Reaching the peak of resolution: 61.0MP full-frame CMOS sensor

Sony’s newly developed 35mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor with 61.0 megapixels enables the full-frame mirrorless α7R IV to attain expressive prowess once expected only in conventional medium-format cameras. Thanks to this mirrorless design, absence of mechanical mirror shock can maximise resolution without negative effect on image quality. The α7R IV realises the level of image quality that surpasses the expectation for conventional full-frame cameras especially in the low- to mid-sensitivity range. Sony’s proprietary technology achieves superb high resolution while assuring low noise and high sensitivity.

Enhanced image processing engine makes the most of CMOS sensor

To match the excellence of the new image sensor, high-speed BIONZ X image processing engine is also further enhanced to faithfully reproduce details and reduce noise significantly. Noise that tends to occur due to heightened pixel count is minimised for high image quality, especially in the standard ISO sensitivity range up to ISO 32000. Wide 15-stop dynamic range at low ISO sensitivity (for stills) delivers smoother reproduction of gradations from shadow to highlight. Moreover, the α7R IV’s inherited colour reproduction in still pictures — acclaimed in the latest α series — captures skin colour in portraits and vivid colour of flowers for natural α7R IV depiction.

Features maximising superb 61.0MP resolution

The α7R IV’s extremely high image 61.0-megapixel resolution performance is maximised by other α7R IV advantages, one of which is 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation with optimised algorithms to achieve up to a 5.5-stop shutter speed advantage. Another outstanding feature is the electronic shutter allowing silent, vibration-free shooting. Additionally, the α7R IV incorporates an internal damper structure to absorb the impact of shutter motion for a minimum of shutter vibration. Many features in the α7R IV serve for realising sharply resolved imaging.

14-bit RAW output for natural gradations

The α7R IV supports compressed and uncompressed 14-bit RAW output for smoother, more natural gradations that contribute to higher overall image quality. Taking advantage of even higher 16-bit processing in the imaging engine, front-end LSI and the enhanced BIONZ X image processor make 14-bit RAW output available even when shooting in silent or continuous mode.  [1] Image sensor  [2] The latest high-speed front-end LSI  [3] 16-bit image processing

5.76-million-dot UXGA OLED Tru-Finder

Newly featured in the α7R IV, this 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder provides high-precision, high-brightness, and high-contrast visibility, reproducing fine detail with 1.6 times higher resolution than α7R III. “High Display Quality” mode draws on the effective 61.0MP (approx.) image sensor to suppress moiré and jaggies for highly precise and natural images on viewfinder; 120/100fps of “High” finder frame rate mode shows smoother motion, so it’s simpler to trace moving subjects. Fluorine coating makes it easier to remove dirt or a fingerprint from the lens, for more comfortable viewing in inclement weather and better concentration on shooting.  [1] Ultra-XGA OLED Tru-Finder  [2] Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder

Wide, fast, and steadfast AF evolution

Thanks to increased coverage and density of AF points and enhanced algorithm for tracking moving subjects, overall AF performance has evolved to provide steadfast, accurate tracking of complex subject motion and speed changes. The α7R IV’s Fast Hybrid AF system combines high-speed, highly trackable phase-detection and high-precision contrast-detection autofocusing, even for shooting venues as dimly lit as EV-3. 567-point phase-detection AF and 425-point contrast-detection AF provide wider image area coverage of 99.7% height and 74.0% width. In addition, this remarkable AF system provides as rapid response as α7R III, despite mass data handling due to the extremely high-resolution CMOS sensor, even in dim shooting venues.

Exceptional high-speed 10fps burst shooting with AF/AE tracking

Despite high resolution of 61.0MP, an ingenious algorithm enables efficient processing for high-speed continuous shooting of up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking through a mechanical shutter. It is also possible to shoot continuously at up to 8fps in live-view mode, with minimal display time lag for capturing fast-moving subjects. After a full-frame image is cropped down to APS-C size or if APS-C shooting mode is chosen, you can still get 26.2MP high-resolution images. This is a great advantage for wild animal photographers who rely on cropping after capturing images of quickly moving animals/birds afar.

