We will agree that the coronavirus pandemic has changed everything, of course the photography market. And one of the points where it has been clearly noticed is the frequency of launches, which has slowed down for logical reasons. A good example of this is Sony, one of the most prolific brands that, surely, would have presented another model in the last year and a half. One of them would probably be the future Sony A7 IV, a model that has been expected for a long time and that, according to rumors, is falling.
Although, to be fair, the truth is that since the original model, the Sony A7, until the third and last model, the Sony A7 III, was introduced, eight years have passed, long enough for “just” three cameras. If it seems to us that the brand has launched many models and with very little distance between them, it is because, as you know, Sony has a lot of lines in its family Alpha (A7, A7S, A7R, A7C, A9, A1 …) that have been renewed little by little.
On the other hand, although in general Sony is one of the most innovative brands and, therefore, it does not usually take long to renew its cameras, the truth is that it all depends. For example, the Sony A7 II was announced with a little more than a year difference from the A7, the same as the A9 II that barely let the A9 spend a year and a half in the market. On the contrary, between the Sony A7S II and the Sony A7S III they practically passed five years, a whole world in digital photography.
In our case, let’s think that the Sony A7 III was announced two and a half years ago, but also that it was a model that set a benchmark in the sector by establishing minimum requirements that could be expected from a “basic” full-format mirrorless model. . The truth is that everything indicates that Sony got the model right and, therefore, it doesn’t seem like there was much of a rush to renew it … If it weren’t for the fact that, since then, the competition “has put the batteries”.
For all this, the fact is that everything points to The Sony A7 IV will be presented in the coming months (maybe in weeks), so let’s review everything that has been said about it based on rumors and, as always, the unknowns that we have around the launch:
This is what we know about the Sony A7 IV:
Heeding that “when the river sounds water it carries”, in pages such as Sony Alpha Rumors they have been reporting on possible specifications of the model that lead us to get an idea of how it can be. Even in a recent post they echo a video created based on what they have revealed and where they compare the future A7 IV with the Canon EOS R6 (which in principle would be its most direct competition):
But let’s see what has been leaked about the Sony A7 IV:
33-megapixel sensor
Although the figure of between 30 and 35 Mpixels of resolution has been shuffling, the latest rumor about it says that it will be a newly designed 33-megapixel sensor and therefore we hope with renewed features.
Some have even said that it could be a sensor global shutter similar to the one that the brand has developed for industrial purposes, but it still seems a somewhat far-fetched hypothesis.
20 fps burst
It has also been speculated that it could reach the stratospheric figure of 30 shots per second offered by the Sony A1, but the same source sees this option unlikely; what does seem certain is that it will improve the 10 fps of the current model.
4K video “only”
Although you might think that the new Sony will make the jump to 8K, all rumors point to no, which makes some sense when even the A7S III (video-oriented and released last year) doesn’t offer it. It seems that it would not offer the possibility of recording in 4K at 120p like this model mentioned, but it would improve the A7 III reaching the 4k at 60p.
Integrated stabilizer
Nor would it be something strictly new but again an improvement over what the A7 III offers and, according to rumors, it would compensate 5.5 steps of light. Therefore, it could be the same mechanism included in the Sony A1.
EVF and LCD display
Regarding the design, we do not expect great news but we do expect an improvement of some of its components such as the electronic viewfinder that, according to what is rumored, could increase its resolution 2.35K to 3.69K pixels, although it was also speculated that it would reach 5.76K. It is also assumed that it will include a fully adjustable screen, in the style of the A7S III.
Other features
Among other specifications that have been leaked, there is talk of an AF system at the height of the best of the house or, in any case, much improved compared to the A7 III (which would be quite a lot) and an improvement in quality general image, all quite logical considering that a model of almost three years would be relieved. More specifically, there is also talk of the incorporation of the new menus that the Sony A7S III premiered and that it would include live video streaming.
This is what we don’t know yet:
Now it’s time to see some of the main unknowns that open on the new camera; things that, once known, will give us an idea of what the Sony A7 IV will be like:
Processor
Sure it will improve the process capacity of the current model butit will be a newly minted processor? Perhaps the same Bionz XR from the Sony A1 or a slightly capped version. But will it bring any significant news?
AF system
We said before that the camera is expected to have an evolved autofocus system but could it reach the level of the 759 AF points phase detection of said A1? Presumably it doesn’t reach that level, but who knows.
Any surprises?
In this sense, we can say that Sony is one of the brands that has innovated the most in recent years in photography, so it is possible that it has some “ace up its sleeve” to attract attention with this new model.
Who will it be addressed to?
This does not seem to change with the new camera, which will continue to be a “base” model for all kinds of disciplines and destined to enter the world of cameras. mirrorless full frame big time. Therefore, enthusiastic and semi-professional users will remain the target of this model that, seen what is seen, could be a “Sony A1 for amateurs”.
How much will it cost?
All rumors suggest that the Sony A7 IV body will have a recommended retail price of about 2,500 euros, a price slightly higher than its predecessor (which cost 2,300 euros at its launch) but below what the Canon EOS R6 costs.
When will it be released?
It is a long-awaited camera and it seems that Sony’s initial plans were to present it this September and for it to appear on the market in October; But the chip shortage would have forced plans to be delayed for a couple of months. Thus, finally and according to Sony Alpha Rumors the camera will be unveiled the next October 2021. The question will then be whether the camera is launched quickly or it takes a few months before it reaches stores, therefore already in 2022.
Of course have to wait to see to what extent everything we have told you comes true or remains in the field of speculation. Because let’s remember that at all times we are talking about hypotheses since, contrary to what happens with the Canon EOS R3 and Nikon Z9, it is a model that has not been announced and therefore we do not even have confirmation that it is being developed. In any case, we will be attentive and, of course, we will tell you about it.
Cover photo | A file photo of the Sony A7S III modified in his name for the occasion