Sony Alpha 7R IV, Masterpiece of the Alpha Generation, Goes Beyond the Limit of Full-Frame Pixels

With an effective pixel count of 61 MP, the Sony Alpha 7R IV is the highest-resolution full-frame camera on the market. Last week, I posted an article entitled “Experience the Sony Alpha 7R IV Full-Frame High-Resolution Camera”, introducing the main functions and features of the Alpha 7R IV. This article will discuss the capability of the Alpha 7R IV’s high resolution and Pixel Shift, the experience of PC remote control during studio shoots and the camera’s actual performance in portraits, still life, landscapes, wildlife, and indoor shooting.

Pixel Shift Multi Shoot (61 MP and 240 MP)

The Pixel Shift Multi Shooting function may seem related to Olympus or Pentax interchangeable lens cameras for many camera users. However, this feature was already available in the Sony Alpha 7R III launched in 2017. Through 5-axis image stabilization technology, it shifts the sensor in half or one-pixel increments in a programmed order.

In most digital images, each pixel represents one color only: red, green, or blue, and the other pixels represent the other two primary colors in a complementary manner.

In Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, the camera shoots four images while shifting the image sensor one pixel at a time to produce four pixel-shifted images, allowing 61 MP to reproduce RGB at the same time, without the need to fill in missing primary colors by means of complementation. According to Sony, this technology allows images to be reproduced in true-to-life detail, color, and texture, with breathtaking fidelity

After the Pixel Shift Multi Shooting executes 16 shots, the camera obtains about 963.2 MP of original data and composites them into one high-precision image of approx. 240.8 MP using the Imaging Edge application. Whether it is shot with 4 or 16 shots, the electronic shutter is used and images are stored only in RAW format. The high-speed flash synchronization is at 1/8 its fastest and the capture interval can be set between the range from a minimum of 1 s to 30 s, so there is sufficient recycling time for the flash. First, let me show you some samples of producing 16 pixel-shifted images by Pixel Shift Multi Shooting and compositing the images into an image of 240.8 MP.

240 MP Composited Image with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting (Group A)

Alpha 7R IV | 49 mm | 1/8 sec | F5.6 | ISO 100

▲ 240 MP Composited Image with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting (244 MB)

To take the above picture, I went to the grocery store in Dihua Street and picked some dried fruits and Chinese herbal medicine. Then, I went to another store and selected a few pieces of tableware. After returning to the company, I began to prepare for the shoot. As I had no previous experience with such similar setups, it took a lot of time to choose the appropriate background color. After choosing the composition, I started to set up the lighting and test it before it is ready to shoot.

Here, I would like to remind you that if you have similar shooting needs, you would need to prepare a sturdy tripod or light boom stand, because a slight shake or vibration may affect the quality of the original images shot at 61 MP, not to mention the 240 MP composited image with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting. In addition, I would recommend using a shutter release remote control, whether wired or wireless, or a shutter control APP to trigger the camera so to reduce any possible slightest shock. It took around two hours from preparation to the completion of shooting and packing up. The above time-lapse video was shot at an interval of five seconds and played at 120 frames per second.

If you have clicked to view the original 240 MP image, please take a look at the following four 61 MP images, cropped from the original 240 MP image. Although I tried to minimize the human impact factors as much as possible—there is still blur at the edges at 100% view. This could be that the aperture was not small enough to reduce depth of field, or there may have been an error during the composition of the images with Imaging Edge. It is of great challenge to produce a clear and flawless image at 100% view.

240 MP Composited Image with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting (Group B)

To verify the practicality of Pixel Shift Multi Shooting for producing an image of 240 MP, let me give you another example. When shooting, I tried to minimize the human impact factors as much possible. The trees at the back of the building were swaying due to the wind, so the leaves and branches of these 16 images could not be fixed in the same position which may have caused the afterimages to appear when the images were merged. Please look at the following images (720 × 720) cropped from the original image of 240 MP. I think the image quality is good enough for digital archival purposes. For example, precious paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, books, or copper or jade ware can be shot using the Pixel Shift Multi Shooting function to produce a 240 MP image. Priced below at NTD 100,000, the Sony Alpha 7R IV has the best value in its class.