Up to 68 images in continuous shooting

Professional photographers need to achieve consistent shooting without interruption. With 1.5x greater buffer memory, system speed, and UHS-II support, the α7R IV can capture up to approx. 68 images in a continuous burst at 10fps. With APS-C shooting mode, approximately three times more photos can be shot than with full-frame shooting mode. Fn menu/menu display access, setting changes, and review playback can occur during data writing. A countdown of the number of still images remaining to be written to memory is on display during playback.

Anti-flicker shooting

Flicker from fluorescent and other artificial lighting is automatically detected and shutter action is timed to minimise the effect of flicker on still images. This suppresses exposure and colour anomalies at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds, as well as exposure and colour inconsistency between continuous shots, so you can take images indoors with more confidence.

Dual media slots, both supporting UHS-II

The α7R IV provides two media slots for SD cards, both SLOT 1 and SLOT 2 now compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II for fast mass-volume data writing. Two cards in the slots can be used to simultaneously record or relay record data; separate RAW data from JPEG data, or stills from movies; and copy data from one card to the other. A slide lock structure prevents the memory card cover from being opened unintentionally.

Shooting for more professional lengths

The α7R IV employs the large-capacity NP-FZ100 battery just like α7R III. Due to more energy-efficient circuit design, the α7R IV matches α7R III usage level longevity, despite higher resolution of the α7R IV image sensor and EVF. An optional Vertical Grip (VG-C4EM) can hold two batteries, and an optional Multi Battery Adaptor Kit (NPA-MQZ1K) can hold up to four batteries for even longer hours of shooting. In addition to the use of such optional accessories, USB Type-C® and Multi/Micro USB ports allow external mobile batteries to power the camera for further extended recording.

Enhanced Real-time Eye AF (human eye) delivers more successful portraiture

Real-time Eye AF works in tandem with Real-time Tracking technology, based on the latest evolutionary advances in artificial intelligence, for highly efficient portrait shooting. This progressive system detects and processes face and eye data in real time, and stays locked onto the eye of the subject with unprecedented precision. When “Face/Eye Priority in AF” is ON, Eye AF (AF-C/AF-S/AF-A mode) can be activated not only through a custom key assignment, but also by half-pressing the shutter button or pressing the AF-ON button. This function now allows you to choose a particular eye — left or right, in advance or during shooting. Real-time Eye AF supports movie shooting in addition to stills.

Real-time Eye AF for Animals reliably tracks wild animals and pets

Advanced AI-based subject recognition in Sony’s Real-time Eye AF includes a new algorithm supporting animal tracking for fast, precise, automatic detection and tracking of an animal’s eye. This new capability will greatly increase your success rate when shooting pictures of animals in the wild or beloved pets at home, situations where accurate focus has been a challenge. All AF-C, AF-S, and AF-A focus modes are supported.

Real-time Tracking keeps focusing on tracked subjects

With this technology, accurate focus is maintained automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. You can select a subject as you intend, rely on the α7R IV, and concentrate on your composition since the camera takes care of subject tracking. A newly adopted Real-time Tracking algorithm uses colour, pattern (brightness), and subject distance (depth) data to process spatial information while AI technology detects subject’s face and eye in real time. Available for both stills and movies.

Focal-plane phase-detection AF supports A-mount lenses

Phase-detection AF can operate even when an A-mount lens is attached to the α7R IV via an LA-EA3 Mount Adaptor. The 567-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system provides wide-area coverage, fast response, and high-performance tracking even if an A-mount lens is attached.

Wireless PC Remote function

Using the α7R IV alone, you can operate newly supported wireless PC Remote functions via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz selectable) to remotely control camera settings or send captured images to the camera while shooting. This cable-free setting allows maximum shooting freedom in indoor and outdoor shooting sessions. Moreover, the α7R IV also provides PC Remote functions via SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2) compatible USB Type-C™ port, for image data transfer at time of tether-priority shooting. Even large-sized RAW images can be transferred smoothly and checked via PC immediately.

