Sony A7r IV review: IN-DEPTH with 61 Megapixels

[@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?

[@geoff_ince]

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

[@KingofStreet3]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@bobtpapa]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@jameshumphrey9939]

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

[@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.

[@giuseppeciraulo6177]

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

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@nyc0053]

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

[@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. 👍🏻

[@MannyG32968]

Well done. Can't wait for my A7R4!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@matthewlee8270]

Thank you Gordon! Hands down the best technical review!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Matthew!

[@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

[@ArrakisDunedt]

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

[@photomagben]

glad to hear you are still in the business

[@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.

[@IanWilkinson]

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

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@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!

[@TobyOft]

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

[@MikMilman]

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

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@dctt3511]

In video mode its same 5 years old camera.

[@radioactivecat]

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

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

At 15:37 "so I photographed the still life scene with both cameras using the same lens" => which lens was used?? that's quite important information and you don't say nor write which lens you used.

[@eddwingregg6999]

24-70mm - you can see it when he does the ISO test with the other camera.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

@@eddwingregg6999 Okay, but you had to look for it, it would have been nicer to display it when he was mentioning "same lens", as the lens clearly affects IQ and resolution. In this case, using the 24-70 is not the best choice for a comparison of sensor resolution, as this is the softest GM lens. What you want is to use the sharpest lens you can find, for ex the 135mm 1.8, and then you can see exactly how much the sensor matters. In the case of the 24-70gm, the bottleneck is also the lens itself.

[@eddwingregg6999]

@@youuuuuuuuuuutube I guess - if you needed to be told "everything" as opposed to using your discovery skills, life wouldnt look so fair for you. Not all photographers go in depth with visual text. I think that's our job to research.

[@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,

[@floriankupper5300]

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

[@Jason_Hermann]

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

[@cameralabs]

Cheers Jay!

[@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!

[@apex-wah]

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

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou!

[@zeroken]

I don't have A7R3. I have a7 mk3 for speed, then I preorder this for high resolution work . Can't wait to get mine on the coming weeks

[@happyisblue]

I want to get one too

[@ernreeders1487]

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

[@DeusExAstra]

Excellent camera. Thanks for the review.

[@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!

[@jeffwisener1378]

I am a surf photographer. The fact you can program the C1 button, toggle between full frame and 1.5 crop sensor and still get 24 MP shots, both at 10fps, get 120 fps video, and have great autofocus in still photography and video is the attraction for me. This camera body and set up turns the new Sony 200-600mm lens into a sharp 300-900mm lens for stills and video without changing lens. I know if no other set up that can do it.

[@cameralabs]

That's a nice setup...

[@stefan_becker]

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

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@T-Slider]

Thanks Gordon, this is another great review because Gordon!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@gernerchristensen8114]

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

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@c.g.c2067]

The day somebody will release a simple, straight forward, no super extra features full frame camera professionals will love it. It's no longer about photography nowadays it is about the features of the camera and how to use these features in post-production

[@cameralabs]

What, like the best-selling Nikon Df?

[@c.g.c2067]

Engineers should work to make our life easier rather than making it more complicated

[@terrywbreedlove]

Waiting for this sensor in the new Nikon Z8. Get those Pro lenses out and the Z Mount will rock it.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Tom Tim I just shot 50 sheets of 4x5 you ?

[@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.

[@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..

[@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?

[@DrAlvinEng]

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

[@cameralabs]

you're very welcome!

[@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!

[@chippy511]

Nice review Gordon I just wish prices would be a bit lower from SONY I have the original Mark 1 which looks kinda old fashioned now somehow compared with 4 ✌️ keep the good reviews coming now I always watch them.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! If you jump to the Mark IV you'll see a LOT of upgrades! Even to the A7 III would be a good move...

[@77dris]

Full frame 4K definitely looks sharper than crop mode.

[@froznfire9531]

It's kind of hilarious that sony is able to output 60mp FF cameras but a interval shooting mode has just arrived now, after cameras from other companies had it for ages, even in the lowest tier models. Anyways, superb review

[@martinistse]

The vlog focus is very nice and crisp

[@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?

[@HermieDaddy]

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

[@dontgetmadgetwise4271]

Isn't the IV just a III with a larger sensor? I don't need it. My high res desktop monitor has ~8MP.

[@cameralabs]

Well most people have HD displays which only have 2 Megapixels. But we shoot higher res for printing and or cropping.

[@tscott6843]

Fantastic review. First time viewer, new subscriber.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy my other videos!

[@sholaallen4873]

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

[@PhotoGearFun]

Another great review mate. I don't have need for a high megapixel camera at least at that price . I'm just an enthusiast photographer who shoots mostly birds and macro, no landscape here. Yes one could argue more is better but in my case I will stick with my 24mp a7iii thanks. Cheers.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@DCFotographs]

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

[@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.

[@GurmeetSingh-fr8uo]

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

[@JazzEye]

Great review Gordon! Thank you!

[@cameralabs]

you're welcome!

[@Chorusfilms]

What about the A7S 3 ? Any idea when it will come out ?

