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Sony A7 IV review: All-round performance

Sony A7 IV review: All-round performance

Sony A7 iv

The Sony A7 IV is a camera that's great for both video and still images. If there's one drawback, it's that it's a bit more expensive than you'd expect. In fact, it costs more than the A7 III did at launch at S$3,599 (body only), and S$3,899 with a 28-70mm kit lens. But I daresay it's probably the best all-rounder camera you can get, and a great one to begin your photography hobby or career with.

Quick specs

  • 34.1MP 35mm fullframe, Exmor R CMOS sensor
  • Around 520 shots per battery shot (but we got more)
  • 2.4GHz, 5GHz, Bluetooth connectivity
  • Up to 4K 60p video recording and 120p 1080p

Compared with my A7 III, there are some tweaks to the A7 IV's design. There's a dedicated still/movie/slow and quick (S&Q) dial, so you can switch between modes easily. S&Q lets you shoot timelapse or slow-motion video without needing to post process. The menu system is also a lot better, and the screen now flips out, so you can take selfies a lot easier. I do point out that if you have it connected to a power source or an external monitor, the flipped-out screen will be slightly blocked by the wires. The exposure compensation dial is now a customisable dial, so you can set it to say, switch ISOs quicker, too.

Sony A7 iv
Credit: Aloysius Low/Can Buy or Not

Software-wise, it now supports auto-focus for human eyes, animal eyes, and bird eyes. Focus tracking is pretty good, too. If you're a sports photographer, you can shoot a ton of pictures continuously. I was able to shoot for 13s in RAW even with just a SDXC U3 Class 10 card before the buffer ran out. A faster card will probably have no issues. You can use the A7 IV as a webcam too, without needing a capture card such as the Genki ShadowCast. Just connect a USB-C cable to the camera from your laptop, and it will be detected as a webcam.

Sony A7 iv
Credit: Aloysius Low/Can Buy or Not

As for image performance, the larger 33MP sensor allows for larger pictures compared to the A7 III. This means more details to zoom into. With the Sony FE 200-600MM F5.6-6.3 G OSS, I was able to use APS-C mode for extended reach, and I could even see a fly resting on a tiger's nose. The FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS isn't quite comparable to lenses with a f2.8 aperture, but you'll still get excellent shots. Using the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM, I was able to capture the Milky Way even in light-polluted Singapore. As for video, it's no A7S III, but you can shoot great looking video with sufficient light.

Credit: Aloysius Low/Can Buy or Not
Credit: Aloysius Low/Can Buy or Not

The Sony A7 IV is a great all-round performer. You'll get a camera that's capable of taking really good still shots as well as videos. But if you're on a budget, you may want to consider the A7 III instead. It is cheaper, has almost similar features, and also takes great pictures. But shooting videos on the A7 IV will be a lot better, at 4K/60fps compared to 4K/30fps with the A7 III. Get it from Lazada or Shopee.

See Also
Logitech Brio 300

Note: Review unit provided by Sony.


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Verdict



CAN BUY

A great camera for stills and videos.

Buy from Lazada
Get it from Shopee

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