Overview
The Sony Alpha a7R IV Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera features a newly developed 35mm full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 61 megapixels, the first of its kind. The back-illuminated structure and effective noise reduction techniques combine to deliver extremely low-noise and high-sensitivity performance, ensuring the absolute maximum image quality. The camera also boasts an impressive 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivities, resulting in smooth natural gradations ranging from deep shadows to highlights, and utilizes algorithms from many of the latest Alpha cameras to maintain outstanding color reproduction.
The a7R IV is equipped with an innovative 5-axis, optical, in-body image stabilization system that has been fine-tuned to support its high-resolution shooting capacity, resulting in a shutter speed advantage of 5.5-steps1. Additionally, the shutter unit assembly has been carefully redesigned to reduce even the slightest movement that may cause blur. The camera also includes Sony’s highest resolution viewfinder to date, a 5.76 million dot UXGA OLED Tru-finder EVF. With approximately 1.6x the resolution of the EVF in the a7R III, this new viewfinder provides an extremely accurate, true-to-life depiction of the scene being framed. The display quality can be set to ‘Standard’ or ‘High’ mode, and to either 60 fps or 120 fps refresh rate to best match the subject and shooting conditions.
The a7R IV also features an evolved Pixel Shift Multi Shooting2 mode that composites up to 16 full-resolution images. In this mode, the camera precisely shifts the sensor in one pixel or half-pixel increments to capture 16 separate pixel-shifted images containing a total of 963.2 million pixels of data, which are then composited into a 240.8 million pixel (19008 x 12672 pixels) image using Sony's "Imaging Edge" desktop application3. Ideal for photographing architecture, art, or any other still life subject, this enhanced mode produces photographs with a level of detail and color accuracy that is simply stunning.
Shooting & Focusing Speed
The Alpha 7R IV can shoot full resolution images at up to 10 fps with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking for up to approximately seven seconds in full-frame, full-resolution mode (JPEG / RAW), and approx. 21 seconds in APS-C crop mode, delivering 26.2MP images. These high-speed options ensure that fast moving subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy and incredible image detail.
The upgraded focusing system of the Alpha 7R IV is comprised of 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 74% of the image area. There are also 425 contrast AF points that add extra precision and reliability for low light and other situations that are best served by contrast AF. The higher AF sensor density and refined tracking algorithms of the new camera produce a notable improvement in tracking performance, allowing complex subject motion and sudden subject movements to be reliably tracked with greater precision than ever before.
The Alpha 7R IV also supports Real-time Eye AF, which employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye location data in real-time, locking and maintaining focus on the subject's eye with extreme precision. This is available for both animal and human subjects, with either animal or human Eye AF mode selectable depending on the shooting situation. Real-time Tracking is available as well, which utilizes a newly developed subject recognition algorithm to ensure the ultimate subject tracking, and persistence of the focusing system. There is also an anti-flicker shooting4 mode, which automatically detects the presence of fluorescent or artificial lighting in a shooting environment to minimize any impact on the final image.
Enhanced Connectivity for Professional Workflow
The a7R IV includes wireless LAN functionality to support the conventional 2.4 GHz band, as well as a high-speed 5 GHz band5 for faster, more stable data transfer. Wireless PC remote connectivity (wireless tethering shooting) is also available, a first for Sony cameras. Requested by many professionals, this allows greater freedom in studio and location shooting, letting the photographer work without restriction.
In addition to high-speed Wi-Fi and wireless PC connectivity, the a7R IV is equipped with a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.2 Gen 1) USB Type-C connector that supports extremely fast wired data transmission, with almost double the data transfer speed achieved in combination with Sony's Imaging Edge software, compared to the Alpha 7R III. It also supports FTP data transfer with background transfer capability, allowing photographers to send images to a specified FTP remote server while they are still shooting or reviewing images.
To support an efficient, high-speed, connected professional workflow, Sony has announced version 2.0 of its "Imaging Edge" desktop applications ('Remote'/'Viewer'/'Edit'). The 'Remote' application allows users to control cameras and monitor live shooting on their computer monitor, the 'Viewer' application is used to quickly preview, rate and select photos from large libraries, and the 'Edit' application can develop RAW data into high-quality photos for delivery.
To maximize convenience in image transfer, when utilizing the latest version of Sony’s Imaging Edge Mobile application6, the camera can now transfer images to a connected smartphone even if camera power is set to OFF7.
