Sony is taking “basic” to the next level by announcing the release of the interchangeable-lens camera Alpha 7 IV and two new flashes, the HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM.

The Alpha 7 IV (model ILCE-7M4) takes off from the Alpha 7 III while elevating what is expected of a “basic” camera with excellent image quality, performance, and advanced film-making features.

The new model features many of Sony’s most advanced imaging technologies, including the latest BIONZ XR™ processing engine and advanced autofocus (AF).

The Alpha 7 IV’s features also include streamlined operability and enhanced reliability for photos and movies, making it the perfect all-around camera for both imaging enthusiasts and film-making professionals today.

Outstanding image quality

Sample image taken with the Sony Alpha 7 IV

The Alpha 7 IV comes with a newly developed 33MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor for superior image quality and wide ISO sensitivity range.

The high resolution leads to smooth gradation and finer details and textures for photo subjects, as well as reduced noise.

Its 15-stop dynamic range allows a wide expressive range while Creative Look settings can help to create standout stills and videos.

Next level AF performance

Equipped with the processing engine BIONZ XR also used in the flagship Alpha 1, the Alpha 7 IV delivers high-speed and uninterrupted AF, allowing continuous shooting at 10fps for smooth shooting.

With Real-Time Tracking and a high-end focal plane phase-detection AF system, the camera manufactures images that are clearer than ever.

The Real-time Eye AF feature also accurately tracks subjects such as humans’ and animals’ eyes for both stills and movies, while approximately 94 percent of image area is covered.

Evolved movie technology

The Alpha 7 IV is also a suitable tool for vloggers and film makers alike with technologies inherited from real-world movie productions.

The features include S-Cinetone from Sony’s highly-regarded Cinema Line cameras used by film makers and content creators themselves—helping deliver a rich, cinematic look to videos.

High quality results can also be expected with 4K 60p recording in Super 35mm mode and up to 4K 30p recording with 7K oversampling in full-frame mode.

The new camera also features 10-bit depth 4:2:2 colour sampling to enable natural gradation, XAVC S-I™ intra-frame encoding for more efficient editing workflows and XAVC HS™ for doubled compression efficiency.

A perfect complement to Sony’s lens

The unique AF features can be highlighted in AF performance even further when using the Alpha 7 IV with a Sony E-mount lens.

This includes AF Assist that supports focus transitions when using AF and Focus Map that visualizes depth of field.

For the first time in the Alpha series, the new camera also combats focus breathing with its Breathing Compensation feature to maintain a consistent angle of view throughout changes in focus.

Advanced, genuine, efficient hybrid model 

Sample image taken with the Sony Alpha 7 IV

The Alpha 7 IV is a hybrid still and movie camera with outstanding operability and reliability that easily allows the user to switch from photo to movie and back at their convenience.

It has a dual layer mode dial that is new to Sony’s line-up of Alpha cameras to make it easy for users to switch between settings.

The lower layer is dedicated to easily select between still, movie, or S&Q modes while the top layer is for various photography modes (Auto/P/A/S/M).

It also has 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization for a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage, as well as an improved grip for greater comfort and a CFexpress Type A compatible media slot to support media with faster writing and clearance.

Additionally, its OLED Quad-VGA viewfinder is 1.6 times the resolution of the Alpha 7 III viewfinder, allowing users to review captures through upgraded and high-quality live-view images with minimized false color and increased resolution.

A videographer’s reliable companion

Videographers can record 4K 60p video continuously for more than an hour, thanks to the camera’s heat-dissipating structure.

Optical Active Mode image stabilization helps optimum video shooting.

To make filming easier and more efficient, the camera also has a side-opening vari-angle touch-panel rear LCD monitor, a top-panel REC button and a high-capacity Z-series battery.

Active Mode stabilization

The Alpha 7 IV body is built with magnesium alloy to make the entire camera lighter and more comfortable to use on the fly.

In addition, the redesigned structure and lens lock button contribute to enhanced dust and moisture resistance.

