Sony Alpha ILCE-7R Mark IV + SEL FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Sony Alpha ILCE 7R IV Body

The highly versatile and capable Alpha 7R IV is Sony's highest resolution camera to date. It offers impressive image quality with high resolution and wide dynamic range with consistently outstanding focus performance, high-speed continuous shooting, and many other features.

These include the world's first rear-illuminated Exmor R CMOS 35 mm full-frame image sensor with 61 MP and latest-generation BIONZ X image processor, real-time focus with eye detection for movie shooting, and advanced real-time tracking plus real-time AF with eye detection for photo shooting and APS-C Zuschnnitt mode at an impressive 26.2 MP resolution. The camera supports advanced networking and operability for high-speed WiFi, remote wireless PC networking, wireless FTP transfer, or faster USB data transfer. The Alpha 7R IV allows professional 4K movie shooting with full pixel display without pixel binning in Super 35mm mode. At the same time, it features S-Log 3 and support for HDR workflows. When used with Sony's new microphones with XLR adapters, the Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface delivers high sound quality recordings.

A new dimension in image quality

The Alpha 7R IV is equipped with a newly developed rear-exposed 35 mm full-frame CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 61 MP - the first of its kind in the world. The new sensor's backside-exposed design and effective noise reduction ensure ultra-low noise and high sensitivity for maximum image quality. In addition, the camera offers an impressive 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivity for seamless, natural gradations from dark shadows to bright highlights. Algorithms adopted from the latest Alpha cameras also ensure outstanding color reproduction.

This new full-frame model incorporates an innovative 5-axis image stabilization system optimized for this camera's high-resolution shooting capabilities, enabling a shutter speed advantage of 5.5 stops. The shutter has also been adapted to reduce even small movements that could otherwise cause camera shake.

The Alpha 7R IV's viewfinder also features the highest resolution of any Sony camera: an electronic UXGA OLED Tru-Finder with 5.76 million pixels. That's about 1.6 times the resolution of the Alpha 7R III's electronic viewfinder, so this new viewfinder renders every subject ultra-accurately and faithfully. Standard or high display quality and a frame rate of 60 or 120 frames per second can be set for optimal adaptation to the subject and shooting conditions.

In addition, Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode has been enhanced for the new camera, which stitches together up to 16 full-resolution images. In this mode, the camera precisely shifts the sensor in 1- or 0.5-pixel increments to create 16 individual shots in varying pixel counts totaling 963.2 million pixels. These are then stitched together in the [Imaging Edge] desktop application to create a 240.8 million pixel image (19,008 x 12,672 pixels). This optimized mode is ideal for architectural photography, fine art photography, and all other static shooting subjects, producing images with highly impressive detail and color accuracy.

Shooting and focusing speed

The innovative new Alpha 7R IV full-frame mirrorless camera can capture images at up to 10 frames per second with consistently accurate AF/AE tracking for approximately 7 seconds - each at full resolution - in full-frame 61 MP (JPEG/RAW) or approximately 3x as long in APS-C sized 26.2 MP cropped mode. These high-speed capabilities capture even fast-moving subjects with ultra-accuracy and impressive detail.

The Alpha 7R IV's advanced focusing system includes 567 AF phase detection points covering approximately 74% of the image area, plus 425 AF contrast points for added accuracy and reliability in low-light and other shooting situations for which contrast AF is ideal. The new camera's higher AF sensor density and revised tracking algorithms significantly improve tracking performance, so even complex or sudden subject movements are now tracked reliably and more accurately than ever before.

The Alpha 7R IV also supports real-time AF with Eye Detection, which uses artificial intelligence to detect and process eye position in real time, enabling ultra-accurate focusing of the subject's eye throughout. This function is available for people and animals. Depending on the shooting situation, you can choose between AF with animal or human eye detection. In addition, a real-time tracking function is available that uses a newly developed subject detection algorithm to provide even more precise subject tracking and continuous focus system tracking. Anti-flicker shooting mode automatically detects fluorescent and artificial lighting and minimizes corresponding effects on the final image.

Optimized networking for professional workflows

The new Sony Alpha 7R IV full-frame camera is equipped with a range of advanced networking features for professional workflows. The new model offers WLAN with support for the usual 2.4 GHz band, as well as the 5 GHz high-speed band, for faster and more stable data transfer. A wireless PC remote networking function (wireless tethering shooting) is also available with the new Alpha 7R IV - a first for Sony cameras. This feature, requested by many professionals, opens up new freedoms for studio and on-location shooting - photographers can now move around unhindered.