High-Resolution 4K & Professional Filmmaking Features
In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the new Alpha 7R IV performs exceptionally well as a serious filmmaking tool, offering 4K (3840 x 2160) video recording across the full width of the image sensor, and full pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35mm mode. This ensures high-quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 are also available, to maximize color grading flexibility, with S-Log 3 offering a total of 14-stops of dynamic range. Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)8 is also available on the a7R IV to support an Instant HDR workflow.
For video autofocus, the camera utilizes a refined Fast Hybrid AF system that achieves faster, smoother, more stable autofocus during video shooting (even if an object temporarily moves in front of the intended subject). The camera also includes Touch Tracking functionality during movie shooting, allowing the user to simply touch the screen on their intended subject for instant acquisition.
The a7R IV debuts Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting, a first in any of Sony's cameras. When activated, the eye of a subject is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability, allowing the shooter to focus on the content itself as opposed to what is in focus or not. The aforementioned Touch Tracking functionality will also automatically initiate Eye AF when a human subject is selected.
Another notable video feature is the addition of a digital audio interface to the camera's Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, enabling a direct, digital connection from the new, optional ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit for clear, low-noise, high-quality audio recording. Interval shooting for creating time-lapse videos is available, as well as full HD recording at up to 120 fps, Slow and Quick Motion9 functions, and much more.
Enhanced Design, Construction & Customizability
The a7R IV benefits from several upgrades to its design and usability, with many adjustments being implemented directly from the input of Sony's professional community. To maximize durability, the new Alpha 7R IV features upgraded dust and moisture resistance10, with additional sealing at all body seams, battery compartment cover, and media slots. The camera frame is constructed from an extremely lightweight and durable magnesium alloy, with an upgraded 6-screw, extra-rigid lens mount.
Additional enhancements to the body design include an improved grip for greater comfort and a more sure hold, an increase in the diameter and feedback for the 'AF-ON' button, a new multi-selector joystick design for improvised control, an exposure compensation dial lock button, and a redesigned shape and new position for the rear dial. The camera also includes (2) UHS-II compatible media slots for higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds.
For added convenience, camera setting registration is expanded. Now, almost all camera settings can be saved to, and loaded from, an inserted memory card. Up to ten combinations can be saved to any individual card and loaded into any camera body of the same model.
Despite its increased pixel count compared to the a7R III, the battery life has been improved with a CIPA measurement of up to 670 still images per charge using the LCD monitor, or 530 images with the EVF. For longer uninterrupted operating time, the new, optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip holds (2) NP-FZ100 batteries, and the optional Multi Battery Adaptor (NPA-MQZ1K) can hold up to four Z batteries. The body can also be powered via the USB connector11.
New Optional Accessories
Sony has released a variety of new accessories (sold separately) to compliment the Alpha 7R IV camera, including:
- VG-C4EM Vertical Grip - Provides the same design, operation, and handling as the Alpha 7R IV camera, including upgraded dust and moisture resistance; doubles battery life and allows USB battery-charging via the camera body.
- ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone 12 - Eight high-performance mic capsules and advanced digital signal processing provide three selectable directivity patterns in one compact microphone (approximately 4" / 99.3mm in length) with Super-directional pick up. When connected to the a7R IV via Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface support, audio is directly transferred to the camera in digital form to achieve the highest possible quality, without noise or degradation.
- XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit 13 - Two XLR/TRS combo connectors and one 3.5mm stereo mini jack for microphone and line input, with extensive control that helps facilitate the post processing workflow. When connected to the a7R IV via Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface support, audio is directly transferred to the camera in digital form so that the highest possible audio quality is achieved without noise or degradation. An included extension cable for Audio provides extra flexibility for camera attachment when using a rig, cage, or bracket.
- SF-M series TOUGH - Ultra-Tough UHS-II SD card with ultra-fast speed, up to 277MB/s (read); ideal for shooting in severe weather conditions. This card streamlines post-production workflow, and is supplied with file recovery software (supports both mac OS and Windows).
- MRW-S3 – Fast USB for PC hub with UHS-II SD/microSD reader, supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 and 100W USB Power Delivery (USB PD); contributes to efficient workflow with ultra-fast, stable backup to PC or SSD.
