Sony A7R4 Review + some Voigtlander real world test \ English

Camera’s features are quite impressive: 61 mp ( 9504 X 6336 pixel ) , 10 frames per second, 240 mp high resolution mode, dual high speed SD slot ( UHS-2 ), new easier menù system with a new, simpler, graphic interface, better ergonomics and controls, deeper grip, an amazing 5.7 mp ( and 120 fps refresh rate ) electronic viewfinder, a new AF system with 567 AF points all over the frame, the incredible Real Time Tracking already seen on A9, a buffer which can record not less than 60 pictures shooting RAW+ JPEG, ISO range from 100 to 32.000 but expandable to 50 and 102.000, an optimized stabilization system ( on sensor ) for 5.5 stops, improved colors now at the same level of the very best for the 35 mm camera, the Leica M. Hands down. An extremely quick and responsive camera with the highest resolution available and one of the best image quality ever seen. Maybe the best image quality of any 35 mm camera, ever.

Sony A7 R4 + Voigtlander 50 f2 Apo Lanthar

To get the best out of such high quality and high resolution sensor, it would be a good idea to use the very best lenses available today. As these amazing Voigtlander which can go even beyond the 61 mp resolution. Or some of the best Sony lenses, as the the fabulous 24 f1.4 GM, the 135 f1.8 GM, the 100 f2.8 GM STF, 90 macro, etc, etc can be excellent choice to get the best from this great sensor.

Voigtlander 21 mm f1.4 Nokton ( E mount )

Sony A7 R4

Controls are a big improvement area, starting from the buttons and dial’s physical feedback. With a little harder “click” I feel a better overall sensation.. .The same improvement for the grip, deeper, and the slightly taller camera makes handling way better than before. Very well thought the exposure compensation lock dial. So useful for who’s going to bring the camera with blackrapid kind of strap. Almost perfect….maybe another centimeter for some hands would be useful, but I do love the size and the ergonomics, now. Anyway if you need anther centimeter or 2 you can get a little grip, there are some excellent options right now, out in the market.

Piazza Navona Sony A7R4 Voigtlander 50 f2 Apo Lanthar

Amazing, simply amazing the dynamic range. It’s about 15 stops even with 61 mp. Compared to my old A7R3 it’s a similar level, despite a jump of 20 mp between the two cameras. Definitely improved the shadow and highlight recovery, while keeping a good color depth, even better than the R3.

Crop - purtroppo compresso. Troverete nei commenti un link per scaricare qualche file originale.

Despite the compression’s loss it’s still possible to see the huge amount of detail both in highlight and shadows, and the great color’s transitions quality. This sensor is great. And with high end lenses it’s even more impressive.

The 61 mp choice, which goes beyond some medium format cameras, didn’t come at the expense of poor high ISO performance. Don’t forget to compare the same enlargement to evaluate the signal\noise ratio and color quality.

Fontana di Trevi- Sony A7R4 Voigtlander 21 f1.4 @f2.8 1\125 sec ISO 2000

As you can see the color quality is incredible. Auto white balance works fine here, even with different kind of lights. Not so easy...at all.

Another improvement is the new viewfinder. The passage from 3.6 to 5.7 mp is more impressive than the numbers can say. Now it’s easier to work with manual focus lenses, while being quicker and more accurate.

Sony A7R4 Voigtlander 50 f2 Apo Lanthar

It’s great to work with manual focus lenses with the Sony A7R4. Focus Peaking is way more accurate, vision’s quality and clearness is astonishing also, so it’s easy to be really quick. Of course I see the reasons to lose the AF advantages in return for small sizes and weight and excellent optical performance. Other than lower prices.

It’s easy to speak about the AF. A new AF system, based on 567 AF points which covers easily the frame. I still own the Sony A9 mark 1 and, yes, both cameras are very close, for AF performance. Both as consistency, speed, reliability, efficiency. Tracking is almost perfect. No difference between center and edges. No back focus or front focus problems. Even if it have to deal with an almost 3 times higher resolution. Excellent both when playing with very shallow depth of field, with wide angles, very fast lenses…or when dealing with very fast moving subjects both moving from or towards the camera. An excellent AF system, ideal even for the most demanding scenarios as dynamic reportage or wildlife photography or even sport photography. Eye Af almost flawless.

A new option can resolve the stop down problem when shooting in very low light environments and closing the apertures ( an extreme situation, anyway ). The right move, but lag Is still a bit too much. Well done, anyway.

