I'm still using my Sony A7SII as my primary camera for TH-cam & Client work. Hoping to upgrade this year, but you can easily use that $700 camera for professional work!
I've upgraded my r2 to r4 in 2022 right before r5 came out. I see no value in r5. I'm happy with r4 and will upgrade only in case it fails/breaks. The camera improvements are so insignificant right now so those improvements are not even worth extra money. I use r4 for everything - from shooting youtube videos to concert photography or portraits. The only annoying part about r4, Sony took out "tap to focus" feature when using iphone as a remote when taking photos. Seriously the Imaging Edge app lags so badly with r4 which makes it unusable, but it works great with r2. Pretty much the only reason I didn't get rid of my r2, as I use it for self portraits.
I have been shooting Sony for my entire photography career. Prior to owning the a7r5 I owned the A7R3 for several years. I had the opportunity to rent the A7R4 once and found that it was a decent camera but it was not enough for me at the time to switch from my A7R3. The A7R5 provided a lot more benefits. Especially with the improved autofocus system and a rear screen system that was similar to the Sony a99 that I owned years ago. So I kind of disagree with your conclusion. I think that if you are coming from A7R3 that it makes perfect sense to switch to the newer body. Given that I don't think that there is a particular need to purchase new bodies every one or two years. You think about it as a long-term investment.
Well, I think you can skip the mid generation model. I went from A7R2 to A7R4, A7R4 is not much of improvement over R3 but over R2 it gets the bigger and better battery, better autofocus, better grip. And I actually think if you actually own a R4 you don't need to go out buying R5. And R4 is about 2/3 of price of a R5 if you are financially constraint then R4 is a good choice.
As a Sony shooter since March 2023 and as a Canon user for 20 years prior. Gotta say I would love to use this camera. I like my A7 IV but the A7rIV would be deadly for photos. In fact almost bought the updated A7r IVa that has the better screen when I switched.
I have both. The A7IV is a better camera, the AF is much better, it's faster, better menu's. But I do still use the A7RIV to be able to crop even more but it's not the jump you might think it is. I've done a lot of test with them side by side. Sure 61 MP is more resolution but it only counts if you get it sharp at 1:1 and that is more demanding. Sometimes it takes a faster shutter speed than A7IV. You are able to crop a bit more heavily but also Gigapixel works good. A lot of my A7IV photos come out sharper than the A7RIV because of the less demanding MP count, being able to use slower shutter speeds and technique doesn't have to be perfect. None the less, if you find it at the right price, if you like cropping it's nice. But as far as printing I think you can blow 33 Mp up as large as you want. Gigapixel and all the upscale software is pretty good these days. Another reason the A7IV often appears sharper is the AF system is like glue and is just dead on every time. As far as the way the photos look, they look the same. Colors look the same, I can't tell a difference. It's just you can zoom in about 1.5x more. Which sometimes isn't as much as you'd think. I go back and forth on which to use as my main camera. Now it just depends on the situation. I like that 10 bit video in the A7IV too.
this video is gold. I have found one of those new a7Riv cameras and although i think it is overkill for an amateur like me, its basically the same price as much more basic cameras. I'll invest the savings in good glass!!
I really appreciate your perspective on diminishing returns and how the savings are important. I'm looking at the same predicament between the a7r III vs. a7r IV. It's almost a thousand dollar savings between the two. I'm coming from the a7rii. My only complaint is wishing the autofocus was more reliable and faster. With that in mind, do you think the difference in focus between the III and IV is worth a thousand dollars? If you're able to respond and share your experience, it's greatly appreciated. Thanks! 🙏
I have used them both quite a bit. My business partner shoots primarily on an R IV. If most of your work consists of shooting sports, or situations where focus is really critical to get right and the moment can’t be had again - maybe the IV is worth it. If you primarily shoot portraits, frankly I don’t miss focus enough enough to warrant the upgrade price. Your miles may vary.
@christianmuller2031 I don’t see the logic behind this question. Because of the lack of the focusing system that Canon has? It’s not a big deal. You can search for different ways certain Sony cameras can focus
I am confused between Sony A7R IV and Sony A7 iV. One side you have new processor and some new AI features (a7 IV) but otherside you have 61mp. I just do only photos... but want to go with new features and Sony A7R iV don't have some... So some suggestions thanks
KEK, still using Sony a7s (I/II) and a7r. From my perspective (AF is not important) imaging technology is super stagnant, comparing DxO scores of the sensors are screaming - IQ improvement almost stopped (I've typed it while listening and you said almost same stuff). BUT - if something is really changing way of shooting and doing smth new - buy it... (for example GFX cam).
