Sony announced the long-awaited ALPHA 7 IV + 2 new flashes

 

Sony's ALPHA 7 IV Camera Exceeds Basic Expectations with a 33-Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor and Exceptional Photo and Video Functionality

Sony also launches two new products that further develop the powerful Alpha flash system.

 

Today, Sony announced three new additions to its digital photography product lineup — the ALPHA 7 IV interchangeable-lens camera with a newly developed 33-megapixel (approx. effective pixels) full-frame sensor and two new flashes – the HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM.

The ALPHA 7 IV is a "basic model" at a new level among full-frame cameras, offering excellent image quality and features that redefine the standards set by the Alpha 7 III. The new model utilizes many of Sony's most advanced digital photography technologies, including the latest BIONZ XR™ processor and the advanced AF (autofocus) capabilities found in the top-of-the-line Alpha 1 camera, combining them with an optimized workflow and enhanced reliability for both stills and videos. This makes it the ideal all-around camera for both photography enthusiasts and professionals shooting in various styles. The ALPHA 7 IV stands out with its 33 MP resolution, rich expressiveness of captured videos, and diverse functions to meet the growing needs for more remote connectivity. It redefines what a "basic" camera can achieve.

“With the launch of the Alpha 7III, we set a new standard for what full-frame cameras should deliver, but now it’s time to rethink those boundaries,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Photography for Sony Europe. “The ALPHA 7 IV brings together the best of Sony's digital photography technologies to provide users with a fantastic experience not only for still photography but also for video, which practically means they will be able to capture exactly the content they want, regardless of the situation they are in.”

 

 

ALPHA 7 IV: Continuous Innovation

The new ALPHA 7 IV model is the optimal hybrid camera, offering exceptional image quality, next-generation video technologies with advanced autofocus, improved functionality, and an optimized workflow. During the model's development, the environment was not forgotten, and the camera body uses Sony's original recycled plastic SORPLAS™, while the packaging uses more recyclable¹ materials and less plastic.

Amazing image quality

Thanks to the newly developed 33MP full-frame Exmor R™ CMOS sensor with back-illumination, improved image quality and a wide sensitivity range, expandable to ISO 50-204800, are achieved. The high resolution allows the camera to reproduce smooth gradation and fine details and textures of the subject with reduced noise levels. The 15-stop dynamic range provides wide creative freedom, and with Creative Look settings, you can easily create original looks effortlessly, whether shooting stills or videos.

Next-generation AF features

The new BIONZ XR™ processor, used in the top-of-the-line Alpha 1 camera, provides high-speed AF, continuous shooting at 10fps² with AF/AE tracking, and a large buffer for a seamless shooting process. The ALPHA 7 IV tracks subjects flawlessly using Real-Time Tracking technology and 759 phase-detection AF points, combined in a high-density focal-plane phase-detection AF system that covers approximately 94% of the image area. In addition, for the first time, Real-time Eye AF can now track the eyes not only of humans but also of birds and animals for both still photos and videos. The accuracy of human face and eye detection has also been improved by approximately 30% compared to the Alpha 7 III.

Advanced video recording technologies

The ALPHA 7 IV inherits technologies actually used in the film industry, including S-Cinetone™, taken from Sony's highly acclaimed Cinema Line series of video cameras, which is used in many film productions and by many content creators for the rich cinematic look it achieves. High-quality videos are achieved with 4K 60p recording in Super 35mm mode and up to 4K 30p recording with 7K oversampling in full-frame mode. The new camera uses 10-bit 4:2:2 color processing for natural gradation, XAVC S-I™ intra-frame compression for a more efficient processing workflow, and XAVC HS™ for twice as efficient compression.

To meet the growing need for precise AF even when shooting videos, the ALPHA 7 IV offers unique AF functionality when used with a Sony E-mount lens, including AF Assist,³ which supports focus transition when using AF, and Focus Map, which visualizes depth of field. For the first time in the Alpha series, the new camera uses the Breathing Compensation⁴ function, which reduces unwanted focus fluctuations when changing focal length and maintains a constant angle of view when changing focus. The function can be switched on and off at will.

Improved functionality for a true hybrid model

The ALPHA 7 IV is a hybrid camera for still and video shooting with exceptional functionality and reliability, allowing users to easily and conveniently switch between shooting still photos and videos as they wish. A new feature in Sony's Alpha series is the two-level mode dial, where the lower level is for Still/Movie/S&Q mode setting, and the upper level is for Auto/P/A/S/M and MR (memory recall), allowing users to quickly select and switch between specific settings. The camera has built-in 5-axis optical image stabilization of 5.5 stops⁵ to assist with slow shutter speeds, an improved grip for greater comfort, and a CFexpress Type A media slot compatible with faster write and clear speeds. Also, the 3.68 million dot (approx.) OLED Quad-VGA viewfinder has 1.6 times higher resolution than the Alpha 7 III's viewfinder, allowing users to take advantage of improved image quality in live view, minimizing color distortion and improving resolution.

Video operators can record 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video continuously for one hour thanks to the camera's heat-dissipating design. Optical image stabilization in "Active Mode"⁶ helps for optimal video recording. With them in mind, the design also includes a rotatable 3.0" LCD display with 1.03 million dots (approx.), touch-operated, a REC record button on the top panel, and a high-capacity Z-series battery.

