Sony has just introduced its brand new member in the Alpha family: The α7R IV. This new model contains many new goodies for photographers and videographers as well, like the accurate Eye AF and an option to record high-quality sound. However, it’s not good enough for professional filmmakers. 

New 35mm full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 61.0 MP

The new Alpha 7R IV features a newly developed 35mm full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 61.0 MP. The new sensor’s back-illuminated structure and effective noise reduction techniques combine to deliver low-noise and high-sensitivity performances.

5-axis, optical in-body image stabilization

This new full-frame model is equipped with an innovative 5-axis, optical in-body image stabilization system that has been fine-tuned to support its high-resolution shooting capacity. Additionally, the shutter unit assembly has been carefully redesigned to reduce even the slightest movement that may cause blur.

New EVF

The Alpha 7R IV also includes Sony’s highest resolution viewfinder, which is a 5.76 million dot UXGA OLED Tru-finder EVF. About 1.6x the resolution of the EVF in the Alpha 7R III, this new viewfinder provides an accurate, true-to-life depiction of the scene is framed. The display quality can be set to ‘Standard’ or ‘High’ mode, and to either 60 fps or 120 fps refresh rate to best match the subject and shooting conditions.

Real-time Eye AF for filmmakers

For video autofocus, the versatile new full-frame camera utilizes a refined Fast Hybrid AF system that achieves faster, smoother, more stable autofocus during video shooting – even if an object temporarily moves in front of the intended subject. The camera also includes Touch Tracking functionality during movie shooting, allowing the user to touch the screen on their intended subject for instant acquisition.

The new Alpha 7R IV debuts Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting, a first in any of Sony’s cameras. When activated, the eye of a subject is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability, allowing the shooter to focus on the content itself as opposed to what is in focus or not. The Touch mentioned above Tracking functionality will also automatically initiate Eye AF when a human subject is selected.

Filmmaking Features – 4K old 8 bit 4:2:0

The Alpha 7R IV offers 4K (3840×2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the image sensor, and full pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35mm mode. S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 are also available to maximize color grading flexibility, with S-Log 3 offering a total of 14-stops of dynamic range. Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is also available on the Alpha 7R IV to support an Instant HDR workflow.

Multi-Interface Shoe (MI Shoe) for advanced audio recording

Another notable video feature is the addition of a digital audio interface to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe (MI Shoe), allowing a direct, digital connection from the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit for precise, low-noise and high-quality audio recording. The ECM-B1M is an all-new digital microphone, connected to the MI-shoe on top of the camera. This sound recording apparatus supposed to deliver a much cleaner signal than what is captured using the 3.5 analog input on most cameras. The price of the ECM-B1M is $350. Visit B&H to get notified for preorder. 

Key Features (related to video capabilities)

• World’s first 35mm full-frame 61.0 MP, back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor with latest-generation BIONZ X™ image processor
• Real-time Eye AF for movie recording and advanced Real-time Tracking
• 5.76 million dot UXGA (Ultra-XGA) OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder with elevated detail, brightness, and contrast
• 4K movie recording functionality including full pixel readout with no pixel binning in Super 35mm mode, S-Log3, HDR workflow support
• Multi-Interface Shoe with digital audio interface delivers high-quality sound recording with Sony’s new microphone and XLR microphone adaptor

Pricing and Availability

The new Alpha 7R IV Full-frame will ship in September 2019 for approximately $3,500 US. You can ask to get notified by B&H when it is ready for preorders. 

Final thoughts- Not for cinema applications

The α7R IV is a great photo camera that produces nice looking videos. However, it’s not 4:2:2 10 bit, which is the minimum requirements for professional filmmaking demands. Nevertheless, it might be used as an entry-level video camera for junior filmmakers before they dive into the RAW world.