The Sony A7 IV is like that friend who somehow manages to be good at everything—photography, video, autofocus, even looking cool while doing it. It takes everything people loved about the A7 III, cranks it up a notch, and delivers a camera that’s equally suited for capturing stunning landscapes, fast-moving action, and high-quality video. While it’s not a revolutionary leap forward, it’s one of those “just right” cameras that balances power, versatility, and ease of use. The price tag may have crept up a bit, but with the improvements packed in, Sony makes a strong case that it’s worth every penny.
Sharper, Bigger, Better Images
With a new 33-megapixel sensor, the A7 IV takes a noticeable step up from its predecessor’s 24MP. That means more detail, better cropping flexibility, and sharper images across the board. Whether you’re shooting grand landscapes or zooming in on your cat’s whiskers, the resolution bump is a welcome addition. The dynamic range remains stellar, so even if you mess up your exposure (it happens to the best of us), there’s plenty of room to recover highlights and shadows. Low-light performance? Still great! The camera holds up remarkably well even at higher ISOs, meaning you can confidently shoot in dimly lit environments without ending up with a grainy mess.
Autofocus So Good, It’s Almost Cheating
Sony’s autofocus system has always been excellent, but the A7 IV takes it to another level. With 759 phase-detection points covering nearly the entire frame and real-time Eye AF that works on humans, animals, and birds, you’ll feel like you have a tiny robot assistant ensuring every shot is tack sharp. Whether you’re capturing your hyperactive dog mid-zoomie or snapping street portraits, this camera locks onto subjects with laser-like precision. It’s so good that sometimes it feels like the camera knows what you’re trying to focus on before you do. Add to that a deeper grip and better button layout, and handling the A7 IV is more comfortable than ever—even during long shooting sessions.
Video Features That Mean Business
For video shooters, the A7 IV is a beast. It shoots 4K at up to 60fps with glorious 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth, meaning your footage will be rich, detailed, and much easier to color grade. It also includes S-Cinetone and S-Log3 for that pro-level cinematic look. However, there’s a small catch—shooting 4K at 60fps introduces a 1.1x crop, which isn’t a dealbreaker but could be mildly annoying if you love wide shots. Otherwise, video quality is fantastic, autofocus works like a dream, and overheating? Not really an issue unless you’re recording nonstop in a sauna.
Built Like a Tank (But Not One That Breaks Your Back)
Sony refined the A7 IV’s build, giving it better weather sealing and a more solid magnesium alloy body. It feels robust without being ridiculously heavy—so your arms won’t hate you after a long day of shooting. The fully articulating touchscreen is a game-changer, making it way easier to frame shots from weird angles (or take a sneaky selfie when nobody’s looking). The electronic viewfinder also gets a nice bump in resolution, making it clearer and more pleasant to use. Battery life remains strong, offering around 600 shots per charge, and USB-C charging means you can top it up on the go.
Final Thoughts: A Near-Perfect All-Rounder
The Sony A7 IV is like a Swiss Army knife for photographers and videographers—it does almost everything really well. Sure, it’s a bit pricier than its predecessor, and that 4K crop is a little annoying, but the overall package is so strong that these minor gripes hardly feel like deal-breakers. If you’re looking for a hybrid camera that delivers high-quality images, pro-level video, and autofocus so good it feels like magic, the A7 IV is hard to beat. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or diving into Sony’s ecosystem for the first time, this camera is an absolute win.
TL;DR
Honks:
✅ 33MP sensor delivers excellent image quality and detail
✅ Fantastic autofocus with real-time tracking and Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds
✅ 4K 60fps video with 10-bit 4:2:2 color for professional-quality footage
✅ Fully articulating touchscreen—great for vlogging and tricky angles
✅ Improved ergonomics and grip for better handling
✅ Strong battery life with USB-C charging and power delivery
✅ Weather-sealed and durable build for outdoor shooting
Cons:
❌ Higher price tag compared to its predecessor
❌ 1.1x crop when shooting 4K at 60fps—not a dealbreaker, but a mild annoyance
❌ No internal RAW video recording (for the hardcore video crowd)
❌ The menu system is better but still not the most intuitive
❌ Single UHS-II SD card slot (the other slot is CFexpress Type A, which is pricey)
Would I recommend the A7 IV? Absolutely. It’s the kind of camera that makes you feel like a pro even if you don’t always know what you’re doing.
