Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Body

Sony ILCE-7M4/B Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Body

Prepare to be inspired. The α7 IV’s true-to-life resolution and remarkable AI-powered autofocus complement a range of world-class features at the cutting edge of imaging technology. Go beyond basic with 33-Megapixel¹ full-frame sensor for outstanding still image and 4K¹¹ movie quality

Key Features

• 33MP¹ full-frame Exmor R™ back-illuminated CMOS sensor
• 8x more powerful², next generation BIONZ XR™ image processing engine
• Up to 4K 60p¹¹ 10-bit 4:2:2 w/ full pixel readout in all rec. formats
• 7K oversampling full-frame 4K¹¹ 30p 10-bit 4:2:2 w/ no pixel binning
• Real-time Eye-AF for humans, animals, birds for photo and movie
• Advanced movie features; Focus Map¹⁶, Breathing Comp¹⁴., AF Assist¹⁷
• UVC/UAC live streaming up to 4K 15p/1080 60p w/ internal recording
• Low noise images w/ ISO up to 204800 and 15+stop dynamic range³
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization and Active Mode18 for handheld movie
• Incredible autofocus w/ 759 phase detection AF points6, 94% coverage
• Large buffer for over 800 uncompressed RAW+JPEG* in continuous fps
• 3.68 mega-dot¹ Quad-VGA OLED viewfinder w/ 120 fps refresh rate

