Sony Alpha A7R IV Review – A Photography & Videography Hybrid?

Sony's A7R IV is their fourth generation, high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera, and it is built around a BSI-CMOS sensor that outputs 60.2MP images.

Compared to previous generations, it promises a more robust build, refined controls, and Sony's latest autofocus implementation, among other things.

Let's take a look at the key specs of the Sony Alpha A7R IV camera.

Sony Alpha A7R IV key specs:

• 61.2MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor
• Strong yet easy-to-use AF tracking system
• 4K video from full sensor width (sub-sampled) or oversampled from roughly-Super35 crops
• 10 fps burst shooting (JPEG or Compressed Raw from 12-bit readout)
• S-Log 2, S-Log 3, and 'HLG' video modes (8-bit only)
• 4 or 16-shot high-resolution modes (up to 240MP images for static subjects)
• 5.76M dot OLED viewfinder

Improved handling and bigger built

The A7R IV body has been updated compared to its predecessors and other sony cameras.

The hand-grip has been improved to feel more comfortable when holding it, the AF joystick has been enlarged and is well-textured, giving it a better feeling, and the buttons have also improved with regards to travel and feel - being both bigger and better.

High-resolution viewfinder

The A7R IV has been equipped with a high-resolution viewfinder - using a 5.76M OLED display.

You have the option of two quality modes: Standard and high.

Using high makes full use of the viewfinder but drains more battery and may be unavailable at higher temperatures.

The camera maintains a good balance of feeling solid without feeling overly weighty. It has enhanced environmental sealing to make it harder for liquid and dirt to work their way into the ports.

Full-frame camera with 60.2MP sensor

With the new 60.2MP sensor, the Sony A7R IV is one of the highest-resolution full-frame cameras out there.

It creates incredible detail capture, has excellent JPEG sharpening, and has good color, though it has a bit more noise at the highest ISO values.

The camera is incredible when it comes to detail capture more than most cameras. This is true both when shooting Raw and in JPEG. It creates areas of outstanding detail and has good low-contrast detail.

Updated autofocus and great dynamic range

The A7R IV comes with an updated autofocus system and has the Sony camera line-up's latest implementation of Real-time Tracking AF, which seamlessly moves between subject tracking and face-and-eye detection.

The new autofocus system performs well compared to older models, and Real-time Tracking is a crucial feature when photographing people. However, there are some issues with autofocus precision in certain situations.

Dual gain design

The A7R IV has a great dynamic range, as is the tradition of the A7R line. The sensor uses a 'dual gain' design, which creates a more dynamic range below ISO 320 and a better noise performance above it.

You can use the large dynamic range to shoot in bright light by reducing exposure to capture additional highlights and then brightening shadow regions.

Video capabilities

It's pretty challenging to produce a camera sensor that can capture high-resolution images and be read out quickly enough to make good video footage.

The A7R IV can shoot 4k video at up to 30p, either by using oversampled footage from cropped regions or by 'binning' pixels together from the entire width of its sensor – oversampling produces more detailed footage than pixel binning.

Offers a range of video tools

The A7R IV has good video tools: Offering focus peaking, zebra exposure warnings, improved autofocus tracking, and a choice of log shooting modes.

Sony Alpha A7R IV: Pros and cons

Advantages

• Plenty of resolution, good dynamic range, and noise performance
• Excellent autofocus tracking implementation
• Generous grip, very good button-and-dial feel
• Large, high-res electronic viewfinder
• 10 fps max burst shooting with AF
• Excellent detail in 4K video
• Powerful AF tracking in video
• Updated weather-sealing measures
• Dual UHS-II card slots
• Long battery life
• Users can now choose their AF area display color
• 'Focus Priority' option to focus at wider apertures in low light is welcome
• Good JPEG sharpening, noise reduction, and color
• Incredible customization options
• Lots of ports
• Pixel Shift yields up to 240MP images
• Strong wireless connectivity
• In-camera charging + power

Disadvantages

• Large file sizes mean lengthy card write times, even with high-speed cards
• General interface lag
• Burst shooting hurts AF accuracy
• Noisier files than predecessor
• Touchscreen is under-utilized
• Exposure settings carry over between stills and video; they shouldn't
• 4K video maxes out at 8-bit files
• 10 fps only gives 12-bit Raws with compression applied
• Clumsy Raw compression
• No in-camera Raw conversion
• Touch-to-track implementation should recall setting between stills and video
• Can't switch to video until the buffer clears
• High resolution increases the visibility of camera shake and AF misses
• No Pixel Shift motion compensation
• Pixel Shift workflow is cumbersome
• No flash AF assist grid

Final verdict: Who should get the Sony A7R IV?

The Sony A7R IV is the best option on the market for photographers who need to make use of its resolution.

It is an excellent choice for wedding and event shooters, landscape photographers, studio photographers specializing in portrait and product photography, and anyone that want to make massive prints.

Don't forget about the additional gear you need for your photography.

Rent or subscribe to a Sony Alpha A7R IV

Did our review inspire you, and are you now looking to try out the new Sony A7R IV. Consider renting or subscribing to a Sony A7R IV through Wedio.

Take a look at other cameras you can rent too.

About the instructors

FAQ

Popular listings for rentals