Sony a7iv - Great News and Not So Great News...
/The Sony a7iv has just been announced - This replaces the Sony a7iii that was announced in April 2018. My Review of the a7iii. It was an impressive camera and remains a great camera and good value today. But now let’s take a look at the new Sony a7iv. Here are the headline features of the Sony a7iv.
Sony a7iv - Announced October 21, 2021 - Body Only $2,498.00
Full Frame Backlit 33mp Sensor w/ 15 stops of Dynamic Range
Latest Gen Bionz XR Processor (same as sony a1)
10-bit HEIF format
5.5 stop 5 axis IBIS
828 continuous RAW + JPEG shooting (Only if you shoot compressed RAW w/ CFExpress Card)
759 Phase Detection points
Real-Time Eye AF for Humans, Animals and Birds
4k at 60fps in super35, 4k at 30fps from 7k oversampling
S-Cinetone and Creative Looks
10-bit S-Log3
Optical Active Mode Image Stabilization
Redesigned body with fully articulating touchscreen
Redesigned body with quick dial change from stills, movie and S&Q
3.68m dot EVF with 120fps refresh rate
Easy online streaming with just USB cable and Sony software
Improved wifi/bluetooth connection for sharing photos/connecting to app
UHS-II SD-cards and CF Xpress cards
Full Size HDMI port
I received a sony briefing yesterday with loads of information and samples in both stills and video and it is clear that this will be an impressive camera. It borrows heavily from the much more expensive Sony a1 and Sony a7siii to give you an incredibly capable camera. The rear screen is fully touch now - you can use the screen to set your focus point, track a target in photo or video and navigate the menu system. The menu system is redesigned but still dense. Touch makes it a little easier to navigate but you really need to take the time to set up your favorites section of the menu or you will still be wading through lots of pages and tabs. The bottom line before I get to the bad news? This is going to be a great camera that provides Sony users with an extremely capable camera for photo or video and it’s hard to imagine many photographers needing much more.
The Bad News?
The price has increased AND while it is being announced today it won’t start shipping until the end of December and based on current suplly chain issues we are seeing across the world, I suspect many won’t get this in their hands until well into 2022. B&H Photo has a pre notice Link for Ordering.
The Best Entry Level Mirrorless?
No. I am going to give that prize to the Sony a7iii that remains an increaibly capable camera and as we see a price drop represents an excellent value. This new Sony a7iv represents a significant upgrade (see next question) but for many of us the a7iii remains enough camera for our needs.
I own the Sony a7iii - should I upgrade?
I rarely recommend you upgrade from one model to the next. Typically the differences are slight and your money is better spent on lenses. Sony waited over three years to release the successor to the a7iii and by doing so they incorporated a ton of tech and features from the higher-end cameras. That coupled with tech advances makes this a significant upgrade - mostly in AF capabilities and video functions. If you are a Sony a7iii owner and you feel like you are missing shots because of the AF or want to record higher quality video then you should upgrade. Otherwise, save your money or buy a lens.
Sony a7iv vs Canon R6
The Canon R6 is the most logical matchup against the new Sony a7iv. I will get a chart up soon but here is what I can tell you - the R6 offers less 20MP vs 33MP in the New Sony a7iv, that’s a significant advantage to Sony. However the Sony is limited to 10fps (electronic and mechanical) the Canon R6 can do 12fps mechanical and 20 fps electronically. In my testing of the Canon there was no drawback to that electronic shutter. The Canon R6 is probably going to feel better in most people’s hands - its ergonomics are excellent as is the menu system and customization of the camera and visual info on the screen. Canon has done a great job with all of that. And, if you own EF lenses buy the adapter and you are good to go BUT Sony has a huge advantage in native lenses - Sony, Tamron, Sigma all offer a wide range of lenses at different price points making the Sony system more attractive and affordable for someone starting from scratch.
What else would you like to know?
The Sony a7iv will retail for $2499 body only and start shipping in late December 2021