The long-rumored and highly anticipated fourth iteration of the popular Sony A7 camera is finally here! Billed as an advanced hybrid mirrorless camera, the Sony a7 IV boasts a newly developed 33MP Exmor R CMOS sensor paired with the BIONZ XR processor from the Alpha 1.
This hardware combination delivers some impressive capabilities such as 4K video up to 60fps and quick shooting up to 10 fps using either the mechanical or electronic shutter and with AF/AE enabled. There is also oversampled 4K recording, via a 4.6K capture area, with a Super 35 crop, that offers UHD 4K output up to 60p in 10-bit.
Considering that the camera has no recording time limit, you can capture longer than one hour of continuous 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, according to Sony. Additionally, the unit has an improved heat-dissipating structure which also contributes to the longer possible recording times.
When it comes to internal video recording, the A7 IV utilizes XAVC HS, which uses HEVC/H.265 encoding to retain more detail at smaller bitrates alongside XAVC S-I, which is an intraframe codec for consistent performance and quality at bitrates up to 600 Mb/s. You will also find a wide variety of picture profiles including S-Cinetone, S-Log3, and HLG along with other proprietary color and Gamma controls well-known from previous Sony models.
Image Credit: Sony
On top of that, the newcomer delivers broad sensitivity up to ISO 51200 and a wide 15+ stop dynamic range. Beyond image quality, the sensor and processor of the a7 IV contribute to an advanced AI-based AF system that supports Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking for intuitive AF control and subject tracking.
It’s also worth noting that Real-time Eye AF is fully supported during video recording on the SONY a7 IV, for subject detection and tracking of human, animal, and bird eyes while shooting.
Image Credit: Sony
For even more precise control over how focus shifts appear during recording, seven-step AF transition speeds and five-step AF subject shift sensitivity controls let you refine how quickly focus shifts from point to point and how smoothly focusing shifts occur.
This fourth generation of the popular Sony a7 camera also sports an updated body design that houses a higher resolution 3.68m-dot EVF, vari-angle 3.0″ 1.03m-dot touchscreen LCD, and dual memory card slots, including one dual CFexpress Type A/SD UHS-II slot.
Image Credit: Sony
Last but not least, the camera features an Enhanced 5.5-stop effective 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system that compensates for five different types of camera shake encountered during handheld shooting of stills and video and allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical shooting without encountering blur from camera shake.
Connectivity and streaming is also a key attribute of the all-new Sony A7 IV as it supports a simple plug-and-play design for live streaming directly from the camera when connected to a computer via USB. The camera accepts the high-capacity NP-FZ100 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides approximately 520 shots per charge when working with the viewfinder or 580 shots when working with the rear LCD.
Sony Alpha a7 IV Highlights
- 33MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Up to 10 fps Shooting, ISO 100-51200
- 4K 60p Video in 10-Bit, S-Cinetone
- 3.68m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
- 3″ 1.03m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- 759-Pt. Fast Hybrid AF, Real-time Eye AF
- Focus Breathing Compensation
- 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Creative Looks and Soft Skin Effect
- 4K 15p UVC/UAC Streaming via USB Type-C
The Sony Alpha a7 IV is now available to pre-order retailing for $2,498.
[source: Sony]
B&H Order Link:
Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)
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