http://www.digitalcameraworld.com DECEMBER 2019 DIGITAL CAMERA^113
Key features
61 million pixels is a ground-breaking
resolution for full-frame cameras,
but it’s worth pointing out that this
increase is spread across both the
image width and height, so the A7R
IV’s images are not that much larger
than those of the Nikon Z 7, say,
measuring 9,504 x 6,336 pixels (Sony)
versus 8,256 x 5,504 pixels (Nikon).
That’s an increase in image width
and height of 15%.
What’s truly impressive, though, is
how Sony has managed to maintain
a 10fps continuous shooting speed,
despite the massive increase in the
data that’s being captured and
processed. True, the buffer capacity
is restricted to 68 raw files/JPEGs,
but it’s also possible to shoot in
an APS-C mode that captures
26-megapixel images and with three
times the buffer capacity (claimed).
Sony’s latest autofocus system
brings 567 phase-detection AF points
to the A7R IV, covering 74% of the
image area (or the entire area in
APS-C mode), and supporting both
human and animal eye tracking.
Video performance gets a boost
with the addition of Real-Time AF,
but otherwise it does feel as if Sony
is resting on its laurels somewhat.
There’s still no 50/60p 4K video
capability, nor 10-bit capture; and
if you want the best ‘oversampled’
quality, you need to use the cropped
Super 35 mode. You can capture Full
HD at up to 120fps. Arguably, the
A7R IV is hardly a video specialist.
Nevertheless, it does feel as if the
video capabilities have not really
advanced significantly.
The A7R Mark IV does bring wireless
tethered shooting capability, though
the large files and limited wireless
data bandwidth means you’re
still likely to be better of with an
old-fashioned cable connection.
Sony says its five-axis in-body
stabilisation system has been tuned
for this new camera to offer up to
5.5EV compensation, and the A7R IV’s
Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode
can merge 16 shots made with
tiny pixel-shifts between each to
produce 240MP images – if you
have static subjects, sufficient4
The EVF has a high
resolution at 5.76m
dots, but manages
to looks a little
oversharpened.5
The rear touchscreen
is smaller than some
(3-in, not 3.2-in), can’t
flip forwards and has
no sideways action.6
The focus joystick
is a good size and
proves very useful
for positioning the
AF point quickly.7
Unlike the Nikon Z 7
and the Lumix S1R,
the A7R IV does not
have a status screen
on the top plate.8
On the Sony A7R IV,
customisable C1, C2,
C3 and C4 buttons
replace dedicated WB
and other controls.9
The EV compensation
dial is handy, and has
a locking button to
prevent it being
turned accidentally.storage capacity and the required
Sony Imaging Edge 2.0 software.Build and handling
Sony’s A7 series was the first full-
frame mirrorless camera design, and
it’s still the smallest. That’s great in
principle, but when you match up
these bodies with Sony’s bigger,
high-performance lenses
(especially the premium6489Sony Alpha 7R IV Mirrorless
This portrait shot from an official Sony hands-on session
really highlights the value of Sony’s Eye AF system,
especially with fast prime lenses at wide apertures.57