Sony Alpha 7 IV Review: A Game-Changer for Hybrid Creators
The Sony A7 IV delivers stunning photo and video performance in one powerful package. As the successor to the much-loved A7 III, this full-frame mirrorless camera packs meaningful upgrades that appeal to both photographers and videographers. Whether you’re a content creator, wedding shooter, or enthusiast looking to go pro, the A7 IV is a compelling choice.
Key Specifications:
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Sensor: 33MP Full-Frame Back-Illuminated CMOS
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Image Processor: BIONZ XR
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ISO Range: 100–51,200 (expandable to 50–204,800)
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Autofocus: 759 phase-detection points with Real-Time Eye AF (human, animal, bird)
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Continuous Shooting: Up to 10 fps
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Video: 4K 60p (10-bit 4:2:2), 7K oversampling at 30p
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LCD: 3.0″ fully articulating touchscreen, 1.03M dots
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EVF: 3.69M-dot OLED
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Stabilization: 5-axis in-body image stabilization (up to 5.5 stops)
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Connectivity: Dual card slots, USB-C, full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
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Weight: Approx. 659g (with battery and card)
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Digital Camera 33MP w/ 28-70mmmm Lens, 128GB Extreem Speed Memory,.43 Wide &... | $2,598.00 | View on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera (Renewed) | $2,039.00 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-06-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Image Quality
The A7 IV’s 33MP sensor is a sweet spot between resolution and low-light performance. Images are sharp, detailed, and rich in color — perfect for print, cropping, and high-resolution workflows. Dynamic range is excellent, preserving highlights and shadows even in tricky lighting.
Highlight: Sony’s new color science brings better skin tones and more natural color rendering straight out of the camera.
Autofocus Performance
Sony’s Real-Time Tracking and Eye Autofocus are industry-leading — and now extended to birds and animals in both photo and video modes. It locks onto subjects effortlessly and rarely lets go, even during fast action or erratic motion.
Verdict: Whether you’re shooting portraits, sports, or wildlife, the A7 IV’s autofocus system is a standout feature.
Video Capabilities
The A7 IV is a video beast. You get:
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4K 60p in Super 35 crop
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4K 30p using full sensor readout with 7K oversampling
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10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
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S-Cinetone and S-Log3 profiles for cinematic color grading
The addition of a fully articulating screen, full-size HDMI, and better thermal handling make it ideal for solo shooters, YouTubers, and professionals alike.
Handling and Build
The grip is deeper and more comfortable than its predecessor. Controls are customizable, and the new “Still/Movie/S&Q” dial makes switching modes fast and intuitive. Dual card slots support CFexpress Type A and SD UHS-II — excellent for flexibility and backup.
Pro Touch: The high-resolution EVF and vari-angle touchscreen make composition a pleasure in any scenario.
Connectivity and Streaming
You can now livestream in 4K or 1080p directly via USB-C with no capture card — a huge win for content creators. The A7 IV also offers cloud-based file transfers, FTP support, and smartphone pairing for instant sharing.
Battery Life
With the high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery, you can expect:
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Up to 580 shots per charge (LCD)
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Up to 100 minutes of 4K recording
Battery life is solid, but using power-hungry features like 4K 60p or Eye AF in video may require a spare battery for long shoots.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Excellent image and video quality
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World-class autofocus
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Fully articulating screen
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10-bit internal video recording
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Dual card slots and pro connectivity
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Improved menus and usability
Cons:
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4K 60p only in cropped mode
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Rolling shutter still noticeable in some scenarios
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On the expensive side compared to A7 III
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Sony A7 IV?
If you’re a hybrid shooter looking for one camera that excels in both photo and video, the Sony A7 IV is hard to beat. It’s not the cheapest, but its performance justifies the price — especially for professionals and advanced enthusiasts who demand quality, reliability, and flexibility.
Bottom Line:
The Sony A7 IV is one of the most versatile full-frame cameras on the market today, and it earns our strong recommendation for anyone who wants to future-proof their gear without stepping into flagship territory.