Piazza Navon Sony A7R4 Voigtlander 50 f2 Apo Lanthar

Image quality is unbelievable. With the right lens the dynamic range is almost unlimited, as the color’s or gray’s scale richness, as the great “malleability” of those raw files. Sharpness and depth are unmatched by 35 mm standards. Even comparing to medium format quality ( I owned the Fuji GFX 50R ) it’s a close call. For some aspects it’s even better. But, of course, medium format has its advantages such as the smooth transition between the different depth planes: But here, with the Sony A7R4, we reached such high level that was impossible to think just a few years ago.

ISO 2000 — Voigtlander 21 f2.8 1\125 sec

Color’s quality is amazing even at high ISO values. It’s possible to work and edit these files, even if under difficult lightning situations, as the terrible sodium lamps.

Here we go, with the Pro and Cons

Pro

Resolution, color quality, dynamic range, as class benchmark. It’s even better, for some specs, than some medium format cameras.

Highly customizable AF system. Best in its class, could be a system for a specialistic sport camera, wildlife or dynamic reportage. An excellent buffer makes the impossible possible. Shooting at 60 mp for more than 10 seconds.

Excellent high ISO performance . As the best 35 mm cameras.

Improved Controls and ergonomics . Way better than before.

Huge, beautiful 5.7 mp electronic viewfinder. Bright with an excellent refresh rate ( 120 fps ) and an accurate focus peaking system.

Optimized menù system ( it still needs some work but it’s the right way ).

Stabilization system improved ( 5.5 stop )

Mechanical shutter more silent, discreet. Less vibrations. Really excellent. Best for 35 mm cameras togheter with Leica M10P.

Build quality and finishes on another level.

10 frames per seconds. more than enough for 99% of non specialistic photographer.

Dual high speed SD slot ( UHS-2)

Long battery life even with increased sensor and viewfinder resolution ( 1500 shots per battery, at least )

In camera charging

Way better interface and engaging experience. Quick, responsive, engaging and fun to use.

Great video quality. And great AF implementation ( for video, yes )

APS-C crop still has 26 mp resolution, making like having 2 cameras in one body.

Cons

4K footage limited to 8 bit

Still missing a loseless compressed raw. ( but with dotphotons raw it’s easy to solve )

First electronic curtain shutter missing an option to automatic switch to mechanical one, once over a selected time shutter.

Still some works needed to simplify the menu system ( but it’s a really nice improvement )

Electronic shutter limited to 1\8000 sec

It ask for GREAT lenses.

Manual focus assist can be slightly improved.

Touch screen implementation could be improved.

As you can see from the huge difference between the pro and cons, as for numbers and importance, I do LOVE the Sony A7R4. A9 Mark 1 and A7R4 are the most innovative and successful cameras ever made in the last years.

Via Condotti Sony A7R4 Voigtlander 50 f2 Apo Lanthar

Here the amazing rendering of the Voigtlander 50 f2 Apo Lanthar. Which combines great optical performances, small size and only 300 grams. One of the best lens to work with best 35 mm sensor, as of today.

Eur - Voigtlander 50 f2 Apo Lanthar - Sony A7R4

The incredible dynamic range, helped by the excellent optic which makes easier reading through shadow and highlight and getting out details and to work even when the contrast is really high ( and - or harsh light ).

But if you prefer one AF optic with a similar optical performance ( just slightly worse ) my suggestion is the amazing 50 f1.4 Sony Zeiss Planar. You can enjoy and explore the AF system’s full potential but it’s bigger, heavier and it cost a little more. It’s up to you the compromise better suited to you.

Sony A7R4 Voigtlander 50 f2 App Lanthar ISO 8000 f2 1\125 sec

Sony A7R4 Voigtlander 50 f2 Apo Lanthar

Selfie- Sony A7R4 Zeiss Batis 40 f2

A selfie, just perfect for these crazy times.

Conclusions, at last… this is a limitless camera. You can recall temporary functions on a single button ( while you keep it pushed ) or even many different functions at the same time. You can build the camera around your tastes and needs. And luckily it’s becoming easier to understand and customize this kind of control thanks to the new graphic interface. Take your time ( you will need some days if you’re new to Sony ) and you will get your personal camera, suited and builded around your needs.

But, even more important, comfortable and fun and engaging to use. More responsive and with better physical feedback. Feels good. And the new amazing viewfinder. It’s another level compared to the old 3.6 mp.

If the Sony A9 is still the reference for speed and tracking capabilities, the A7R4 is so close to this performance but with an incredible higher image quality, managing an amazing amount of data, 61 mp. The new mechanical shutter, discrete, way less noisy, quiet, combined with the new stabilization system makes the impossible possible: 61 mp easy to control. With a mirror would be quite difficult. Enjoy it. it’s a great camera.