Features:
- World’s first 35mm full-frame 61.0 MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with latest-generation BIONZ X image processor (as of July 2019, based on a Sony survey of digital cameras with a full-frame image sensor)
- 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivities, resulting in smooth, natural gradations ranging from deep shadows to highlights
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE tracking for approximately seven seconds in full-frame mode with an increased buffer memory, and approximately 3x as long in APS-C mode
- 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering 74% of image area and 425 contrast AF points
- Debut of Real-time Eye AF for movie recording and advanced Real-time Tracking plus Real-time Eye AF for still image recording
- Features an APS-C crop mode delivering stunning high resolution images of 26.2MP
- 76 million dot UXGA (Ultra-XGA) OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder with outstanding detail, brightness and contrast
- Upgraded connectivity and operability including high-speed Wi-Fi support, wireless PC remote connectivity, FTP wireless transfer, faster data transfer via USB, et al.
- Professional 4K movie recording functionality, including full pixel readout with no pixel binning in Super 35mm mode, S-Log3, and HDR workflow support
- Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface delivers the high-quality sound recording with Sony’s new microphone and XLR microphone adaptor
- Additional enhancements to the camera's ergonomic design include an improved grip and button layout for improved control with a compact, lightweight body
1 CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off.
2 The Imaging Edge (Remote/Viewer/Edit) desktop application Ver. 2.0 or later is required for compositing. Image compositing may not be successful if camera or subject movement causes blur. Some restrictions apply to flash and other devices.
3 ‘Remote’/’Viewer’/’Edit’ version 2.0 will be released in August 2019.
4 Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during silent shooting, BULB exposure, or movie recording.
5 Models sold in some countries/regions support IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) wireless LAN only. 5 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions.
6 Imaging Edge Mobile version 7.2 to be released in July 2019.
7 Imaging Edge Mobile Ver. 7.2 or later is required. The "Cnct. during power off" setting in camera must be turned ON, and the camera and smartphone must be paired using Bluetooth technology via the Imaging Edge Mobile application.
8 Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR (HLG) movies.
9 Sound not recorded. Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card required.
10 Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
11 A battery must be installed in the body when power is being supplied via the USB connector.
12 Refer to the Sony ECM-B1M support page for details and camera compatibility information.
13 Refer to the Sony XLR-K3M support page for details and camera compatibility information.
The Sony SF-G Tough Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card - 64GB features an ultra-strong, resin-molded design that is 18 times more resistant to bending than conventional SD cards. Dust, dirt, water, mud, and grime-proof, for confidence in even the most extreme conditions, TOUGH Series cards can withstand drops up to 7.05' 1.
With an innovative, one-piece molded design and high-durability materials, the SF-G series TOUGH specification cards provide professional photographers peace of mind and protection wherever they go. The new design eliminates the fragile connector ribs and write-protect switch found on conventional SD cards, which are the components that make it difficult to record data if broken.
Whether you shoot high-resolution still images or 4K video, no other UHS-II SD card writes or reads data like the SF-G series TOUGH specification, with fast buffer clearing time after burst shooting and an efficient process for transferring content to a computer. This card features an industry-leading write speed of up to 299 MB/s2, and up to 300 MB/s2 read speed via the UHS-II interface. Supports the highest Video Speed Class (V90) for stable 4K and high-bitrate video capture.
Features:
- TOUGH specification with crush and shock-proof design
- Rib-less and switchless design enhances reliability, eliminating risks of breakage
- Highest level (IP68) dust and water proofing
- The world's fastest3 write speed at up to 299 MB/s2 for burst and high-resolution imaging
- SD Scan Utility monitors the condition of your card and lets you know before it has reached its write cycle limit
1 Based on Sony testing.
2 Up to 300 MB/s read speed; write speed up to 299 MB/s. Based on Sony internal testing. Transfer speeds vary and are dependent on host devices, the OS version or usage conditions. To effectively utilize the product's high-speed capabilities, your compatible device must support UHS-II.
3 As of September 21, 2018.
What's in the Box
- Body Cap
- Shoulder Strap
- BC-QZ1 Battery Charger
- Cable Protector
- NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Battery
- Power Cord
- Sony Alpha a7R IV Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
- USB Type-C Cable
- Eyepiece Cup
- Accessory Shoe Cap
- Sony SF-G Tough Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card - 64GB
Specifications
Key Highlights
- Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Sony E-Mount
- FREE SDXC Card with Instant Rebate!
Audio
Batteries
Camera Lens System
Color
Inputs & Outputs
Microphones
Power
Recording
Recording / Media
Sensor Specifics
Viewfinders
Camera
Recording / Media
Included Products
- Sony Alpha a7R IVA Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera Body X 1
- Sony SF-G Tough Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card - 64GB X 1