60
state-of-the-art ECM-B1M
shotgun microphone that
connects via the camera’s Multi
Interface Shoe. This has a digital
signal processor (DSP) built-in
for clearer sound recording and
uses Sony’s noise-cancelling
technology to rule out any pesky
or unwanted continuous noise.
The A7R IV rounds off its
comprehensive set of features
with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
connectivity. Transferring single
images or multiple shots to your
device requires a single press of
the Fn button during playback. The
high-speed USB-C port at the
side supports in-camera charging
of the NP-FZ100 battery, which is
rated for 650 shots using the LCD,
or 530 with the EVF.
Build and handling
A number of the improvements
that have been made to the A7R
IV are based around its build and
handling. Its form factor might not
look hugely different, but when
you inspect it closely you realise
there are more changes than first
meet the eye. The handling of
Sony’s A7-series cameras has
come under scrutiny in the past.
To try to change the perception
of the body feeling too small and
fiddly in medium- to large-sized
hands, Sony has enlarged the
handgrip. This contributes to more
of an assured feel than the A7R III
when it’s coupled to large and
heavy telephoto lenses, without
being too big or bulky. I’d go as far
as saying it’s the best handgrip of
any A7-series model. However
just as we stressed when we
reviewed the A7R III, the gap
between handgrip and lens does
remain fairly tight. This isn’t an
issue when you’re working with
bare hands or thin gloves, but
with thick gloves on you could find
it a struggle to squeeze fingers
into the gap.
Another improvement is the
redesigned memory card door. As
well as being made more durable,
it’s less likely to be opened by
mistake. Sony has also made the
logical decision to move slot 1 to
the top and make both SD card
slots UHS-II compatible. The two
loaded cards can be configured
as you like; you can backup files to
each card simultaneously, record
different file types to the two card
slots, or tell the camera to switch
across to the second card after
the first card fills up.
The redesigned body does mean
that it’s not compatible with any
existing battery grips. Those who’d
like to double the battery life and
improve handling in the portrait
format will need to buy Sony’s new
VG-C4EM (£400). Unlike some
grips that only accept one extra
battery, this example accepts two
NP-FZ100 batteries and is made
rigid and lightweight just like
the body, which is fortified by
high-rigidity magnesium-alloy
covers and an internal frame. I’m
glad to be able to report that the
question mark surrounding theplastic covers for the connector
ports has finally been resolved.
These are now rubberised and
offer far superior sealing in wet
and damp conditions.
So what about the rest of the
body? To answer the criticisms
about the exposure compensation
dial being easy to knock, a new
lock has been added. It’s different
from the mode dial lock that has
to be pressed as it’s rotated, and
it can be left either unlocked or
locked over its +/-3EV range.
Other differences on the topplate
include a newly profiled On/Off
switch that doesn’t feel quite as
plasticky. You’ll also notice therear
dial that was previously embedded
into the camera’s back has shifted
up onto the top plate for a better
feel and response with your
thumb. It operates very smoothly
and is silent when it’s rotated.
Shifting our attention to the rear,
the AF-ON button is larger, the
same of which can be said for
the multi-selector that has more
dimples to improve grip and
differentiate the feel from other
buttons when the viewfinder is
raised to your eye. I also found the
buttons across the body to have
more of a squishy feel, suggesting
they now offer improved weather
resistance. As to be expected
from a camera that’s designed
for professional use, the A7R IV
features weather-sealing in all the
key areas to keep dust, dirt, sand
and moisture from reaching the
internals. That said, you’ll notice inthesmallprintthatSonydoessay
it’snotguaranteedtobe100%
dust-andmoisture-proof.
If you’renota fanof theway
theA7RIVis setupoutof the
box,you’llbepleasedtoknowit
providessuperbcustomisation
withupto 113 functions
assignabletothecustombuttons.
Aswe’reusedtoseeing,different
functionscanbeassignedfor
stills,moviesandplayback.The
Functionmenucanberearranged
toyourlikingtoo,ascanthe
configurationof thefrontandrear
dialswhenusingmanualmode.
It hastakenfourgenerations,
butwiththeA7RIVthereis the
realsensethatSonyhasgota lotAn example of the
faithful colour you
can expect from the
A7R IV’s raw files
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM,
1/400sec at f/2.8, ISO 200Sony’s remarkably effective Eye AF was
quick to lock onto the eyes of our model
during a test shoot at West Wittering
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM, 1/400sec at f/2.8, ISO 400