Alpha 7R IV | 33 mm | 1/40 sec | F10 | ISO 100

▲ 240 MP Composited Image with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting (299 MB)

61 MP Composited Image with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting

As I mentioned earlier, a 61 MP image generated by Pixel Shift Multi Shooting is the result of compositing four images with the Imaging Edge application, so that each pixel has complete RGB primary colors. In this way, images are reproduced in true-to-life color and texture with richer details. For this 61 MP image, 4-shot pixel-shift shooting was performed, external or human interference was minimal, and the pixel count was unchanged. Thus, even if the original images are viewed, it is not easy to find afterimages when the images were composited.

Thanks to the good weather that day, I visited Teapot Mountain as it was very beautiful. On top of that, the Yin Yang Sea in the background makes it more appealing. Here, I took a 61 MP and a 240 MP with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting. Due to the interference of wind, the 240 MP image is of little reference value. Please look at the following single-shot image and 61 MP image with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting. Shooting parameters: 24 mm, ISO 160, F7.1, 1/500 s. Click to view the large original image.

The following images are 720×720, cropped from the above two images. In Group A, you can refer to the details of the tiles on the gazebo roof, the colors of the sea surface, and the hillside. The image with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting is slightly more detailed and has better color saturation. In Group B, I deliberately cropped the images to compare the details of the breccia. As the breccia in the Jinguashi area is rich in minerals, the rock surface has a natural weathered yellow-brown color. In comparison, the details of the rock surface in the single-shot image are not as good as those in the Pixel Shift Multi Shooting. There is also a slight difference in color. In fact, the image in the Pixel Shift Multi Shooting is closer to what I saw in real life.

Does a smaller aperture affect the performance of this 61 MP full-frame camera?

In a previous article, many online readers asked if the image quality will be compromised as the aperture of the Alpha 7R IV is reduced to F11. I have to admit that I am not an expert in this area and the only way to address this question is through showing you sample images shot with the camera. The lens I used was the SEL2470GM. I loaded the camera on a tripod, took pictures of still life at an aperture of F5.6-F22 respectively, and cropped images (720 × 720) for your reference.

The sample images show that the 61 MP Sony Alpha 7R IV did not reflect a significant decline of image quality starting at an aperture of F11 as rumored. On the contrary, the resolution at F11 was almost equivalent to that of F8, even in the center or edges of the images. In addition, similar to past test results, the decline of image quality in the center and edges became obvious starting only at F16. Therefore, it definitely works well at F11.

Performance of Full-frame vs. APS-C mode in photo and video shooting

In the previous article, I introduced the advantages of the Alpha 7R IV in APS-C mode, but the camera has wider applications. A common approach is to extend the equivalent focal length by 1.5 times. The following image was shot with Alpha 7R IV paired with the SEL100400GM. The equivalent focal length was increased from 400 mm to 600 mm, but the pixel count was reduced to 26 MP. In fact, this is similar to the result of shooting in Full-frame mode followed by cropping with software. If you are outside and have to deliver your pictures immediately, it is fine to use the APS-C mode (Super 35mm). If postproduction is required, I would recommend shooting in Full-frame mode and cropping with software like Lightroom later, so that the resolution will not be limited to 26 MP.

In general, the default option of APS-C/Super 35mm in the camera is set as AUTO mode. If the Alpha 7R IV is paired with an APS-C lens, the crop factor is 1.5 times. By accident, I found that the Super 35mm mode was automatically enabled during recording when the Alpha 7R IV was paired with an FE lens. I found the field of view very narrow when recording at 16 mm with SEL1635GM lens. It turned out that it had a crop factor of 1.5 times and became an equivalent field of view of a 24 mm. The data size of a 4K video shot with the Alpha 7R IV in Super 35mm mode is 2.4 times that of the original, but a perspective without cropping is more practical for amateur users.

Performance in shooting portraits

Eye AF Tracking

▲ Eye AF Tracking in a well-lit room

▲ Eye AF Tracking in a dimly-lit room

Since the Alpha 6400 was launched, users have been amazed by Sony’s technology. With the release of new firmware, Sony Alpha 9, Alpha 7R III, and Alpha 7 III cameras also have Eye AF Tracking. By half-pressing the shutter button, the function will be activated to track the human eye. It can even track the side of the face or the back of the head. This function also allows you to choose a particular eye—left or right.

The focusing system of the Alpha 7R IV is more powerful than its predecessors. The system has 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast AF points. With AF precision at light levels as low as EV-3, the camera is powerful under low-light conditions. The video was shot in a dimly-lit room and the model was backlit, but the focusing frame could still keep track of the model’s face and eyes.

