San Diego, CA—The Sony Alpha 7 IV interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera (ILCE-7M4) boasts a newly developed 33-megapixel full-frame image sensor. In addition, the ILC features many of Sony’s most advanced imaging and video technologies.
It also employs the latest Bionz XR processing engine and AF (autofocus) capabilities from the flagship Alpha 1. Moreover, the new model combines streamlined operability for photos and movies. For enthusiasts as well as professionals, the Alpha 7 IV also offers various features to support the growing demand for remote communication.
“Since its introduction over three years ago, the Alpha 7 III has made tremendous impact in our industry; completely redefining the expectations for what can be accomplished with a ‘basic’ or entry-level full-frame camera,” said Yang Cheng, vice president, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
“Now, it’s time to break through all existing boundaries again. The Alpha 7 IV brings together the best of Sony imaging technologies in both photo and video to deliver a high-end experience to a wider range of customers. This gives today’s creators a new level of freedom to capture, create as well as share in ways that they were never able to before, no matter the situation in which they find themselves.”
Sony Alpha 7 IV Features
The hybrid camera integrates still image as well as evolved video technology with advanced autofocus, enhanced operability and improved workflow capability. Sony also developed it with the environment in mind; it uses Sony’s original recycled plastic SORPLAS for the camera body and packaging with recyclable materials.
Notably, its 33MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor achieves an ISO sensitivity range expandable from ISO 50 to 204,800. The high resolution enables smoother gradation as well as finer details and textures while reducing noise. The camera also has a 15-stop dynamic range, and “creative look” settings help create original looks for stills and video.
Moreover, its Bionz XR engine can deliver high-speed AF; uninterrupted continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second with AF/AE tracking; and a large buffer for prolonged shooting.
In addition, the Alpha 7 IV provides Real-time Tracking tech and 759 phase-detection AF points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system. The system covers approximately 94% of the image area. And for the first time, real-time eye AF can track birds’ and animals’ eyes for stills and movies, in addition to humans. Sony also improved face- and eye-detection accuracy for humans by 30% over the Alpha 7 III.
Movie Technology
What’s more, the ILC adopts technology from real-world movie production to deliver a cinematic look. This includes the S-Cinetone picture profile used in Sony’s Cinema Line cameras.
Additionally, the camera records 4K 60p video in Super 35mm mode; 4K 30p recording with 7K oversampling is also available in full-frame mode. It also provides 10-bit depth 4:2:2 color sampling for natural gradation; XAVC S-I intra-frame encoding for more efficient editing workflows; as well as XAVC HS™ H.265 long-GOP for doubled compression efficiency.
The hybrid still and video camera permits users to switch from photo to video and back at their convenience. New to Sony’s Alpha lineup is a dual-layer mode dial; it has a lower layer for selecting still/movie/S&Q and a top layer for auto/P/A/S/M and MR (memory recall). This enables users to quickly select and switch between the dedicated settings.
Furthermore, videographers can record 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video continuously for more than an hour thanks to the camera’s heat-dissipating structure. Moreover, a new feature called “shot mark” allows easy access to marked scenes in a video clip, within the camera and on Sony’s Catalyst Browse/Prepare applications.
More Specs
The 7 IV employs 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization for a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage; an improved grip; and a CFexpress Type-A media slot. Additionally, its 3.68-million-dot OLED Quad-VGA viewfinder is 1.6x the resolution of the Alpha 7 III viewfinder.
Users can also benefit from the 3-inch, 1.03M-dot side-opening vari-angle touch-panel rear LCD monitor; a top-panel rec button; and high-capacity Z series battery.
In addition, by providing various connectivity options, the Alpha 7 IV enables on-the-spot streaming and sharing of content. Sony also simplified the connection between the camera and Imaging EdgeMobile application via Bluetooth. Data transfer is also possible by 5GHz/2.4.GHz Wi-Fi.
Further, new features support livestreaming and remote communication without needing dedicated software. UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) turn the Alpha 7 IV into a livestreaming camera when connected to a computer or smartphone.
Consequently, 4K 15p and 1080 Full HD 60p deliver realistic video for remote sharing. Plus, users can pair the Alpha 7 IV’s digital audio interface with a range of mics and accessories.
Finally, Sony plans to offer a new cloud service next year, AI Video Editing Studio, for automated editing with AI technology. To allow creators to focus on more creative tasks, this service will automatically perform initial editing in the cloud, using AI technology.
The Sony Alpha 7 IV body is built with magnesium alloy. In addition, the redesigned structure and lens lock button contribute to enhanced dust and moisture resistance. The camera will reach retail in December 2021 with an SRP of $2,500. Sony also plans to offer a kit version with the FE 28–70mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS zoom lens for $2,700.
