Sony A7r IV review: IN-DEPTH with 61 Megapixels

In-depth review of Sony's 61 Megapixel A7r IV mirrorless camera!
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[@geoff_ince]

This is the first of the reviews I've seen by you Gordon, a very good, clear and concise review. Well done.

[@yukonchris]

As usual, the most comprehensive reviews I can find. An awesome informative video review. Thank you, Gordon.

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou, and you're very welcome!

[@bobtpapa]

Very good review. You talk fast enough and edit well enough to make a review enjoyable because of brevity and usefulness.

[@cameralabs]

In-depth review of Sony's 61 Megapixel A7r IV mirrorless camera! Check prices at B&H: bhpho.to/2lD4Kjv or Amazon: amzn.to/31UTXkH Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book at Amazon: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Like Cameralabs? Get the T-Shirt: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop

[@ArrakisDunedt]

When you like when it starts(video) as you know the review alone will be top notch.. as usual!!

[@radioactivecat]

Excellent review, as always. I can’t wait for mine to arrive!

[@MLee-vcrr]

Once again another fantastic video from you. I love the way you provide critical "pixel peeping" comparisons between the images and cover the little quirks in these reviews. Keep up the great work...I just subscribed!

[@cameralabs]

Glad you enjoy the videos, and thanks also for subscribing!

[@IanWilkinson]

Comprehensive (and entertaining) as usual - thanks, Gordon.

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@KingofStreet3]

I'm a Fuji guy but learning what new features other camera got is pretty neat

[@Jason_Hermann]

Fantastic review as always Gordon! Thank you for your perspective on this new 61 Megapixel beast ;)

[@cameralabs]

Cheers Jay!

[@SuperDigitalMe]

You are my favorite reviewer, no drama, no fuss, just good detailed information, thumbs up!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, I try to stay calm!

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

Brilliant review !! A7R4 was released for sale last Friday in Singapore

[@bamstudiosharjah9032]

price?

[@TheMidIslander]

One of the best reviews I've come upon. I'm planning to transition from my old Nikon to this, but my only real issue is the lack of screen "flipability" as my Nikon had that functionality and I used it often for selfies with my lady on trips and getting down low for landscape shots.

[@floriankupper5300]

Impressive review, You still seem to improve. Thank You Gordon!

[@DerrenHodson]

The good thing about the Sony A7RIV is that it's made the A7RIII cheaper!

[@BigBoss-gb4cx]

Pssz, Sony will hear you.

[@jamesjackson4264]

It has already lowered to $2k which is great. I hope to catch a Black Friday sale for under $1700. Then I will look at the a7rii also which is a great camera and get the best bang for my buck.

[@DerrenHodson]

I sold my A7iii and A6500 and upgraded.

[@nerdMike]

Maybe next year 👍🏻 too early for a real low price

[@froznfire9531]

@@DerrenHodson was it worth it?

[@giuseppeciraulo6177]

Great video Gordon, really detailed and professional, keep up the good work .

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@matthewlee8270]

Thank you Gordon! Hands down the best technical review!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Matthew!

[@MikMilman]

Great work Gordon. You're one of the only people whos reviews I watch.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@DeusExAstra]

Excellent camera. Thanks for the review.

[@MannyG32968]

Well done. Can't wait for my A7R4!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@nyc0053]

9:57 top picture, in 2160p 4k, able to discern the texture of the building.

[@kathraeber8632]

Thank you so much for an amazing and detailed review.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@SamW604]

Another excellent review! Thank you.

[@JazzEye]

Great review Gordon! Thank you!

[@cameralabs]

you're welcome!

[@photomagben]

glad to hear you are still in the business

[@DrAlvinEng]

Thank you for the nice, detailed, but concise review!

[@cameralabs]

you're very welcome!

[@gernerchristensen8114]

Gordon ... best review so far. Thanks a lot.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@jameshumphrey9939]

great to know i can have a camera that i can have for the rest of my life and not have to replace!

[@T-Slider]

Superlative yet again Gordon! Coffee on the way. Oh, and the book is more than worth the price!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Joe, much appreciated!

[@RhawiDantas]

Thanks for the review Gordon. Just one tiny thing, there is intervalometer in the A7rIII and A7III since a FW update.

[@cameralabs]

Yes, you're right!

[@dland4766]

GREAT video!!!.... it was very helpful in making my mind up on which camera I'll be getting... a7RIV it is ... thank you... keep doing you!!!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, you're very welcome! PS if you're ordering online, please do consider going through my links here or at cameralabs.com thanks!

[@heredownunder]

In the photos at the end, what do you use for the thin vertical lights please? Great review.

[@jeffrydemeyer5433]

Thanks for confirming, I wasn't to impressed with the noise results i got to see when Fro posted his dng files a couple of weeks ago. even at iso 200. I'm still wondering what metering he was using, perhaps it isn't as bad when spot metering.

[@Pavel_Masek]

Hi Gordon, I am sorry if I have missed it in video but is there still some crop in 4K/30p full frame mode (I guess yes if it is in APS-C mode) ? Thank you for answer.

[@anneshan34]

Awesome review Gordon , Thanks for that 😊

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@mikldude9376]

Another great review sir ! Thank you .

[@cameralabs]

Cheers!

[@martinistse]

The vlog focus is very nice and crisp

[@TobyOft]

This video is AWESOME!! I wish you could have discussed battery life, particularly when shooting movies.

[@revadan]

great review Gordon! am a follower since your canon 40D review..

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! I remember that one - the first DSLR with Live View!

[@T-Slider]

Thanks Gordon, this is another great review because Gordon!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@danm7403]

Great review, currently got this on my wishlist on Wex, I should really just take the plunge and go for it after watching this! Also bought your book off Amazon now too, keep up the great work!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Dan! PS - if you're buying through WEX, please consider clicking to them via the WEX link on my review at www.cameralabs.com/sony-alpha-a7r-mark-iv-review/ thanks!

[@6gwilliams]

Thanks Gordon. I have one pre-ordered.

[@cameralabs]

Great stuff!

[@Celestialrob]

Excellent, wish you’d made some comparisons with the A9. Thanks Gordon!

[@TheI3d]

Nice video, thank you for this great work

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@clarkbarrow6750]

Excellent information!

[@jiggah21st]

Thank you very much for a detailed review! Just want to ask if the selection of megapixels of 60m, 26m and 15m only available in jpegs or is it available as well in raw format?

[@mblapsiwala]

Does image down sampling from higher Megapixel to lower megapixels in post reduces the noise and improves the overall look of the image? For that matter, down sampling from 24 MP to 16 versus 42 to 16 shows up any difference on the end result? Anyone having idea about this, may guide me... Thanks in advance for your time and consideration to comment!

[@goldfinch2283]

Good review, thanks!

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou!

[@richardgraham65]

Great video again thanks, Sony really pack these cameras with so many options but why on earth they did not fit that mic. with a pass through with a top connector so you could piggy back a flash on there? Out of my price range sadly, be looking forward to the Canon 90D and your corresponding review of that one.

[@stephenschneider5644]

Great review! Thank you! Liked and subscribed ;)

[@GregThurtle]

another good review Gordon. Yes I also wish the r3/r4 mode dial was a lock dial like the ev comp on the r4 (and panasonics) that way you can use or not. interesting to see the higher ISO IQ is compromised in comparison (back to the days when this was always true). PS no steven seagull again :D :D

[@cameralabs]

Steven wasn't in New York with me...

[@peterlemke3468]

No filler all killer thanks for another great review Gordon. Good to see that Sony finally offers more than two aspect ratios in camera about time. A pity though there is no RAW Small and Medium options available. This would have made the camera an even more attractive option to buyers.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Peter,

[@sholaallen4873]

Maybe I missed this, but how quickly does this camera clear it's buffer with fast UHS 2 cards?