Eye AF Tracking + continuous shooting at 8fps

Alpha 7R IV’s continuous shooting performance in AF/AE mode is supposed to be 10fps, but it is displayed in Live View mode at 8fps to avoid delay. As the subject was backlit, the studio lighting used as a supplementary light source had to be increased together with the high shutter speed. This was to ensure that the recycling speed would be fast enough. Therefore, I shot in moderation with the parameters: 44 mm, ISO 1000, F2.8, 1/640 s. The following 30 images are the results.

Natural light, monolight, and dim light

To find out the camera’s performance in shooting portraits under different lighting conditions, I tested the camera under the following light conditions: natural light, studio light, and dim light. The skin texture in different environments appeared to be slightly different. The model was shot using the portrait style and white balance was set to AWB. I am quite satisfied with the results. For your reference, here are a few sample images, as well as images cropped at 100% view. Please note that all sample images provided herein are original JPG images.

The PC Remote Function (Wi-Fi Direct/USB)

While shooting pictures in a studio, professional photographers often use a cable to connect their camera to a computer, so that they can deliver pictures to their clients quickly or verify image details simultaneously. To overcome the limitation of cable length, some manufacturers have developed wireless transmitters, such as the WFT-E8D Wireless File Transmitter for Canon 1D X, but it costs up to NTD 150,000.

The PC Remote Function of the Alpha 7R IV includes a wireless transmission option. Simply install Imaging Edge on a desktop computer or notebook, enable the Remote function, and select Wi-Fi Direct on the camera, and pair the camera with the computer to perform transmission. However, I encountered some problems with the Wi-Fi Direct mode.

First, the connection may cause some lag to the camera’s operations and responses, including the selection of focus points and Eye AF Tracking. In addition, 5G transmission of RAW+JPG or original JPG images is still too slow. That’s because the size of a RAW image is up to 120 MB, while the size of a full-pixel JPG image is about 35–50 MB. You will experience lag when you take 3–5 shots at a time or perform continuous shooting, because data is written to the memory card and transmitted to the computer at the same time. To secure data storage, I selected data storage on both the camera and the computer, and the lag was even more obvious. The solution is very simple. You can select 2 M for files to be transferred to the computer or specify the computer as the storage destination.

To ensure fast data transmission and avoid camera overload, I recommend using a Type-C cable. The above video is an example of transmission of RAW+JPG, JPG (61 MP) and JPG (2 M) images. To meet professional needs, I recommend Capture One, which is more stable than Imaging Edge.

Commercial (studio) shooting - RADO Watch

I didn’t have a see-through mechanical watch on hand, so I borrowed a HyperChrome Automatic Open Heart watch from a RADO distributer. Featuring a one-piece ceramic case, a titanium bottom cover, and 11 1/2 ETA C07.631 automatic movement, this lightweight watch offers a power reserve of up to 80 hours. I chose this watch because of its see-through case back and open-heart design, which allows the Alpha 7R IV to demonstrate its capacity in capturing details. In addition, the watch movement can be lit. The following images are original JPG images, taken with Alpha 7R IV, SEL90M28G—two Profoto D2 monolights and 4 A4 papers used for diffusion. I didn’t erase dust spots and scars on the watch images, as I want to show you the original images, as well as images cropped at 100% view.

Performance in shooting landscape and wildlife with suggestions for style settings

The Alpha 7R IV features a pixel count of 61 MP, compared to the previous generation’s 42.4 MP. The data size of a single image is increased dramatically, but the camera can reproduce amazingly true-to-life details of landscape and wildlife. To test the camera, I mainly used the following G Master lenses: SEL1635GM, SEL2470GM, and SEL100400GM and SEL35F14Z. I carried the camera and lenses and visited Yangming Mountain and Teapot Mountain respectively. The air quality and visibility on those days were very good, so I took many great pictures which I would like to share with you.

From testing the Alpha 9 to the Alpha 7R III, Alpha 7III, and the Alpha 7R IV, Sony has been using almost the same set of color tones. So, I started to explore the most suitable and universal Creative Style. In the past, I would always choose Vivid in style settings when shooting landscapes, but the contrast was too high and images were too bright without lingering charm. I decided to use standard settings and fine adjustments: contrast +1, saturation +1, sharpness +2. I think this is the most versatile style. The setting is suitable for almost all scenes and subjects, except for shooting portraits where portrait style is recommended.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 100-400mm GM | 364 mm | 1/30 sec | F8 | ISO 800

This is a picture of a kaniska canace (a nymphalid butterfly) shot in the mountains with the camera paired with SEL100400GM. The subject was about 1 m away. The picture is a 720x720 image cropped from the original. Rich details of fluff in the image fully demonstrate the high resolution of the Alpha 7R IV. Original image before the crop below.

