Sony Alpha 7 IV

    87
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    Highlights

    • 33.0 MP Full Frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • No Optical Low-pass Filter
    • 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
    • 759 Focus Points
    • 5-Axis Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 1,440k dot Fully Articulated Screen
    • 0.5" 3,680k dot Electronic (OLED) Viewfinder
    • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
    • 13 h Video Recording Limit
    • Built-In Wi-Fi
    • Wheather Sealed Body
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Sony Alpha 7 IV was announced in 2021 and is a Full Frame (35.9 x 23.8 mm) Mirrorless camera with 33.0 Megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 51,200 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fully Articulated 3.0" screen with 1,440k dot resolution and built-in 0.5" Electronic (OLED) viewfinder with 3,680k dot resolution. It has a built-in 5-Axis Sensor Shift in body image stabilization.

    Sony Alpha 7 IV can capture video up to 3840 x 2160 resolution with no recording time limit.


    Here is the Sony Alpha 7 series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Sony Alpha 7 series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Sony a7 IV October
    2021
    33.0 MP
    Full Frame
    100 - 51,200 Articulated 3.0"
    1,440k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Sony a7 III February
    2018
    24.2 MP
    Full Frame
    100 - 51,200 Tilting 3.0"
    922k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Sony a7 II November
    2014
    24.3 MP
    Full Frame
    100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    1,230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony a7 January
    2014
    24.3 MP
    Full Frame
    50 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    1,230k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony Alpha 7 IV vs Alpha 7 III vs Alpha 7 II vs Alpha 7.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha 7 IV.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Large Sensor
    •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   759 Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Animal Eye Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Digital Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   High DxO Overall Score - 97
    •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
    •   10-bit 4:2:2 Color
    •   No crop on 4K Videos
    •   Webcam Functionality
    •   Unlimited Video Recording
    •   High Video Recording Limit
    •   High USB Speed
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   Built-In Bluetooth
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   USB Charging
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Price
    •   Sensor Resolution - 33.0 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   -4 EV Min AF Detection
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
    •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,680k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   Weight - 659 g (1.45 lb / 23.25 oz)

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Sony Alpha 7 IV to its predecessor Alpha 7 III and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Sony Alpha 7 IV vs Sony Alpha 7 III
    Higher Sensor Resolution 33.0 Megapixel vs 24.2 Megapixel
    More Powerful Processor BIONZ XR vs BIONZ X
    Max Image Resolution 7008 x 4672 vs 6000 x 4000
    Lower Min AF Detection -4 EV vs -3 EV
    More Focus Points 759 vs 693
    Higher Image Stabilization Compensation 5.5 stops vs 5 stops
    Digital Image Stabilization vs
    Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Tilting
    Higher Resolution Screen 1,440k dot vs 922k dot
    Higher Resolution Viewfinder 3,680k dot vs 2,359k dot
    Higher DxO Color Depth 25.4 vs 25.0
    Higher DxO Overall Score 97 vs 96
    Unlimited Video Recording vs
    Higher Video Recording Limit 13 hours vs 30 min
    Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 (10 GBit/sec) vs USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec)
    DOWNGRADES Sony Alpha 7 IV vs Sony Alpha 7 III
    More Expensive $2499, €2,800, £2,400 (body only) vs $2000
    Lower Flash Sync Speed 1/200 sec vs 1/250 sec
    Lower DxO Low Light ISO 3379 vs 3730
    Heavier 659 g (1.45 lb / 23.25 oz) vs 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 600 shots vs 610 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony Alpha 7 IV vs Alpha 7 III.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fully Articulated Touchscreen

    Sony Alpha 7 IV has a 3.0" Fully Articulated touchscreen with 1,440k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes this camera selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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    Sony Alpha 7 IV with Fully Articulated screen


    Electronic (OLED) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in 0.5" Electronic (OLED) viewfinder with 3,680k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification.

    Sensor

    BSI-CMOS Sensor

    Sony Alpha 7 IV features a 33.0 megapixel Full Frame BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 23.8 mm and a total area of 854.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 51,200 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode.

    The camera has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Sony Alpha 7 IV's Full Frame sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame35.9 x 23.8 mm854.4 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with BIONZ XR processor and can take pictures up to 7008 x 4672 resolution.


