Camera ReviewMorten ByskovJune 07, 2021Sony A7R IV review, Sony A7R IV Alpha review, A7R IV review, Sony A7R IV sample images, Sony A7R IV sample photos, Sony A7R IV - Handling and Build Quality, The Sony A7R IV in Action, Sony A7R IV Image Quality, Sony A7R IV vs. Fujifilm GFX 100S, Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, Sony/Zeiss Sonnar 55mm f/1.8, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM sample images, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM sample photosComment

Sony A7R IV Review

Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, reviewing a Sony A7R IV with a Sony FDE 35mm f/1.4 GM lens — A weekend fling with the Sony A7R IV and Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM

A Fujifilm Photographer’s Weekend Spring Fling With a Sony A7R IV

If you have followed my site for a while you may be surprised to see me out with a Sony camera and if it is your first visit I would like to extend a warm welcome and let you know the following take on the Sony A7R IV is from a Fujifilm devote.

I am primarily a still photographer and will not get into the video aspects of the A7R IV.

As much as I write about Fujifilm in my blog I realize that other camera platforms have plenty to offer and I have set a goal to try out three full-frame cameras over a few weeks. First up is the Sony A7R IV and stay tuned for upcoming content on the Nikon Z7 II and Canon EOS R5.

The Sony A7R IV shown with the Sone FE 35mm f/1.4 GM — The Sony A7R IV shown with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM

I shot full-frame Canon EOS digital SLRs for years before making a switch to the APS-C-based X Series and was fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each system. I have enjoyed both and at times used full-frame and APS-C cameras side by side as they complement each other well for different scenarios.

In 2016 Fujifilm’s GFX Series entered the scene and gave us yet another option with an even larger sensor. One of my goals in reviewing the latest full-frame camera options is to better be able to put my reviews into context with current offerings, be it APS-C, full-frame, or larger-than-full-frame cameras.

A woman walks up the stairs to Canada Place at Coal Harbour in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sony A7R IV — Coal Harbour, Vancouver. Sony A7R IV, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM @ f/2.8

Sony A7R IV - Introduction

Who could have predicted Sony’s success in the mirrorless full-frame camera market? I have been a Sony user when it comes to consumer products such as TVs, and HiFi systems, but when Sony first made a splash into the full-frame market I was reluctant to jump on the bandwagon and I wasn’t about the change my entire Canon setup which included several lenses.

Slowly but surely, however, Sony stuck with a formula while others fell asleep at the wheel. They released a seemingly endless stream of increasingly popular full-frame mirrorless camera choices driven by cutting-edge technology and impressive video specs. In 2020 they were leading sales in the full-frame market.

While so many love the Sony platform there is also a stigma surrounding the brand. It is said that Sony menus are challenging to work and the cameras are like computers, and not like real cameras. Are these merely myths from fans of other camera brands or is there any truth in this?

The few times I have had hands-on with a Sony camera, I have been impressed with the ergonomics and size so let us see what I found out over a weekend with the Sony A7R IV.

The Sony A7R IV mirrorless full-frame camera — The Sony A7R IV shown with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM

Sony A7R IV - Handling and Build Quality

First of all the specs of the A7R IV are downright impressive for a camera currently listed at $2,998.00.

61-megapixel full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor

BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSI
567-point phase-detection AF system
UHD 4K30p video with HLG & S-Log3 gammas
5.76m-dot tru-finder OLED EVF
3.0" 1.44m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD
Up to 10 fps shooting, ISO 100-32000
5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization
240-megapixel pixel shift multi shooting
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, dual UHS-II SD slots

The official weight of the Sony A7R IV is 1.46 lb / 665 g and in my kitchen scale test, I was surprised to see that the A7R IV and FE 35mm f/1.4 GM combination was only 0.44 lb / 200 g heavier than my Fujifilm X-Pro3 with the XF 23mm f/1.4 R.

The camera feels sturdy in the hand with a deep grip and the buttons are of good quality, many of them large enough that you should be able to operate them wearing gloves.

Ergonomics are quite good and the body has some heft to it without being too heavy. In my limited weekend fling test, I didn’t get a chance to set up the custom buttons and only shot the camera in aperture priority mode.

The exposure compensation dial is fairly tight but you can still operate it with just one finger (thumb). This is a key component of my style of shooting.

A rural scene and field near Ladner in BC, Canada. Black and white sample image from a Sony A7R IV — Ladner, BC, Sony A7R IV, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM @ f/1.4

The Sony A7R IV in Action

I had the Sony A7R IV with two lenses, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM and Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA as these are a couple of my favorite focal lengths. I was especially excited to try the new Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM.

The weather unfortunately was a bit dismal this past weekend with rain and mostly cloudy skies. The sun did pop out for a few moments on our mini road trip to Ladner near Vancouver in British Columbia but overall I probably ended up with fewer sample images than usual.

It did not take me long to set the camera up to my basic style of shooting and the menus, although there are so many screens to scroll through, were perhaps not as daunting as I had feared. Mind you I only utilized a very small part of a very complex camera.

If you are into specs and heavy customization this camera will be a dream come true. I fear I would only ever scratch the surface of what the Sony A7R IV is capable of.

