Sony A7 IV Beginners Guide - Set-Up, Menus, & How-To Use the Camera

[@sharky4ubaby]

I agree with you, the a7 IV is my first interchangeable lens camera and all the tutorials I had seen, had me overwhelmed because I'm a beginner; all I've had before were point and shoot cameras, like my Sony RX100 M5, that I would only use in auto. Now that I've seen your video, I feel confident enough to get the camera out of the box, where it's been sitting since December 23rd, along with the 70-200 GM M2 lens, and finally switch from my RX100 to my new a7 IV. Thank you for this beginners tutorial 👍 You were right, beginners, sometimes actually do, start with advanced cameras like this one 👌

[@TugrulCavusoglu]

same here

[@MichaelWilzonSitinjak]

Same bro.. this begginer tutorial very helpful to me.

[@brandon1443]

Just picked one up myself!!!

[@stevearita3267]

Couldn't agree with you more!

[@jonathanlavery]

1000%

[@machouchacha]

After dreaming of this camera for two full years, I finally ordered it yesterday, and I can't tell you HOW MUCH I love this guide. It's so clear, easy to understand, so positive and open-minded! Usually, these guides are full of technical jargon, go way too fast and make me feel really stupid. Yours is borderline therapeutic. :D So thank you so, so much for making this! I can't wait to get started with my dream camera.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Great to hear, and enjoy your new awesome camera :)

[@architecture_logs]

Jason, How do you thank a person who shares so much knowledge with others for free? I think I can't enough. The real power of this platform is people like you. cheers.

[@Falonito1218]

Not a beginner to photo/ film, but my first time owning a Sony from a Canon user for many years. So thank you!

[@sasavs9398]

Because of your ability to explain everything in such an easy way and to put it in context with examples, this was not just a Sony A7 IV beginners guide but also a photography beginners guide! :) Thank you for that. I'll be coming back to this video for sure.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Thank you :)

[@vigneshwaran_jayashree]

@6:17 , you just saved me from a heart attack, took the camera just out of the box and heard the rattling noise😮😮, OMG, thank you for explaining all the simple things...❤

[@markwilkins9048]

By far, the best video covering the features and functions of the A7IV. I’ve had the A7IV for over a year now and this video has enlightened me to so many features I was not aware of. Thank you for this extensive explanation.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Glad it was helpful Mark and thank you for the kind words :) I have several more videos on the A74 as well if you would like to check them out here: kzbin.info/aero/PL3SqIRuKwn7_8Gz9Cn_nReK4xol7KLVm7

[@octavios8081]

Amazing! The a7IV is my first camera and you helped me go from feeling powerless and nervous to powerful and calm. Thank you Jay!

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome and I am very happy to hear that :) Thank you as well ;)

[@everkikomoo]

hi im a camera noob i have been working with a canon 600d on full auto for 6 years now and i just think the quality doesnt always do justice to my creativity so i really look forward to buying this camera with the sigma 24-70 lenses and start a video journey also photographs and with this camera i will obviously learn how to operate iso aperture and all that, im gonna watch this video now, im still saving for it but im gonna get it! i fell in love with the fx3 but this also creates good image and its also more suitable for pictures thanks a lot!

[@amymasi9110]

I grabbed the a7iv v2 a few weeks ago, switching from Nikon. Even though I've been a pro for years, I still appreciated this guide.

[@George_Banks]

yo wtf everything about this video was done extremely well. perfect coverage, perfect pace, perfect structure. thank you.

[@mrgowtham1831]

Sir, this is Gowtham, based out of India. I did have some exposure to DSLR Cameras and Photography while doing my Masters. However, post getting into job, lost all my touch with Camera and Photography. Now I wanted to have a kind of re-born. Looking for some sort of video to get the complete picture of latest Mirrorless DSLRs, especially SONY. This is the model that I had in my mind. Every second of your video is precious in explaining each and every button and features of camera. So far I have not seen any such video with in-depth detailing. This is a kind of dictionary for the ones who would like to purchase this cam and use it. thanks a ton. Regards, Gowtham

[@tomgoffnett5624]

I bought the Sony A7R5 and I appreciate this video. I'm new to digital cameras.

[@DiscoDavee]

This is exactly the kind of video I’ve been looking for. I have the RX100 VII but I do want to upgrade to one of these one day. You make it seem much more possible.

[@Jason_Hermann]

It's just a bigger version of what you already have, plus you can change lenses... That is how I would look at it ;)

[@jerrye1001]

Thanks for the most complete guide to the a7IV menu system. I am an advanced Sony user (a7rIII, a6500, a7IV) and I still got a lot from your guide. I think this would also be an awesome tutorial for a newbie photographer because of all the exposure and focusing info. Great job! 2 thumbs up!

[@dr.raafay8406]

Very articulate, a treasure for beginners entering the beautiful field of photography. Thank you Mr.Hermann for your valuable guidance. All the way from India. 🇮🇳

[@Jason_Hermann]

You are very welcome

[@R_Galaxy42]

Just got the camera a couple days ago and this video has been so helpful! Thank you so much for your insight!!

[@djbeatmat4554]

i read a whole 400 sheet book about this camera and watched a lot of videos. but in your video i found still some aha moments and not know tricks! just great!

[@MissCharly1992]

just upgraded from my a6000 to A7IV yesterday , totally overwelmed with the new functionalities and design, so very happy with this 'beginner guide' thanks!

[@heartovibess]

Thanks a lot for the tutorial. I am buying Sony A7 IV and it is my first camera.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Have fun!

[@purpleglassmedia]

You r the real MVP. I’m a seasoned photographer/videographer and just switched from Nikon to Sony. This Vid lister ally has given me everything I need to feel confident with the switch. I can hit the ground running! I’m not even finished watching yet…

[@paulbanks5163]

I am now retired and thought I would take up birdwatching. I have had SLR cameras from Canon and Nikon before, but the programmable options from my Sony A7Riv I find REALLY INTIMIDATING! The plethora of programmable options isn't helped by the fact there isn't a manual with the camera that I can leaf through. I have looked at Amazon for Sony A7iv camera manuals, but the choice is very limited right now, July 2022. Additionally, the online tutorials for birdwatching settings are done mainly through the MENU, rather than through a mode specific dial. With my Nikon or Canon SLRs, I could easily set ISO, aperture, shutter speed. However, as I mentioned, with the Sony A7iv, I have to go into settings and or remember what I have done in the menu. I am now 76 and this camera is really making me feel my age!

[@LDiego]

You deserve a gold medal for this. I’ve watched many tutorials about the A7IV. This one by far is the best.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FullPlaythroughs]

I got my A7IV today, this video has been so useful, thanks 😁😁

[@Jason_Hermann]

Glad it helped!

[@MyNameIsMel2007]

My Master Teacher, thanks so much for this guide. I just bought A7 iv and I'm also novice in photography. This will help me so much.

[@Ysoc]

Just switched from a Nikon to the a7iv and this was easily the best video I've found to walk through this. Well done.

[@espix3767]

Just bought this camera today and I am a total beginner to photography in general. Thank you for explaining each and every feature that's on this camera, it has seriously saved me so much time guessing what does what.

[@KellieFergusson]

Ive spent 2 weeks learning how to use this camera from other sources. Some were great! But this!!!! OMG...I wish this was the first video I found 2 weeks ago! Brilliant. Thanks so much Jason.

[@JonathanAllen1990]

I’m a beginner . First camera ever so I do appreciate this video 😃

[@BlueFlameLighter]

Cant thank you enough man... I just love the internet and people like you who do this for free and just want to help people. You rock my dude !!!

[@Jason_Hermann]

Thanks :)

[@0012003405]

Fanatic teaching, is the best by far actually I bought my a7 IV in May of this year,however,I had to send it back because it was not focusing.Thank you so much for your tutorial i really appreciate it.

[@chase_riches]

im a beginner and that's the first camera I decided to buy.. I always want the best !

[@Filaflair]

Just got mine today, not a pro but your videos helps a ton! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@Jason_Hermann]

Have fun!

[@Raptorman0909]

I have decades of experience in photography including pro grade cameras and I find it useful to review videos like this when getting a new camera to familiarize myself with it quicker. I sold my Nikon kit that included a couple D800E's and about $30K in glass a while back in anticipation of moving to Sony mirrorless and the A7 IV will be my first full frame mirrorless -- ordered a couple days ago and I should have it in a couple days. I generally do landscape with a bit of wildlife and architecture (abandoned buildings etc.) so the A7R V will likely be the second body when that stops.

[@Josev-TV]

Same. This is my first mirrorless camera as well and I’ve only used canon for photography and now moving to Sony so this was super helpful. I found myself reaching for buttons that were in a different place 😂😂😂

[@Logan_urbex]

What’s your page?

[@TheLifetraveler1]

thank you, thank you, thank you. I own the A7ii and A7riii and know how to do all of the settings. I rented an A7iv for the holidays. I've had it 24 hours now and could NOT figure out how to make it use the SD cards in both slots, like my A7riii. I had no problem setting up RAW on card 1, but I could not get the slot 2 card to show up in this 'new' menu. With my personal cameras it was easy to do with the 'old' menu system. I was so frustrated. Simply in just doing a simple google search, instead of specifically going to you tube, your video showed up. With camera in hand, I followed your video and you did exactly what I wanted. So now I have slot one for RAW and Slot 2 for jpeg, which is how I have my A7riii. I've played with the camera today and the tracking is so much better (I like to photo commercial jets taking off and landing at the local airports), than my A7riii and totally superior to the A7ii. The other you tube videos I saw, did not go into any detail when it came to programming both slots, in sequence. Thank you, again. I know it is a new menu system, but it seems more complicated than the old one to me. On the Christmas holidays, my camera rental store, Aperturent, let's you rent for 3 days and keep the equipment for about 10 days, until they return to their office in January. WOW! I may actually treat myself and trade in both of the cameras for this A7iv. I just subscribed to your channel as a thank you. Have a good day.

[@weeklyfascination]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Just got my A7iv yesterday, first new camera in about 10 years after using a Canon and a Sony Handycam. So even though I'm not a total newb to cameras, I'm a newb to this camera. I wish I'd watched it before doing anything because the charging port was not obvious. Going to watch every second, follow along, and probably watch again. Thank you!

[@PrasadBalan-r8k]

I don’t have a camera yet. Still watching it as a part of manifesting my long time wish to own a great camera. Loved the video. Saving it for my future use❤

[@xinyili3031]

Thank you so much for this beginner guide, now it's my third week of getting this camera, and I am still replaying your video again & again. It's SO USEFUL. I love how you construct your video into different parts, so that I can learn a bit and then practise in real life, and then go back to continue.

[@looaidoesthings]

Thank you a lot sir, after filming and photographing with my iPhone I bought this as my first camera ever and its overwhelming and expensive so I wanna be cautious as possible and you helping me a lot as a noowbie

[@TheSportCrazy]

Just bought my a7iv and i just love how much I've learn about this particular camera and general photography works. Thank you so much.

[@TheThaiLife]

Thank you very much and I have owned this camera a year and STILL found this video BEYOND useful. Many, many thanks!

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome! :)

[@EternalIntelligence]

Very helpful. Thank you. I just got my Sony A7IV, and this tutorial has been extremely valuable so far.

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome!

[@RafahProject]

And you are right! I've been using Canon 70D since 2013 and I've been faithful... until yesteday... which in case I bought that lil' monster A7iv. But I know nothing about Sony, and it was very hard to find videos like this in Brazilian Portuguese (where I am from)... thank you a lot!!!! God bless you!!!

