Introducing the Sony A7 IV: The ultimate hybrid mirrorless camera to own today. Seamlessly marrying exceptional autofocus, incredible image quality, and potent video capabilities, this camera justifies its price with many versatile features. While there may be better choices for dedicated street or sports photographers, and it doesn’t top the charts in speed, the A7 IV stands out as a reliable and well-rounded choice, potentially being the only camera you’ll ever need.
The All-New Sony A7 IV: A Masterful Blend of Power and Versatility
- Striking 33MP sensor
- Unrivaled autofocus
- Adjustable display
- Advanced video capabilities
Minor Shortcomings:
- Increased cost compared to A7 III
- Cropped 4K/60p video
- Competitors provide quicker continuous shooting
The Sony A7 IV outshines its competitors as the ultimate mirrorless all-rounder in the market. Although it doesn’t quite match the Sony A1’s prowess, the Canon EOS R6’s speed, or the Fujifilm X-T4’s affordability, it offers a splendid fusion of photographic finesse and video adaptability, defining the hybrid convenience that modern mirrorless cameras bring to the table.
An impressive successor to the iconic A7 III, the A7 IV showcases substantial enhancements, including a remarkable 33MP sensor, the powerful Bionz XR processor, and a major video performance upgrade. While the autofocus system may have been surpassed by the AI-assisted tracking of the Sony A7R V, it remains one of the finest AF capabilities outside the realm of professional sports cameras. Whether you’re capturing stills or recording videos, the Sony A7 IV consistently nails focus on your chosen subject and expertly locks onto the eyes of people and animals.
Although the A7 IV isn’t the quintessential video camera, with its cropped 4K/60p mode and rolling shutter issues, it does provide ample quality and flexibility for photographers who are increasingly venturing into video production. With support for 10-bit video, no recording limits, and innovative features like focus breathing compensation, it proves to be an excellent choice for both photography and videography enthusiasts.
Naturally, there are some compromises to be made with the A7 IV. The overall image quality isn’t a significant leap from the Sony A7 III, and the increased resolution results in some noise at higher ISOs. As a result, you might want to keep an eye out for discounts on the A7 III during sales events, as well as deals on E-mount lenses. The A7 IV’s battery life, in-body image stabilization, and burst shooting speeds are average rather than groundbreaking. Additionally, its size and weight may not be ideal for discreet travel or street photography, or for extended landscape hikes. In these cases, consider APS-C cameras like the Fujifilm X-T4 or the upcoming Fujifilm X-T5.
The price of the Sony A7 IV, at $2,499 (body only), is a step up from the entry-level A7 III. For newcomers to full-frame cameras, this might be overkill considering alternatives like the Nikon Z5 ($1,699 ) and Panasonic Lumix S5 ($1,999) are available at lower price points. The difference in cost could be better spent on a high-quality lens to complement your photography or videography style.
However, if your interests lie in both photography and videography, and you require a powerful hybrid camera that will serve you for years, the Sony A7 IV should be a top contender on your list. Paired with Sony’s latest G Master lenses, it delivers professional-grade quality, giving it an advantage over competitors like the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6, even if those cameras boast superior burst-shooting speeds. The A7 IV is undoubtedly among the best cameras for photography and a good option for videography as well.
The Sony A7 IV became available in December 2021, priced at $2,499. Although initial stock levels were limited, availability has since improved, and the camera can now be found in most major retailers. The A7 IV’s price represents a 20%-30% increase compared to the Sony A7 III, depending on your region. This shift moves the A7 IV away from its “entry-level” full-frame roots, but it remains a more affordable all-rounder than the Sony A1 and the high-resolution Sony A7R V.
This price premium may cause photographers and videographers to hesitate before purchasing, especially when considering less powerful yet impressive alternatives like the Nikon Z5, which are available at a lower cost. However, when taking into account the A7 IV’s comprehensive upgrades and remarkable hybrid capabilities, the price tag is not excessively high compared to its competition. Its closest rival, the Canon EOS R6 ($2,499), has a lower resolution at 20MP but boasts faster 20fps burst speeds.
Choose the Sony A7 IV if:
You require an all-in-one solution for stills and video: The A7 IV excels as an all-rounder and is the top mirrorless camera for those who shoot a balanced mix of portraits, weddings, wildlife, and video. You’ll appreciate its versatility, features, and lens selection.
You’re transitioning from a full-frame DSLR: Modern mirrorless cameras, like the A7 IV, offer significant upgrades from most DSLRs due to their cutting-edge autofocus, exceptional video capabilities, and contemporary shooting experiences. If you’ve been waiting to leap, now is a perfect time.
Your Sony A7 III needs to be updated: While many new cameras only provide incremental improvements over their predecessors, the A7 IV represents a substantial upgrade in various aspects, such as resolution, autofocus, usability, and video capabilities. The increased cost is justifiable for most users.
On the other hand, the Sony A7 IV may not be for you if:
You prioritize discretion for travel or street photography: The A7 IV’s powerful features come at the cost of a larger grip and a 658g weight, making it less compact than other mirrorless cameras. For travel or street photography, you might prefer smaller alternatives like the Fujifilm X-S10 or Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV.
You primarily focus on sports and action photography: Although the A7 IV is not slow, other cameras provide better performance for professional sports photography. Sony’s A9 II and A1 offer superior burst capabilities, and the Canon EOS R6 can achieve 20fps with similar autofocus performance at a comparable price.
Budget is a significant concern: The Sony A7 IV might be overkill for many amateur photographers. If you don’t frequently shoot video or specialize in a specific photography style, you’ll likely get more value from a more specialized camera and invest the savings in additional lenses.