Features

• 33MP high-resolution full-frame sensor
  The full-frame 33MP¹ Exmor R™ back-illuminated CMOS sensor delivers outstanding speed and superb image quality. The use of copper wiring contributes to higher transmission speeds and faster AD (analogue to digital) conversion, while fast sensor readout enables 10-bit 4:2:2 4K recording up to 60p¹¹. The sensor also provides improved color reproducibility, low-noise performance at all sensitivities, 15+stop³ dynamic range and increased AF (autofocus) speed and precision performance. Experience improved levels of color gradation and detail rendering as well as soft, natural-looking human skin textures.
• BIONZ XR™ image processor for up to 8x² processing speed
  The BIONZ XR engine, also used in the Sony Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III models, provides up to an 8x² increase in processing speed. The engine concentrates real-time processing of AF (autofocus), image recognition and image quality adjustment to minimize processing latency for greatly increased movie and still processing power. User interface, network and file management processing is distributed to deliver fast response regardless of real-time processing load.
• Beautiful images with reduced noise
  Building on the capabilities of the back-illuminated Exmor R™ image sensor, the powerful BIONZ XR™ processing engine reveals even higher subjective resolution combined with exquisite detail and texture even in medium and high sensitivity ranges. Impressively low levels of noise are achieved throughout the standard range of ISO 100-51200 (expandable to ISO 50-204800 for stills and ISO 100-102400 for movies).
• Wide, 15-stop³ dynamic range
  Taking advantage of the camera’s full dynamic range of 15 stops³, the Alpha7 IV uses image data from the sensor’s 33-megapixels¹ to render remarkably delicate detail in landscapes and scenery. This stunning image quality is based on Sony’s unrivalled experience at the front lines of both still-image and movie creation.
• 4K 60p¹¹ recording, 4:2:2 10-bit recording
  The Alpha 7 IV gives you an impressive range of video recording options. Full pixel readout without binning allows 4K 60p¹¹ recording in Super 35 mode providing high-resolution smooth footage that can be edited to 2x and 2.5x slow-motion when rendered to 30p or 24p in post-production, and 4K 24p or 30p full pixel readout without binning in full-frame with 7K¹¹ oversampling. For highly detailed and rich 4K content.
• 7K oversampling for beautifully expressive, richly detailed images
  Thanks to the increased² 33MP¹ resolution, the Alpha 7 IV oversamples 7K¹¹ when recording full-frame 4K¹¹ movies at up to 30p, resulting in high-resolution, highly detailed 4K¹¹ for beautifully expressive, rich images. Select the mode that best suits your purpose, and let the camera deliver.
• Beautiful color expression made simple, with S-Cinetone™
  The Alpha 7 IV supports S-Cinetone, based on expertise gained through development of the VENICE CineAlta professional cinema camera line. This look is responsible for the beautiful skin tones for which Cinema Line cameras like the FX9, FX6 and FX3 are widely acclaimed. It delivers natural mid-tones for healthy-looking skin color, plus soft colors and gorgeous highlights. It’s easy to create a more expressive look for your movie imagery without post-editing, since S-Cinetone is processed in-camera.
• Breathing Compensation¹⁴ for consistent angle of view when focusing
  For the first time in the Sony Alpha series, the Alpha 7 IV provides compensation for focus breathing¹⁴. Focus breathing is any change in a lens’s angle of view that corresponds to changes in focus. Sony’s original Clear Image Zoom technology is used to automatically maintain a consistent angle of view for more movie-like focus transitions. This feature can be used in conjunction with Active Mode image stabilization to shoot stable, consistent imagery.
• Visualize depth of field with Focus Map¹⁶
  Answering requests from professional creators, the brand-new Focus Map¹⁶ feature lets you easily visualize depth of field (DOF) and which areas are in and out of focus when you’re in movie mode. In use, focus information (depth map) is overlaid on the display of the live view in real time. Areas in focus and within the set DOF appear translucent, while areas out of focus behind the DOF appear blue and those in front of the DOF appear red. Focus Map can be used in autofocus and manual focus modes and greatly enhances the ability to check focus and map depth of field.
• AF Assist¹⁷ for seamless transitions between AF and manual focus
  The AF Assist¹⁷ function, inherited from the Cinema Line FX6, lets you seamlessly switch to and from autofocus and manual focus during movie shoots. When this feature is turned on, rotating the focus ring temporarily switches operation from autofocus to manual focus to allow you to deliberately shift your focus to a different subject. Autofocus is resumed when ring rotation stops.
• Fast Hybrid AF with improved speed, precision and tracking
  The Fast Hybrid AF system, combining 759 phase-detection AF points⁶ and 425 contrast-detection AF points with a wide coverage of roughly 94% of the image area for both stills and movies, has evolved even further to achieve greater speed, accuracy and tracking performance. This vast collection of data is analyzed in real time by the latest powerful BIONX XR™ processing engine to achieve the AF system’s impressive results.
• Instantly turn your Alpha 7 IV into a live streaming web camera