If you desire the absolute best in image quality and do not mind a lot of shortcomings with Fuji GFX system then go with 50Sii. The advantage with Sony A7R4 is hard to deny, it has very fast, efficient and accurate autofocusing that will be at least 2 generations ahead of 50sii, so if you are actually going to shoot moving object and you need to track something like a moving object then A7R4 is a better choice, while it is not a sport camera. The second part of the equation is the glasses you can get with the Sony Ecosystem, you have good quality Sony's first party lenses and you can also get great third party lenses from Sigma (primes and zooms), Tamron (zooms), Samyang and Viltrox etc. This gives a major advantage to Sony system. I can give you an example here. Sigma DGDN 85mm F1.4 is generally around for under $800 in my country, an equivalent lens in the fuji lens will be the 110mm F2.0 that goes around almost twice the price at around $1500 in my country, and this is after the cash back, I only buy Fuji lenses during their mid year and end of year promotion when they offer cash back and huge discount. Similarly a Tamron or Sigma zoom lens like 24-70 or 28-75 is priced around $800 while a Fuji 45-100mm F4 sets you back for around $1400-$1500. So the cost of your lens collection quickly adds up for a Fuji GFX system. The other problem with Fuji is that there is knowing gap in their lens line up, first you won't get very fast glasses like you can with the new F1.2 lenses with full frame camera, you will not get telefocal lens with Fuji and the longest lens they have now is 250mm F4 prime and there is a 500mm on their release plan. I own both system so that is why I can tell you this pros and cons. What you shoot will largely determine what is the right system for you. As a GFX users and many GFX youtuber will tell you with the fuji system they will use full frame lenses to complement the Fuji lens, myself I am adapting Sigma and varies EF lenses.
I was happy with my A7R ii, but then I just had to jump on a great deal on an A7R IV A version, $1,500 no tax and free shipping, 4,000 shutter count mint condition and original box and accessories included. Can't beat it really. A7R V is my dream camera but even used goes for $3,000, not worth imo
I wanna get an A7RII for 4K filmmaking, is it a great film camera for its price currently or should I get the FX30? The difference is I can get the A7RII in a bundle with a gimbal and one lens but the FX30 is only the Body.
I came here looking for reassurance to buy a Sony A7 RIV and save some money but somehow I’m leaving wanting to get in to debt and buy the A7RV 😂 the message sound to me like: you Sony A7RIV is 💩 buy a 5 and don’t cry no more lol😂😂😂😂😂
Im thinking between the Sony A7 IV and Sony A7R IV, its a difficult choise becouse the R will restrict you in filming in a world where everything is 60FPS ( not this video lul 😂)
Nobody is answering this question I am also confuse between these two... I like A74 but overheating issues making me not to go with A74 like I don't know when it will get high... But new processor,new menu A74 have features... Anyways its been more than one week I am confuse to pick one
I use a sony a7riv for photography and a panasonic for video. Sony cameras IMOH do not represent the best value/performance quality to ratio performance for video. If Panasonic ever releases another S1R updated with new autofocus, IBIS, and LUTS.......I'd dump Sony tomorrow and sell all my Sony gear. Sony is Lazy IMHO to updating their gear and firmware and people just buy Sony cameras based off the name. NOBODY needs a 61 mp sensor to take a good photo. I only got a Sony camera because I got an incredible deal on it....other than that, I could care less for Sony.
@@Overexposed1 maybe, but as long as u bought this camera in 2019. to buy this camera today , when every drone and action cam shoots 10 bit it's madness. unless you get it dirt cheap. i still won't buy it.
Going by your intro, I’m remembering all those times when there were camera catalogues in print media and at the local photo studio.
"Don't think yourself into a pretzel" Perfect. I'm debating this today and your advice makes sense.
I'm still using my Sony A7SII as my primary camera for TH-cam & Client work. Hoping to upgrade this year, but you can easily use that $700 camera for professional work!
Absolutely! Lots of channels out there tell you to upgrade upgrade upgrade! Screaming into the void - don’t! Diminishing returns!
I've upgraded my r2 to r4 in 2022 right before r5 came out. I see no value in r5. I'm happy with r4 and will upgrade only in case it fails/breaks. The camera improvements are so insignificant right now so those improvements are not even worth extra money. I use r4 for everything - from shooting youtube videos to concert photography or portraits. The only annoying part about r4, Sony took out "tap to focus" feature when using iphone as a remote when taking photos. Seriously the Imaging Edge app lags so badly with r4 which makes it unusable, but it works great with r2. Pretty much the only reason I didn't get rid of my r2, as I use it for self portraits.
What is your experience on video with Sony a7riv?
@@kevinpham7209 it's been great. I have no complaints.
^^^ I just bought the 4iv and I’m struggling to make a good video using s-log2 and editing in premiere pro.