The body of the ALPHA 7 IV is constructed from magnesium alloy for greater strength and maximum lightness. The redesigned construction and lens lock button also contribute to the camera's higher resistance to dust and moisture.⁷

Improved workflow optimization features

The ALPHA 7 IV offers a variety of connectivity options, allowing you to live stream from events and share high-quality content, meeting your growing needs for remote connectivity without compromising excellent picture and sound quality. The connection between the camera and the Imaging Edge Mobile™⁸ mobile app is even easier via Bluetooth, and you now have the option for fast data transfer via 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

The camera also features a new function called “Shot Mark”, which allows easy access to marked scenes in a video clip from the camera itself and from Sony Catalyst Browse/Prepare applications.⁹

In addition, the camera has a set of new functions that support live streaming and remote connection without the need for special software. When connected to a computer or smartphone via UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class), the ALPHA 7 IV becomes a live streaming video camera with excellent performance. High image quality such as 4K 15p and 1080 FHD 60p ensures realistic video for remote sharing, and the ALPHA 7 IV’s digital audio interface can connect to a wide range of microphones and accessories for high-quality sound.

Last but not least, Sony plans to offer a new cloud service "AI Video Editing Studio" for automated AI-based editing. To allow content creators to focus more on their creative decisions, "AI Video Editing Studio" automatically performs initial processing in the cloud, using AI-based technologies.

Sony aims to continue offering a wide variety of user experiences and services in the field of digital photography in the future through the active integration and development of its cameras, cloud services, and AI technologies.

Environmentally friendly design

In line with Sony's efforts to protect the environment and the company's global "Road to Zero" plan for zero environmental impact, environmental considerations are an important factor in the design and production of the ALPHA 7 IV and its packaging. The camera uses recycled plastic SORPLAS™, whose production does not depend on non-renewable resources and is carried out in locations using renewable energy such as solar generators. The product packaging also uses recyclable¹⁰ materials with less plastic content.

 

 

 

HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM: A New Step in the Evolution of the Alpha Flash System

The HVL-F60RM2 with GN 60 and 20-200mm coverage¹¹ and the HVL-F46RM with GN 46 and 24-105mm coverage¹² are powerful wireless flashes that offer precise control, higher speed, and intuitive operation. They are developed to meet the needs of both professionals and advanced content creators who shoot with Sony Alpha cameras, including the ALPHA 7 IV, and to offer the best possible Alpha flash system through detailed information exchange between the cameras.

Both flashes have improved continuous shooting performance of up to 200 times at 10 frames per second¹³ for the HVL-F60RM2 and 60 times for the HVL-F46RM. The optimized flash algorithm ensures that both flashes are heat resistant, and with four Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries, you get power for up to 240 flashes with a 1.7-second cycle for the HVL-F60RM2 and up to 320 flashes with a 2.0-second cycle for the HVL-F46RM¹⁴.

When used in combination with an Alpha camera, the flashes allow users to experience the unique advantages of excellent communication and the benefits that the Alpha flash system offers.

For example, with the ALPHA 7 IV, it is now possible to measure P-TTL flash output for each frame during continuous shooting in Mid and Hi modes, not just in Lo mode. Flash triggering delay has also been reduced to capture even the most fleeting expressions and movements of the subject.

When used with the Alpha 1, the HVL-F60RM2 achieves a phenomenal speed of up to 20fps for continuous shooting¹⁵ and can produce approximately 20 flashes per second for over 10 seconds with the FA-EBA1 external flash battery adapter. When the Alpha 1 is used with Sony flashes, including the HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM, users can sync up to a shutter speed of 1/400 of a second for more creative freedom, even when shooting in full-frame mode. In addition, with the camera's silent electronic shutter, silent shooting with flash is now possible when the situation demands absolute silence.

Among the other advantages of the HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM when used with an Alpha camera are:

- Flash parameters are controlled directly from the menu of a compatible camera¹⁶

- Flash control is linked to the camera's facial recognition function¹⁷

- Automatic white balance correction based on color temperature information from the flash

Both flashes have improvements in durability and functionality. Durability and reliability are significantly improved thanks to the multi-interface shoe, which uses Sony's unique metal connector with a robust side frame. The sealing of the shoe itself helps to increase the flash's resistance to dust and moisture.¹⁸ The original swivel mechanism of the HVL-F60RM2's head, "Quick Shift Bounce", has also been improved, providing flexibility in positioning and optimal control over lighting to avoid any unwanted change in the reflection angle of the light.

Wireless radio communication is supported, allowing up to 15 flashes and/or receivers to be controlled in 5 groups using wireless radio communication for greater flexibility in lighting control.

Visual Story is now supported on Android

"Visual Story" is a mobile application for professional event photographers and video content creators that allows instant and automatic sending of photos and videos¹⁹ to their clients after the event with gallery creation, using AI (artificial intelligence) for easier photo selection, online uploading, and more. Although Visual Story was previously only available to iOS users, Android users can now also take advantage of the benefits that Visual Story offers to all professional photographers and videographers.

When using ALPHA 7 IV, "Shot Mark" is also supported by Visual Story for iOS version 2.1.

• Visual Story for iOS can be downloaded for free HERE.

• Visual Story for Android can be downloaded for free HERE.

You can find various exclusive stories, videos, and interesting new content shot with the latest Sony cameras and other products here. Sony's photographic hub for Europe is available in 22 languages, publishing product news and competitions, and an up-to-date list of Sony events for each country.

A product video for the new ALPHA 7 IV, HVL-F60RM2, and HVL-F46RM can be viewed here.

 

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