    Lens Mount

    Sony Alpha 7 IV has Sony E lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


    No Low-Pass Filter

    There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


    In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera has a built-in 5-Axis Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with 5.5 stops of compensation. This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha 7 IV.

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    Built-in Wi-Fi

    Camera has a built-in Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5, 802.11ac/b/g/n, 2.4/5 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


    Bluetooth

    Camera has a built-in Bluetooth which lets you to connect the camera to a smartphone or a dedicated remote control device. This allows you to remotely trigger the camera, adjust settings and controls remotely through a paired mobile app. While Wi-Fi is generally faster for transferring larger files, Bluetooth can be used for small, selective transfers, it can provide real-time information about your camera's battery status, memory card capacity, and other key settings directly on your paired smartphone or smartwatch.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in Bluetooth.


    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Sony Alpha 7 IV has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 (10 GBit/sec) Type-C input for data transfer and battery charging. There is a Full Size HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Sony Alpha 7 IV comes with NP-FZ100 battery pack with battery life of 600 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has two card slots - one for CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II) and one for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II).

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Sony Alpha 7 IV has Electronic shutter and Mechanical Focal Plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


    Focusing

    Sony Alpha 7 IV has Fast Hybrid AF (Phase-detection / Contrast-detection) system with 759 focusing points and from -4 to +20 EV detection range. Touch-to-Focus allows users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording. There is also face detection feature which automatically finds and focuses on faces and additional eye detection further locks the focus on one of the eyes and tracks it down during the motion.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from -3 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Sony Alpha 7 IV has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Intelligent Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec. Flash compensation can be set from -3 to +3 EV with 1/3 or 1/2 EV step increments.

    Physical Parameters

    Sony Alpha 7 IV has dimensions of 131 x 96 x 80 mm (5.16 x 3.78 x 3.15"). It weighs 659 g (1.45 lb / 23.25 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    131 mm (5.16")

    96 mm (3.78")

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    96 mm (3.78")

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    80 mm (3.15")

    Image cannot be displayed

    Sony Alpha 7 IV dimensions

    Sony Alpha 7 IV for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Sony Alpha 7 IV is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    EXCELLENT
    89

    Sony Alpha 7 IV gets a score of 89 and is EXCELLENT choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    83

    Sony Alpha 7 IV gets a score of 83 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   759 Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
    •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,680k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    GOOD
    82

    Sony Alpha 7 IV gets a score of 82 and is GOOD choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   759 Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Animal Eye Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
    •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,680k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    EXCELLENT
    90

    Sony Alpha 7 IV gets a score of 90 and is EXCELLENT choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   759 Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    EXCELLENT
    91

    Sony Alpha 7 IV gets a score of 91 and is EXCELLENT choice for Street photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   759 Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 659 g (1.45 lb / 23.25 oz)

    Travel Photography

    EXCELLENT
    87

    Sony Alpha 7 IV gets a score of 87 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
    •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
    •   No crop on 4K Videos
    •   High Video Recording Limit
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 659 g (1.45 lb / 23.25 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots

    Sony Alpha 7 IV Evaluation

    We evaluate Sony Alpha 7 IV and give score of 87 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    87

    Sensor

    GOOD
    81

    We give Sony Alpha 7 IV a score of 81 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Sensor Resolution - 33.0 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   High DxO Overall Score - 97

    Photo

    GOOD
    83

    We give Sony Alpha 7 IV a score of 83 for Photo parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

    Video

    EXCELLENT
    89

    We give Sony Alpha 7 IV a score of 89 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
    •   10-bit 4:2:2 Color
    •   No crop on 4K Videos
    •   Webcam Functionality
    •   Unlimited Video Recording
    •   High Video Recording Limit

    Focusing

    EXCELLENT
    93

    We give Sony Alpha 7 IV a score of 93 for Focusing parameters.

    •   -4 EV Min AF Detection
    •   759 Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Animal Eye Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    EXCELLENT
    88

    We give Sony Alpha 7 IV a score of 88 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,440k dot
    •   Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
    •   Viewfinder Resolution - 3,680k dot

    Connectivity

    EXCELLENT
    97

    We give Sony Alpha 7 IV a score of 97 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   High USB Speed
    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    GOOD
    73

    We give Sony Alpha 7 IV a score of 73 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 659 g (1.45 lb / 23.25 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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