Moving to an even higher resolution realm, the Sony Alpha a7R IV 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 Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and enhanced BIONZ X image processor, which afford impressive imaging results with marked smoothness, a 15-stop dynamic range, and, of course, speed. Up to 10 fps shooting is possible along with the ability to record UHD 4K30 video, both with support for Real-time Eye AF and Tracking AF technologies. The revised sensor design uses a Fast Hybrid AF System, with 567 phase-detection autofocus points, for notably fast and accurate focusing performance. Despite being such a high-resolution sensor, it is also distinguished by its flexible native sensitivity range from ISO 100-32000 for working in a variety of lighting conditions. Additionally, benefitting both stills and video operation, the a7R IV retains the 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization, which is effective to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to 5.5 stops.
Balancing the imaging merits, the a7R IV also sees an updated physical design with more robust weather sealing to suit working in especially harsh weather conditions. In terms of usability, the OLED electronic viewfinder has been boosted to an impressive 5.76m-dot resolution for clear viewing and the 3.0" rear tilting touchscreen LCD has a high 1.44m-dot resolution for crisp playback, live view shooting, and menu navigation. Dual SD card slots are both UHS-II-rated for faster performance and the inclusion of a USB Type-C port permits tethering and quick in-camera battery charging. Additionally, built-in Bluetooth and both 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands afford wireless transferring and remote camera control from linked mobile devices.
Pro movie features
Creative Moviemaking
The α7R IV provides new support for creative moviemaking with improved overall AF performance and Real-time Eye AF. For 4K movies, 6K oversampling delivers an overwhelming sense of depth and detail, while an HLG picture profile facilitates HDR content creation.
Record reality in spectacular 4K
Full pixel readout without binning in Super 35mm mode for high-resolution 4K movies
Full frame and Super 35mm formats can be selected for 4K movie record-ing. Full pixel readout in the Super 35mm mode (approx. APS-C 16:9), without the need for pixel binning, makes it possible to condense ap-proximately 2.4 times the amount of data required for 4K movies (QFHD: 3840 x 2160), resulting in high-resolution, high-detail 4K with minimal moiré and jaggies. Further-more, the advanced image process-ing system delivers more accurate skin tones as well as smoother high-light gradations. 4K recording em-ploys the XAVC S
Let the camera focus while you create
Fast Hybrid AF for movies
A refined Fast Hybrid AF system achieves faster, smoother, more stable autofocus during movie recording. Consistent, stable tracking is maintained even if an object temporarily moves in front of the main subject, or a small aperture must be used. This greatly reduces the need for manual focus ad-justments when the camera is used on a gimbal, for run-and-gun projects, or in other one-operator shooting situations.
Real-time Eye AF for movies
Human eyes can now be automatically identified and precisely tracked while shooting movies, so the operator can concentrate on the content rather than focus. The same Touch Tracking functionality that is provided for stills is also available for movie shooting, easily initiating Real-time Eye AF tracking on a specified eye. Right/left eye selection is available for movies too.
Touch Tracking for movies
Touch Tracking is also a boon for movie recording. Touch the subject to be tracked on the monitor, and the Real-time Tracking function will then process color, pattern (brightness), distance (depth), and face information to precisely and smoothly track the selected subject at the specified sensitivity and speed. It is also possible to half-press the shutter button or press the AF ON button while shooting to achieve fast focus (AF-S). This can be an advantage for weddings or documentaries, where there is only one chance to capture a scene. In such cases the focus area selected in advance is applied.
Support pro workflows
Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface
On the α7R IV, Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe features a built-in digital audio interface that allows direct connection of the new digital ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit for clear, low-noise audio recording. Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for α system moviemaking.
Assignable XAVC S file name prefixes
Prefixes can be assigned to movie files as well as still images via the menus. This can make it easy to identify which camera a file was recorded on when using multiple cameras. When multiple memory cards are used, the file numbering method can be set to “sequential” to prevent duplicate file numbers.
Instant HDR workflow
An HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile that supports an instant HDR workflow is provided. Recorded movies played back on an HDR (HLG) compatible TV will appear true-to-life, with no blocked shad-ows or blown highlights, and without the need for color grading.
Slow & Quick Motion
Frame rates from 1 fps to 120 (NTSC)/100 (PAL) fps can be selected in eight steps for up to 60x quick motion and 5x slow motion, recordable at up to 50 Mbps with full-HD quality.
S-Log3 for wide 14-stop dynamic range
In addition to S-Log2, S-Log3 is available for better gradation from shadows to mid-tones (18% gray), and a dynamic range of up to 14 stops. Both of these S-Log gamma curves provide extra margin for post processing, making it easier to achieve wide dynamic range.
Proxy
4K movies and lower-resolution proxy movies can be recorded simul-taneously. The smaller proxy files are ideal for quick previewing.
Time-lapse
In-camera interval shooting is now possible without the need for addi-tional apps. Depending on the number of pixels, interval sequences can be converted to 4K time-lapse movies. A variable-speed preview function lets you see how the finished movie will look right on the camera monitor.
Other movie features
Picture profiles, Clean HDMI, Time Code/User Bit, REC control, Gamma Display Assist, a Zebra function, and other details provide comprehensive support for advanced video workflows.
A Professional Tool
Refined handling and control, reliable operation in
challenging environments, and the endurance to keep
working for as long as it takes. The α7R IV is a dependable
tool that is designed and built to get the job done.
Small, light, rugged, and ready for work
Enhanced dust and moisture resistance
Dust and moisture resistance have been significantly improved with refinements throughout the body.
Additional sealing is provided at all body seams as well as the battery compartment cover, and the
media slot now has a double sliding cover rather than the previous hinged cover to keep water out. A
redesigned lens lock button and additional cushioning around the mount further contribute to outstanding
reliability in challenging outdoor conditions. Importantly, all of this has been accomplished in
a body that is about the same size as the α7R III.
Improved grip
To minimize stress when shooting for
long periods of time and/or with long
telephoto lenses, the grip area has
been redesigned for greater comfort
and surer hold. Ample room is pro-
vided for the little finger, and overhang in the middle finger area has been increased.
Extended endurance
Sony’s high-capacity Z batteries and
circuitry designed for low power
consumption make it possible to shoot
up to 670 still images on a single charge, despite sub-stantial increases in sensor and EVF resolution. For even more uninterrupted operating time, the optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip holds two NP-FZ100 batteries. The camera can also be powered from an external mobile battery via its USB Type-C™ and Multi/Micro USB connectors.
Designed and built for durability
Body durability has been enhanced
by the use of a lightweight, high-ri-
gidity magnesium alloy for the top
cover, front cover, internal frame,
and rear cover. Attachment points
and rigidity at the lens mount are ample too, providing the strength needed for heavy lenses.
Dual UHS-II Slots
The α7R IV has two media slots that
are both compatible with UHS-I and
UHS-II SD cards for higher overall
capacity and faster read/write
speeds. Data can be simultaneously
recorded to both cards for backup, RAW/JPEG and stills/movies can be recorded to different cards, or recording can be automatically switched to the second card when the first becomes full.