In addition to high-speed WiFi and wireless PC networking, the new full-frame camera is also equipped with a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.2 Gen 1) USB Type-C port that supports ultra-fast data transfer, nearly doubling the data transfer rate over the Alpha 7R III when combined with Imaging Edge software. The camera also features FTP data transfer, which sends images to a specified FTP remote server while images are still being captured or viewed.

To support efficient, networked high-speed workflows for professionals, Sony announced version 2.0 of the Imaging Edge desktop applications (Remote/Viewer/Edit). "Remote" allows users to control cameras and monitor live footage from their PC screen. "Viewer" lets users quickly preview, rate and select photos, even in large libraries. With "Edit", high-quality images can be created from RAW data.

For the most straightforward image transfer possible, with the latest version of the Imaging Edge Mobile application from Sony Images can now be transferred to a connected smartphone even when disconnected from power.

High-resolution 4K and pro movie features

In addition to its impressive photo shooting capabilities, the Alpha 7R IV is also an excellent movie camera, with 4K video recording (3840 x 2160 pixels) and full pixel display without pixel binning in Super 35mm mode, delivering 4K content with high detail and outstanding depth. S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 also provide highly flexible color shaping, and S-Log 3 offers up to 14 levels of dynamic range. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)[xiv] is also available with the Alpha 7R IV to support direct HDR workflows.

For video autofocus, this versatile new full-frame camera uses an optimized fast hybrid autofocus system that speeds up autofocus while filming and makes it more seamless and stable - even when an object temporarily moves in front of the subject. The Touch Tracking function for movie shooting also captures the desired subject with just a touch of the display.

The new Alpha 7R IV is the first Sony camera to feature real-time AF with eye detection for movie shooting. When this function is activated, the eye of the subject in question is automatically tracked ultra-precisely and ultra-reliably, allowing the filmmaker to focus entirely on the subject instead of having to worry about focusing. The Touch Tracking function also automatically starts AF with eye detection when a person is selected as the subject.

Another noteworthy feature for video recording is the new digital audio interface on the camera's Multi Interface Shoe (MI Shoe), which allows direct connection of the new ECM-B1M shotgun microphone for high-quality low-noise audio recording or the XLR-K3M XLR adapter kit. In addition, interval recording is available for time-lapse video, as well as full HD recording at up to 120 frames per second, slow motion and fast motion, and many other features.

Optimized construction, design and customization options

The design and operating options of the new Alpha 7R IV have been revised. Many wishes of the Sony professional community have been taken into account.

The Alpha 7R IV has been further optimized for maximum resistance to dust and splash water. For this purpose, all connection points on the housing, the battery compartment cover and the media slots have been additionally sealed. In addition, the camera is made of an ultra-lightweight and ultra-durable magnesium alloy and features a redesigned extra-firm lens mount with six screws.

Other improvements to the body design include a redesigned grip that fits better and more securely in the hand, the larger diameter and optimized feedback of the AF ON button, the redesigned multi-select joystick for spontaneous control, a lock button for the exposure compensation dial, and a new shape and position for the rear dial. In response to requests from many professional photographers, the new camera is also equipped with two UHS-II compatible media slots that expand the overall feature set and enable faster read/write operations.

For greater ease of use, the options for saving settings have been expanded. Almost all camera settings can now be saved to and loaded from a memory card. Up to 10 combinations can be stored on one card and loaded into any camera body of the same type.

Despite the 1.5 times the number of pixels, battery life has also been improved - with a CIPA measurement of up to 670 shots (via LCD, 530 shots via electronic viewfinder) per charge. To further extend operating time, the optional VG-C4EM vertical grip houses two NP-FZ100 batteries, and the optional multi-battery adapter (NPA-MQZ1K) can accommodate up to four Z batteries. In addition, the body can be powered via the USB port.

