At an event in New York yesterday, Sony announced the follow-up of its 2017 A7R III full-frame mirrorless camera. Simply put, the A7R IV, the new camera boasts some major upgrades over previous models, which were already featured in the beginning. The A7 series ‘R’ moniker stands for resolution, and the new model has a brand new 61-megapixel sensor, a big step up from the previous model’s 42.4-megapixel sensor. Also, the camera boasts a 15-stop dynamic range, fast blast shooting, a new real-time IF for video, an upgraded electronic viewfinder (EVF) and professional 4K shooting mode. The new camera will start shipping in September at $ 3,500 (approximately Rs. 2,40,700).
The highlight of the A7R IV is of course the 61-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which Sony claims is the first of its kind. Sony’s Pixel Shift Multi Shooting is also available, which shoots 16 high-resolution images, one or half a pixel with a slight change in the sensor positioning for each image. You can then combine all images in Sony’s Imaging Edge software for an effective 240.8-megapixel resolution image.
Some basic specifications include 100-32,000 (expandable), 567 PDAF and 425 contrast detection autofocus points, e-mounts and an ISO range of Sony’s BIONZ X image processors. The new camera may look like the old model, but Sony says it has made some upgrades in design and usability. Aluminum alloy body gets extra sealing in all seams to prevent dust and moisture. A spacious hand grip, new multi-selector joystick and redial shape and position of the rear dial have been redesigned. Both card slots are UHS-II compliant.
The A7R IV also debuts real-time IF while shooting movies and supports Eye AF for humans and animals. It has an OLED EVF with 5.76 million dot resolution, which is still the highest for a Sony full-frame camera. There’s also a professional 4K video recording mode that shoots at full resolution in Super 35 mode without pixel binding. S-Log3 and HDR workflow also supported. Burst shooting is an impressive 10fps with AE / AF tracking for about seven seconds and three times more when shooting in cropped (APS-C) mode. The battery is rated to deliver about 670 shots per charge when using the LCD.
Sony has announced a bunch of new accessories for the A7R IV. It includes the VG-C4EM vertical grip, as well as built-in batteries for extended battery life. It also sold for $ 400 (about Rs. 27,500) in September. Sony has also announced the ECM-B1M shotgun microphone, the XLR-K3M XLR adapter kit, which will sell for এবং 350 (approximately Rs. 24,000) and $ 600 (approximately Rs. 41,200) in September and October, respectively.