[@cameralabs]

your guess is as good as mine

[@nethbt]

hi Gordon...do you think this camera COMPLETELY elimitates the need for super zooms in wildlife since you can just crop it in while retaining the details?

[@cameralabs]

No, a downsampled image with a long lens always looks better than a cropped image with a shorter one.

[@Moresco24]

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

[@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.

[@kathraeber8632]

Thank you so much for an amazing and detailed review.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@Zhiloreznik]

Hard to take bad pictures with any camera when you have models like that. Jordan 😍 other models are not bad either :)

[@cameralabs]

He is the best though...

[@Zhiloreznik]

Gordon Laing his famous Baywatch running scene never gets old. Next best thing to David Hasselhoff

[@thatjordandrake]

Happy to provide some eye candy once in a while!

[@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?

[@revadan]

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

[@cameralabs]

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

[@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

[@Celestialrob]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@heredownunder]

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

[@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?

[@6gwilliams]

Thanks Gordon. I have one pre-ordered.

[@cameralabs]

Great stuff!

[@user-em1dj8fn7m]

Excellent review -- the noise at higher ISO levels would not make this camera a good fit for me. Thanks for the detailed comparison.

[@easyyttv]

Very good way of saying you can't afford it. Well done lmao.

[@user-em1dj8fn7m]

@@easyyttv lol. I own an A7RIII with all GMaster optics and a GFX 50R. I prefer the GFX for higher ISO levels. It has nothing to do with money.

[@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!

[@anneshan34]

Awesome review Gordon , Thanks for that 😊

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@AO-rp2zo]

Very very nice reviews the best on youtube !

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@RecoilRacingVideos]

What lens is best with this camera?

[@crossfitmastersgymtainment7661]

wow...grt content. thanks Gordon. Can u tell me if the AF is superior or equivalent on the A9 Mrk 2 compared to your review. Im fortunate to be having to make a decision between A92 vs A7R4. I like low light high speed indoor sport photography and am finding my current Olympus a bit too grainy when i crank up the ISO for the necassary high Shutter speeds.

[@cameralabs]

The A9 focus is better than the A7 series, but . tbh, it's more than good enough for me on the A7 series.

[@crossfitmastersgymtainment7661]

@@cameralabs one more question if i may...is processing the hi. res 60meg pics noticeably more time consuming for you (and your computer). we have fairly poor internet speeds in urban Australia!

[@unexplainedmysteries9540]

I need to film drones at night. Small, fast and bight lights against black sky. What is the best camera? Should I go for a higher ISO?

[@wanjamantel1602]

If you need to, ISO is your best friend ;)

[@Zakalwe-01]

That high ISO performance (well, actually low ISO too), is interesting. Looks like the usable top limit of pixel pitch has been reached, if not surpassed. I'm struggling to understand why Sony went this high for 35mm. 'Marketing' springs to mind. I say this as an owner of many an Alpha camera.

[@SamW604]

Another excellent review! Thank you.

[@harmanchannel7948]

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

[@jasmey2009]

Which one is better? A7R IV or A9?

[@keibro13]

Well done Gordon.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Keith!

[@jj4996]

Looking to move from a old Canon 7D. Stumped on the Sony a7R IV or the D850. What would you suggest for someone picking back up photography who takes landscape, wildlife, and some sports?

[@cameralabs]

I'd really go for the A7r IV over any DSLR nowadays, plus you can adapt some of your older Canon EF lenses while you gradually replace them with native options. PS - if you're ordering online, please consider going through my links here or at cameralabs.com thanks!

[@jj4996]

@@cameralabs Does it focus stack landscape?

[@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.

[@mistermadsen]

Finally an illuminated focus point in a Sony body...

[@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.

[@mikldude9376]

Another great review sir ! Thank you .

[@cameralabs]

Cheers!

[@Modern-Squared]

Very well done Sir!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@stevelink21]

Hi Gordon. Very nicely done review! I am a Fujiflm X-System user, and have found the Fujinon XF80mm f/2.8 Macro lens to be the absolute sharpest lens I've ever used in my 40 years of photography! When I combine it with an X-T3, a solid tripod, and good pre/post processing technique, I am seeing incredible detail in my product photography and macro images. My BIG Question is, would I see a "noticeable" improvement in image sharpness and detail with a Sony a7III or the new a7rIV? Thank you sir!

[@cameralabs]

I got halfway through a long reply then realised what you should do is download some sample images from the cameras you're curious about and just compare them. I have a bunch at flickr.

[@marilynzanca7712]

Hi, Im interested in the Sony A7r 4 and watching your video and the 47 r 4 the menus are a bit scary. do you have any regrets getting that camera as far as the menus go? I thought that once the menus were set maybe there might not be any problems? whats your view? as I am coming from canon 5d mark 2.

[@cameralabs]

The menus aren't as intuitive as the Canon, but it's like anything, you get used to them, and you can also put your most-used options in the my menu page, so i think you'll be fine. Please do consider buying through my links here or at cameralabs.com thanks!

[@marilynzanca7712]

hi again, whats the system requirements for Sony A7r 4. I have a laptop i7 and 8gb ram. is this acceptable for this camera?