Enhanced workflow capabilities

By offering a variety of connectivity options, the Alpha 7 IV enables on-the-spot streaming and sharing of high-quality content.

These came into play for users who need real-time remote use of photos or videos without sacrificing excellent image and sound quality.

Users simply have to connect the camera to the Imaging Edge Mobile app on their phones via Bluetooth, while fast data transfer is made on a 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection.

The camera also has a new feature called “Shot Mark” to enable easy access to the marked scenes in a video clip, within camera and on Sony’s Catalyst Browse/Prepare applications.

Shot Mark

The camera has a range of new features to support live streaming and remote communication without the need of dedicated software.

UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) directly turn the Alpha 7 IV into a high-performance live streaming camera when connected to a computer or smartphone.

Users can stream high-quality and realistic videos up to 4K for 15p and 1080 FHD for 60p with high quality sound when paired with a great range of microphones and accessories.

Sustainable innovation

Developing the Alpha 7 IV model came with the environment in mind, as Sony used original recycled plastic SORPLAS for the camera body and the packaging with recyclable materials and less plastic.

The camera is produced at sites which use renewable energy, such as solar power, while the product packaging also adopts recyclable plastic-reduced materials.

Powerful flashes to evolve Alpha Lighting System

Included in Sony’s latest release of new products are the HVL-F60RM2 (GN 60 and 20-200mm coverage) and HVL-F46RM with (GN 46 and 24-105mm), a pair of powerful wireless flashes that offer high-speed precision and more operability.

They are designed to meet the needs of both professional and advanced content creators when shooting with a Sony Alpha camera, including the new Alpha 7 IV.

Upgraded flash speed and performance

Both flashes have upgraded continuous shooting flash performance, up to 200 times at 10 frames per second for the HVL-F60RM2 and 60 times for the HVL-F46RM.

With an optimized flash algorithm, both flashes are overheat-resistant. A set of four Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries power them to make 240 to 320 flashes with a recycle time from 1.7 to 2.0 seconds, depending on which flash you purchase.

When used in combination with an Alpha camera, they allow users to experience the unique communication and system benefits of the Alpha Lighting System.

For example, if paired with the Alpha 7 IV, P-TTL flash control metering for every frame is made available in Lo, Mid, and Hi continuous modes.

The flash release time lag is also shortened to capture momentary facial expressions and movements of the subject.

Alpha 1 with HVL-F46RM and SEL50F12GM

With the Alpha 1, the HVL-F60RM2 reaches up to 20fps of continuous shooting and approximately 20 flashes per second can be produced for more than 10 seconds with the external flash battery adapter FA-EBA1.

When Alpha 1 is used with Sony’s flashes including HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM, users can sync even the fastest of shutter speeds to expand expressive capabilities when shooting in full-frame mode.

In addition, the silent electronic shutter of the camera allows for silent flash shooting when absolute silence is required.

Other system benefits of HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM with an Alpha camera include:

• Flash parameters controlled directly from the menu of a compatible camera
• Flash control linked to camera face detection
• Automatic correction of white balance based on the color temperature information from the flash

Like the Alpha 7 IV, both flashes have better strength, reliability, and operability, thanks in part to Sony’s Multi Interface shoe with Sony’s unique metal shoe foot with rugged side frame which also make the flashes more dust and moisture resistant.

The HVL-F60RM2 has an original rotating mechanism called “Quick Shift Bounce” that enables flexible positioning and optimum lighting control, preventing changes in bounce angles.

Both are also capable of wireless radio communication and can control up to 15 flashes and/or receiver units in five groups via wireless radio communication for versatile lighting control.

Availability

The Alpha 7 IV will be available at selected retail shops and online shops from December 2021 in Singapore. For a full list of specs and information, please visit here.

The accessory (PCK-LG2) Screen Protect Glass Sheet for Alpha 7 IV will be available at the same time.

The camera is also compatible with the Camera Remote Software Development Kit (SDK).

The HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM flashes will be available at selected retail shops and online shops from late November 2021 in Singapore.

In the Philippines, it’ll be available soon.