Sony a7 IV
Sony · Mirrorless · 33 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a7 IV |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2021 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 21, 2021 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 131 x 96 x 80 mm |
| Camera weight | 659 g |
Optics85/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony a7 IV scores an impressive 84/100 in our evaluation. Measuring 131 x 96 x 80mm and weighing 659g (1.45lbs), the a7 IV provides a compact and lightweight option for photographers of all levels. These specifications contribute to the camera’s high score, showcasing the Sony a7 IV as a strong contender in the current market. This camera’s performance and design make it a reliable choice for various photography needs. Sony a7 IV Overview and OpticsThe Sony a7 IV receives an optics score of 85/100. With 33 megapixels, a shooting speed of 10 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor, this camera delivers high-quality images. The Bionz XR processor contributes to its fast performance, and the DXOMARK score of 97 for the sensor highlights its excellent image quality. The full-frame sensor size and Sony FE lens mount provide versatility in lens options. Image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio further enhance the Sony a7 IV’s optical capabilities. In the current market, these specifications place the camera among top competitors. The combination of high-resolution images, fast shooting speed, and a wide range of lens options make it a strong contender for both professional and enthusiast photographers. The Sony a7 IV’s impressive optics score and specifications showcase its ability to deliver outstanding image quality and performance. This camera stands as a solid choice for those seeking a high-performing, full-frame option in today’s competitive market. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 33 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 7008 x 4672 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.8 x 35.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz XR |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 512003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 2044003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 7590300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 368640009900000 |
Video91/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony a7 IV boasts an impressive video score of 91/100. This camera offers 4K video resolution, with maximum dimensions of 3840 x 2160, ensuring detailed and high-quality footage. Users benefit from a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, enabling smooth slow-motion capture for dynamic scenes. In today’s market, the Sony a7 IV stands strong with its video capabilities. The 4K resolution has become a standard among professional cameras, and the 120fps frame rate allows greater creative flexibility for videographers. Additionally, the built-in time-lapse functionality further expands the camera’s versatility, making it a valuable tool for filmmakers and content creators. The Sony a7 IV’s video features showcase its exceptional performance and adaptability in the competitive camera market. Its high score reflects the camera’s ability to deliver top-quality video content, meeting the demands of both professionals and enthusiasts. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265 |
Features83/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony a7 IV receives a feature score of 83/100, showcasing its impressive offerings in various aspects. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 1040000 dots, the camera provides a clear and sharp display. The touchscreen and flip screen functionalities further enhance user experience and ease of use. Modern connectivity options are available in the Sony a7 IV as it includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. These features allow users to easily transfer files and remotely control the camera. However, the camera lacks GPS functionality, which might be a drawback for some users who require geotagging capabilities. Despite the absence of GPS, the Sony a7 IV stands strong in the competitive market with its combination of high-quality display and seamless connectivity options. Its feature set caters to the needs of various users, making it a desirable choice for many photographers. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 10400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery76/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe storage and battery of the Sony a7 IV receive a score of 76/100, reflecting solid performance in this category. The camera offers two memory card slots, supporting both CFexpress Type A and SD (UHS-II compatible) cards, providing ample storage options for photographers and videographers. In today’s market, this flexibility is highly appreciated, as it allows for seamless workflow and efficient file management. Regarding battery life, the Sony a7 IV is equipped with an NP-FZ100 battery, which lasts for approximately 580 shots. This battery life is competitive and should be sufficient for most users’ needs. Additionally, the camera supports USB charging, further enhancing its convenience and usability. Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 IV’s storage and battery capabilities are well-suited for modern photography and videography demands, making it a reliable choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. | |
| Memory card | CFexpress Type A, SD (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 580 shots1505000 |
| USB charging |  Yes |