[@DavidLlewellynPhotography]

I got a lot out of this video, having just bought an A7iv. Thanks a lot for the clear explanation and for breaking things down. I've changed a lot of the settings based on your recommendations 😊

[@aktube123]

Thanks, Thanks and Thanks. Got the lens first Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G for A7 IV, still waiting for the camera. I will be watching your video multiple times and doing the same thing you have done. Lot to learn. No need to read the user manual. Thanks again.

[@solidfoxhound560]

Thank you, really great video. I appreciate you treating it like a beginners guide because I bought this camera for business but learned what aperture was in this video lol

[@jamesf9288]

Great. Sony should have a reference to this in the box with the camera.

[@justin-rr2sw]

As a beginner to photography who recently purchased this camera, I want to thank you! Your tutorial was exceptional, and I've gained a lot of knowledge from it!

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome!

[@AndrewKuhnash]

appreciate the video, have never had a nice camera, just picked this one up today. have no idea how to use it

[@KLRthephotoguru]

Thanks for your effort... this is very helpful. I am a photography mentor. This video had refreshed my understanding about Sony Camera settings and menus.

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome!

[@duaneromanell3431]

Hi there. Just switched into the Sony ecosystem after years of being a Canon guy. This video was invaluable. Thanks for the well-organized and presented information!

[@Jason_Hermann]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tsumcx6148]

I am not a begginer, But I have had Nikon and Fujifilm for long years and I am transfering to this camera, so thank you for introduction video, because I needed the settings etc 😄❤

[@Jason_Hermann]

Glad it was helpful!

[@strouptravels]

Great tutorial! Just recently picked up the A7IV after coming from Canon. Thoroughly and clearly explained.

[@davemartin4456]

Hi Jason, I bought the ZV-1 after watching your excellent beginners guide on it, I am now stepping up to the A7 iv. Once again you've produced a FANTASTIC beginner's guide video. The way you explain things for people like me who are in no way "professional" photographer's is absolutely brilliant. Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video, not just for experienced photographer's but for us beginner's as well. Wonderfully explained as always. Now subscribed !! Thanks again from London UK

[@ChristianAguilarr]

I started with the ZV-1 also! Waiting to pick up the A7 in two days

[@manliobauitsta1341]

Me too, and got the same lens

[@ArmorStudioNYC]

Went the same exact route! Hahahaa got my A7 IV two days ago but with work I haven’t been able to do much yet, very excited however

[@modestiafashion7943]

Thank you for this video! I’m a total beginner and have no idea how to use a camera. So this video will be very helpful to me.

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome and thank you for sharing you kind words :) All the best, Jay

[@Nazfunk]

Honestly, this is the best video Ive seen on the A7iv. And ive watched tons this week, just got the camera 📸

[@Jason_Hermann]

Awesome camera and great to here Nazfunk! Thanks :)

[@Pipevelez89]

What an amazing video! I’m about to buy my first Sony camera and I’ve been watching this video for when the time comes and is so well explained that makes me feel confident to start the journey. Thank you

[@Jason_Hermann]

Glad it was helpful :) Thanks for the kind words as well!

[@jreeXxx]

Great guide! Jumping up from Sony a6100 to A7 IV, getting all these new features is crazy. The guide gave me excellent overview of the functions and being already familiar with sony, I got my camera pretty much setup watching the guide.

[@franktrinkle4279]

Whew! A little fast, but extremely helpful...especially for people like me who are totally converting from YEARS of exclusive Canon use to all Sony. Great vid and answered a LOT of my confusion!👍!

[@rsoriai]

Believe me, this is the slower speaker that I found.

[@41487reed]

So good. Thanks for the quick, lengthy tutorial. Got a used camera and have never used a mirrorless camera so this was super helpful to bring me up to speed with a new system.

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome!

[@orangelobs]

This video made the initial experience with my A7 IV that much better. Many thanks from an inexperienced photographer.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Glad it helped!

[@sabinaormanbayeva5022]

Thank you for the video! Just got this monster camera and I’m so excited to learn how to use it properly.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Have fun!

