Sony a7R IV
Sony · Mirrorless · 61.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a7R IV |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2019 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | July 16, 2019 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 129 x 96 x 78 mm |
| Camera weight | 665 g |
Optics85/100 | |
About the OpticsConsidering its specifications and release year, the Sony a7R IV remains a competitive choice in today’s market. Its high score represents the quality and capabilities this camera offers to users. Sony a7R IV Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony a7R IV received a score of 85/100. This camera boasts 61.2 megapixels, a shooting speed of 10 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor. The Bionz X processor, a DXOMARK sensor score of 99, and a full-frame sensor size all contribute to its high-quality performance. The Sony FE lens mount and built-in image stabilization enhance the camera’s capabilities, while the 3:2 aspect ratio ensures versatile photo composition. The Sony a7R IV’s specifications hold up well in today’s competitive market. With a high megapixel count and impressive shooting speed, this camera delivers sharp and detailed images. Its full-frame sensor and advanced processor ensure excellent image quality, while the image stabilization feature minimizes blur from camera shake. The Sony a7R IV is a strong contender in the world of high-performance cameras due to its powerful optics and advanced features. Its high score demonstrates the camera’s ability to provide photographers with the tools they need to capture stunning images. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 61.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 9504 x 6336 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.8 x 35.7 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony FE |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz X |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 320003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 4250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 576000009900000 |
Video70/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony a7R IV receives a video score of 70/100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160) and a maximum frame rate of 30fps. The built-in time-lapse functionality adds versatility to its video capabilities. In today’s competitive market, the a7R IV’s 4K video resolution and 30fps frame rate are standard features among high-end cameras. However, some rival models offer higher frame rates, allowing for smoother video and slow-motion capture. Despite this, the Sony a7R IV still delivers excellent video quality for most users. The Sony a7R IV’s video capabilities are strong, but not class-leading. Its 4K resolution and 30fps frame rate provide solid performance, and the time-lapse functionality adds creative options for users. While it may not be the top choice for videographers, the a7R IV remains a reliable option for high-quality video capture. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Features83/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony a7R IV boasts a feature score of 83/100, showcasing its strong performance in various aspects. The camera is equipped with a 3-inch touchscreen that has a resolution of 1,440,000 dots, providing users with a clear and responsive display. The flip screen feature adds versatility, making it easier to capture images from different angles. Despite lacking GPS, the Sony a7R IV compensates with built-in WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing users to easily transfer files and remotely control the camera. These features make the camera competitive in today’s market, where connectivity and convenience are highly valued. The Sony a7R IV’s features contribute to its overall appeal, offering a balance of performance, versatility, and connectivity. This camera stands as a strong contender for both amateur and professional photographers who demand high-quality results. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 14400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | |
Storage & Battery79/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony a7R IV earns a storage and battery score of 79/100, showcasing its strong performance in this area. This camera features two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-II compatibility. In terms of battery life, the a7R IV can capture up to 670 shots using the NP-FZ100 battery, and it also supports USB charging. In comparison with other cameras on the market, the a7R IV’s storage and battery capabilities are commendable. The dual memory card slots provide convenience and flexibility for photographers, while the battery life allows for extended shooting sessions. USB charging is a valuable addition, making it easy to recharge the camera on the go. The Sony a7R IV stands out as an impressive camera with reliable storage and battery performance, catering to the needs of professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | |
| Battery type | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 670 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | |