Sony A7 IV Officially Announced, 33MP Full Frame Sensor, $2498

Sony A7 Iv

Sony announced the Sony A7 IV. The Sony A7 IV has a 33MP full frame sensor and sells for $2,498.

At a glance:

  • 33MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS Sensor
  • Up to 10 fps Shooting, ISO 100-51200
  • 4K 60p Video in 10-Bit, S-Cinetone
  • 3.68m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
  • 3″ 1.03m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • 759-Pt. Fast Hybrid AF, Real-time Eye AF
  • Focus Breathing Compensation
  • 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Creative Looks and Soft Skin Effect
  • 4K 15p UVC/UAC Streaming via USB Type-C

Preorders are live:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

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Press release:

Sony Electronics’ Alpha 7 IV Goes Beyond ‘Basic’ with 33-Megapixel Full-frame Image Sensor and Outstanding Photo and Video Operability

Sony Also Announces Two New Flashes to Evolve the Powerful Alpha Lighting System

San Diego, CA – October 21, 2021 – Sony Electronics Inc. today announced three new additions to its imaging line-up: the Alpha 7 IV interchangeable-lens camera (model ILCE-7M4) with a newly developed 33-megapixel (approx.,effective) full-frame image sensor, as well as two new flashes – the HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM.The Alpha 7 IV takes “basic” to the next level for full-frame cameras with excellent image quality and performance, redefining the lofty standards set by the acclaimed Alpha 7 III.  The new model features many of Sony’s most advanced imaging technologies, including the latest BIONZ XR™ processing engine and advanced AF (autofocus) capabilities from the flagship Alpha 1 combined with streamlined operability and enhanced reliability for photos and movies, making it the perfect all-around camera for today’s imaging enthusiasts and professionals. The Alpha 7 IV also boasts a 33MP (approx., effective) image resolution, rich movie expression and various features to support the growing demand for remote communication, bringing new meaning to what a “basic” camera can accomplish.“Since its introduction over three years ago, the Alpha 7 III has made tremendous impact in our industry, completely redefining the expectations for what can be accomplished with a ‘basic’, or entry-level full-frame camera,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Now, it’s time to break through all existing boundaries again. The Alpha 7 IV brings together the best of Sony imaging technologies in both photo and video to deliver a high-end experience to a wider range of customers.  This gives today’s creators a new level of freedom to capture, create and share in ways that they’ve never been able to before, no matter the situation in which they find themselves.”

Alpha 7 IV: Innovation Never Ends

The new Alpha 7 IV is an exceptional hybrid camera packed with outstanding still image quality and evolved video technology with advanced autofocus, enhanced operability and improved workflow capability. The model was developed with the environment in mind by using Sony’s original recycled plastic SORPLAS™ for the camera body and packaging with recyclable[i] materials and less plastic.

Outstanding Image Quality

Thanks to a newly developed 33MP (approx., effective) full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor, superior image quality and Wide ISO sensitivity range expandable to ISO 50 – 204,800 is achieved. The high resolution enables the Alpha 7 IV to express smooth gradation, fine details and textures of the subject while reducing noise, and its 15-stop dynamic range allows a wide expressive range while Creative Look settings can help create original looks effortlessly for both stills and video.

Next-Level AF performance

The latest BIONZ XR™ processing engine is the same that is used in Sony’s flagship Alpha 1, delivering high-speed AF, uninterrupted continuous shooting up to 10fps[ii] with AF/AE tracking and a large buffer for a prolonged shooting experience. The Alpha 7 IV tracks subjects with tenacious Real-time Tracking and 759 phase-detection AF points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system that covers approximately 94% of the image area. Additionally, for the first time, Real-time Eye AF can now track birds’ and animals’ eye for both still images and movies, in addition to humans. The Alpha 7 IV also has face and eye detection accuracy for humans that is improved by approximately 30% compared to the Alpha 7 III.

Evolved Movie Technology

The Alpha 7 IV inherits technology taken from real-world movie production, including the S-Cinetone™ picture profile adopted from Sony’s highly regarded Cinema Line cameras.  This delivers a rich, cinematic look that has become popularized by a broad range of cinematographers and filmmakers who are shooting on Sony.  High quality movie is achieved with 4K 60p recording in Super 35mm mode and up to 4K 30p recording with 7K oversampling is available in full-frame mode. The new camera also features 10-bit depth 4:2:2 color sampling to enable natural gradation, XAVC S-I™ intra-frame encoding for more efficient editing workflows and XAVC HS™ H.265 long-GOP for doubled compression efficiency.

To meet the growing need for precise autofocus performance when shooting videos, unique AF features are achieved when using the Alpha 7 IV with a Sony E-mount lens, including AF Assist[iii] 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 features Breathing Compensation[iv] to combat focus breathing and maintain a consistent angle of view throughout focus changes and can be switched on or off.

Advanced Operability as a Genuine Hybrid Model

The Alpha 7 IV is a hybrid still and video camera with outstanding operability and reliability that easily allows the user to switch from photo to video and back at their convenience. New to Sony’s lineup of Alpha cameras is a dual-layer mode dial, with a lower layer for selecting Still/Movie/S&Q and a top layer for Auto/P/A/S/M and MR (Memory Recall), enabling users to quickly select and switch between the dedicated settings. It also has 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization for a 5.5-step[v] shutter speed advantage, an improved grip for greater comfort, and a CFexpress Type A compatible media slot to support media with faster writing and clearance. Additionally, the 3.68 million-dot (approx.) OLED Quad-VGA viewfinder is 1.6 times the resolution of the Alpha 7 III viewfinder, benefiting users with an upgraded live-view image quality that minimizes false color and increases resolution.

Videographers can record 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video continuously for more than an hour thanks to the camera’s heat-dissipating structure. Optical ‘Active Mode’[vi] image stabilization further stabilizes movie shooting. They can also benefit from the 3-inch (3.0-type) 1.03 million-dot (approx.) side-opening vari-angle touch-panel rear LCD monitor, top-panel REC button and high-capacity Z-series battery.

The Alpha 7 IV body is built with magnesium alloy to achieve a robustness while minimizing its weight. In addition, the redesigned structure and lens lock button contribute to enhanced dust and moisture resistance[vii].

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Sony Set To Announce The Sony A7 IV Soon, And Already Leaked Specs By Mistake

Sony A7 Iv

Sony will announce a new camera on October 21st, 2021. The Sony A7 IV. The specifications are already known since Sony leaked them by mistake.

Out friends at Sony Alpha Rumors found out that Sony unveiled some of the specifications for the upcoming Sony A7 IV through the tags they appended to a blog post. Here they are:

More about the Sony A7 IV specs have been reported at Sony Alpha Rumors:

  • launch on October 21 (if chip supply permits this)
  • Newly developed 33MP sensor
  • 15 stops of DR
  • 3.69m dot EVF and LCD is improved too (1.44m dot???)
  • 4k30 video is oversampled from 7K
  • 4k 60p will be oversampled from 4.8k s35 mode and 10bit 4:2:2
  • 4k streaming (and FHD 60p streaming)
  • 5.5 stops of IBIS (+ AS)
  • Same A7sIII body design and same heatsink system.
  • Full size HDMi
  • Fully articulating LCD screen
  • Improved touchscreen functions
  • UHS-II SD-cards and CF Xpress cards
  • Same new Sony menu system of the A7sIII
  • Price might be around $2,499 (or maybe a bit more)

Sony Released A New Pro Lens, The Redesigned Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II

Sony FE 70-200mm

A new Sony lens for professional photographers. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II has been redesigned and comes with a new optical formula.

At a glance:

  • E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • One XA & One Aspherical Elements
  • Four ED Elements & Two Super ED Elements
  • Nano AR Coating II
  • 4 XD Linear AF Motors
  • Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization
  • Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
  • Eleven-Blade Circular Diaphragm

Preorders are live at B&H Photo ($2,798).

Gordon from Camera Labs already had the chance to test the lens.

Sony press release:

Sony Electronics Continues to Redefine Excellence in Imaging with the Introduction of the new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Sony Electronics – 10/13/2021

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ –Sony Electronics Inc. announced the newest lens in their G Master lineup – the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, which delivers an extraordinary combination of resolution and bokeh as well as unequalled AF (autofocus) performance known to Sony’s G Master design.

“Sony is always listening to our customers. Thanks to feedback from users around the world, including leading professionals, Sony continues to develop and evolve the G Master lineup,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is lightweight and offers outstanding handling in any shooting situation. The newest addition to our G Master series will make a perfect telephoto zoom addition to any creator’s kit who is looking to maximize their gear potential for both stills and video.”

Designed to perfectly pair with Sony’s E-mount camera bodies, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II not only offers outstanding optical quality and advanced AF performance, but it is the lightesti F2.8 70-200mm zoom in the world and allows for unprecedented shooting freedom and flexibility. Sony continues to strengthen the Alpha system with this newest addition to the broadest selection of mirrorless lenses on the market as the 65th lens in its E-mount lens lineup.

New Levels of Performance
The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II delivers outstanding image quality with high resolution and clarity. Users can expect a clean and clear image from corner to corner throughout the entire zoom range, even when the aperture is wide open. Thanks to the two aspherical lens elements, including one XA (extreme aspherical) element manufactured to 0.01-micron surface precision, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II effectively controls distance-related aberration variations to ensure outstanding resolution throughout the image area.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also employs two ED (extra-low dispersion) spherical glass elements and two Super ED spherical glass elements to significantly reduce chromatic aberration without color bleeding. This lens also includes an ED aspherical element for the first time in an Alpha system lens, which simultaneously suppresses chromatic and spherical aberration, common issues in other telephoto lenses.

Smooth, beautiful bokeh is made possible by a large F2.8 maximum aperture and a newly developed 11-blade circular aperture unit. In addition, the lens’ advanced optical design including an XA element thoroughly suppresses the unwanted ‘onion ring’ effect, further enhancing the bokeh. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also offers excellent close-up performance with deep bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is just 15.7 inches (0.4 meters) at 70mm and 32.3 inches (0.82 meters) at 200mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.3x. Moreover, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II can be easily paired with Sony’s high-performance 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverteriii to extend the lens’ focal length to 400mmiv at an F5.6 aperture, all while maintaining its G Master quality.

To avoid any unwanted flare and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II produces a uniform anti-reflection coating on the surface of the lens. In addition, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II’s optical design also effectively suppresses internal reflections to improve clarity.

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Can You Tell Between Canon and Sony Shots? These YouTubers Can’t

Eos R5 Vs Eos R6

A somewhat different test. Telling if a photo was taken with a Sony or a Canon camera.

Parker Walbeck wanted to know. He took 10 clips shot with both a Canon EOS R5 and a Sony Alpha 7S III using identical settings and color gradation and asked some well known YouTubers to tell on which camera they were taken. To make it more interesting, he offered a $10,000 prize to whom guessed the most correct. Peter McKinnon, Sam Kolder, Daniel Schiffer, Jared Polin, Armando Ferreira, Matti Haapoja, and Sam Newton have been asked. With the exception of McKinnon, no one got more than 50% right. McKinnon guessed seven out of ten.

What about you?

[via PetaPixel]

Industry News: Sony Announces The Sony ZV-E10, A Small And Simple MILC

Sony Zv-e10

Sony released a new mirrorless camera today, the Sony ZV-E10. It’s a small and simple-kept mirrorless camera.

Sony ZV-E10 at a glance:

  • 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
  • UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p Video
  • 3.0″ Side Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD
  • 425-Point Fast Hybrid AF
  • Up to 11-fps Shooting, ISO 100-32000
  • Real-Time Eye AF and Tracking
  • Background Defocus & Face Priority AE
  • Directional 3-Capsule Mic and Windscreen
  • Headphone and Microphone Ports

The Sony ZV-E10 seems to aim at the videologger crowd. A review at PetaPixel is already live.

Preorders are open, the Sony ZV-E10 sells at $698:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

And here are two reviews/previews:

The new Sony ZV-E10
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Yet Another Sony ALPHA 1 vs Canon EOS R5 Comparison Review

Sony Alpha 1 Vs Canon EOS R5

Comparing the $6,500 Sony ALPHA 1 vs the $3,900 Canon EOS R5 seems to be a thing. Here is another comparison review.

Jan Wegener posted his Sony ALPHA 1 vs Canon EOS R5 comparison review. Curious? He says:

Is the Sony Alpha 1 better than the Canon EOS R5 for bird photography? A lot of you wanted me to try out the Sony in the field, so I did! Let’s find out how I went! Let me know your own thoughts in the comments? Is the A1 the best camera around or does the cheaper R5 even have an edge?

See for yourself.

More Sony ALPHA 1 vs Canon EOS R5 reviews are listed here. More Canon EOS R5 review stuff is listed here, for EOS R6 review stuff see here. The EOS R5 is highly regarded as a stills camera. In particular, the EOS R5 autofocus system seems to be huge leap forwards. User manual are available for download for the EOS R5 and the EOS R6.

Canon EOS R5:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Sony Alpha 1:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

More information about the Sony Alpha 1 can be found after the break.

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