Sony
Sony a7 IV
Released in October 2021 for $2,499.99 USD, the Sony a7 IV is a full-frame mirrorless camera built for hybrid shooters. It balances high-resolution stills with versatile video features for working creators.
- Release date
- 2021-10
- Launch price
- 2,499.99 USD
- Lens mount
- Sony E
- Effective pixels
- 33 MP
- Sensor format
- Full-frame
- In-body image stabilization
- 5.5 stops
Image Quality and Resolution
The 33 MP sensor delivers detailed still images with a 3:2 aspect ratio. You can shoot using compressed formats to hit 10 fps, though lossless or uncompressed RAW drops that speed to 6 fps.
In low light, the native ISO maximum reaches 51,200 before requiring expanded settings. The in-body image stabilization offers 5.5 stops of compensation when tested with the 50mm F1.4 ZA lens.
Video Capabilities and Limits
Videographers get 10-bit recording alongside log profile support and a video dynamic range of 15 stops for S-Log3. The system supports H.264 and HEVC codecs.
Keep in mind that full-width 4K tops out at 30p. If you want 4K at 60 fps, the camera applies a Super35mm crop.
Autofocus and Handling
The autofocus system detects human, animal, and bird subjects. A mechanical shutter reaches up to 8,000 1/s, matching the top electronic shooting rate.
Weighing 658 g, the body includes a fully articulated screen and dual memory card slots. Dust and drip resistance helps protect the hardware outdoors.
Power and Connectivity
A single charge yields 580 shots using the rear LCD, or 520 shots when relying on the electronic viewfinder. The battery powers through extended shooting sessions easily.
For accessories and monitoring, you get a full-size HDMI port and a headphone connection. USB charging and power delivery function exclusively through the Type-C port.
Full specs
Overview
- Release date
- 2021-10
- Launch price
- 2,499.99 USD
- Lens mount
- Sony E
- High resolution pixel-shift mode
- No
Sensor & Image
- Effective pixels
- 33 MP
- Sensor format
- Full-frame
- Native ISO maximum
- 51,200 ISO
Native range tops out at ISO 51200; 50-204800 requires expanded ISO settings.
- In-body image stabilization
- 5.5 stops
CIPA rating measured with the 50mm F1.4 ZA test lens attached.
- Sensor readout speed
- Not published
- Sensor type
- CMOS
- Aspect ratios
- 3:2
Lens & Autofocus
- Continuous shooting (mechanical)
- 10 fps
10 fps applies to compressed RAW/JPEG/HEIF; drops to 6 fps for lossless or uncompressed RAW.
- Continuous shooting (electronic)
- 10 fps
- Max mechanical shutter speed
- 8,000 1/s
- Pre-burst capture duration
- Not published
- AF subject detection
- Human, animal, bird
Video
- Max video resolution
- 4K
- 4K max frame rate
- 60 fps
4K 60p is only available in Super35mm crop; full-frame 4K tops out at 30p.
- Video codecs
- H.264, HEVC
- 4K max frame rate (full width)
- 30 fps
4K 60p requires the Super35mm crop; full-width 4K is limited to 30p.
- Raw video recording
- None
No internal or external raw recording; HDMI output tops out at 10-bit 4:2:2.
- Video bit depth
- 10 bit
- Log profile support
- Yes
- Video dynamic range (log)
- 15 stops
Sony's claim for S-Log3 per internal tests; stated as 15+ stops.
Viewfinder & Screen
- Viewfinder resolution
- 3.69 M dots
- Viewfinder magnification
- 0.78 x
- Screen size
- 2.95 in
Sony rates the panel at 2.95in (3.0-type); most sources round to 3in.
- Screen articulation
- Fully articulated
- Rear screen resolution
- 1.04 M dots
1,036,800 dots; Sony's retail pages round this to 1.03 megadots.
Handling & Power
- Battery life
- 580 shots
580 shots per charge with the rear LCD; 520 with the EVF.
- Memory card slots
- 2 slots
- Weather sealing
- Dust and drip resistant
Dust and moisture resistant but not IP-rated; Sony does not guarantee 100% sealing.
- Weight
- 658 g
- Width
- 131.3 mm
- Height
- 96.4 mm
- Depth
- 69.7 mm
Sony lists 79.8mm total depth; 69.7mm is measured from front grip to rear monitor.
- USB charging & power delivery
- Yes
Charging and USB power delivery work only through the USB Type-C port.
- Minimum operating temperature
- 0 °C
- Headphone port
- Yes
- HDMI port type
- Full-size
The Verdict
The Sony a7 IV suits creators who need a capable mix of high-resolution stills and flexible video tools. Photographers who demand uncompressed burst rates or uncropped 4K at higher frame rates should look elsewhere.
FAQ
What is the launch price of the Sony a7 IV?
It launched at $2,499.99 USD.
Does the camera support internal raw video?
No, it features no internal or external raw video recording.
How many card slots does it have?
The body provides two memory card slots.
What is the battery life per charge?
It delivers 580 shots when using the rear LCD.
Spotted something wrong? Tap the next to any section or spec group to let us know. Every report is read.