[@bridgettkernofficial]

THANK YOU . THANK YOU. THANK YOU! This was my first Sony Camera, I have own mostly all canons , from the enthusiast models then the 5d Md3 to the 1DX. This by far was the best video tutorial I have ever watched! I have almost always used the lazy setting to use most of my cameras. this video has inspired me to venture more into learning to use the manual setting! Excited to be on this journey as a new Sony user!

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome!

[@tuan056585]

I'm moving from Sony RX10 1st generation to A74 last week. This is a very interesting video. Thank you for your hard work. ,👍

[@Jason_Hermann]

Wow Tom, talk about an insane upgrade!! 1" straight to full frame :) Awesome!! The RX10 series is amongst my favorite point and shoot style cameras ever made!!

[@tuan056585]

@@Jason_Hermann My RX10 G1 is still working fine even 10yrs later. Its Zeiss lens is great but, I'm tired of the 1" sensor. I shoot a lot of indoor and low light area that's why I decided to jump to FF. Your video help me a lot to get start. Thank You.

[@MaryGarcia-lz4kv]

Coming from a canon 80D this Sony is my first mirrorless, first sony and first full frame, it just got here today and needless to say this video was very welcomed!

[@nadiaa9248]

Finally found the best explanation video for beginners. Thank you.

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome :)

[@randomboy343]

Definitely a beginner & I bought this with a sigma lens. Hoping to grow into it

[@richeretrudeau226]

Wow, thank you so much for this tutorial. I always forget all the options available on my camera.

[@phule.photography]

Thank you so much. I spent 3 almost days to learn the a7iv while watching your well-explained video. Subscribed 😍

[@vivianvu468]

30 minutes in and I feel so enlightened :) Thank you so much for this thorough and well-thought guide!

[@rogerbeltz2370]

Whew!! Although I have been a Canon (EOS 7D) user for many years and never experienced so many settings (options) this is a bit overwhelming! Appreciate your very thorough and comprehensive tutorial. Actually for the type of subjects I normally shoot (mostly classic cars and antique houses), I probably wouldn't be using all these "bouncing" flexible shot focus and metering.............but nice to know about all the features and settings.

[@sangameshmath4752]

all you need to know in one place. awesome job........i will be coming back to this video maybe 100 times :)

[@stevehunt4776]

Jason, What a great guide for the A7iv. Just spend this afternoon working my way through every setting with your kind assistance. I really appreciated your pace, detailed explanations and approach. many thanks.

[@janicebannister4111]

Thank you for this useful video . It’s another world for me after years of being a cannon user .

[@itsthemovementchurch]

We went straight from iPhone streaming to this camera. So you’re correct. Complete beginner here.

[@skaBABBLZ]

Best tutorial on this camera I’ve found for a true beginner. Subbed👍🏼

[@Jason_Hermann]

Awesome, thank you!

[@skaBABBLZ]

@@Jason_Hermann No problem thank you for all the free information.

[@ottmar_go]

Great turorial, I switched from Canon to Sony and therefore it was really helpful to have such tutorial. Thank you!

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome!

[@nilufarabdullo4073]

Working at 6:53. My parents are very proud of you Thanks for the video ❤️

[@brutedawg]

I scanned the QR code for the manual and at the same time searched for a beginner's guide here and basically have almost no need for a manual (for now). This video was absolutely phenomenal, covered so much in a solid amount of time, and I feel ~85% better equipped to start using this beast. I don't typically like a whole lot of videos on here, but this one is going down as a 'Love' (but I'm also liking it too). Thank you for this!

[@vatansalvery]

Wow, remembering all these functions and how to change them when needed requires a brilliant brain which I don’t have. Thank you so much any way.

[@Jason_Hermann]

One step at a time! Trying to take it all in at once is way to much ... I recommend focusing in one mode at a time starting with full auto depending on your skill level. Then move up to P mode, then Av mode so you can control aperture and the camera will do the rest...

