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Moving to an even higher resolution realm, the Sony a7R IV continues the noteworthy series of highly capable full-frame cameras, characterized by impressive stills and video performance and versatility. This fourth edition of the a7R sees the inclusion of an updated 61MP sensor along with faster processing, improved AF performance, and a more well-rounded feature-set for both high-end photo and video applications.
Featuring a back-illuminated design, the newly designed full-frame 61MP Exmor R CMOS sensor offers a mixture of incredible resolution with high clarity, low noise, and a wide 15-stop dynamic range. The sensor's structure promotes impressive image quality and a copper wiring layer dramatically improves data transmission speed for creating 14-bit, high-resolution 61MP stills with a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-32000, which can be further expanded to ISO 50-102400.
The BIONZ X engine's high-speed image processing enables fast continuous shooting, 4K video recording, and advanced AF tracking. The quick processing also helps to reduce rolling shutter and other motion distortions for clean rendering of moving subjects. In terms of shooting speeds, the sensor and processor enable up to 10 fps shooting, at full resolution, for up to 68 consecutive frames, with full-time AF/AE.
This unique compositing mode allows you to achieve even greater resolution than the 61MP sensor affords. Working in conjunction with the sensor-shift image stabilization, this mode shifts the sensor while making 16 consecutive exposures in order to acquire approximately 240.8MP of information for greater color accuracy and detail than possible with a single exposure, along with an impressive image size of 19,008 x 12,672-pixels. These files can then be merged together during post-production by using the Sony Imaging software suite.
An updated Fast Hybrid AF system now employs a combination of 567 phase-detection points, which cover approximately 99.7% of the height and 74% of the width of the frame, along with 425 contrast-detection areas for reliable and quick autofocus and subject tracking performance. This focusing system also achieves especially quick speed and reliable tracking, as well as enhanced low-light focusing response down to -3 EV.
The apt focus system also lends itself to a variety of focusing functions for refined accuracy:
Lock-on AF maintains focus on moving subjects throughout the use of a configurable frame that is set over the desired moving subject
Expand Flexible Spot employs neighboring focus points to retain focus on moving subjects even if the originally selected point loses focus
Eye AF can be used to base focus on recognized human subjects' eyes for portraits and is available in both AF-S and AF-C modes and for both stills and video. Eye AF can be used when photographing animal subjects, too, with any focusing mode when shooting stills.
The Focus Magnifier function can be used for critical focus when homing in on minute subject details
Rear touchscreen can be used for Touch Focus control and a Touchpad Focus Control mode lets you use the rear screen intuitively while keeping your eye to the viewfinder