The Nelson Apartment building in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sony A7R IV — Nelson Plaza, Vancouver. Sony A7R IV, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM @ f/1.4

On paper, the 5.76m dot EVF sounds promising but I found it a bit of a letdown. It may just be the fact that I do not have a good handle on customizing it within such a short period of time.

I could get a histogram on the LCD but did not find a way to view it in the EVF which I find crucial in judging my exposure quickly in a variety of settings. I found the EVF showed images too dark and I had a tendency to overexpose until I found out I didn’t have to. I would probably get the hang of this over a longer period of time.

The 5-Axis SteadyShot stabilization engages when you half-press the shutter button but I could not find a way of making it continuous, and nor did it appear as steady in the viewfinder as when I have used Fujifilm cameras with IBIS or OIS lenses.

The Sony A7R IV shown with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM

Sony A7R IV - Image Quality

The show stopper with the Sony A7R IV is the impressive 61-megapixel full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor. This is one of the most interesting aspects of the Sony A7R IV as it has the same pixel pitch of 3.76μm as the Fujifilm GFX 100S that I tested recently.

On the A7R IV, this translates to a 9504 × 6336-pixel large image on a 35.7 x 23.8 mm sensor. In comparison, the GFX 100S gives you 11648 × 8736 pixels on a 43.8 x 32.9 mm sensor, and my Fujifilm X-Pro3, 6000 x 4000 pixels on a 23.5 x 15.6 mm sensor.

Below I have lined up three photos. The first photo is from the Fujifilm X-Pro3 / XF 23mm f/1.4 R, then the Sony A7R IV / Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, and finally the GFX 100S / GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR.

The first two images were captured on the same day under grey skies and the GFX 100S on a sunny late afternoon. Please click to view larger images and have fun deciphering the differences between APS-C, full-frame, and the GFX format.

I was impressed with the overall image quality from the Sony A7R IV and it was instantly obvious that I was shooting with a larger sensor and with more megapixels than my usual APS-C-based X-Pro3.

With that said when it came to post-processing, I found it challenging. Perhaps I have been spoiled by Fujifilm’s color science and namely Fujifilm’s film simulations which can be adjusted either in-camera if you shoot JPEGs or in post-processing if you shoot RAW.

The film simulations aid in speeding up your workflow and provide vibrant colors and a more film-like experience.

The sample images in this article were from uncompressed RAW files and processed in Lightroom. I normally process my Fujifilm images in Capture One but do not have Capture One for Sony which may have made a difference.

It should be mentioned that mastering post-processing with any new camera usually takes time and I have no doubt that the Sony A7R IV can produce excellent images with a fine-tuned workflow.

Sony A7R IV vs. Fujifilm GFX 100S

At half the cost of the Fujifilm GFX 100S, the Sony A7R IV surely sounds like a sound choice if you are looking for a high-megapixel camera with a larger sensor than your APS-C camera. The GFX 100S weighs about 37% more and keep in mind the GF lenses are generally heavier also.

With that said shooting both cameras recently, I found the GFX 100S to be in a category of its own. In my GFX 100S review, I eluded to all the elements adding up to a superior end result and I find the GFX 100S overall to be a few notches above the A7R IV.

The GFX 100S is a more refined camera with a larger 44 x 33mm sensor, excellent image processing, and film-like film simulations adding to an overall elevated experience albeit at a higher cost of entry. You can check my GFX 100S review here:

Fujifilm GFX 100S - Review

Gooselings on the sidewalk at English Bay in Vancouver. Sample image from a Sony A7R IV — English Bay, Vancouver. Sony A7R IV, Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA @ f/2.8

Sony A7R IV - Conclusion

Sony has been on a roll and shows no sign of stopping and if you already belong to the Sony ecosystem there is plenty to be excited about including the new Sony A1. Canon and Nikon are catching up, or are they better now? I look forward to trying their top entries in the full-frame market soon. Stay tuned for this.

I was especially excited about the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, $1,398.00, and found it to be quite excellent. I will have a separate review coming up of this lens in a few days.

Sony now has a long line of attractive GM prime lenses that I find appealing, such as the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM, Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM, Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM, and Sony FE 135mm f/1.4 GM.

Here is the link to my review of the 35mm f/1.4:

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM - Review

The lobby on the Marine Building in downtown Vancouver. Sample image from a Sony A7R IV — Marine Building, Vancouver. Sony A7R IV, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM @ f/2.8

Are the Sony stigmas true? I think it depends on who you ask. I asked a young man at a camera store here in Vancouver what his favorite was having all the choices. Sony, he said. How can you go wrong with a 61-megapixel sensor and the ever-expanding choice of lenses?

Sony has obviously read the market and I think advanced cameras such as the A7 series are appealing, especially to hybrid shooters where specs are important.

If you ask me, I do find Sony a bit computer-like but it is nowhere near as pronounced as I had feared. The design, although with a few striking edges, does not hold a huge amount of appeal for me. Nor do I find it repulsive in any way either and I really dig the look and feel of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM lens.

The Sony A7R IV appears a bit utilitarian, like the TV or Hi-Fi system I used to buy. But overall I found it to be a good exercise and at times the image quality of the 61-megapixel shines through with lots of detail, and good dynamic range.

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Sony A7R IV at B&H Photo
Sony A7R V at B&H Photo

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