Sony Alpha 7R IV

This full-frame mirrorless model ups the ante with a 61MP image sensor

Specifications Sensor: 61MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor Image processor: Bionz X AF points: Hybrid AF; 567 phase-detection, 325 contrast AF points ISO range: 100 to 32,000 (exp 50-102,400) Max image size: 9,504 x 6,336 Metering modes: Multi-segment, centre-weighted, spot, average, highlight Video: 4K UHD at 30p, 24p Viewfinder: EVF, 5.76m dots Memory card: Two SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS II) LCD: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.44m dots Max burst: 10fps Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC Size: 129 x 96 x 78mm Weight: 655g (body only, with battery and SD card)

Sony doesn’t want the Alpha 7R IV to be thought of solely in terms of resolution, but a 61MP sensor is bound to grab the headlines. It beats its fullframe rivals by some margin, and re-establishes Sony as a front-runner in a full-frame mirrorless camera market that’s become very busy.

But the A7R IV is not just about resolution. It has a very rounded balance of overall image quality and versatility, combining its ultra-highresolution with 10fps continuous shooting capability and a buffer that can sustain this for up to 7 seconds.

Sony’s epic hybrid AF technology takes another step forward too, with 567 phase-detection AF points spread across 74% of the image area and 325 contrast AF points. It now offers Real-Time AF tracking in its movie mode, too.

And just to drive home the resolution point once more, the Alpha 7R IV has a Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode than can combine four images for full-colour data for each pixel (avoiding the demosaicing interpolation process cameras normally use) or 16 images with sub-pixel movements to create 240-megapixel photographs.

Key features

61 million pixels is a ground-breaking resolution for full-frame cameras, but it’s worth pointing out that this increase is spread across both the image width and height, so the A7R IV’s images are not that much larger than those of the Nikon Z 7, say, measuring 9,504 x 6,336 pixels (Sony) versus 8,256 x 5,504 pixels (Nikon). That’s an increase in image width and height of 15%.

What’s truly impressive, though, is how Sony has managed to maintain a 10fps continuous shooting speed, despite the massive increase in the data that’s being captured and processed. True, the buffer capacity is restricted to 68 raw files/JPEGs, but it’s also possible to shoot in an APS-C mode that captures 26-megapixel images and with three times the buffer capacity (claimed).

Sony’s latest autofocus system brings 567 phase-detection AF points to the A7R IV, covering 74% of the image area (or the entire area in APS-C mode), and supporting both human and animal eye tracking.

Video performance gets a boost with the addition of Real-Time AF, but otherwise it does feel as if Sony is resting on its laurels somewhat. There’s still no 50/60p 4K video capability, nor 10-bit capture; and if you want the best ‘oversampled’ quality, you need to use the cropped Super 35 mode. You can capture Full HD at up to 120fps. Arguably, the A7R IV is hardly a video specialist. Nevertheless, it does feel as if the video capabilities have not really advanced significantly.

The A7R Mark IV does bring wireless tethered shooting capability, though the large files and limited wireless data bandwidth means you’re still likely to be better of with an old-fashioned cable connection.

Sony says its five-axis in-body stabilisation system has been tuned for this new camera to offer up to 5.5EV compensation, and the A7R IV’s Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode can merge 16 shots made with tiny pixel-shifts between each to produce 240MP images – if you have static subjects, sufficient

storage capacity and the required Sony Imaging Edge 2.0 software.

Build and handling

Sony’s A7 series was the first fullframe mirrorless camera design, and it’s still the smallest. That’s great in principle, but when you match up these bodies with Sony’s bigger, high-performance lenses (especially the premium

1 A larger front grip makes the A7R IV a little easier to handle, but the body still lacks height for a good ‘grip’. Inside is an NP-FZ100 lithium-ion cell which gives a battery life of 530 (viewfinder) or 670 shots (rear screen). The Sony FE lens mount is now very well-supported both with Sony optics and third-party lenses. 2 3

4 The EVF has a high resolution at 5.76m dots, but manages to looks a little oversharpened. The rear touchscreen is smaller than some (3-in, not 3.2-in), can’t flip forwards and has no sideways action. 6 The focus joystick is a good size and proves very useful for positioning the AF point quickly. Unlike the Nikon Z 7 and the Lumix S1R, the A7R IV does not have a status screen on the top plate. 8 On the Sony A7R IV, customisable C1, C2, C3 and C4 buttons replace dedicated WB and other controls. The EV compensation dial is handy, and has a locking button to prevent it being turned accidentally. 5 7 9

This portrait shot from an official Sony hands-on session really highlights the value of Sony’s Eye AF system, especially with fast prime lenses at wide apertures.