Sony a7 IV
Announced October 21, 2021
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony a7 IV is a highly capable all-rounder that blends advanced autofocus and a 33-megapixel sensor into a versatile body for both stills and video. While it offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the camera carries a higher price tag and includes specific limitations like a 1.5x crop when shooting 4K/60p video.
Weighted from 27 reviewer scores
Pros
- Reliable and fast autofocus system with advanced subject tracking for humans, animals, and birds
- High-quality 33-megapixel sensor providing excellent detail and dynamic range
- Improved ergonomics, including a more comfortable grip and a responsive rear joystick
- Comprehensive video capabilities featuring 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and no 30-minute time limit
- Extensive customization options and a user-friendly menu system
Cons
- Low-resolution rear LCD and electronic viewfinder compared to competitors
- Significant 1.5x crop applied when recording 4K video at 60fps
- Increased price point and higher cost of entry compared to the previous model
- Noticeable rolling shutter effect during video capture of fast-moving subjects
- Burst shooting rate drops to 6fps when using uncompressed RAW files
- Launch price $2,499 (USD)
- Sensor 33MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
- Video 4K 59.94p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 5.5 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 10 fps electronic 10 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 27 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
The Alpha 7 IV strongly contends with every camera the company has released thus far. While you’ve seen me be critically harsh on some matters of opinion, it’s only because a lot of what is here is truly remarkable.
- DPReview 89%
The Sony a7 IV is the most expensive model in its series so far, but it’s also the most capable. There are few photo or video activities the a7 IV can’t turn its hand to, comfortably.
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Sony’s new A7-series camera transcends its predecessors and delivers among the best all-around performance on the market. If the Sony A1 is Sony’s ‘do-it-all’ camera for pros, then the A7 IV is Sony’s ‘do-it-all’ camera for everyone else.
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In terms of an all-rounder, the A7 IV becomes the one to beat [...]
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[I]t performs exceptionally well and is an excellent, well-rounded option for photographers who tackle both photo and video work and those who like to document a wide range of subject matter and genres.
- RTINGS.com 8.4/10
The Sony α7 IV is the fourth iteration of its popular Alpha 7 mirrorless camera, following 2018's Sony α7 III. That, along with its top-of-the-class autofocus system and a new 33-megapixel sensor, make this a worthy successor to one of Sony's most popular cameras [...]
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[W]ith the Alpha 7 IV, the firm has produced a substantially improved camera that offers enough updates not only to tempt its existing users to upgrade, but also to turn the heads of DSLR users who might be considering making the transition to mirrorless.
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The a7 IV is a roll-up of the latest technologies available, including the outstanding, critical-for-image-quality AF system, and this camera is a substantial upgrade to the III preceding it. Otherwise, the outstanding feature set [...] makes the Sony a7 IV an excellent value.
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I have found a lot of reasons to praise the a7IV during my time with it, and frankly very little to criticize.
- WIRED 9/10
Sony's new A7 IV full-frame mirrorless camera is one of the best “entry-level” mirrorless cameras on the market.
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Be it for high-quality stills, high-quality video shooting or streaming and connectivity it's all there.
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What Sony have succeeded in doing is pushing the boundaries of what we can expect from what they still consider to be their entry-level camera - the Sony A7 IV clearly out-performs its predecessor by some margin in virtually every regard [...]
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It offers superb AF, good image stabilisation and excellent video quality – but those seeking a camera to shoot professional video might be slightly disappointed by the crop required when recording at 4K/60fps.
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It’s more like a mini-A1 that’s terrifyingly good at everything but less than half the price.
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It may not stand out in any single area, but it's a terrific do-it-all camera for stills and movies.
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It’s not the fastest shooter — a disappointment for action and wildlife shooters — and comes with a hefty price tag, but is a solid investment that will deliver great results for years to come.
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While not perfect in any specific area, the Sony a7 IV is more of a jack of all trades.
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The new Alpha 7 IV continues the tradition, mixing in new achievements in design and autofocusing alongside advanced technologies originally debuted on other Alpha models.
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As we’ve noted when talking about DSLRs, by buying an A7 IV we’re not only investing in the one camera, but moreover allying ourselves with a whole system of lenses and accessories.
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Pitched as a standard camera, Sony’s mirrorless all-rounder has the prowess and the performance to deliver premium stills and video.
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The new autofocus, ergonomics, and sensor make this camera a welcome upgrade to the Sony A7III.
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The customization, and particularly the recall memory functions, are best in class, and for someone who's buying a primary camera that needs to last them a few years for any kind of work they encounter, the Mark IV dots all the i's and crosses all the t's.
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After owning both cameras, for me, I believe that the a7 IV is a fantastic upgrade over the a7 III but it is not for everyone.
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While this A7 IV adds a zillion little nice things to the A7 III, $500 is $500 and they both take the same pictures. If some particular improvement is important to you or if you simply just want the newest, go for it, but at the end of the day they're very similar.
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It was very impressive when it was first released, although, with newer advancements in tech over the recent years, some of the newer models trump it.
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Definitely would recommend it, especially if like you're any sort of professional aspect like weddings or portraits, like you can get what you need with this camera.
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All in all, the numerous innovations make the Sony Alpha 7 IV a really successful all-rounder camera.
