Sony A7IV

Short answer: Is the Sony A7 IV worth buying?

Yes, for most photographers and hybrid shooters the Sony A7 IV is one of the best all-round full-frame mirrorless cameras. It has a 33-megapixel sensor, strong real-time tracking autofocus, five-axis stabilization, 4K video and dual card slots, and it launched at about $2,499. It is not the fastest or the cheapest, and its competitors (the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Nikon Z6 II and Fujifilm X-H2S) beat it in specific areas, so choose by lens system and priorities.

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Key features

The Sony A7 IV replaced the A7 III in late 2021. Sony's published specifications include:

• 33-megapixel full-frame sensor. A significant resolution step from the 24-megapixel A7 III.
• Real-time tracking and eye autofocus. The system follows people, animals and birds and holds focus on moving subjects.
• Five-axis in-body stabilization. It helps handheld stills and video.
• Video. 4K up to 60p, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and S-Cinetone colour for a filmic look. The 60p mode adds a crop, so check the frame rate you plan to use.
• Dual card slots. One CFexpress Type A / SD slot and one SD slot.
• Vari-angle touchscreen and high-resolution viewfinder. They suit photo and video work.
• Weight. About 700 g with battery and card.

How does it compare with rivals?

Figures come from the makers' published information; check each page for current specifications and pricing. See also the Canon R6 Mark II vs Sony A7 IV comparison and the Sony A7 IV vs Sony A6700 guide.

The trade-offs

• Price. It is a significant investment, but the feature set holds up for several years.
• Lens ecosystem. Getting the most from the sensor and autofocus needs quality lenses. See the best lenses for the Sony A7 IV and the best travel lenses for the A7 IV.
• Battery life. Mirrorless cameras use more power, so carry a spare for long shoots.
• Cropped 4K60. Sony applies a crop in 4K at 60p.

Who should buy it?

• Hybrid shooters who need strong stills and capable video in one body.
• Wedding, event and travel photographers who want reliable autofocus and two card slots.
• Photographers upgrading from an A7 III or from APS-C who want a higher-resolution full-frame sensor.

Who might skip it?

• Sports and wildlife specialists who need very fast bursts may prefer a Sony A9-series or a Canon R6 Mark II.
• Budget buyers can consider a used A7 III or an APS-C camera.
• Heavy video users might prefer a Sony FX3 or ZV-E1 for cooling and codecs.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sony A7 IV good for video? Yes. It records 4K up to 60p with 10-bit colour, but 60p is cropped.

Does it have image stabilization? Yes, five-axis in-body stabilization.

Is it better than the A7 III? It offers more resolution, better autofocus and a better screen and viewfinder, at a higher price.

What lens should I buy first? A 24-70mm f/2.8 or a 24-105mm f/4 covers most situations.