Sony A7R IV Overview
A New World of Photographic Expression
Moving to an even higher resolution realm, the Sony a7R IVA continues the noteworthy series of highly capable full-frame cameras, characterized by impressive stills and video performance and versatility. This fourth edition of the a7R sees the inclusion of an updated 61MP sensor along with faster processing, improved AF performance, and a more well-rounded feature-set for both high-end photo and video applications.
Sensor and Processor
61MP Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
Featuring a back-illuminated design, the newly designed full-frame 61MP Exmor R CMOS sensor offers a mixture of incredible resolution with high clarity, low noise, and a wide 15-stop dynamic range. The sensor’s structure promotes impressive image quality and a copper wiring layer dramatically improves data transmission speed for creating 14-bit, high-resolution 61MP stills with a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-32000, which can be further expanded to ISO 50-102400.
BIONZ X Image Processor
The BIONZ X engine’s high-speed image processing enables fast continuous shooting, 4K video recording, and advanced AF tracking. The quick processing also helps to reduce rolling shutter and other motion distortions for clean rendering of moving subjects.
In terms of shooting speeds, the sensor and processor enable up to 10 fps shooting, at full resolution, for up to 68 consecutive frames, with full-time AF/AE.
Pixel Shift Multi Shooting
This unique compositing mode allows you to achieve even greater resolution than the 61MP sensor affords. Working in conjunction with the sensor-shift image stabilization, this mode shifts the sensor while making 16 consecutive exposures in order to acquire approximately 240.8MP of information for greater color accuracy and detail than possible with a single exposure, along with an impressive image size of 19,008 x 12,672-pixels. These files can then be merged together during post-production by using the Sony Imaging software suite.
Fast Hybrid AF System
An updated Fast Hybrid AF system now employs a combination of 567 phase-detection points, which cover approximately 99.7% of the height and 74% of the width of the frame, along with 425 contrast-detection areas for reliable and quick autofocus and subject tracking performance. This focusing system also achieves especially quick speed and reliable tracking, as well as enhanced low-light focusing response down to -3 EV.
The apt focus system also lends itself to a variety of focusing functions for refined accuracy:
- Lock-on AF maintains focus on moving subjects throughout the use of a configurable frame that is set over the desired moving subject
- Expand Flexible Spot employs neighboring focus points to retain focus on moving subjects even if the originally selected point loses focus
- Eye AF can be used to base focus on recognized human subjects’ eyes for portraits and is available in both AF-S and AF-C modes and for both stills and video. Eye AF can be used when photographing animal subjects, too, with any focusing mode when shooting stills.
- The Focus Magnifier function can be used for critical focus when homing in on minute subject details
- Rear touchscreen can be used for Touch Focus control and a Touchpad Focus Control mode lets you use the rear screen intuitively while keeping your eye to the viewfinder
Video Recording
UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S Format
- Internal recording of UHD 4K video is possible in multiple frame rates up to 30 fps using the full width of the sensor with 8-bit 4:2:0 color sampling using the 100Mbps XAVC S codec.
- Oversampled 4K recording is also possible, which uses a 6K capture area with a Super 35 crop for greater detail. This full pixel readout is void of pixel binning for higher quality imagery with reduced moiré and aliasing.
- Full HD 1080p recording is also supported in frame rates up to 120 fps. The high-speed, 120 fps recording also enables 4x and 5x Slow& Quick Motion (S&Q) movie recording with the frame rate set to either 30p or 24p.
- In addition to high-resolution internal recording, uncompressed HDMI output also enables the use of an optional external recorder for clean 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling.
- 4K video recording also avails the ability to produce 8MP stills during playback by taking a frame grab from a movie and storing it as a separate file.
S-Log3 and HLG Color Control
- HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support permits recording within a wide color gamut for producing HDR-ready content directly from the camera.
- S-Log3 is also available for producing a 14+-stop dynamic range with increased grading control in the shadow to mid-tone regions of the image.
Body Design and Connectivity
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
- Updated OLED Tru-Finder EVF has a 5.76m-dot resolution for bright, clear viewing in rich detail
- Dedicated High quality setting enables a 120 fps refresh rate for especially smooth playback of moving subjects.
- The 3.0″ 2.36m-dot rear LCD has a touch panel design for intuitive operation and focusing control.
- Screen tilts upward 107° and downward 41° to benefit working from high and low angles.
Professional Body Design
- Magnesium alloy chassis assures rigidity, durability, and stability while remaining lightweight. The lens mount has also been improved to better support heavy lenses and the grip rigidity has been improved for more comfortable hand-holding.
- Extensive weather-sealing, including enhanced sealing around the battery cover, terminal cover, and chassis joints, has been employed to resist dust and moisture for reliable operation in harsh weather conditions.
- Using the same NP-FZ100 battery as its predecessor, the a7R IVA’s battery life is rated for approximately 530 shots per charge with the EVF or 660 shots with the rear LCD.
- Dual SD memory card slots allow for flexible file saving and handling and can be configured to partition raw and JPEG files or can be used for overflow recording. Both of the card slots are rated to support UHS-II memory cards for faster transfer speeds.
Ports and Interface
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port has been added, in addition to a micro-USB port, for faster, more reliable tethering support. The USB Type-C connection allows the camera to be charged from the host power source while connected.
- Updated Multi Interface Shoe supports working with the optional ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit, which provide improved, clear audio recording sound by sending a digital audio signal to the camera, opposed to an analog signal.
- Both 3.5mm headphone and external microphone ports facilitate greater control over audio recording.
- HDMI micro (Type D) connector offers a clean signal out for working with optional external recorders.
- Integrated PC sync terminal for wired flash sync with strobe packs or wireless radio remotes.