[@alqersan]

When they will announcement A7 Mark 4?

[@ernreeders1487]

At 15:40 - which lens did you use for the comparative detail test?

[@Moresco24]

I’ve heard the a7iii and a7iv regular versions are better in low light ?

[@sprayhawk808]

Interesting & compelling review. I'm considering upgrading/replacing one or more of my canon bodies (7Dii and 1Div). I had planned on my next body being a mirrorless Canon unit, but the Sony options are getting good reviews on some of the forums I follow. I'm likely looking at either a A7R3 or a Canon 1DX if I make any changes currently. Do you have any first hand experience that would give you an opinion as to which body you would lean towards?

[@didimiorios3781]

Great review!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@RecoilRacingVideos]

What lens is best with this camera?

[@apex-wah]

i am watching gordon's review's on camera's almost 10 year's..👍

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou!

[@TheOneMonk]

As always a great review! I want a camera with the touch ergonomics and video capabilities of the Panasonic S series and the autofocus and lens collection of this Sony. Will we ever get this? 🤔

[@harmanchannel7948]

Gordon Laing is always doing great review, waiting original adapter from sony or canon to switch from canon to sony camera

[@tscott6843]

Fantastic review. First time viewer, new subscriber.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy my other videos!

[@Shoomich]

Very good review. Thanks! I fink I'll sceep this one

[@Modern-Squared]

Very well done Sir!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@nerdMike]

The only critique for me.. I don't know why they do not to put the drive dial on the body like A9 or at least why not move the mode dial on the left to allow a small top lcd on the right? Don't want to bind every button, I prefer to have physical dials. This is the only cons together with the old style menu, let's hope for a fw update to solve this on III and now IV series..

[@simmo123]

Great review

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@48jerrybiker]

I bought an ar7 iv couple days ago alone with the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM Lens and the FE 85mm F1.4 Good Morning! Lens. It is an amazing camera and the glass Sony has put in in the GM is the best. I couldn’t believe how clear the video was. Next week I will add the FE 24mm 1.4 GM as one of my Lens. I am very satisfied with camera.

[@cameralabs]

If you're ordering any of this online, please do consider going via my links here or at cameralabs.com thanks!

[@AO-rp2zo]

Very very nice reviews the best on youtube !

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@HermieDaddy]

Gordon, another reviewer noted that you can now use an external monitor in 4k and still keep face detect. Did you confirm?

[@emerysnap]

Could you show faces when doing group portraits. I always find faces blurry on dslr

[@cooloox]

I've never had focus issues of any kind using SLR/DSLR cameras for 33 yrs. If you're shooting a group then you need to select an aperture which provides an adequate depth of field (based on focal length and subject-to-camera distance) and focus at the optimal distance into the group. Canon used to offer an Auto-Depth mode which let you focus on the nearest part of your subject, then focus on the farthest part of your subject and then compose and shoot. Based on the initial 2 points it would select the optimal aperture (widest possible aperture which would still give adequate DOF for your whole subject) in conjunction with focusing at the optimal distance to maximise DOF for that particular shot. Practice focusing on objects spaced apart and use the DOF preview button on your camera (if it has one) as you shut down the aperture. Make sure your shutter speed is high enough to not get movement/handshake blur.

[@GurmeetSingh-fr8uo]

Does the A7 III or A7 R III have better focussing?

[@TW-iu9zy]

... the best review on the a7r IV I've seen so far. 👍🏻 Thanks for the info! I think the new Sigma 35 / 1.2 is a good choice for the new Sony.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, and yes, it looks like an exciting lens - we'll be reviewing it soon at cameralabs.com !

[@tallaganda83]

I bet is huuuge though

[@jamesjackson4264]

tallaganda83 there is no such thing as a small AF 1.2.