I have been shooting Sony for my entire photography career. Prior to owning the a7r5 I owned the A7R3 for several years. I had the opportunity to rent the A7R4 once and found that it was a decent camera but it was not enough for me at the time to switch from my A7R3. The A7R5 provided a lot more benefits. Especially with the improved autofocus system and a rear screen system that was similar to the Sony a99 that I owned years ago. So I kind of disagree with your conclusion. I think that if you are coming from A7R3 that it makes perfect sense to switch to the newer body. Given that I don't think that there is a particular need to purchase new bodies every one or two years. You think about it as a long-term investment.
Well, I think you can skip the mid generation model. I went from A7R2 to A7R4, A7R4 is not much of improvement over R3 but over R2 it gets the bigger and better battery, better autofocus, better grip. And I actually think if you actually own a R4 you don't need to go out buying R5. And R4 is about 2/3 of price of a R5 if you are financially constraint then R4 is a good choice.
I even used a minolta
Great video and advices! Thank you
As a Sony shooter since March 2023 and as a Canon user for 20 years prior. Gotta say I would love to use this camera. I like my A7 IV but the A7rIV would be deadly for photos. In fact almost bought the updated A7r IVa that has the better screen when I switched.
I have both. The A7IV is a better camera, the AF is much better, it's faster, better menu's. But I do still use the A7RIV to be able to crop even more but it's not the jump you might think it is. I've done a lot of test with them side by side. Sure 61 MP is more resolution but it only counts if you get it sharp at 1:1 and that is more demanding. Sometimes it takes a faster shutter speed than A7IV. You are able to crop a bit more heavily but also Gigapixel works good. A lot of my A7IV photos come out sharper than the A7RIV because of the less demanding MP count, being able to use slower shutter speeds and technique doesn't have to be perfect. None the less, if you find it at the right price, if you like cropping it's nice. But as far as printing I think you can blow 33 Mp up as large as you want. Gigapixel and all the upscale software is pretty good these days. Another reason the A7IV often appears sharper is the AF system is like glue and is just dead on every time. As far as the way the photos look, they look the same. Colors look the same, I can't tell a difference. It's just you can zoom in about 1.5x more. Which sometimes isn't as much as you'd think. I go back and forth on which to use as my main camera. Now it just depends on the situation. I like that 10 bit video in the A7IV too.
this video is gold. I have found one of those new a7Riv cameras and although i think it is overkill for an amateur like me, its basically the same price as much more basic cameras. I'll invest the savings in good glass!!
Digital cameras ware good enough already! No need to overpay for the latest and greatest. Enjoy!
Thank you Isaac for the informative and helpful video about the Sony A7R IV. God bless and good luck!
Thank you!
I really appreciate your perspective on diminishing returns and how the savings are important. I'm looking at the same predicament between the a7r III vs. a7r IV. It's almost a thousand dollar savings between the two. I'm coming from the a7rii. My only complaint is wishing the autofocus was more reliable and faster. With that in mind, do you think the difference in focus between the III and IV is worth a thousand dollars? If you're able to respond and share your experience, it's greatly appreciated. Thanks! 🙏
I have used them both quite a bit. My business partner shoots primarily on an R IV. If most of your work consists of shooting sports, or situations where focus is really critical to get right and the moment can’t be had again - maybe the IV is worth it. If you primarily shoot portraits, frankly I don’t miss focus enough enough to warrant the upgrade price. Your miles may vary.
I’m still shooting street photography in Beijing with my Sony A7R.
I’ll wait two more years to buy the A7RV, because a good AF is the only thing on my mind lately
How is street shooting with Sony?
@christianmuller2031 I don’t see the logic behind this question. Because of the lack of the focusing system that Canon has? It’s not a big deal. You can search for different ways certain Sony cameras can focus
@@aspilobo it meant shooting in General!
I am confused between Sony A7R IV and Sony A7 iV.
One side you have new processor and some new AI features (a7 IV) but otherside you have 61mp.
I just do only photos... but want to go with new features and Sony A7R iV don't have some...
So some suggestions thanks
Love this! Thank you
Great video and outlook that’s realistic.
In short yes, and years to come, I'm using it in all scenarios both vid and photo.
Can get a a7r4 with extra lenses bundle for 350, im guessing its still worth it?
KEK, still using Sony a7s (I/II) and a7r. From my perspective (AF is not important) imaging technology is super stagnant, comparing DxO scores of the sensors are screaming - IQ improvement almost stopped (I've typed it while listening and you said almost same stuff). BUT - if something is really changing way of shooting and doing smth new - buy it... (for example GFX cam).
