Sony A7 IV - The Near Perfect Upgrade

Quick Setup Tips to Improve Your Workflow

Sony Alpha cameras found their niche with hybrid shooter like me. A hybrid shooter is someone who takes photos equally as often as videos.

My first Sony, the A7R III, was packed with amazing features, but lacked the articulating touch screen and the image stabilization was so so. I was able to overlook that with the beautiful 4K footage it produced and gorgeous 42 MP images. But 42mp takes up a good deal of storage space - and it was more of a photo camera than video machine so I “downgraded” to the Sony A7III which was a better fit for my needs.

Fast forward to December 2021 and I found the camera of my dreams, well almost.

The Sony A7IV. It’s an upgrade to the very popular A7III. It’s packed full of around 50 new features including the updated Menu, Still/Video/S&Q dial, more megapixels (33mp) and the most anticipated… flippy screen, or articulating touch screen. Thank you Sony for listening!

One of my favorite video features is the focus map. This new feature works in both manual and auto focus with most E mount lens.

You can set an on/off setting on one of the custom buttons or add it to the function menu for quick access.

It’s so nice to get a quick visual on what‘s in focus when you’re filming. I use to always check the viewfinder to really be sure what was crisp, but now I don’t have to, I can pay more attention to what my interviewee is saying and less about my gear. Such a win!

Another new feature that I find myself using all the time is the recall dial at the top. The recall was in the A7III and A7RIII, but you only had two or three settings depending on the camera. Now with the mode dial you have nine! What’s nice with the recall is you can quickly switch between settings for you video, stills or slow and quick modes with the turn of the dial. I generally use this for video, to switch between 24, 60 and 120 frames. But it’s great for the photo side of the house, too! Check out the video below on how to set it up.

If you just curious about more somewhat hidden features I point out a few in a recent video I posted. A few that will improve your workflow, like power settings, overheat mode, different sets for still and movie mode, monitor display and file naming for video. I also point out a bonus one for the video shooter, just another helpful visual to see if you’re recording! Thanks again Sony!

thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for a few more Sony videos and more importantly, adventures with it!