Sony announced today – October 21, 2021 – the launch of three new products in its imaging range: the interchangeable lens camera ALPHA 7 IV (model ILCE-7M4), with a newly developed 33 megapixel (effective, approx.) full-frame image sensor, and two new flashes, the models HVL-F60RM2 e HVL-F46RM.
With ALPHA 7 IV, the functions of full-frame cameras rise to the next level: image quality and excellent performance redefine the standards initially set by the Alpha 7 III. The camera integrates many of Sony’s most advanced imaging technologies, including the latest BIONZ XR ™ processor and the advanced AF (autofocus) function based on the flagship Alpha 1 model, all combined with greater ease of use and more advanced photo and video features. In practice, a highly versatile camera, perfect for photography enthusiasts and professionals working in the most diverse fieldsi.
ALPHA 7 IV boasts a resolution of 33 MP, advanced video functions and various features that respond to the growing demand for remote communication tools, redefining the standards of the category.
“With the introduction of the Alpha 7 III, we have set the benchmark for full-frame cameras. Now is the time to redraw those boundaries, ”says Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “ALPHA 7 IV incorporates the best of Sony’s imaging technology to offer an extraordinary experience both in photography and video shooting, as it allows you to immortalize, flawlessly, any content in any situation of use. “
Excellent image quality
Thanks to the new 33MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R ™ CMOS image sensor, image quality reaches higher levels and the wide sensitivity range is expandable to ISO 50-204,800. The high resolution translates into smooth color gradations, precise rendering of details and textures, and noise reduction. 15 stops of dynamic range broaden the expressive range, while Creative Look settings let you easily create original effects in both photos and movies.
Amazing AF performance
In its most advanced version and already used on the flagship Alpha 1 model, the BIONZ XR ™ processor allows you to shoot continuously at 10 fps with high-speed autofocus, AF / AE tracking and a large memory buffer, to guarantee a photographic experience precise and reliable. ALPHA 7 IV it is infallible in following the subject thanks to the Real-Time Tracking function and to the 759 points of the AF system with phase detection on the focal plane, distributed extensively to cover approximately 94% of the image area. And, for the first time, the Real-time Eye AF function can now be used not only for people, but also for animals and birds, both in photos and movies. The recognition accuracy of the subject’s face and eyes has also been improved by approximately 30% compared to the Alpha 7 III.
Advanced video technologies
To make cinema-quality movies, ALPHA 7 IV it inherits the technologies used in the world of cinema and professional video content, such as S-Cinetone ™, adopted on Sony’s Cinema Line series camcorders. Recording in 4K 60p in Super 35mm format and up to 4K 30p with 7K oversampling in full-frame format guarantees high quality video. There is no shortage of 10-bit depth and 4: 2: 2 color sampling, for a natural rendering of shades, XAVC SI ™ intra-frame encoding, to make editing more efficient, and the XAVC HS ™ format, which doubles compression efficiency.
In response to the increasingly felt need for precise autofocus in video shooting, the model ALPHA 7 IV combined with a Sony E-mount lens, it allows you to take advantage of unique AF functions, including AF Assist[iii], which supports focus transitions in autofocus mode, and Focus Map, which shows depth of field. And, for the first time in the Alpha series, the new camera offers Breathing Compensation[iv], which can be activated optionally to reduce the instability of the angle of view (“breathing”) during changes in focus.
Advanced operation from a real hybrid camera
ALPHA 7 IV it is a hybrid camera with excellent features of functionality and reliability, ideal for switching in an easy and practical way from shooting to video shooting and vice versa. Another novelty for Sony’s Alpha range is the two-level dial, designed to speed up and facilitate the transition between the various settings. The lower level allows you to select Photo / Video / S & Q modes, while the upper level is used to select Auto / P / A / S / M and MR (Memory Recall) modes. The new camera also offers 5-axis optical image stabilization for a faster shutter speed of 5.5 stops, a more ergonomic grip for greater comfort, and a slot compatible with CFexpress type A cards, to offer greater speed of writing and deleting data. The 3.68 million dot (approx.) Quad-VGA OLED viewfinder has 1.6 times the resolution of the Alpha 7 III, which means you can enjoy better image quality in Live View mode, with reduced chromatic aberrations and higher resolution.
Thanks to a structure that dissipates the heat, it is possible to record videos in 4K 60p 4: 2: 2 at 10 bit for more than one hour continuously, while the optical stabilizer with “Active” mode helps to shoot even hand-held. Other important practical features are the rear 3 ”LCD touch screen, with about 1.03 million dots, with side opening and swiveling in multiple directions, the REC button located above the camera body, and the Z battery for long sessions. recording or shooting.
The magnesium alloy body combines strength and lightness, while the redesigned structure and lens lock button make the unit more resistant to dust and moisture.