Alpha 7R IV | FE 100-400mm GM | 364 mm | 1/30 sec | F8 | ISO 800

Alpha 7R IV | 70 mm | 1/400 sec | F6.3 | ISO 100

Alpha 7R IV | 35 mm | 1/40 sec | F1.8 | ISO 200

Alpha 7R IV | 25 mm | 1/800 sec | F6.3 | ISO 200

Alpha 7R IV | 24 mm | 1.3 sec | F13 | ISO 50

Alpha 7R IV | 189 mm | 1/500 sec | F6.3 | ISO 100

Alpha 7R IV | 19 mm | 1/250 sec | F8 | ISO 100

Alpha 7R IV | 24 mm | 1/250 sec | F6.3 | ISO 100

Alpha 7R IV | 17 mm | 1/160 sec | F8 | ISO 100

Alpha 7R IV | 24 mm | 1/400 sec | F6.3 | ISO 100

Shooting Interior Spaces – Be Myself (DRO remains, but HDR has been removed)

While shooting interior spaces that day, I wanted original JPG images produced by the camera. So, I turned off the RAW format and attempted to enable the HDR function that could previously be used only for JPG format, but I couldn’t find the function. I asked Sony and received confirmation that the Alpha 7R IV has no HDR function but retains the DRO option. Although the Alpha 7R IV has 15 stops of dynamic range, HDR is still more efficient and good at producing images that look natural, even in high-contrast scenes. DRO can enhance details of dark parts, but its capacity in highlight suppression is relatively weak. For commercial shooting, I would recommend the RAW format and postproduction.

Alpha 7R IV | 16 mm | 1/30 sec | F8 | ISO 100

Alpha 7R IV | 16 mm | 1/10 sec | F7.1 | ISO 100

Alpha 7R IV | 16 mm | 1/20 sec | F7.1 | ISO 100

Details in metal textures – Triumph Taipei

Official sample images of the Alpha 7R IV include a picture of an American heavy motorcycle. The picture perfectly captures the details of metal textures in my mind. With the help of my colleague Linus, I visited a flagship Triumph Motorcycles store in Taipei. They had a comfortable display space, which allowed me to take pictures freely for two hours. It was inconvenient to bring lights, so I took all the pictures in natural light and selected Clear in the Creative Style, to reproduce the details of the metal textures. The following images are original JPG images for your reference.

Alpha 7R IV | 40 mm | 4/5 sec | F11 | ISO 200

Alpha 7R IV | 70 mm | 1/2 sec | F11 | ISO 200

Alpha 7R IV | 70 mm | 1/6 sec | F11 | ISO 200

Alpha 7R IV | 37 mm | 1/15 sec | F8 | ISO 200

Alpha 7R IV | 61 mm | 1/2.5 sec | F11 | ISO 200

Performance of Alpha 7R IV vs. Alpha 7R III at different sensitivities

As I promised in the previous post, here are the results of the performance comparison between the two cameras at different sensitivities in evening scenes. When the same exposure parameters were used for the same environment, the Alpha 7R IV produced slightly brighter images. Although the difference in pixel count between the two generations is almost 20 MP, the Alpha 7R IV image quality at ISO 3200 is still very high. Pictures speak louder than words. Here are the original images for your reference.

Download sample images of Alpha 7R IV | Download sample images of Alpha 7R III

Performance of Alpha 7R IV vs. Alpha 7R III in shooting portraits and landscapes

ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone vs. camera’s internal microphone

Within less than a week of the previous article (Experiencing the Sony Alpha 7R IV Full-Frame Megapixel Monster) being written, I had to prepare new materials for shooting and arrange complicated archives, so I didn’t have much time to try out the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone. But I have introduced its advantages in the previous article. The directional microphone supports digital signals and has eight built-in microphone capsules. It allows users to set a directional range and offers a noise reduction function. Without the need for an external microphone jack, the directional microphone is directly powered by the camera-mounted Multi Interface Shoe.

