Sony Alpha A7R IV Summary
Sony Alpha A7R IV Assessment
The Sony A7R IV is the latest high-resolution flagship mirrorless camera from its manufacturer. Based on the same Full-Frame E-mount platform as the A7R III, this new model offers a huge jump in resolution to 61 MP from 42, while maintaining the same 10 FPS maximum continuous drive and most features.
With a state-of-the-art 5-axis image-stabilization system, the A7R IV can capture very detailed images using low shutter-speeds that are needed to extract the best image quality from its 61 MP sensor. At low-to-medium ISO, image-quality is stunning with low image-noise and a very large dynamic-range. High ISO levels remain usable for reduced print sizes which are still quite large.
Speed of the A7R IV is somewhat mixed. Both the shutter-lag and blackout are very quick, while the AF system which combines 567-Point Phase-Detection and 425-Area Contrast-Detection can focus extremely quickly but also slows down at small apertures. Many controls act immediately but numerous features react slower than usual. This is not a camera designed for speed, mostly due to the high throughput required by its ultra-high resolution.
The A7R IV has probably the best EVF experience on the market. Its ultra-sharp 5.8 MP 0.5" EVF with large 0.78X magnification and 100% coverage shows an Exposure-Priority preview that is a pleasure to use. It can show critical focus with a number of assist options and is equipped with an essential Eye-Start Sensor.
There are triple control-dials, plenty of customizable buttons and a tilting EVF on the sturdy weatherproof body of this mirrorless. The camera is relatively compact, close in size to an APS-C DSLR which means it packs a lot of resolution and image-quality for its size. Where there is room for improvement is in the user-interface which is both slow and overly complicated. Battery-life is also rather limited yet this is easy to overcome.
Overall, the Sony Alpha A7R is a digital camera that pushes the boundaries of what was previously possible. Its resolution above all else approach is certain to appeal photographers that are looking to make huge prints.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Ultra high-resolution for a Full-Frame sensor | Image noise starting a medium-level ISO |
Excellent sharpness | Stopped-down AF |
Highly effective image-stabilization | Common overexposure of backlit scenes |
Wide dynamic-range at low-to-medium ISO | Slow user interface locks white writing |
Conservative metering system | Triple control-dials are underused |
Highly accurate AF | Modal Custom buttons |
Mostly fast autofocus | Very complex menus |
Excelent Realtime Eye-Tracking AF | Overwhelming Picture Profile controls |
Nicely saturated colors | Video mode restricts AF |
Above average AWB | Video recording lag |
Spectacular Exposure-Priority EVF | ½ EV steps not fully implemented |
Nice physical layout | Poor battery-life |
Solid build quality | Excellent + Excellent + |
Recent Similar Cameras
Sony Alpha A7R IV Related Information
Previous Models |
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II - 5½-Stop Image-Stabilization, 30min Bulb Limit, No GPS, Shorter-Battery Life, Lighter & Samller |
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Sony A7R IV Highlights
Sensor-Size: 36 x 24mm
Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI
61 Megapixels Mirrorless | ISO 50-102400 |
Sony E Mount 1X FLM | Shutter 1/8000-30s |
5-Axis Built-in Stabilization, 5.5-Stop Improvement | Full manual controls, including Manual Focus |
0.50" Built-in EVF 5.8 Megapixels (0.78X) | Custom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning |
Automatic Eye-Start sensor | Spot-Metering |
Weatherproof | Hot-Shoe & Sync-Port |
Built-in Dust Reduction | Stereo audio input |
10 FPS Drive, 68 Images | Lithium-Ion Battery |
3840x2160 @ 30 FPS Video Recording | Secure Digital Extended Capacity x 2 |
3" LCD 1.4 Megapixels |
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