Sony Alpha 7R IV - New full-frame camera with 61.0 MP
Sony currently has a broad and modern position in many camera sectors and has set new trends with the widespread distribution of mirrorless system cameras, which are now also popular in the professional market. Sony has sold the most full frame cameras with interchangeable lenses in the last 20 months. They themselves attribute this growth to their proximity to customers and the fact that Sony regularly exceeds their expectations Sony is currently offering current compact cameras in the form of the RX100 IV. The APS-C range is represented by the recently released Alpha 6400 and the Alpha 6500 flagship, which is now a year and a half old. In the full-frame camera segment, the Alpha7 III as a standard model and the high-resolution Alpha 7R III complete the beginner-friendly segment, while the Alpha 9 is primarily aimed at professional photographers.
The wait is over
In the days leading up to the release, there was a lot of speculation online about the upcoming Sony innovations. There was always talk of new camera models in the APS-C range, the third generation of the Sony Alpha 7S, or an update to the flagship model of the Alpha 9 series. Sony managed to keep the presentation of the Alpha 7R IV a secret until just a few hours before its release.
At the press conference on July 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Sony CEO of the Alpha camera segment first spoke about the excellent market position of Sony image sensors and the vision of the Sony Imaging division.
Test images from our hands-on test
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The fourth generation of the R-series
The new Sony a7R IV is an excellent addition to the R series of high-resolution cameras.
Technical information on the Sony Alpha 7R IV
Sensor
At the heart of the camera is an unprecedented full-frame CMOS sensor with a resolution of 61 megapixels. In combination with the latest BIONZ X image processor, the back-illuminated image sensor not only achieves a particularly high dynamic range of around 15 stops at low ISO sensitivity, but also unprecedented dimensions for full-frame cameras in terms of capturing fine gradations and details.
If there is not enough light for certain shooting situations, the α7R IV with an ISO sensitivity of 100-32,000 ensures highly efficient noise reduction and successful images even in difficult lighting conditions. For extreme situations, the range can be extended to 50-102,400, ensuring the creation of photos in even the most extreme situations.
Also on board is the 5-axis image stabilization in the body, which works even more efficiently. Hand-held shots with a stabilization of up to 5.5 f-stops should be possible. The new R-series model is a camera for every application thanks to its ability to capture situations completely silently. Whether wildlife, street or wedding photography, the electronic shutter makes it possible to go underwater and work in silence. During the press conference, there was also a real innovation for cameras from Sony on display. Excerpts from high-resolution photos showed a quality that was previously only found in medium format cameras. The so-called Pixel Shift Multi function makes it possible to combine multiple exposures into a single shot of a groundbreaking 240.8 megapixels. Unique scenes can now be captured in greater detail than ever before.
Speed
The Sony also sets new standards in terms of speed. With full autofocus tracking, up to ten images per second can be captured in full resolution. This gives photographers the full power of 61 megapixels, even in areas that rely on a high shooting speed. This allows sports and wildlife photographers to capture images with a level of detail that was previously not possible.
Despite the large amounts of data generated by the high-resolution sensor, the buffer memory has been increased considerably. Up to 68 images can be captured in continuous fire mode before the speed is reduced.
Switching the camera to APS-C mode means you can still work with an impressive 26.2 megapixels and therefore have a higher resolution than the competition, but can take up to three times as many pictures before the buffer goes on strike. The additional crop can be particularly helpful for wildlife and sports photography, as can extended continuous shooting. The new viewfinder with a full 5.76 million pixels supports work in the most extreme situations. The 1.6 times higher resolution achieves a more precise image preview, and if the quality mode of the viewfinder is set to "High", it even works at a frame rate of 120 or 100 frames per second. This makes it easier to track the subject and also reduces distracting moir? and staircase effects.
Autofocus
The autofocus works with 567 phase detection autofocus points, which cover 74% of the viewfinder image. Compared to the third generation, this is both an improvement in coverage and a considerably higher number of autofocus points. In reality, together with the improved AF tracking, this should ensure even more reliable operation - even in difficult lighting conditions. Sony claims precise focusing up to EV-3. Particularly worth mentioning is the newly implemented AI real-time tracking. Half-pressing the shutter button activates tracking and the camera independently tracks the desired subject. The camera now recognizes the subject in real time and switches independently and reliably between focusing on the face or even the eye and back again as soon as a subject is recognized.
This allows professional portrait photographers to concentrate on communicating with the model and leave the focusing largely to the camera. This ensures an optimized workflow and more time for conscious image composition. However, this does not only apply to people, animals are also recognized and the eye is placed in focus. This means that even the most spontaneous moments can be banished to the memory card and never again will a moment be lost due to focus problems.
Video features
The Alpha 7R IV is the right choice for creating high-quality videos. 4k movie recording is integrated and delivers brilliant images with precise skin tones and smooth gradations. You can choose between full-frame and Super 35 shooting modes. Super 35 uses a smaller area of the sensor, roughly the size of an APS-C sensor, so the selected image section is cropped by a factor of 1.6. This ensures greater variance when filming and image compositions that would not be possible without cropping. The good thing is that the images do not lose any of their quality. Even in Super 35 mode, the sensor offers a resolution that is more than sufficient for 4k.
For professional shots or moments with particularly high contrasts, the Alpha 7R IV offers recording with the S-Log3 and HLG image profiles. This ensures a significantly increased dynamic range and makes it possible to capture every conceivable situation in cinematic style.
Filming is also made easier by constant AF tracking, even in video mode. For the first time, eye detection now also works during video recording and never loses sight of your subject.
The highlights of theAlpha 7R IV at a glance
- World's first 35 mm full-frame 61.0 megapixel image sensor
- 15-stop extended dynamic range
- 5-axis optical ln-body image stabilization
- 10 fps shooting with full AF / AE tracking
- 567 phase detection AF points, 74% coverage
- Real-time eye autofocus for photos/ movies/ people/ animals
- Real-time tracking now also for video
- 5.76 million pixels UXGA OLED viewfinder
- Improved connectivity and usability
- 4K movie recording, S-Log2/3, HDR
- Improved dust and moisture resistance
Pre-order bonus at Foto Koch
Order your new Sony Alpha 7R IV now at Foto Koch and get an exclusive pre-order bonus.
Every pre-order placed by September 30th will receive a 3-year breakdown cover for the camera. So your camera will always be safe, no matter what happens, and you can take pictures worry-free.
