Sony Unleashes 61MP Alpha 7R IV Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

Sony Unleashes 61MP Alpha 7R IV Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

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Sony Alpha 7R IV

New York, NY—Sony unveiled the latest model in its Alpha 7R series of full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Alpha 7R IV (ILCE-7RM4) is Sony’s highest resolution full-frame camera. The camera boasts a newly developed 35mm full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 61.0 megapixels. Moreover, the sensor’s back-illuminated structure and noise reduction techniques combine to deliver low noise and high sensitivity.

The Alpha 7R IV also features a 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivities, to produce natural gradations from deep shadows to highlights. It utilizes algorithms from the latest Alpha cameras to maintain color reproduction.

“We are continuing to drive innovation, break boundaries and redefine the expectations of digital camera performance,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president, Imaging Product and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “The Alpha 7R IV combines medium-format-level image quality with high-speed shooting, extremely fast focusing and an extensive list of upgrades to design, connectivity and usability.”

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The Alpha 7R IV has a tilting LCD monitor.

The camera is equipped with 5-axis, optical in-body image stabilization fine-tuned to support its high-resolution shooting. The system provides a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage. In addition, the shutter unit was redesigned to reduce blur-causing movement.

Moreover, the camera employs Sony’s highest resolution electronic viewfinder: a 5.76-million-dot UXGA OLED Tru-finder. About 1.6x the resolution of the EVF in the α7R III, this viewfinder provides more accurate scene depiction. Furthermore, users can set the display quality to standard or high mode, and to a 60-frames-per-sec or 120-fps refresh rate.

Evolved Pixel Shift Multi Shooting technology is also incorporated. In this mode, the camera shifts the sensor in one pixel or half-pixel increments to capture 16 pixel-shifted full-resolution images containing 963.2 million pixels of total data. They are composited into a 240.8M-pixel (19,008×12,672) image using Sony’s Imaging Edge desktop application.

Built for Speed

In addition, the α7R IV shoots full-res images at up to 10 fps with continuous AF/AE tracking. It can do so for up to seven seconds in full-frame, full-resolution mode (JPEG/RAW) or three times as long in APS-C crop mode, delivering 26.2MP images.

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Sony Alpha 7R IV

Also, an upgraded focusing system comprises 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 74% of the image area. There are also 425 contrast-AF points for enhanced low-light performance. The AF systems also provides an improvement in tracking performance.

Real-time eye AF is also supported; it employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye location data in real-time, locking and maintaining focus on the subject’s eye. This is available for both animal and human subjects. Real-time Tracking is available as well; it utilizes a new subject recognition algorithm to ensure subject tracking. Additionally, there is an anti-flicker shooting mode that automatically detects fluorescent or artificial lighting to minimize any impact on the image.

Pro Filmmaking Features

The α7R IV captures 4K (3,840×2,160 pixels) video across the full width of its sensor, and full pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35mm mode. S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 are also available to maximize color grading flexibility; S-Log 3 offers 14-stops of dynamic range. Also integrated is Hybrid Log-Gamma, which supports an Instant HDR workflow.

For video autofocus, the full-frame camera uses refined Fast Hybrid AF technology. It also includes touch-tracking functionality during movie shooting, allowing users to touch the screen on their subject for acquisition.

In addition, the camera debuts real-time eye AF for movie shooting, a first in any of Sony’s cameras. When activated, the eye of a subject is automatically tracked, permitting the shooter to focus on the content, as opposed to what is in focus or not.

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Sony Alpha 7R IV

Also new is the addition of a digital audio interface to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe. This enables a direct digital connection from the new ECM-B1M shotgun microphone or XLR-K3M XLR adaptor kit for low-noise audio recording.

Other video features include: interval shooting for creating time-lapse videos; Full HD recording at up to 120 fps; as well as slow and quick motion functions.

Connectivity Options

The α7R IV has a variety of connectivity features to enhance professional workflow. It includes wireless LAN functionality to support the conventional 2.4 GHz band, as well as a high-speed 5 GHz band for faster data transfer. Wireless PC remote connectivity (wireless tethering shooting) is also available. This features allows for more freedom in studio and location shoots, letting the photographer move around freely.

In addition to Wi-Fi and wireless PC connectivity, the full-frame camera has a SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1, Type-C connector for fast wired data transmission. It also supports FTP data transfer with background transfer capability, permitting photographers to send images to a specified FTP remote server while still shooting or reviewing images.

Moreover, to support an efficient, high-speed, connected professional workflow, Sony announced version 2.0 of its Imaging Edge desktop software (Remote/Viewer/Edit). The Remote app lets users control cameras and monitor live shooting on their PC screen; the Viewer application is used to quickly preview, rate and select photos from large libraries; and the Edit app can develop RAW data into photos for delivery.

Body Upgrades

Furthermore, to maximize durability, the magnesium alloy Alpha 7R IV features upgraded dust and moisture resistance. It has additional seals at all body seams, the battery compartment cover and media slots.

Additional enhancements to the body include an improved grip for comfort and a surer hold; an increase in the diameter and feedback for the AF-On button; a new multi-selector joystick for improvised control; an exposure compensation dial lock button; and a new position for the rear dial. A strong request from many professional users, the camera also includes two UHS-II media slots.

Plus, Sony improved the battery life of this camera with a CIPA measurement of up to 670 still images per charge using the LCD monitor, or 530 images using the EVF.

Sony’s Alpha 7R IV full-frame interchangeable-lens camera will ship in September 2019. It will have a retail price of $3,500.

Alpha 7R IV Accessories

Sony also released new accessories to compliment the Alpha 7R IV.

The VG-C4EM vertical grip provides the same operation, handling and design as the Alpha 7R IV. It also has upgraded dust and moisture resistance. And it doubles the battery life and allows USB battery charging via the camera body. It also ships in September. $400.

The ECM-B1M shotgun microphone boasts eight mic capsules and advanced digital signal processing. It provides three selectable directivity patterns in one compact microphone that’s 4 inches in length. It also offers super-directional pick up; when connected to the Alpha 7R IV via its Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface support, audio is directly transferred to the camera in digital form. It will reach retail in September. $350.

The XLR-K3M XLR adapter kit will be available in October. It features two XLR/TRS combo connectors and one 3.5mm stereo mini jack for microphone and line input. A supplied extension cable for audio provides flexibility for camera attachment with a rig, cage or bracket. $600.

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