SONY Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless 61MP 4K Digital Review

Let's cut to the chase. The Sony a7R IV is a resolution monster, packing a 61MP full-frame sensor that sits in the 98th percentile. That means it's sharper than almost every other camera out there. For travel and still photography, it scored a perfect 100/100 in our tests. But it's not just a high-megapixel one-trick pony. It also hits 10 frames per second with autofocus tracking, which is seriously fast for a sensor this big. You're getting a tool built for capturing immense detail, whether you're shooting landscapes or fast-paced scenes. Just know that all that power comes with some trade-offs, especially if you're planning to use it for video or vlogging, where it's a bit less impressive.

The numbers tell a clear story. That 61MP sensor is the star, placing it in the top 2% of all cameras for image detail. Its autofocus system, with real-time Eye AF, is nearly as good, landing in the 96th percentile. It locks onto subjects quickly and reliably. The 10fps burst shooting is solid for its class, sitting around the 83rd percentile, which is plenty for most action. Where it starts to slip is in the supporting features. The in-body stabilization is good at the 91st percentile, but the video specs are just okay at the 78th. The real letdowns are the fixed rear display (44th percentile) and the average battery life (50th percentile). You get world-class imaging, but the user experience isn't quite as polished.

The price is a moving target, and that's important. We've seen this camera listed anywhere from $2,130 to $2,595 across different vendors. That's a $465 spread, so shopping around is crucial. For pure still image quality, it's hard to beat the value at the lower end of that range. You're getting near-medium-format resolution in a mirrorless body. But if you're paying close to $2,600, you need to be absolutely sure you need those 61 megapixels, because that money could get you a more well-rounded camera elsewhere.

Stacked against its peers, the a7R IV's role is clear. The Canon EOS R7 is a better video and action camera with a faster burst, but its 32.5MP APS-C sensor can't touch the Sony's detail. The Fujifilm X-S20 is a fantastic all-rounder and vlogging tool for much less money, but again, it's not full-frame and doesn't have this resolution. The Nikon Z8 is a more direct competitor with excellent video and a high-res sensor, but it's also bigger and more expensive. The Sony wins on pure pixel count and portability for a high-res body, but you give up a tilting screen and some video flexibility to get it.

So, who is this for? If your primary goal is to capture the most detailed still images possible in a relatively portable mirrorless body, the Sony a7R IV is a phenomenal choice. The 61MP sensor is breathtaking. But if you need a tilting screen for vlogging (its weakest area at 77.6/100), shoot a lot of video, or want the best battery life, you'll feel the compromises. It's a specialist's tool, and a brilliant one at that, but not the perfect all-in-one camera.