[@김강민-r7r4j]

This is such a good lesson for sbdy like me. I hope that u would make another lesson for Nikon ZFC like this. Thx.

[@MollyFitzBrown]

This camera is AMAZING, I'm loving it! I am typically an Auto Video shooter and looking to get more into all the features so I love hearing all the info!

[@Jason_Hermann]

Awesome and thanks for the comments!

[@Franklincm12]

Thanks for a great video. I've had this great camera for a year now and learned many new things from this video. I appreciate your work!

[@karinpaajarvi4923]

Many thanks from sweden! This is my first full frame hybrid camera, i was used to my older canon Dlsr so i hade lots of questions about the settings, now i can enjoy going out with my new camera! Thank you for making it easy to learn!

[@Jason_Hermann]

Glad it was helpful to yu and thanks for the kind words :)

[@karinpaajarvi4923]

@@Jason_Hermann 😊

[@sf3136]

Finally found the instruction for the beginners! Thank you Jason from a subscriber. Would be better if the video started from 1. plugging all the cables, 2. showing 2-3 main buttons: how to turn it on, what to press to take a picture, how to find the screen option to send it by wifi. All in the first 2 minutes in the video. And then - go into details and options on the second round, and then - third round of explanation. Thanks again for your work.

[@anonymousmin7882]

First cam ever, this tutorial was sooooo needed. Thanks!

[@rcb__photography]

Wonderful video sir , hats off thank you for sharing your knowledge regarding this great camera…I loved it …❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mlandry21169]

WOW.. Just WOW!!! Thank you so much for this video, it really helped. I’m not a beginner and by no means a professional, I just love photography. This is my 2nd camera, my first was also a Sony (15 yrs old) and I seriously didn’t think I was going to buy another one but I did a lot of research and landed on this amazing camera. I was a little worried at first but now I know I definitely made the right choice. Thanks again.

[@Jason_Hermann]

Glad it was helpful, and congrats on the new awesome camera :) I have several videos on the A7 IV so there is a lot more to learn as well when you are ready... All the best, Jay

[@francoismuller9735]

Thank you very much Jason, your calm voice and so pedagogic approach are a pleasure to learn!!

[@louiedelrosario5518]

This, I put on my own playlist so I can come back and make as my cheat video😂 such a powerful one for hobbyist like me. I totally agree that it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a professional as long as you are happy, go ahead and pick a camera that captures (no pun intended) your heart's desire! I myself love to upgrade my camera and this one speaks to me 😊thank you for putting this great video.

[@georgesalinas7206]

Outstanding report. You have a wonderful knack for making the difficult manageable. I applaud you for that. Thank you for the tutorial on this amazing camera.

[@chahtah100]

hello my name is Paul Anderson. I just got my sony A7iv and I am trying to set it up for the first time. Your video is great , thank you

[@Jason_Hermann]

Glad it was helpful Paul and all the best, Jay

[@KurtSportsTalk]

Impressive breakdown, really detailed.

[@pc.1980]

Thanks Jason, this has been really useful. I got my A7 IV last week.

[@hellohannahjennings]

Such an awesome, clear and helpful video - thank you!

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome :)

[@NOREFUNDZTV]

It’s ppl like you who are the most awesome thanks so much for this video

[@carlosguerrerogonzalez6097]

BIG THANKS for this tutorial, I just got today the a7iv and I am an absolute beginner so this was SO helpful! I am not even half done with the tutorial and just wanted to pause it for a second and leave a comment about how happy and how much valuable info you provided with this video! big fan of your channel already

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome Carlos and thank you for the kind words :)

[@DallasVette1]

Took me 2 weeks to get through this video taking notes!

[@GeorgiaSwain]

im a begginer and I needed a beginner oriented video on this camera. thank you so much

[@Jason_Hermann]

You're very welcome Georgia!

[@greg.tallent]

Best introduction to the camera on the Internet.. thank you

[@Jason_Hermann]

Thank you very much Greg :)