Sony Alpha 7 IV
The benchmarks for a modern 'basic' full-frame camera have effectively been reset by the A7 IV. It offers a noticeable resolution bump to 33MP and inherits the autofocus intelligence of the flagship A1. The 4K/60p crop is a slight downer, but otherwise, it's a near-perfect all-rounder.
Sony A7 IV Review: The New Standard
Pros
- 33MP sensor balances resolution and file size
- Exceptional autofocus tracking
- Huge lens selection (E-mount)
- Full-size HDMI port
Cons
- 4K 60p has a 1.5x crop
- Burst rate drops to 6fps with lossless raw
- LCD screen resolution is low
Introduction
The Sony A7 IV had big shoes to fill. Its predecessor, the A7 III, was the most popular full-frame camera for years. The Mark IV takes everything good about the Mark III and refines it, setting a new benchmark for what a "basic" full-frame camera should be.
Image Quality
The jump from 24MP to 33MP is noticeable. Detailed landscapes look sharper, and you have more room to crop. The dynamic range is excellent, as expected from Sony sensors.
Autofocus
This is where Sony flexes its muscles. The Real-time Eye AF now works on birds and animals in video, not just photos. It's incredibly sticky. You can literally just point the camera at your subject and forget about focus.
Video Features
For hybrid shooters, the A7 IV is a powerhouse. It offers 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, S-Cinetone, and focus breathing compensation (with select lenses). The only downside is the 1.5x crop in 4K 60p, which limits wide-angle options for slow motion.
Verdict
The Sony A7 IV is the Swiss Army knife of cameras. It's not the fastest, nor does it have the highest resolution, but it does everything extremely well. Ideally suited for wedding photographers and YouTubers.