Versatile flash compatibility

The α7R IV has a sync terminal, so non-dedicated flash units and cables with standard sync terminals can be connected for convenient synchronisation with studio flash units, etc. Release time lag when shooting with flash is minimised for smooth, responsive flash photography. Continuous flash shooting at up to 10fps offers advanced capture capability. To enhance versatility further, slow sync and rear curtain sync can be selected when shooting with wireless off-camera flash.

Pixel Shift Multi Shooting newly supports compositing a picture from 16 pixel-shifted images

A different dimension of resolution opens with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting. The α7R IV now supports image compositing from 16 pixel-shifted images in addition to previously available compositing from four images. Applying advanced image stabilisation control, this renewed feature precisely shifts the sensor in half-pixel increments four times and in one-pixel increments four times alternately, to capture a total of 16 pixel-shifted images. These are composited by PC into one high-precision image of approx. 240.8 million pixels (19,008 x 12,672) from original data that holds the equivalent of approx. 963.2 million pixels to achieve overwhelming resolution in a single picture. Still images of architecture and art are captured in true-to-life detail, texture, colour, mood, setting, and 3D-like realism, recreating hues with minimal moiré or colour artifacts, and even reproducing atmosphere and surroundings with breathtaking fidelity for unprecedented accuracy in real-life imagination.

Reliable durability and weather resistance in tough situations

The α7R IV brings you further enhanced body durability, with full use of lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy for covers and internal frame, keeping the camera highly rigid and light. In response to pro opinions, enhanced sealing is applied to battery cover, terminal cover, and all joints in the chassis, and a double-sealed sliding mechanism replaces the hinge to the media compartment lid for better moisture resistance. Routes to dust and moisture entry have been re-examined, and a cushion around the lens mount is added to ensure reliable operation in challenging environments.

Redesigned controls for confident and comfortable operation

A new multi-selector lets you shift point of focus quickly and intuitively to avoid missing moving subjects. The surface texture is changed to enhance button response for easier and more confident operation, in reply to pro users’ requests. In addition, the AF-ON button is enlarged and optimised for easier access, with an adjusted click feeling and location. And, the new Exposure Compensation Dial Lock Button locks or unlocks alternately at each press, and prevents accidental turning when set to lock position. These improvements enhance your concentration on shutter release to “capture the moment” instantly.

Various touch operations for operational freedom

Touch Focus enables you to simply touch the monitor screen to specify a desired subject near frame edges. Touchpad focus point control allows you to drag the focus frame to any point with a fingertip while using the viewfinder. Touch Tracking makes it easy to initiate subject tracking in stills and movies. Double-tap is for magnified view. Also, α7R IV response speed of Touchpad operation is approx. 1.5 times faster than α7R III.

Making true-to-life high-resolution 4K movies

For high-resolution 4K movies with great detail but minimal moiré and jaggies, Super 35mm mode condenses approximately 2.4 times the data required for 4K movies (QFHD: 3840 x 2160). Advanced α7R IV processing records 4K movies with enhanced reproduction of skin colour and smoother gradations. In addition to S-Log3 and S-Log2 gamma curves, the α7R IV offers HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile for instant HDR workflow, supporting a wide range of HDR movie production needs. The α7R IV incorporates XAVC S recording format for 4K and enables high-quality images at high bitrates of up to 100Mbps.  [1] High flexibility to fine-tune images as desired (Colour grading required)  [2] Instant and high-quality image (Colour grading not required)

Increased Fast Hybrid AF speed and precision for smoother, more stable movie AF

Faster, more precise Fast Hybrid AF achieves smoother, more stable autofocus in movie recording. This greatly reduces the need for focus operation when the camera is used on a gimbal or in assistance-free movie shooting. New Touch Tracking function is also available in movie recording, allowing you to simply touch an aimed subject on the monitor to initiate tracking. Swift AF-S operation is activated when shutter button is pressed halfway (or AF-ON button is pressed), for simplifying movie-making in “must succeed” situations including weddings and documentaries.