Wireless Connectivity
- Built-in Wi-Fi enables the remote camera control and instant sharing of imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online, and support for both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands also enables wireless tethered shooting support. This connectivity also provides remote camera control.
- Use of the Imaging Edge mobile app is benefitted by Bluetooth to maintain a reliable connection between the camera and mobile device.
- Bluetooth connectivity also allows for location data acquisition.
5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization
Packed into the robust a7R IVA is a 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. This allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical imaging without encountering blur from camera shake.
For long focal lengths, the system will correct for pitch and yaw adjustments. Macro and high-magnification imagery, on the other hand, will benefit from the inclusion of horizontal and vertical shift compensation. All shooting styles will get usage out of the roll compensation. All 5 axes of stabilization will function at all times, even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilization.
Dedicated Accessories from Sony
Complementing the camera body is a trio of accessories to increase battery life and enhance audio recording capabilities when shooting video. The VG-C4EM Vertical Grip is the dedicated battery grip, which accepts up to two more NP-FZ100 batteries for extended shooting times. Its ergonomic design also enhances handling when shooting in the vertical orientation.
For improved audio recording, and making use of the a7R IVA’s updated Multi Interface Shoe and digital audio interface, there is the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone, which delivers a digital audio stream directly to the camera for cleaner quality with low noise. For even more advanced audio control, there is also the XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit, which is a dual-channel digital XLR audio adapter for connecting external microphones to the camera while still benefitting from the digital audio interface.
61.0MP full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor
The newly developed Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasts incomparable high resolution. The Back-illuminated design exhibits high sensitivity and low noise, despite an extremely high pixel count of 61.0MP.
The latest image processing engine
The BIONZ X image processing engine and front-end LSI to maximise high-resolution sensor performance and up to 15-stops of dynamic range.
Wide standard ISO 100-32000 range
Regardless of increased pixels, the α7R IV delivers highest standard ISO 32000, and reduces noise in the low- and mid-sensitivity ranges, achieving high-quality imagery.
Factors maximising superb resolution
In-body 5-axis image stabilisation
The in-body 5-axis image stabiliser algorithm is optimised to maximise high-resolution 61.0-megapixel image sensor performance. This fully supports your handheld shooting for reliability as effective as 5.5-stop higher shutter speed.
Shoot in absolute silence
Silent shooting not only provides a useful advantage in venues where quiet is required but avoids vibration that can cause camera-shake blur. A vibration-free shutter maximises the extremely high α7R IV resolution for crisp clear images.
Blur reducing structure
To maximise the incredible resolution available to the α7R IV the tiniest vibrations need to be supressed, so Sony re-engineered the shutter unit assembly with dampened screws to absorb any shutter shock. Combined with an enhanced image stabiliser algorithm, blur is dramatically reduced, and pin-sharp detail is reliably captured.
Shake-free remote shutter release
Remote camera operation using the optional wireless remote controller (RMT-P1BT) allows you to shoot effective stills while avoiding camera shake caused by pressing the shutter release. This maximises the image sensor’s high resolution.
[1] Ultra-XGA OLED Tru-Finder [2] Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder
5.76-million-dot UXGA OLED Tru-Finder
This 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder reproduces fine detail with approximately 1.6 times higher resolution than α7R III. You can select “High” quality mode for high-precision yet natural realism while suppressing moiré and jaggies for better concentration. Smoother image with 120/100fps frame rate makes it easy to track moving subjects.
Striking response
The highest-level burst speed in its class
Regardless of remarkable image resolution, the α7R IV maintains its shooting speed of up to 10fps with a mechanical shutter (up to 8fps in live-view continuous shooting mode). This allows you to capture decisive moments — such as motion of wild animals — with subtle details made possible only by the 61.0MP high-resolution imaging capability.
Useful 26.2MP with APS-C cropping
Thanks to extraordinary image resolution, you can still maintain remarkable high-resolution images as approximately 26.2 megapixels even after cropping a full-frame image down into APS-C size. This means the α7R IV can help you proactively utilise 61.0-megapixel full-frame shooting, for example, in bird photography that tends to require cropping editing to magnify captured images.
Wide AF coverage
New image sensor supplies wide and high-density AF coverage with 567 phase-detection AF points (approx. 99.7% height and 74.0% width). 425-point contrast-detection AF supports precision focusing.
Fast AF despite higher resolution
Thanks to the enhanced Fast Hybrid AF, the α7R IV has the ability to capture a subject in remarkable detail, delivering swift AF even in dim lighting.
Steadfast AF tracking further improved
Increased AF points, widened coverage of AF sensor, and improved AF algorithm have further enhanced subject-tracking performance for consistent shooting, even of complex or sudden movements.
See more about Sony’s AF
High-precision AF in underlit conditions
Advanced AF algorithms contribute to AF precision at light levels as low as EV-3. ‘Focus Priority in Aperture Drive’ option is for more accurate focusing in dim lighting and when aperture is stopped down.
Shoot up to 68 images continuously
Because buffer memory size is 1.5 times larger, the camera maintains burst shooting speed of up to approx. 68 images. With APS-C shooting mode, you can shoot approximately three times more photos than with full-frame shooting mode.
Dual media slots, both supporting UHS-II
Both SLOT 1 and SLOT 2 are compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II for fast mass-volume data writing. The α7R IV can simultaneously or relay record, separate RAW/JPEG data and stills/movies, and copy data between cards.
Extend shooting to professional length
The α7R IV uses a high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery. For longer hours of shooting, combine this with optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip holding up to two NP-FZ100 batteries, which allows you to shoot two times more shots than with α7R IV.
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