  All it takes is a USB²² connection to turn the full-frame Alpha 7 IV into a high-performance webcam. There’s no need for complicated advance setup; just connect the camera to a computer or smartphone via USB²⁷, select “Live Stream (USB Streaming)”, and you’re set. You can choose from four different output formats²⁸, including high-resolution 4K video and simultaneous internal recording is also available, giving you broad flexibility to cover a wide variety of needs.
• Superior quality and smaller file sizes with XAVC HS¹³
  The XAVC HS¹³ recording format uses HEVC/H.265 encoding to achieve twice the compression efficiency of AVC/H.264 encoding for superior image quality and smaller space-saving file sizes.
• 5-axis optical image stabilization
  The Alpha 7 IV’s in-body image stabilization allows effective use with a wide range of lenses. The high-precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors work with stabilization algorithms to achieve up to 5.5 steps⁴ of shutter-speed compensation to maximize the performance of the camera’s 33MP¹ sensor. The live monitor view shows the stabilized still image while the shutter button is half-pressed, an especially helpful feature when using a telephoto or macro lens, and it can be used in conjunction with the MF (manual focus) Assist and Focus Magnifier features.
• Hand-held movie shooting with Active Mode*
  Active Mode³⁰ uses the camera’s stabilization unit, gyro sensors and sophisticated algorithms for highly effective in-camera optical image stabilization during movie shoots. The powerful processing engine precisely detects the required amount of compensation for smooth stabilization in all formats, including 4K, without compromising the Alpha 7 IV’s compact size and mobility. And, because the gyro data is also recorded alongside the video, even more effective post-production stabilization can be applied for ultra-smooth shots using Catalyst Browse/Prepare software¹⁹.
• Smoother gradation rendering with 10-bit HEIF²⁶ recording
  The Alpha 7 IV offers HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) ²⁶ still-image encoding in addition to 14-bit RAW and conventional 8-bit JPEG. 10-bit color depth minimizes degradation of image quality when editing, providing smooth gradations and more realistic reproduction of skies and portrait subjects where subtle, natural gradation is essential. HEIF still images recorded in HLG mode can be played back on a compatible BRAVIA 4K TV, via an HDMI connection, to display images with an extraordinarily wide dynamic range.
• 3.68 mega-dot¹ high-definition Quad-VGA OLED viewfinder
  The Alpha 7 IV features a 3.68 mega-dot¹ high-definition Quad-VGA OLED viewfinder, providing roughly 1.6 times the resolution of the Alpha 7 III viewfinder, with a 37.3° field of view and a 23mm high eyepoint. With high resolution, improved electronic viewfinder image quality, fogging and dust resistance (including significantly improved internal fogging resistance relative to the Alpha 7 III), it is designed for clear and comfortable viewing in a wide range of shooting environments.
• Vari-angle touch LCD monitor for greater freedom when shooting
  The large, side-opening 3-inch 1.03-mega-dot¹ touch-panel LCD monitor offers ample brightness for clear viewing in outdoor settings and its 3:2 aspect ratio makes efficient use of the display area. The vari-angle mechanism allows flexible positioning and framing for handheld shots, gimbal-mounted or documentary-style self-shooting, or very low ground-level shots. In addition, the touch functionality allows for fast and easy menu access in addition to advanced touch focus features for both still and movie.
• AF control through touch operation
  Touch operation²³ is now possible for AF operations such as Touch Tracking during shooting. Along with pinch-to-zoom during playback, this translates into more intuitive operation. Touch Tracking lets you select a subject to track simply by touching the LCD screen, even while using the viewfinder, for more intuitive AF control for both still shots and movies. Easier focus operation is particularly helpful when you’re shooting movies alone or using a gimbal, allowing you to concentrate on composing your shots.
• Dual media slots
  Dual media slots allow you to continue shooting even if one memory card fills up. Both slots support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards and one of the slots supports high-performance CFexpress Type A cards. With their fast write speeds, CFexpress Type A cards are particularly suited to high-resolution, high-speed continuous still shooting as well as high-resolution, high-bitrate 4K movie recording.
• Reliable, robust engineering
  The Alpha 7 IV has improved dust and moisture resistance⁵ to provide outstanding reliability even in challenging outdoor shooting environments. Design refinements include more sealing at body seams and the battery compartment cover², a redesigned lens lock button, and extra cushioning around the mount. A lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy used for the camera’s top cover, front cover, and internal frame provides excellent durability.
• High-capacity Z batteries and USB Power Delivery²⁴
  The Alpha 7 IV uses a high-capacity Z battery (NP-FZ100), along with optional external power options that include USB power supplies²⁴ and AC adaptors. Battery drain can be minimized by adding a high-capacity mobile battery for extended shooting. A USB charger or mobile battery that supports USB PD²⁵ can be connected to the camera’s USB Type-C® port, for extended recording.