The videos were recorded beside a stream with the cameras mounted with the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone and an independent camera-mounted microphone respectively. The sound of the video recorded with the ECM-B1M delivers a better sense of space and depth, making the audience feel as if the stream is in front of them, with the faint sound of birds in the background. The sound of the video recorded with the camera-mounted microphone is relatively unclear and flat, with the entire sound field dominated by the sound of water flow. Other sounds could not be heard at all.

ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone

Camera-mounted microphone

Change or enable Eye AF Tracking and display AUTO ISO value during recording with the Alpha 7R IV

The first Sony camera that featured Eye AF Tracking was the Compact Digital Camera RX100 VII , released last July. The Alpha 7R IV also has this feature. In the past, a focal point could be determined only by changing the focus-frame position. If a camera in a fixed position shoots a subject on the move, the photographer needs to touch the screen to keep track of the subject. With the Eye AF Tracking function, you will no longer experience this inconvenience. After Eye AF is enabled, the camera will keep tracking the subject’s face and eyes. If there are many people in the scene, use the Flexible Spot to change the position of the focusing frame, and the system will detect the face and eyes within the focusing frame.

Another useful improvement is the ability to enable AUTO ISO during recording, so the camera will display the current ISO value. In the past, AUTO ISO was always displayed, while the value was displayed only in photo mode. This improvement allows users to view the current working parameters.

My impressions and findings on the Sony Alpha 7R IV

It has been nearly one week since I wrote the previous review article. Over the past week, I have been using the Sony Alpha 7R IV, as well as the Alpha 7R III. Every time I switched from one of the cameras to the other, I could feel the difference between the two generations in grip comfort and controllability. If you are a male user, the Alpha 7R IV paired with a standard lens allows you to hold the camera with one hand and shoot, select focus points, and adjust the front/rear dial smoothly. I particularly love the fine adjustment of the focus lever, which is anti-slip and has a larger operating area and a better texture than the previous generation. The Alpha 7R IV features more phase-detection points, but not many changes in the core architecture. There is no significant difference in focusing speed between the two generations. With AF precision at light levels as low as EV-3, the Alpha 7R IV can perform Eye AF Tracking reliably and exhibit high recognition and accuracy in a dimly-lit space.

From my experience, there is a huge difference between 42.4 MP and 61 MP. To offer good performance such as quick-response, fast, continuous shooting, and outstanding focusing ability, the Alpha 7R IV has an effective resolution of around 61 MP. In fact, the resolution of many medium-format cameras is 50 MP or lower. The Sony Alpha 7R IV is intended to capture the market for medium-format cameras. With its attractive price, the Alpha7R IV could definitely make it if commercial photographers recognize its advantages.

When I clicked to view the original 61 MP images at 100%, I was amazed and impressed by the rich details reproduced by the camera. Images speak louder than words. At the end of the article, I’d like to share 72 sample images with you—more than before. It took me more than 20 hours to sort out these images. Please be patient while the images load. Thank you for your support.

Features that I love:

Better grip, lever, key, and dial control
A shutter-life of 500,000 shots
5-axis image stabilization, promising up to 5.5 stops of stabilization
Shutter vibration is suppressed and quieter
Compositing 16 images with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting to generate 240 MP images of static scenes
Continuous shooting (AF/AE) at 10fps, with a silent shutter
567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points + 425 contrast AF points/covering 74% of image area
New focus frame colors – white and red options
5.76-million-dot UXGA OLED Tru-Finder (0.5 type, up to 0.78x magnification)
Real-time Tracking, Eye AF Tracking, and Animal Eye AF
Captures 4K videos oversampled from 6K (30fps/24fps)/FHD 120fps
Eye AF Tracking during recording
Auto ISO value display during recording
Video names can be customized or in serial numbers
Up to 10 modes can be customized and saved to or loaded from a memory card
Dual SDXC UHS-II card slots
The Alpha 7R IV can be paired with a desktop PC or notebook, to transfer images while shooting by using the Imaging Edge software.

Expected improvements:

When silent shooting is ON, the focus confirmation beep sound is not turned off simultaneously—the audio signal must be turned off manually.
No mRAW and sRAW, which is understandable. Otherwise, what would the selling points of Alpha 7 III or Alpha 7 IV be?
When the PC Remote Function (Wi-Fi Direct) is used, the Alpha 7R IV may be overloaded and the transmission speed of full-pixel images is slow.
The touchscreen does not support menu operations, and touch responses are not sensitive enough, just like the previous generation.
The menu is still not visible enough. I recommend adding frequently used functions to “My Menu.”