Sony a7R IV Introduces World’s First 61MP Full-Frame Sensor
July 17, 2019
Just when you thought the bar couldn’t get much higher than the much-lauded Sony a7R III, Sony announces the landmark new a7R Mark IV.
Sporting a brand new image sensor (Sony’s first since 2015), outstanding AF and fine-tuned design, Sony’s latest professional/enthusiast offering looks set to lead the full-frame mirrorless camera race.
Medium format resolution in a compact full-frame body
The Sony a7R IV’s standout feature is its whopping 61MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor – a world first among full frame sensors, with around 1.5 times the resolution of its nearest rival. Coupled with an outstanding 15 stops of dynamic range and ISO 100-32,000 (expandable up to 102,400) sensitivity, this promises lifelike levels of detail and colour rendition seen only in medium format cameras. With its stunning 240MP Pixel Shift photo function, the camera is also capable of capturing astonishingly detailed 963MP photos from 16-image composites.
4K with HLG and digital audio input
Videographers are just as well catered for with stunningly three-dimensional 4K, courtesy of 6K oversampling. Super 35mm mode offers full pixel readout with no pixel binning, for even smoother and higher res footage. S-Log2/3 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) are supported, enabling HDR (High Dynamic Range) content production, and a multi-interface shoe for a new external microphone (sold separately) makes ultra-high quality digital audio input possible for the first time in any camera.
Improved tracking & real-time Eye AF
Equally impressive are the improvements to Sony’s already industry-leading autofocus system. Comprising 567 focal plane phase-detection AF points covering around 74% of the frame, the Sony a7R IV’s ‘4D Focus’ delivers real-time eye tracking for stills and, for the first time, movies. In stills mode this works for animals as well – great news for wildlife shooters, not to mention enthusiast photographers with elusive pets! Full AF/AE tracking is possible at 10 fps continuous shooting, so anticipate stellar speed and sharpness for action sequences.
New design features & enhancements
The a7R IV inherits the a7R III’s superb 5.5-stop 5-axis in-body image stabilisation but benefits from numerous physical upgrades. Key among these are a new 5.76 million dot UXGA OLED electronic viewfinder delivering ultrafine detail and low display motion blur; significantly upgraded dust and moisture resistance; a deeper, more comfortable grip; an enhanced button/dial design and layout for better usability; wireless PC Remote; and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.
Also announced by Sony
Sony FE 35mm F1.8 lens (SEL35F18F)
A compact, lightweight large-aperture addition to Sony’s full-frame lens lineup, the Sony FE 35mm F1.8 lens boasts brilliant edge-to-edge image quality and quiet, high-performance tracking ideal for both stills and video.
Shotgun Microphone (ECMB1M) - ETA TBC
Compact mic with three directive controls, noise cancellation filter and digital signal processing. The Sony shotgun microphone transfers audio to the camera in digital form, maximising audio quality with minimal external noise or degradation. Backwards compatible with most Sony Alpha Series cameras.
XLR Adapter Kit (XLRK3M) - ETA TBC
Mic adaptor kit with built-in analogue to digital converter, two XLR/TRS connectors and one 3.5mm stereo mini jack. Allows audio to be transferred to the camera in digital form, maximising audio quality and minimising external noise or degradation. Backwards compatible with most Sony Alpha cameras.
Vertical Grip (VGC4EM) - ETA TBC
Holding two NPFZ100 batteries for extended power, the VGC4EM grip features the same magnesium chassis and dust/moisture resistance as the a7R IV body.
The Sony a7R IV’s standout feature is its whopping 61MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor – a world first among full frame sensors, with around 1.5 times the resolution of its nearest rival. Coupled with an outstanding 15 stops of dynamic range and ISO 100-32,000 (expandable up to 102,400) sensitivity, this promises lifelike levels of detail and colour rendition seen only in medium format cameras. With its stunning 240MP Pixel Shift photo function, the camera is also capable of capturing astonishingly detailed 963MP photos from 16-image composites.