[@TW-iu9zy]

james jackson ... ah, no problem. It‘s nearly the same size like my 24-70/2.8, 16-35/2.8 and 135/1.8 - and it has also a 82 mm filterthread. So it‘s a perfect quartet. 👍🏻

[@DCFotographs]

Thanks to the A1, I picked up mine damn near new for 2300 :D

[@rch1958]

Can you make a suggestion to Sony to develop firmware that would allow for a 40 or 45 megapixel option on the A7r4.

[@theoriginalonion7545]

Awesome, thanks

[@ChaseAcosta]

Love watching cameras I can't afford lol.

[@cameralabs]

Me too!

[@atatarget]

I can afford it, no problem. But what's the point ?

[@ChaseAcosta]

@@atatarget no reason, just the random thought✌🏽🙏🏽

[@siddhantkhare2775]

Me too

[@sayharris1361]

Gordon thanks✊🏾

[@raulbm2347]

Suscribed. Thank from Spain. I dude between lumix s1R or a7r4... I love retro illuminated lumix. Video quality and specifications lumix win (in theorie). I love this `Sony’s microphone and AF. The dynamic range is very important for me. The same Versus review between LUMIX s1R vs a7r4 would be great!!!. If lumix could recover the dark frame areas as well as Sony I would buy lumix. In theorie Sony has better dynamic range... I don’t know the lumix low sensibility responses... this battle would be absolute AMAZING 😉

[@inspiredartphotos]

Excellent video! Can the 61 mega pixel files be downsampled to control noise and enhance effective sharpness. Dustin Abbot has videos about his use of this technique. I do a lot of event photography and very seldom need 61 mega pixels. For events 6400 ISO is needed more than 61 mega pixels. If I were a rich man an A7lll along with this camera would cover a lot of ground...

[@rajeshnandy9160]

Yes, that is a mathematical fact. Downsampling in post processing reduces the noise variance which results in a cleaner image.

[@petrieme]

Video looks decent, but hard to tell on KZbin, do you feel it’s video capabilities in terms of quality are up to par for hybrid shooters, even though it’s 8bit, pizen binning, or sampling algorithms. What lens were you using in your vlog test?

[@CatsDogPhotography]

Really enjoyed your review of the r5, si I'm now watching this one... Please can you do a comparison between the Sony a7riv and Canon r5?

[@ggclawyer]

Great Review

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@keibro13]

Well done Gordon.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Keith!

[@DaniloDelTufo]

Interesting video! I'd like to know more about moire that this camera has considering its 61 Megapixel. Thanks! :-)

[@Matti6950]

Should be less then all earlier camera's, since higher resolution reduces moire. Almost nobody seen much moire in d810-d850 camera's or A7RIII, except in certain conditions on clothing (just move or zoom a bit and it's gone).

[@Marticulate]

I'm always tempted by Sony and have borrowed an A7R2 in the past but that poor touch screen, menu and mostly the lack of articulation is a deal breaker for my shooting in various angles. Panasonic has it right and is the benchmark in my opinion but made a fundamental mistake with the S1 and S1R not having the articulating screen. The S1H has the better screen but also the unneeded video specs, an AA filter and high price. Once again the ideal camera eludes me (and others). Great times for product photographers though. Thanks for the informative reviews.

[@RobertSmith-wh2kk]

Great unit not too sure if I,ll upgrade yet, maybe when Einfinty drop the price a bit, but as always it’s not about how big you print but the ability to do massive crops which I find on both the 2 and 3 been a godsend, great review Gordon

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@foveacreative]

The ISO test is interesting. But I think it misses something about real world applications for many people's photos. For example, if you're an events photographer or photojournalist, there are very few cases where you'll need to provide a file larger than 6,000 pixels on the long side. So you can downsample your A7R IV files to that size when you export from Lightroom, or whatever, and in so doing more than compensate for the slight noise disadvantage in higher ISO files. Coming from an A7 III I've found that to be the case in most situations, and that camera is still amongst the very best for high ISO/ low noise images. I've certainly found that to be the case at least and I think it shows that test shooting doesn't always reveal the true strengths and weaknesses of a camera. So why get a 61MP camera? Because it's such a flexible tool, providing files you can crop to extreme levels including making large landscape photos from a portrait mode original. Plus all the other great features in this latest iteration of the A7* series.

