Sony has announced the Alpha 7 IV with a newly developed 33- megapixel full-frame image sensor. The Alpha 7 IV takes ‘basic’ to the next level for full-frame cameras with excellent image quality and performance. This new model redefines the original standard set by the Alpha 7 III.
Featuring many of Sony’s most advanced imaging technologies including the latest BIONZ XR processing engine and advanced AF (autofocus) capabilities based on the flagship Alpha 1 model, the Alpha 7 IV is the perfect all-around camera for today’s imaging enthusiasts and professionals. The Alpha 7 IV also boasts a new 33 MP image sensor that will produce rich images and various new features to support the growing demand for remote communication, redefining what a ‘basic’ camera can accomplish.
“In 2018, the Alpha 7 III set the benchmark for what full-frame cameras should deliver, and now Sony has redefined those standards,” said Jun Yoon, Head of Digital Imaging Sony Australia & New Zealand. “The Alpha 7 IV brings together the best of Sony imaging technology to deliver an exceptional experience in both stills and video, allowing users to capture their creative vision, in any situation they find themselves in.”
Innovation Never Ends
The new Alpha 7 IV is the ultimate hybrid camera packed with outstanding still image quality and evolved video technology with advanced autofocus, enhanced operability and workflow capability. The model was also developed with the environment in mind by using Sony’s original recycled plastic SORPLAS for the camera body and the packaging with recyclable materials and less plastic.
Outstanding Image Quality
With a newly developed 33MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, superior image quality and wide ISO sensitivity are achieved. The high resolution enables the camera to express smooth gradation, fine details and textures of the subject while reducing noise. Its 15-stop dynamic range allows a wide expressive range while Creative Look settings can help to create original looks effortlessly for both stills and video.
Next Level Autofocus Performance
The latest processing engine BIONZ XR, also used in the flagship Alpha 1, delivers high-speed AF, uninterrupted continuous shooting at 10fps with AF/AE tracking and a large buffer for a smooth shooting experience. Alpha 7 IV tracks subjects with tenacious Real-Time Tracking and 759 phase-detection AF points in a high-density focal-plane phase-detection AF system that covers approximately 94% of the image area. Additionally, for the first time, Real-time Eye AF can now track birds and animals’ eyes for both still images and movies, in addition to humans. The detection accuracy for the human face and eyes is also approximately 30% more improved, compared with Alpha 7 III.
Evolved Movie Technology
The Alpha 7 IV inherits technology taken from real-world movie production including S-Cinetone – adopted from Sony’s highly regarded Cinema Line cameras used by a broad range of filmmakers and content creators – to deliver a rich, cinematic look. High-quality movie recording is achieved with 4K 60p recording in Super 35mm mode and up to 4K 30p recording with 7K oversampling in full-frame mode. The new camera also features 10-bit depth 4:2:2 colour sampling to enable natural gradation, XAVC S-I intra-frame encoding for more efficient editing workflows and XAVC HS for doubled compression efficiency.
To meet the growing need for precise AF performance when shooting videos, unique AF features are achieved when using the Alpha 7 IV with selected Sony E-mount lenses, including AF Assistiii that supports focus transitions when using AF and Focus Map that visualises depth of field. For the first time in the Alpha series, the new camera features Breathing Compensation to combat focus breathing and maintain a consistent angle of view throughout focus changes and can be switched on or off.
Advanced Operability as a Genuine Hybrid Model
The Alpha 7 IV is a hybrid still and movie camera with outstanding operability and reliability that easily allows the user to switch from photo to movie and back at their convenience. New to Sony’s line-up of Alpha cameras is a dual-layer mode dial with the lower layer for selecting Still/Movie/S&Q and the top layer for Auto/P/A/S/M and MR (Memory Recall), enabling users to quickly select and switch between the dedicated settings. It also has 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation for a 5.5- step shutter speed advantage, as well as an improved grip for greater comfort and a CFexpress Type A compatible media slot to support media with faster writing and clearance. Additionally, the 3.68 million-dot OLED Quad-VGA viewfinder is 1.6 times the resolution of the Alpha 7 III viewfinder, allowing users to benefit from the upgraded live-view image quality that minimises false colour and increases resolution.
Videographers can record 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video continuously for more than an hour thanks to the camera’s heat-dissipating structure. Optical ‘Active Mode’vi image stabilisation helps optimum video shooting. They can also benefit from the 3.0-type 1.03 million-dot side-opening vari-angle touch-panel rear LCD monitor, top-panel REC button and high-capacity Z-series battery.
The Alpha 7 IV body is built with magnesium alloy to achieve robustness while minimising its weight. In addition, the redesigned structure and lens lock button contribute to enhanced dust and moisture resistance.
Enhanced Workflow Capabilities
By offering a variety of connectivity options, the Alpha 7 IV enables on-the-spot streaming and sharing of high-quality content to meet the growing need for remote communication in real-time without sacrificing excellent image and sound quality. The connection between the camera and mobile application Imaging Edge Mobile is simplified via Bluetooth, and fast data transfer is possible by 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
The camera also has a new feature called “Shot Mark” to enable easy access to the marked scenes in a video clip, within camera and on Sony’s Catalyst Browse/Prepare applications.
Furthermore, the camera has a range of new features to support live streaming and remote communication without the need for dedicated software. UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) turn the Alpha 7 IV into a high-performance live streaming camera when connected to a computer or smartphone. High image quality such as 4K 15p and 1080 FHD 60p deliver realistic video for remote sharing and the Alpha 7 IV’s digital audio interface can be paired with a range of mics and accessories to deliver high-quality sound.
Pricing and Availability
The Alpha 7 IV will be available from late November 2021 for approximately $4,800 NZD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout New Zealand.
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new camera and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony Alpha brand cameras.