Footnotes:

• ¹ Approximate effective.
• ² Compared to the Alpha 7 III.
• ³ Sony test conditions. 15-stop for Still images. 15+ stops for Movie.
• ⁴ CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off. Still-image mode.
• ⁵ Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
• ⁶ 759 AF measurement points for still images. The number of points used varies according to the shooting mode.
• ⁷ Up to 10 fps in continuous “Hi+” mode and up to 8 fps in continuous “Hi” mode. Maximum continuous shooting speed is reduced when shooting lossless or uncompressed RAW / RAW+JPEG images. Maximum fps will depend on camera settings. Sony test conditions.
• ⁸ CFexpress Type A memory card is required.
• ⁹ “Tracking” must be activated in the menu.
• ¹⁰ Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations.
• ¹¹ 4K QFHD (3840×2160). 7K (7032 x 3958). 4K 24p (25p) and 30p available in full-frame mode. 4K 60p (50p) recording available in Super 35mm mode only.
• ¹² SDXC memory card (V90 or higher) or CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) required.
• ¹³ XAVC HS compatible editing software is required. XAVC HS format uses the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 high-efficiency codec.
• ¹⁴ Angle of view and image quality may change slightly when this feature is turned on. Breathing Compensation is not available for unsupported lenses, 120p (100p) movie recording, S&Q recording at 120p (100p), or stills. Compatibility of lenses is limited. Please see Sony support page for lens compatibility. https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/
• ¹⁵ Digital audio signal is available when using compatible digital MI shoe microphone.
• ¹⁶ The Focus Map function cannot be used under the following conditions: when shooting stills, when the Focus Magnifier function is in use, when using digital zoom, during USB streaming, when no lens is mounted, when an A-mount lens is mounted, or when using the SEL16F28. For other lenses, please use the latest firmware.
• ¹⁷ Not available when using the SELP1650, SEL18200LE or A-mount lenses.
• ¹⁸ Effectiveness may vary according to conditions.
• ¹⁹ The Focus Map function cannot be used in the following conditions: When shooting stills, when the Focus Magnifier function is in use, when using digital zoom, during USB streaming, when no lens is mounted, when an A-mount lens is mounted, or when using the SEL16F28. For other lenses, please use the latest firmware.
• ¹⁹ Catalyst version 2021.1 or later is required. Camera image stabilization must be set to [Off] or [Active] in order to use the recorded metadata for image stabilization. Gyro data is not recorded when 120 fps or 100 fps is selected.
• ²⁰ The divider frame is a still image and will not be visible when only movie files are being displayed. Divider frames are created in JPEG format, even when shooting RAW, RAW+JPEG, or HEIF images.
• ²¹ Available when assigned to a custom button.
• ²² 5GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions.
• ²³ Touch Operation must be turned on in advance via the menu.
• ²⁴ USB charging and power delivery are only supported via the USB Type-C® terminal. A battery must be installed in the camera when supplying USB power. The internal battery may drain even if USB power is supplied, depending on the adaptor used and camera operating conditions.
• ²⁵ 9V/3A output. Compatibility is not guaranteed with all USB PD devices. The internal battery will not be charged while camera power is ON and the camera is in use.
• ²⁶ Imaging Edge Desktop and Mobile are available as free download. Imaging Edge Mobile™ version 7.6 or later is required. Imaging Edge Desktop (Remote/Viewer/Edit) version 3.2 or later is required. Does not support full functional compatibility with some camera models. See the Sony support site for details: https://www.sony.net/disoft/help
• ²⁷ Your PC or smartphone OS must be compatible with UVC/UAC to use this functionality. Among smartphones, operation has been verified with the Xperia Pro, Xperia 1 II, Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 II and Xperia 5 III (latest firmware required) for Android™ 11 or later (As of Oct 2021). Compatibility with other smartphones depends on manufacturers’ specifications. A commercially available USB cable and/or terminal adaptor may be used to connect to equipment with a USB Type-C port. Audio will not be available when the camera is connected to an Xperia smartphone via the USB Type-C® connector using a USB 3.0 cable, and resolution is set to 1920 x 1080 or above. Audio will be available if resolution is set to HD720. Resolution is limited to 1280 x 720 when connecting via the USB Type-C® connector or Multi/Micro USB connector using a USB 2.0 cable.
• 28 Available formats are 4K 15p (12.5p), Full HD 60p (50p), Full HD 30p (25p), and HD720 30p (25p).
• ³⁰ Slight image crop in Active Mode. “Standard” setting recommended for focal lengths of 200mm or longer. Active Mode is not available when recording at 120 (100) fps.
• ³¹ When using a compatible flash unit from Sony.