Sony Alpha 7 Sony - Alpha 7 IV Kit with SEL28702 Lens - Black Review

The Sony a7 IV is a full-frame mirrorless camera that wants to do it all. It packs a 33MP sensor, shoots 4K video at 60fps, and feels like a tank in your hands. But those high-level specs don't tell the whole story. Its actual performance rankings are a mixed bag, with some areas lagging behind the competition.

Look, it's a solid camera. The 10fps mechanical burst is decent for action, and the build quality is top-tier. But the autofocus and video performance land in the 45th and 35th percentiles, respectively. That means for the price, its speed and video chops are just okay. The battery life is also middle-of-the-pack, so pack a spare.

At around $2600, it's a tough sell. You're paying a premium for the Sony full-frame name and that fantastic build. But you can get cameras with better autofocus, better video, and image stabilization for similar money. It's not a bad camera, but the value isn't really there unless you're locked into Sony lenses and need that specific body.

Stack it up, and it gets tricky. The Canon R6 II runs circles around it for autofocus and has stabilization. The Sony a6700, while APS-C, offers way better video features and AI autofocus for less cash. Even the Nikon Z fc, a more casual camera, has a fully articulating screen the a7 IV lacks. This Sony feels caught between generations, outclassed by newer models in key areas.

Buy this if you're a stills photographer who already owns Sony glass and needs a rugged, high-resolution body. But if you shoot a lot of video, need top-tier autofocus for sports, or are starting fresh, look at the Canon R6 II or the Sony a6700 instead. They simply offer more for your money.