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Sony A7 IV Review

The Sony A7 IV defines the modern standard for hybrid mirrorless cameras. It does almost everything well, balancing resolution, speed, and video features in a strictly professional body.

Full-frame Hybrid · $2498
Sony A7 IV
🏆 Best All-Rounder Sony A7 IV Product Shot

The Verdict

The Sony A7 IV defines the modern standard for hybrid mirrorless cameras. It does almost everything well, balancing resolution, speed, and video features in a strictly professional body.

Unlike the A7C II, this offers the redundancy of dual card slots and a significantly better EVF and grip. It is the workhorse choice for event photographers and serious videographers.

Imaging
Sensor 33MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
Processor BIONZ XR
Stabilization 5-Axis (5.5 stops)
Video
Max Resolution 4K 60p (S35) / 4K 30p (FF)
Internal Rec 10-bit 4:2:2
Profiles S-Log3, S-Cinetone
Body & Connectivity
Viewfinder 3.69M-dot OLED (0.78x)
Screen 3.0" Vari-angle Touch
Card Slots 2x (1x CFexpress A/SD, 1x SD)
Weight 658g (with battery)
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What We Like

  • Dual card slots for professional peace of mind
  • Full-size HDMI port
  • Excellent ergonomics and deep grip
  • Huge lens selection

The Downsides

  • 4K60 has a 1.5x crop
  • Rolling shutter in full-frame video
  • Screen resolution is merely average
  • Burst rate drops with highest quality RAWs

Detailed Performance

Image Quality

33MP offers plenty of crop potential. Colors are accurate and the RAW files are incredibly pliable. It is a significant step up from the 24MP of the A7 III.

Handling & Build

The deep grip is comfortable for all-day shooting with heavy lenses. The full-size HDMI port is a huge plus for video work compared to flimsy micro-HDMI ports.

Video Performance

Focus breathing compensation with Sony lenses is a game changer. Rolling shutter is noticeable in 4K24p full-frame, but the S35 4K60p image is stunningly detailed.

Ideal Lenses

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Ultimate pro zoom, surprisingly light.

Sony 85mm f/1.8

Affordable, sharp, fast portrait lens.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN

Great value alternative to the GM.

Affiliate Disclosure

We buy our own gear or rent it. No manufacturers paid for this review. We earn a commission if you use our links, which keeps this site ad-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose the A7 IV if you need the professional grip, dual card slots, and better button layout for fast-paced work. The A7C II is better if portability is paramount and you're primarily shooting travel or everyday content. Both share the same sensor and AF system, so image quality is identical.

It's capable for casual sports with 10fps shooting and excellent Eye AF, but it's not ideal for professional sports. The buffer clears slower than dedicated sports cameras, and the mechanical shutter can cause blackout. For serious sports work, consider the A9 III or A1 which offer 30fps+ with no blackout.

With the latest firmware, overheating is well-managed. You can shoot 4K60 for 45-60 minutes continuously in most conditions. The S35 crop mode runs cooler than full-frame. In hot weather (30°C+), enable "High" temperature mode in settings to extend recording time.

For 4K60 10-bit, use UHS-II V60 cards minimum (like Sony SF-G or ProGrade Digital). For 4K30, V30 cards work fine. The CFexpress Type A slot is overkill unless you shoot 4K120 or need faster buffer clearing for bursts. Save money and stick with UHS-II cards.

Yes, all Sony E-mount lenses work perfectly, including older FE and even APS-C lenses (which auto-crop). Third-party lenses from Sigma, Tamron, and Samyang also work well, though some older models may need firmware updates for full compatibility with the advanced AF system.

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