Sophisticated digital audio recording via new MI Shoe

Digital audio interface is added to Multi Interface Shoe (MI Shoe). Combination with new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or new XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit enables clear sound recording with minimised quality deterioration by sending digital audio signal to the camera. Cable-free, battery-free style enhances the flexibility of the α system movie shooting.

Versatile movie recording functions

The α7R IV newly allows you to change XAVC S movie file names. For example, you can designate a prefix in advance for easy identification when shooting with multiple cameras. Also, interval shooting function is available for producing time lapse movies. A wide array of functions for pro video workflow is also provided, including clean HDMI output, time code / user bits (TC/UB), rec. control, marker display/setting, zebra function, Slow and Quick Motion, simultaneous proxy movie recording, extraction of a still from a movie, and Gamma Display Assist.

Aspect ratios of 4:3 and 1:1 supported

In addition to the conventional aspect ratios of 3:2 and 16:9, the α7R IV newly supports 4:3 and 1:1. These new aspect ratio settings give professional users more diverse types of delivery data that support a wider span of media.

Improvement of camera settings saving function

Now, a dramatically increased number of camera settings can be stored in the memory card, and saved settings can be read by other cameras of the same model. Moreover, up to 10 sets of camera settings can be stored in a memory card, thanks to Save/Load Setting function. Camera setups can also be imported to Imaging Edge Mobile application while imported setups can be exported to other cameras of the same model.

Customisability for maximised efficiency

Thanks to My Dial, three sets of menu options can be assigned through the front/rear dials and the control wheel. By assigning frequently used functions to these dials, they become instantly available for fingertip control while a custom button is held. 113 functions are assignable to custom buttons. Independent function sets can be assigned for stills, movies, and playback.

Menu interface with prompt customisation

With My Menu, you can register up to 30 frequently used functions for instant recall when needed. Additionally, you can create a custom menu that ideally suits your shooting needs. Thanks to illustration of controls added to custom menus, function meanings are clear and operation becomes intuitive. Help display can be called up by pressing the delete button when using menu screen.

Rating function and Image Jump Setting for efficient on-location sorting

Ratings from 1 to 5 stars can be applied to still images and maintained as the images are imported into Imaging Edge Desktop application (Viewer) running on a PC. This function and a protect function to prevent accidental image deletion can each be assigned to a custom button (C3 by default for protect). Ratings and protection can be applied via review playback display and continuous groups can be reviewed, protected, and deleted while you’re on location or travelling. Image Jump Setting, which allows jumping display at every 10/100 photos, and group display for continuous shots, are convenient features for swift, efficient image reviewing.

Empowered FTP transfer function, now supporting background data transfer

With this camera, you can select images you shot and transfer the data to a designated remote FTP server via Wi-Fi (wireless LAN). For assured security, FTPS (File Transfer Protocol over SSL/TLS) is supported, allowing SSL or TLS data encryption for maximum security. Since FTP file transfer is newly supported as a background operation, image files can be transferred while continuing to shoot, and up to nine FTP servers can be registered in the camera in advance. These advanced features further heighten efficiency of professional workflow. Rely on easier image selection and FTP transfer via Transfer & Tagging add-on app to send files using a mobile device. 5GHz Wi-Fi is available for high-speed connection.

Smart collaboration with mobile devices and accessories

Even after the camera power is off, still and movie files stored in an SD memory card inserted in the camera can be transferred via Wi-Fi connection if you set it up in advance. You can operate Imaging Edge Mobile app installed in your mobile that is paired with the camera to select necessary images.

External flash control from the camera

Software update of the camera, flash and Wireless Radio Commander adds external flash setting function that allows you to configure the settings of an attached flash or Wireless Radio Commander (both sold separately) from the camera. Most settings, including light output, are accessible via a camera menu and changes are shown on flash display.