Sony a7R IV
Announced July 16, 2019
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 a7R IV is a highly refined mirrorless camera that pairs a record-setting 61-megapixel sensor with a sophisticated autofocus system. While its high-resolution files require significant storage and processing power, it remains a premier tool for photographers who prioritize detail and precision.
Weighted from 43 reviewer scores
Pros
- Improved ergonomics with a deeper grip and tactile buttons
- Fast and accurate autofocus with reliable eye tracking
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder
- Exceptional dynamic range and image detail
- Record-setting 61-megapixel sensor
Cons
- Lack of advanced video features like 4K/60p and 10-bit recording
- Inconsistent low-light and high-ISO performance
- Complex and unintuitive menu system
- Limited touchscreen functionality
- Large file sizes and slow buffer clearing
- Launch price $3,498 (USD)
- Sensor 61MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 10 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 43 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 91/100
The Sony a7R IV is among the most capable cameras we've tested. It makes a compelling case that the days of choosing between speed-oriented cameras and resolution-oriented cameras are coming to an end.
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[S]ony might not have straight-up called it a competitor to medium format cameras, but the new A7R Mark IV, complete with the world's first 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, might as well be, at least to some degree.
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The A7r Mark IV is an impressive body, bringing resolution improvements to trouble high-res rivals and overall speed and handling that could easily tempt D850 owners.
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Most likely, most photographers would not make these same choices. However, the joy of seeing real increases in IQ sealed the deal for me. And, for me, the Sony A7r M4 is the camera for which I have waited almost 70 years!
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The Sony a7R IV is a highly-refined, feature-packed, extremely competent, well-constructed little camera that delivers sharp, incredibly-high-resolution images with impressive dynamic range.
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The Sony a7RIV is a surprisingly controversial camera. It is a camera loaded with upgrades, from improved ergonomics to improved autofocus to record-setting resolution.
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It feels strange to talk about how great this camera is, and yet continually repeat that it probably isn’t the right camera for you. But, since we’re being repetitive, we’ll say it one last time: It all comes down to that megapixel number.
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Confidently, I can say that the Sony a7R IV is the best full-frame camera on the market today. [...] However, the Sony a7r IV isn’t exclusively built for the studio either.
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Sony continue to innovate with the latest high-resolution, high-speed, BSI CMOS sensors, and this means they're able to offer high-resolution 61mp images, with low noise.
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The Sony A7R IV may not be the new Alpha camera that Sony fans were expecting or really, really wanted, but nevertheless it's a very worthwhile upgrade of the company's flagship body.
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At the end of the day, can I recommend this camera? And the answer is yes.
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Let’s face it: you probably don’t need to take 61-megapixel photos, which makes the A7R IV a tough camera to recommend at its current asking price.
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The Sony A7R IV’s design tweaks make it handle better than the A7R III before it (though it can still be tiresome), and the resolution puts it well ahead of all its full frame mirrorless rivals for megapixels.
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The full-frame mirrorless Sony a7R IV outshines its high-resolution competition with an outstanding autofocus system and a superlative image sensor, delivering class-leading performance.
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[W]hile the A7R IV isn't quite without flaws, Sony has done plenty to make this camera one of the best mirrorless cameras around, and that remains the case years after its release.
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If you are a hybrid shooter, meaning you want a strong video and stills camera, the Sony a7R IV is at the top of its class. Just looking for a high resolution stills camera?
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All told, the Sony a7R IV is in a class by itself when it comes to high resolution full-frame mirrorless cameras. If that's what you're looking for and if you can afford it, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.
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For me, if you're primarily a photographer not shooting a whole lot of video, this camera is still even two years later absolutely amazing with some of the best image quality and autofocus on the market.
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It seems a bit bizarre to call a $5,699 camera that can shoot at nearly 9,500px suitable for everyday shooting, but the Sony A7R IV just about is.
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The overall quality of the A7R IV is outstanding. The camera has improved on many of the ergonomic concerns of earlier bodies, though they haven’t yet reached perfection.
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Despite the big price tag, this is an incredible camera in a class of its own. For landscape photographers, studio portraits, or professional wedding photography, the Sony A7R IV is the camera to beat right now.
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The Sony A7R IV is a seriously high performing camera across the board, offering features that will appeal equally to professional landscape and portrait photographers, as much as to wildlife and sports photographers.
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[I] can’t wait to use this camera more and more, and I’m excited to see where I’ll take it to next!
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The Sony A7R IV is the latest high-resolution flagship mirrorless camera from its manufacturer.
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Oh, all right guys, so at the end of the day the Sony a7R IV is an extremely high quality camera. It's, I really honestly can't recommend it enough.
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For the landscape or commercial photographer, the Sony A7R IV is an excellent mirrorless camera.
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Sony a7R IV is, in my opinion, an excellent camera. It provides outstanding image quality without compromising on all-round usability.
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Who should still consider a used A7R IV: sports and wildlife shooters who want the 61MP crop reach and don’t need the A7R V’s AI tracking to feel premium.
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We’ve got 567 phase detection autofocus coming in at 74% of the image area at 425 contrast detection autofocus points. That’s a significant improvement over the a7 R III.
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[I]’ve found the a7R IV to be a gem of a camera, and I’ve really enjoyed shooting with it.
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I'm going to cut right to the chase: most of you will be better served by a different Sony full frame camera (or a Canon, Nikon, or Panasonic one).
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If you demand the highest possible resolution in a mirrorless camera, this is it.
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I think that the Sony a7R IV has accomplished exactly what Sony Has always set out to do, which is to make a camera that is the best at everything, and that's exactly what I think they've done here with the Mark 4.
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I got nothing bad to say about it.
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A groundbreaking mirrorless camera. With a 61 MP resolution and advanced video features, the A7R IV is the complete package for multimedia production.
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The specifications are very much overkill for the average photographer, but for those that have found a use for its tremendous amount of megapixels or the ease in which the AI focuses, this is absolutely a worthy investment.
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I’ll finish up by breaking this down as simple as I can. This camera is for some one that wants 61 megapixels.
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[T]he new A7R IV is a nice step up from the A7R III and it feels like Sony have really raised the bar in terms of premium, full frame cameras.
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It sounds cheesy to say that technology wise this is the best camera in most circumstances most of the time, but for us it truly is like I said in the beginning of this video.
- KelbyOne Insider 80%
The Sony A7R IV, with its detailed files, fast and accurate AF, and improved burst speeds makes it a versatile choice for landscapes, portraitures, sports, and architecture.
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Photographers willing to invest in high-quality lenses who also want as much resolution as possible will appreciate this camera. [...] But I cannot recommend it as a general-purpose workhorse camera, especially for photographers who sometimes need to work in the upper ISO range.
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The Sony Alpha 7R4 is one of the most powerful highresolution cameras available today. It delivers unparalleled detail, incredible dynamic range, and an advanced autofocus system, made it a top choice for professional photographers who demand the best image quality.
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After having spent a week with the Sony a7R IV in Alaska, I think it is safe to say that Sony has pushed the a7R product line to new heights.
