Verdict

The A7r Mark IV is an impressive body, bringing resolution improvements to trouble high-res rivals and overall speed and handling that could easily tempt D850 owners. Here’s a camera that has the potential to deliver portraits, landscapes and architectural images that approach medium format quality, while also having the speed and croppability for distant sports and wildlife.

I also appreciated Sony’s body tweaks, from the roomier grip and larger buttons to the dual UHS-II slots and higher resolution viewfinder. I’m still frustrated by the woefully underused touchscreen and disappointed there’s no 4k at 60p nor any video in 10 bit – features presumably reserved for an almost mythical A7s upgrade – but the new digital microphone interface and improved autofocus remain valuable upgrades for video shooters, while the over-sampled 4k footage in the Super 35 mode certainly looks very good.

Overall the A7r IV is an evolutionary upgrade over its predecessor, but it’s surprising how much a boost in resolution and autofocus performance has broadened the flexibility and appeal of this model in Sony’s lineup, again allowing it to tempt detail fanatics whether their subjects are static or in fast motion. Recommended, although if 42 Megapixels are enough for you, look for bargains on the A7r III.