Alpha A7R IV – Sony’s First Look

Ahead of IBC, Sony releases details for the latest instalment in their α7R series, the MK IV. Following the A7R MK III, the new arrival is a mirrorless camera with an impressive 61MP Full-frame image sensor. And even though considered primarily a stills camera, it also boasts some impressive video capabilities too!

Key Specifications:

• New 61-megapixel BSI full-frame sensor
• Real-time Eye AF for stills, video, humans and animals
• 15-stops dynamic range
• 10fps burst shooting with full AF / AE Tracking
• 4K video with S-Log2/3, HDR
• 567 phase detection AF points

Highest Market Pixel Count

The new Alpha A7R IV has the highest sensor resolution on the market right now surpassing its predecessors A7R Mark III’s 42.4MP and competitor’s Panasonic S1R’s 47.3MP. The 61MP sensor is fully at the heart of this model and can also be used in APS-C crop mode with an image output of 26MP.

Real-Time Eye AF

Very excitingly, Sony’s promotional video accompanying the announcement showed off the camera’s improved human and animal real-time eye tracking. The new algorithm will enable for more precision in higher resolution and meet market demands with high-volume data processing.

15-Stops Dynamic Range

The camera promises 15-stop dynamic range allowing for near perfect resolution, ideal for closing in during hard to reach nature landscape shoots.

Full AF / AE Tracking

We are promised high-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 fps for around 7 seconds with full AF / AE Tracking. This comes with an increased buffer memory, roughly 3x more when in APS-C mode.

4K Video

HDR workflow support, S-Log2/3, and full pixel readout with no pixel binning in Super 35mm are features available for 4K movie recording.

567 AF points

The A7R IV comes with 567 phase detection AF points, which Sony states covers an image area of 74%. This comes with contrast-detection of 425 points and fast steadfast tracking. It will allow for fluid filming for wildlife videography while keeping the subject in focus above the background.

Overall the announcement displayed some impressive features and has us now really excited for seeing Sony officially debuting the A7R MK IV at IBC in September.