Your next camera, should you be able to afford one? Sony’s freshly-announced A7R IV, the newest star in the company’s Alpha series show. The Japanese camera-maker announced the 61-megapixel (MP) full-frame mirrorless shooter, along with all its features, and it hopes to justify what will be a bank account-bruising price. Still, that looks like a small price to pay for the tech that’s included in this thing. Provided you know how to use all of it, that is.
In addition to 61 of them thar megapixels, Sony’s A7R Mark IV can shoot at up to 240MP in pixel-shift mode, but it’ll also capture 23.2MP shots in APS-C mode. The 61MP sensor is back-side illuminated and has 15 stops of dynamic range. There are 567 full-frame phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast AF points, and the camera’s ISO range covers 100 to 32,000. In expanded mode, ISO runs from 50 to 102,400. The A7R Mark IV captures burst shots at up to 10fps and is capable of up to 68 shots per burst.
Pretty on the inside
There’s a shiny new BIONZ X image sensor, which allows for real-time Eye AF (that’s auto-focus, not the… other one), as well as a five-axis image stabiliser, OLED electronic viewfinder, and the rear panel is touch. This doesn’t flip out, though, so don’t expect many easy selfies.
On the video front, Sony’s included a new Multi Interface Shoe, which supports accessories like the company’s ECM-B1M shotgun mic or their XLR-K3M XLR adaptor kit. Both of which give you extensive audio options when you’re shooting video in 4K at 30fps. If you’re going to lame out and go 1080p, you’ll also get 120fps. Sony’s real-time Eye AF also works in video mode, which is all-new for a camera in the range. Sony’s boasting improved data transfer rates, dual UHS II SD card slots and dust and moisture resistance. At the expected price, we’d bloody well hope that these bits are included.
Sony’s released a demo reel (above) showing off detail on the camera as well as what it can do. Expect lavish, lingering shots of colour-balanced, detailed stills that were apparently captured by Sony’s new A7R Mark IV. We’re well aware that just putting the Mark IV in our hands isn’t going to turn out those shots but it’s neat to see what’s possible from really experienced photographers.
As for availability, we’ve heard nothing official yet. Our usual go-to for Sony cameras, Orms Direct, has an entry for the shooter already but it’s listed as out of stock and without a price for the moment. It’s set for a September launch overseas, so we won’t be seeing it before then. Cost-wise, based on the $3,500 American pricing, we don’t see it costing less than R50,000 here at home. We’ll be keeping our eyes open for official deets.
Source: Engadget