONZ X image processor from Sony, the image sensor can process 16-bit images to produce an output at up to 14 bits. The same output applies for when shooting using continuous modes and in silent mode. It is only when you shoot continuous compressed raw files that the output is 12 bits.
Using Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, you can capture images at 240.8-megapixels.
The camera also boasts of 15-stop dynamic range, 567 phase-detect autofocus points, 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps, and Dual UHS-II card slots.
The Sony A7R IV also comes with additional creative style settings and controls. You can adjust to +/- 5 steps of sharpness and change the contrast and saturation in +/- 3 steps.
There are many style settings to choose from, including:
- Autumn leaves
- Black and White
- Clear
- Deep
- Light
- Landscape
- Neutral
- Night Scene
- Portrait
- Sepia
- Standard
- Sunset
- Vivid
The camera is also equipped with the 5-axis SteadyShot system, in-body image stabilization, 567 phase-detect autofocus points, and real-time tracking and Eye AF.
Pros of the Sony A7R IV
- Puts out medium format-level image detail at the size and price of a full-frame camera
- Autofocus system is faster and more accurate and covers a larger image area
- Enhanced weather sealing and dust resistance
- More comfortable grip in an ergonomic camera body
- Button and control layout have improved significantly
- Comes with a locking exposure compensation dial
Cons of the Sony A7R IV
- Shooting at higher ISOs may lead to some image noise issues
- Menu system is confusing and needs an update
- Rear LCD screen tilts but doesn’t side swivel.
What’s the verdict on the Sony A7R IV?
With new and improved features, the A7R IV opens up new possibilities for photographers. This is especially true with its high-resolving 61MP back-illuminated image sensor. While image output boasts of stunning clarity and detail, shooting at ISO 3200 and above often results in noise issues that can be a challenge to deal with.
Overall, the Sony A7R IV is a camera worth checking out, especially if you want to capture landscape photos with tons of stunning details. Otherwise, you can settle for the Mark IV that is less pricey than the A7R IV but with more than enough pixels.
- Stunning resolution: world’s first...
- High speed: up to 10Fps continuous...
- Fast Hybrid Autofocus: 567 Phase...
- Advanced subject recognition: real-time...
