Sony A7 IV review: A nearly perfect hybrid powerhouse

Sony’s 33-megapixel A7 IV has reclaimed its title as the best mainstream mirrorless hybrid camera. It offers a big step up in resolution with no downgrade in noise or light sensitivity, while delivering the best autofocus in its price range. Video is also much improved with 4K now up to 60 fps (albeit cropped) and with 10-bits of color depth. The biggest downside, as before, is rolling shutter wobble that’s particularly noticeable with full-sensor 4K video.

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[cmaciasjimenez]

This was a great review. It’s a shame that major outlets don’t do camera reviews so this is very appreciated. You went even to other professional people to ask for their opinion. Thank you for the video

[eddymqu]

I just want so say I appreciate the dubbing. Very often I have videos like this in the background as I do something else.

[svaeon]

My guy dropped 25% of shutter life for this video 😂

[rvboyett]

Nice review. I bought the A7IV last month and have really enjoyed it thus far. I'm using it with a Sigma 24-70 Art lens. Switching from Nikon has a little bit of a learning curve but this camera is just so feature rich and has magnificent image quality. That AutoFocus is fantastic as well. I've also been extremely happy with the Sigma lens. So much so that I bought the 150-600 sport telephoto just last week.

[lmc]

Trop Bon ! Merci pour cette revue les gars !

[ebinrock]

I actually like focus breathing in video/cine. It gives a certain dramatic effect, especially during tense scenes. Just look at how it was used in Die Hard and other action films.

[MarkusSenior]

Great Review. Thanks.
Yep it is a great and versatile Camera. Looking forward to using it in my upcoming videos.
Cheers from LA.

[frankfeng]

I think A7IV is the perfectly imperfect camera: 4k60p crop to separate from A7S3, 33MP to separate from A7R3/4, 10fps to separate from A9, and $2500 release price to make it the only new Sony camera at this price range. Sony's cripple hammer at its finest.

[MrSooty]

Thank you for such a great review and balanced opinion. I have been stuck between the Pany S1H, GH6 and A7riv but I have been leaning toward the a7iv as a newcomer who will focus more on still but would like competent video.

[lifeonaplatez]

love this because am about to buy one. i appreciate the review.

[ruffdraft]

Excellent been looking forward to your review off the Sony A74

[brandoncortez]

Great review till i heard “ Panasonic S6”. Gotta catch that in editing. 😅

[RetroBusker]

Can the Sony a7IV film 4:3 4k for long periods of time?...
I currently have the GH5, might upgrade to the sony next year...
gh5 good although would prefair 4:3 on 4k 30/25fp3 for ticktok 9:16 & youtube 16:9,
Awesome video :)

[florinG]

That rolling shutter is a deal-breaker for me, it could have been my upgrade, unfortunately, I have to look at more expensive options like the A7SIII. I've been waiting 4 years for this to be fixed but no, what a shame.

[maheshdeokar]

@10:13 is there any rolling shutter in 1080p..?

[chipcurry]

Great video – good explanation, covered all the important points. And did it fairly quickly.

[robainscough]

Excellent video, what's the best all around usage lens for the A7 IV?

[RonK]

Have a A7IV myself, tried with 35mm f/1.4, 55mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, 90mm f2.8 and there are definitely focus-issues. The camera is not permanently front- or back focusing, but even with Eye-AF and AF-C, the selection-algorithm fails. As soon as there are strong (often vertical) contrast areas, or lines the AF prefers to focus on those parts in the frame even with the green focus frame clearly being on the eye. So, the camera is dead sharp, but it "internally" selects wrong parts for adjusting rather than the one in the focus frame. Took some selfies on a tripod, focus clearly on the eye, but often "real internal" focus was on the the black and white hairs of my beard, sometimes back focusing, sometimes front focusing. Hairs distract the camera, but also gray lines on buildings, or vertical borders of doors or windows. It's clearly a flaw in the internal focus selection logic. Had lots of portraits with different very good lenses with slightly blurry eyes but only with this camera (others work fine with same lenses). Hope they come up with a firmware upgrade soon

[ExploringWorldYouTube]

Hey, thanks for your wonderful and detailed video. I''d like t ask 2 questions please: 1) how does the Sony A7 IV work with Auto White Balance? I make documentaries in 4K 2) Sometime I don't have sufficient time to manage the camera and I lift up the camera and shoot. How does it work in this mode? Thanks for your info.

[Ermelious]

It seems like the A7 IV is pretty close but it will be wiser to go for the a7c and put the savings into some nice glasses instead if there's no need for the dual card slot and 10 bit video. If it had 4K 120 I'd jump on it, but for just that 2 bonus feature over the a7c.. it does not seem to warrant the extra cost.