I found a7 R iv for 1650€. Didn't know if go with Fujifilm gfx 50sii what is cost 2300€
If you desire the absolute best in image quality and do not mind a lot of shortcomings with Fuji GFX system then go with 50Sii. The advantage with Sony A7R4 is hard to deny, it has very fast, efficient and accurate autofocusing that will be at least 2 generations ahead of 50sii, so if you are actually going to shoot moving object and you need to track something like a moving object then A7R4 is a better choice, while it is not a sport camera. The second part of the equation is the glasses you can get with the Sony Ecosystem, you have good quality Sony's first party lenses and you can also get great third party lenses from Sigma (primes and zooms), Tamron (zooms), Samyang and Viltrox etc. This gives a major advantage to Sony system. I can give you an example here. Sigma DGDN 85mm F1.4 is generally around for under $800 in my country, an equivalent lens in the fuji lens will be the 110mm F2.0 that goes around almost twice the price at around $1500 in my country, and this is after the cash back, I only buy Fuji lenses during their mid year and end of year promotion when they offer cash back and huge discount. Similarly a Tamron or Sigma zoom lens like 24-70 or 28-75 is priced around $800 while a Fuji 45-100mm F4 sets you back for around $1400-$1500. So the cost of your lens collection quickly adds up for a Fuji GFX system. The other problem with Fuji is that there is knowing gap in their lens line up, first you won't get very fast glasses like you can with the new F1.2 lenses with full frame camera, you will not get telefocal lens with Fuji and the longest lens they have now is 250mm F4 prime and there is a 500mm on their release plan. I own both system so that is why I can tell you this pros and cons. What you shoot will largely determine what is the right system for you. As a GFX users and many GFX youtuber will tell you with the fuji system they will use full frame lenses to complement the Fuji lens, myself I am adapting Sigma and varies EF lenses.
I was happy with my A7R ii, but then I just had to jump on a great deal on an A7R IV A version, $1,500 no tax and free shipping, 4,000 shutter count mint condition and original box and accessories included. Can't beat it really. A7R V is my dream camera but even used goes for $3,000, not worth imo
Wait until that VI hits later this year, those Vs will nose dive!
Dang nice deal!
Am a pro range photographer and a videographer can you ship me the a7 RV
Lol still happy with my Sony A7R ii
😅
Plus I bought all the Apps for my Sony a7r ii as well 😁👍🏼
I wanna get an A7RII for 4K filmmaking, is it a great film camera for its price currently or should I get the FX30?
The difference is I can get the A7RII in a bundle with a gimbal and one lens but the FX30 is only the Body.
@@CHIM3RA.I know it’s late but do not get an a7rii especially not for video. Autofocus is trash. You don’t need 43mp for video anyway.
@@blakeabernathy4051 I ended up buying a SIGMA FP.
Does the R4 have bright monitoring?
Yes
a7riv with canon 35mm f2 is. happy as a clam.
Wow this is GAS. Gear Acquisition Syndrome. But I have it and its a good video! Im not at all a Sony fan boy though, the ergonomics suck.
A7 RIV vs Nikon F2T in 2025??
I came here looking for reassurance to buy a Sony A7 RIV and save some money but somehow I’m leaving wanting to get in to debt and buy the A7RV 😂 the message sound to me like: you Sony A7RIV is 💩 buy a 5 and don’t cry no more lol😂😂😂😂😂
I just picked it up for $1300 used (100000 ex}) from a reputable dealer. I had to pull the trigger!
Geeze! That’s an awesome price
@@Overexposed1 Coming from a a6000, its like whole new world opened up for me
Im thinking between the Sony A7 IV and Sony A7R IV, its a difficult choise becouse the R will restrict you in filming in a world where everything is 60FPS ( not this video lul 😂)
Nobody is answering this question I am also confuse between these two...
I like A74 but overheating issues making me not to go with A74 like I don't know when it will get high... But new processor,new menu A74 have features...
Anyways its been more than one week I am confuse to pick one
r iii is samw price as r iv. No brainer which one i will take
The way you hold your shoulders and elbows, it seems to be cold in your studio ;-)
Save the extra money for a G master Lens
HONEST VIDEO
I use a sony a7riv for photography and a panasonic for video. Sony cameras IMOH do not represent the best value/performance quality to ratio performance for video. If Panasonic ever releases another S1R updated with new autofocus, IBIS, and LUTS.......I'd dump Sony tomorrow and sell all my Sony gear.
Sony is Lazy IMHO to updating their gear and firmware and people just buy Sony cameras based off the name.
NOBODY needs a 61 mp sensor to take a good photo. I only got a Sony camera because I got an incredible deal on it....other than that, I could care less for Sony.
Don't think yourself into a pretzel :)
Currently I'm seeing prices for a7r v right at 3k lightly used and around 1900-2000 for the a7r iv also used. so more like a 1k upgrade
Not for video
For most uses it will be just fine for video. I record every video on this channel with an A7R III.
@@Overexposed1 maybe, but as long as u bought this camera in 2019. to buy this camera today , when every drone and action cam shoots 10 bit it's madness. unless you get it dirt cheap. i still won't buy it.