Sony Alpha 7R IV

The Sony A7R IV is a professional 35mm full-frame mirrorless camera with a brand new 61 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor. In addition to the significant boost in resolution, the new A7R IV also features 26.2 megapixel images in APS-C crop mode, the latest-generation BIONZ X image processor, 15 stops of dynamic range at low sensitivities, ISO range of 50-102,400, 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation system offering 5.5 stops of compensation, continuous shooting at up to 10fps with full AF/AE tracking (the same rate as the previous A7R III model), 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering 74% of the image area and 425 contrast AF points, plus Real-time Eye AF for movie and stills recording.

Sony is once again leaving rivals choking on its dust with the high-resolution A7R IV full-frame mirrorless camera. The 61-megapixel resolution is more than any rival model, by far, and image quality is detailed and color accurate. Sony’s AI powered autofocus system is stunningly fast and accurate, and the Eye AF system is by far the best on the market. It’s also got much improved handling and does 4K video well. The drawback, as usual with Sony, is a difficult-to-navigate menu system and rolling shutter in video, though less than before. At $3,500, it’s competitive with rivals in pricing and overall, and it might be the best mirrorless camera ever built.

The Sony a7R IV is among the most capable cameras we've tested. It makes a compelling case that the days of choosing between speed-oriented cameras and resolution-oriented cameras are coming to an end. It wouldn't be our top choice for sports and action purists (all those megapixels result in many megabytes of storage), but for those users that need this resolution on a regular basis and want to be able to photograph fast-moving subjects when necessary, the Sony a7R IV is the best option on the market right now.

The A7r Mark IV is an impressive body, with its new 61 Megapixel sensor leap-frogging its high-res rivals to date and overall speed and handling that could easily tempt D850 owners. Here’s a camera that has the potential to deliver portraits, landscapes and architectural images that approach medium format quality, while also having the speed and croppability for distant sports and wildlife. I also appreciated Sony’s body tweaks, from the roomier grip and larger buttons to the dual UHS-II slots and higher resolution viewfinder. I’m still frustrated by the woefully underused touchscreen and disappointed there’s no 4k at 60p nor any video in 10 bit - features presumably reserved for an almost mythical A7s upgrade - but the new digital microphone interface and improved autofocus remain valuable upgrades for video shooters, while the over-sampled 4k footage in the Super 35 mode certainly looks very good. Overall the A7r IV is an evolutionary upgrade over its predecessor, but it’s surprising how much a boost in resolution and autofocus performance has broadened the flexibility and appeal of this model in Sony’s lineup, again allowing it to tempt detail fanatics whether their subjects are static or in fast motion. Recommended, although if 42 Megapixels are enough for you, look for bargains on the earlier A7r III.

The Sony Alpha A7R IV offers a high-resolution 61mp full-frame sensor, and a wealth of features that should leave you satisfied for years to come.