• World's first full-frame 61 MP back-illuminated Exmor RTM CMOS sensor with latest-generation BIONZ X image processor delivers impressive 15-stop dynamic range
• Up to 240 MP thanks to Pixel Shift Multi Shooting function
• First UXGA OLED Tru-Finder with 5.76 million pixels (highest viewfinder resolution of all Sony cameras)
• 10 frames/second with continuous AF/ AE tracking & 567 phase AF points
• 5-axis image stabilizer
• Real-time AF with eye detection for photography & for the first time also for movie shooting
• Mode for APSC cropping at high resolution of 26.2 MP
• Advanced networking and operation: dual UHS-II slot, support for high speed WiFi (up to 5GHz), wireless PC remote networking (wireless tethering), wireless background FTP transfer
• Professional 4K video recording thanks to full pixel display without pixel binning in Super 35mm mode, S-Log3, HDR.
• Multi-interface shoe with digital audio interface for high quality sound recording
• Improved dust and splash protection with additional sealing and redesigned extra-firm lens mount

Sony SEL FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Outstanding f1.4 resolution in a fixed focal length mobile lens

Using a variety of leading technologies, the G Master delivers consistently high resolution and smooth, natural bokeh - even at the widest F1.4 aperture. This compact lens is the lightest in its class, offering maximum E-mount portability. It also offers fast, precise AF drive and great control and reliability, making it a perfect choice for professionals.

Excellent resolution from the center of the frame to the edges.

Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, one for the front element, successfully compensate for coma, field curvature, and astigmatism, which are a more common problem in wide-angle lenses with a large aperture. This ensures excellent resolution from the center of the image to the edges, even at the widest F1.4 aperture.

Aspherical glass elements to suppress color aberration

Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements have been integrated into the lens optical path to reduce axial and lateral chromatic aberrations and ensure optimum sharpness throughout the image.

Compact, lightweight design

The new optical design uses two XA elements (one for the front lens) to reduce the overall diameter of the lens and, in combination with the newly developed Direct Drive SSM focus drive system (DDSSM), makes the very light weight of only 445 grams possible. This size- and weight-reduced lens is thus perfectly suited for compact E-mount bodies.

Nano AR coating for fewer reflections

Sony's Nano AR original coating technology effectively eliminates internal reflections and ghosting effects to achieve optimal contrast and clarity in the widest possible range of shooting conditions. (1. Nano coating/ 2. Glass/ 3. Light quantity).

State-of-the-art optical design for faithful reproduction of point sources

State-of-the-art optical design with two XA precision elements removes sagittal reflections, a common aberration in large aperture lenses. Sagittal reflections result in an unnatural distribution of point sources, reminiscent of a bird spreading its wings, and intensify at the edge of the image. Natural reproduction of point sources is important in night shots with stars or city lights, for example. (1. star shot with the FE 24mm F1.4 GM free of sagittal reflections. 2. strong sagittal reflections in a star shot with a conventional 24mm F1.4 lens).

Newly designed DDSSM system optimized for the lens.

The redesigned, high-performance Direct Drive SSM focus drive system (DDSSM) reduces size and weight while providing approximately three times the thrust of the previous system. The higher performance of the new DDSSM system provides faster, more accurate and quieter autofocus drive - for outstanding performance in both still and movie shooting.

Eleven blades for wonderful bokeh

The lens' aperture mechanism consists of 11 blades, common to α lenses, and is ring-shaped in design to achieve a virtually perfect circular aperture - even when stopped down by 1 or 2 stops. This makes it easy to achieve an aesthetically pleasing, round bokeh. Such uniformly soft background bokeh vividly highlights the subject.

Easy release for video recording

The aperture ring provides the immediacy and responsiveness that professionals need for both still and movie shooting. The ON/OFF click switch engages or disengages the click stops on the aperture ring as needed. The engagement of the detent steps is a tactile confirmation that makes it easier to gauge by feel how much the ring has been changed, making it well suited for photo shoots. With the steps not engaged, the aperture ring rotates smoothly and quietly for seamless, silent control when filming.

High reliability in the toughest conditions

The rubber-coated focus ring is easy to control even in low temperatures. A locking button for the lens hood prevents it from accidentally coming loose during transport. Dust- and moisture-proof construction increases reliability for outdoor use.

Smooth, versatile operation

The focus hold button can be configured via the body menu. This allows the user to directly access a second function assigned to the focus hold button, such as split lines to check image composition when shooting landscapes, or white balance to adjust it to the prevailing lighting conditions or to create a specific mood.

Versatile focus control at the touch of a button

The focus adjustment switch lets you quickly switch between autofocus and manual focus depending on shooting conditions.

Fluorine coating on the front element

Fluorine coating on the front element resists fingerprints, dust, water, oil and mud. If contamination does occur, the lens surface is easy to clean.

Excellent response and differentiated linear focus control

The focus ring provides MF with linear response for precise, responsive focus control. Focus changes linearly according to the rotation of the focus ring, providing the immediate control needed for fast and precise manual focusing.