[@danielshanechapman2019]

I can't find a Pixel Shift Multi sample.

[@jeffstasney82]

Super helpful. I upgraded from the MkII. Overall I'm very happy, but I noticed the increase in noise right away at higher ISO's even with mid-day images. Disappointed when thinking about shooting with it at night. It confirms my findings with a test I did at 400 and 1600 ISO going from normal to -3EV. Even at 1600 my A7RII looked considerably better noise-wise than the MKIV. Pixel Pitch is the trade-off. I figured that. Keeping my images at 50-400 ISO is optimal for this camera. The MK 3 would be better for night shooting. Thanks for a great, concise review!!

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome Jeff!

[@vettepwr23]

How are you liking the R4 after having it? I have an A7R2 to want to upgrade. I was able to rent an A7R3a and A7R4a. Hands-down the A7R4a feels much better in the hand. The controls are far superior. The focusing is noticeably better too. I love the EVF. I generally prefer to shoot with the A7R4 even though I have the A7R3a in the bag. My computer does slow down a bit when processing those larger files. I’m able to get the A7R3a for $2000 and A7R4A for $2600. What’s your thoughts almost 2 years later? Thanks.

[@jeffstasney82]

@@vettepwr23 Very happy with it. I utilize the file size, often cropping in, or shooting in APSC mode. No regrets! Outstanding image quality

[@BentorDK]

Very good and useful review

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@stefan_becker]

Great review, thank you! The more I see of the A7rIV the more I'm tempted to buy one.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@subirthapa8542]

Sony Please bring the Small 20MP, Medium 40MP and Large 60MP RAW options through firmware

[@GavinPhillips]

I like how now we consider 20mp "Small"

[@CzornyLisek]

Why on Earth shot on anything else than max resolution If you don't need all of them just buy camera with less mpx. It will have better noise

[@subirthapa8542]

@@CzornyLisek Why on Earth Should People not have the flexibility to work for different shooting types :)

[@jamesjackson4264]

Subir Thapa cause Sony said you can’t.

[@subirthapa8542]

@@jamesjackson4264 Hopefully they will soon say " YOU CAN " but I am not sure.

[@lilkris3008]

Got a d800 thinking about making the jump

[@edowijaya8603]

I hope can use pixel shift for sport

[@philindeblanc]

Can you do some of us a favor, and just do a short test clip by....Taking a few full size 61mp raw images, and then previewing on the camera (100% zoomed) so we can see in real time speed at how long it takes from shooting a few scenes and then preview to seeing a image on the camera 1:1 zoomed in.

[@ricardorgomez]

Damn. That AF is incredibly impressive. But I still love my Panasonic G9 :-D

[@promedianz]

Great work as always. And you are the only reviewer who takes great sample photos 😊 I get the impression you are possibly a little underwhelmed? I started off excited myself and I’m slowly developing a sense of reality maybe. When I see massive prints off my R3 and Rx1r2 I wonder if I’d just get sick of the file size of Raws sitting on my drives for all my other (non landscape) work. If I could be convinced that the AF is substantially better I may be swayed but the rest of the upgrades are just ‘nice to haves’ at the moment. What’s your view on the AF in a comparative way to the R3?

[@cameralabs]

The AF is a big step-over the R3, both in coverage and software, so it becomes MUCH more practical for action and wildlife - and the latter was important because Sony had cameras with great AF but only 24MP, so not ideal for cropping-in on birds for example. But yes, it's an evolutionary upgrade.

[@speedbird737]

pre-ordered the A7R IV and the digital microphone! - Gordon do you know when it will arrive in the UK ? early Sept or late?

[@cameralabs]

All I know is September... I hope it arrives soon for you!

[@authenticnairobi]

God I need this Camera....❤