Shooting on the Sony A7R IV in 2025

For me, it's easy to get caught up in the rush for the latest and greatest camera gear. With each new release, manufacturers promise groundbreaking features that push the boundaries of what's possible in imaging. Despite the newer models, on the market the Sony A7R IV which launched back in 2019, stood out to me because it gave me almost everything the Sony 7R V did at a fraction of the cost when looking at them used.

The Sony A7R IV was a game-changer when it first hit the market. It combined the world’s first 61.2 -megapixel full-frame sensor with impressive autofocus capabilities, 4K video, and as always impressive build quality. All in a relatively “compact” mirrorless form factor. At the time, it raised the bar for what photographers could expect from a high-resolution mirrorless camera, and even now, it holds its own in the competitive landscape.

Image Quality That Still Impresses

Even in 2025, the A7R IV's 61MP full-frame sensor remains one of its most defining features. With more megapixels than most modern cameras, it delivers unparalleled image resolution and clarity. The A7R IV still delivers amazing results even when paired with a lens that many say isn’t “sharp”, the Sony 24-70 G Master I. This lens is my workhorse and does about 95% of the work that I need to for my clients. This image was shot wide open at f/2.8 and came out perfect.

Even though the newer models offer incremental improvements in sensor technology, the difference in the real-world image quality between the A7R IV and its successors may not be as drastic as one might think. I feel that, unless you're pushing the limits of dynamic range or color science, the A7R IV still produces exceptional images that hold up well in 99% of the real-world uses for the camera.

Autofocus and Performance

I’ve shot the entire line of A7R cameras at some point or another with the exception of the A7R V. My biggest gripe in the first two cameras was the low-light autofocus performance. The A7R IV features the Real-Time Eye AF, which works for humans and animals, making it ideal for portrait and wildlife photographers (if you need the resolution over speed). In addition, the 567 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points cover 87% of the frame, providing fast and accurate tracking for moving subjects. While I don’t feel this would make an excellent camera for sports photographers due to it being limited to 10 fps (8 fps in silent shooting), you would still be impressed with the results..

4K Video and Versatility

The video capability of the A7R IV is not something that I can comment on, as I’m just starting on my video journey. However, the camera is still more than capable of video work today.

Build Quality and Design

The A7R IV's body is still incredible in today’s world. It’s built to withstand professional use and careless use (yes, I’ve dropped mine) with a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body. The grip is deep and comfortable, and while it’s not the smallest mirrorless camera on the market, it’s still smaller than the last versions of DSLR’s from Canon and Nikon

In 2025, the A7R IV still feels like a premium, long-lasting camera—ideal for studio and location work. The physical controls, customizable buttons, and joystick for precise focus point selection are just as responsive as they were when the camera was first released.

Battery Life and User Experience

Sony’s battery life has been a weak point for some, but the A7R IV boasts impressive battery life compared to other mirrorless cameras. With the larger NP-FZ100 battery, I have been able to shoot over 1300 images on a single charge. The A7R IV is also fast and intuitive to use, with its customizable menus. However, the LCD on the rear is still subpar from my experience. At times, it’s borderline unusable when in bright sun. You would think for a company that makes some of the best LCD panels for phones and TVs; they could make a useable LCD screen for their cameras. However, in regards to the electronic viewfinder, that is just an amazing experience. It’s bright, responsive, incredibly sharp. The camera’s focus tracking in dynamic environments is amazing. Even in harsh lighting or heavily backlit situations the camera nails focus almost every shot.

Price and Value in 2025

While the A7R IV is no longer the latest model, it has come down in price significantly. Finding used examples for $1600 - $1800 is commonplace at the time of this writing. I managed to pick mine up with the Sony branded grip for $1600 with only 3200 pictures take on it. In 2025, it represents an excellent opportunity for those looking for a high-resolution mirrorless camera at an extremely affordable price point. Especially compared to the original Canon R5, which is still selling used around $2400 - $2600. Given its still-competitive performance and robust feature set, the A7R IV remains a solid investment for photographers who may not need to have the latest gear but still want top-tier quality and performance.

Newer models may offer incremental upgrades—such as faster processing, enhanced stabilization, or improved color science—but typically come with a higher price tag. The A7R IV’s price-to-performance ratio is hard to beat, especially if you’re in the market for a full-frame mirrorless camera that excels at both stills and video.

The Future-Proof Nature of the A7R IV

One of the reasons the A7R IV remains relevant in 2025 is the fact that it’s built to last. While newer cameras may offer a slightly higher resolution or advanced features like 8K video, the A7R IV continues to be more than enough for most professional and enthusiast photographers. It offers a level of flexibility and image quality that allows it to hold its ground even as newer models are released.

Conclusion: A More Than Capable Choice

In 2025, the Sony A7R IV will remain a powerhouse of a camera. While it may no longer have all the cutting-edge features found in the most recent models, its image quality, autofocus system, video capabilities, and overall performance continue to make it a highly viable choice for photographers and videographers alike. Whether you’re upgrading from an older camera or just getting into the world of full-frame mirrorless, the A7R IV stands as a reminder that great technology doesn’t have to be the latest to be incredibly effective. It’s still one of the best tools available for capturing stunning images and high-quality video, and it will likely remain a reliable choice for years to come.

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