Sony a7R IVA Mirrorless Camera with 20-70mm and 70-200mm Lenses Kit

Moving to an even higher resolution realm, the Sony a7R IVA continues the noteworthy series of highly capable full-frame cameras, characterized by impressive stills and video performance and versatility. This fourth edition of the a7R sees the inclusion of an updated 61MP sensor along with faster processing, improved AF performance, and a more well-rounded feature-set for both high-end photo and video applications.

Featuring a back-illuminated design, the newly designed full-frame 61MP Exmor R CMOS sensor offers a mixture of incredible resolution with high clarity, low noise, and a wide 15-stop dynamic range. The sensor's structure promotes impressive image quality and a copper wiring layer dramatically improves data transmission speed for creating 14-bit, high-resolution 61MP stills with a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-32000, which can be further expanded to ISO 50-102400.

The BIONZ X engine's high-speed image processing enables fast continuous shooting, 4K video recording, and advanced AF tracking. The quick processing also helps to reduce rolling shutter and other motion distortions for clean rendering of moving subjects.

In terms of shooting speeds, the sensor and processor enable up to 10 fps shooting, at full resolution, for up to 68 consecutive frames, with full-time AF/AE.

This unique compositing mode allows you to achieve even greater resolution than the 61MP sensor affords. Working in conjunction with the sensor-shift image stabilization, this mode shifts the sensor while making 16 consecutive exposures in order to acquire approximately 240.8MP of information for greater color accuracy and detail than possible with a single exposure, along with an impressive image size of 19,008 x 12,672-pixels. These files can then be merged together during post-production by using the Sony Imaging software suite.

An updated Fast Hybrid AF system now employs a combination of 567 phase-detection points, which cover approximately 99.7% of the height and 74% of the width of the frame, along with 425 contrast-detection areas for reliable and quick autofocus and subject tracking performance. This focusing system also achieves especially quick speed and reliable tracking, as well as enhanced low-light focusing response down to -3 EV.

The apt focus system also lends itself to a variety of focusing functions for refined accuracy:

• Lock-on AF maintains focus on moving subjects throughout the use of a configurable frame that is set over the desired moving subject
• Expand Flexible Spot employs neighboring focus points to retain focus on moving subjects even if the originally selected point loses focus
• Eye AF can be used to base focus on recognized human subjects' eyes for portraits and is available in both AF-S and AF-C modes and for both stills and video. Eye AF can be used when photographing animal subjects, too, with any focusing mode when shooting stills.
• The Focus Magnifier function can be used for critical focus when homing in on minute subject details
• Rear touchscreen can be used for Touch Focus control and a Touchpad Focus Control mode lets you use the rear screen intuitively while keeping your eye to the viewfinder

• Internal recording of UHD 4K video is possible in multiple frame rates up to 30 fps using the full width of the sensor with 8-bit 4:2:0 color sampling using the 100Mbps XAVC S codec.
• Oversampled 4K recording is also possible, which uses a 6K capture area with a Super 35 crop for greater detail. This full pixel readout is void of pixel binning for higher quality imagery with reduced moir? and aliasing.
• Full HD 1080p recording is also supported in frame rates up to 120 fps. The high-speed, 120 fps recording also enables 4x and 5x Slow& Quick Motion (S&Q) movie recording with the frame rate set to either 30p or 24p.
• In addition to high-resolution internal recording, uncompressed HDMI output also enables the use of an optional external recorder for clean 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling.
• 4K video recording also avails the ability to produce 8MP stills during playback by taking a frame grab from a movie and storing it as a separate file.

S-Log3 and HLG Color Control

• HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support permits recording within a wide color gamut for producing HDR-ready content directly from the camera.
• S-Log3 is also available for producing a 14+-stop dynamic range with increased grading control in the shadow to mid-tone regions of the image.

• Updated OLED Tru-Finder EVF has a 5.76m-dot resolution for bright, clear viewing in rich detail
• Dedicated High quality setting enables a 120 fps refresh rate for especially smooth playback of moving subjects.
• The 3.0" 2.36m-dot rear LCD has a touch panel design for intuitive operation and focusing control.
• Screen tilts upward 107? and downward 41? to benefit working from high and low angles.

• Magnesium alloy chassis assures rigidity, durability, and stability while remaining lightweight. The lens mount has also been improved to better support heavy lenses and the grip rigidity has been improved for more comfortable hand-holding.
• Extensive weather-sealing, including enhanced sealing around the battery cover, terminal cover, and chassis joints, has been employed to resist dust and moisture for reliable operation in harsh weather conditions.
• Using the same NP-FZ100 battery as its predecessor, the a7R IVA's battery life is rated for approximately 530 shots per charge with the EVF or 660 shots with the rear LCD.
• Dual SD memory card slots allow for flexible file saving and handling and can be configured to partition raw and JPEG files or can be used for overflow recording. Both of the card slots are rated to support UHS-II memory cards for faster transfer speeds.

• USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port has been added, in addition to a micro-USB port, for faster, more reliable tethering support. The USB Type-C connection allows the camera to be charged from the host power source while connected.
• Updated Multi Interface Shoe supports working with the optional ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit, which provide improved, clear audio recording sound by sending a digital audio signal to the camera, opposed to an analog signal.
• Both 3.5mm headphone and external microphone ports facilitate greater control over audio recording.
• HDMI micro (Type D) connector offers a clean signal out for working with optional external recorders.
• Integrated PC sync terminal for wired flash sync with strobe packs or wireless radio remotes.

Wireless Connectivity

• Built-in Wi-Fi enables the remote camera control and instant sharing of imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online, and support for both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands also enables wireless tethered shooting support. This connectivity also provides remote camera control.
• Use of the Imaging Edge mobile app is benefitted by Bluetooth to maintain a reliable connection between the camera and mobile device.
• Bluetooth connectivity also allows for location data acquisition.

Packed into the robust a7R IVA is a 5.5-stop effective 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system that compensates for five different types of camera shake encountered during handheld shooting of stills and video. This allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical imaging without encountering blur from camera shake.

For long focal lengths, the system will correct for pitch and yaw adjustments. Macro and high-magnification imagery, on the other hand, will benefit from the inclusion of horizontal and vertical shift compensation. All shooting styles will get usage out of the roll compensation. All 5 axes of stabilization will function at all times, even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilization.

Dedicated Accessories from Sony

Complementing the camera body is a trio of accessories to increase battery life and enhance audio recording capabilities when shooting video. The VG-C4EM Vertical Grip is the dedicated battery grip, which accepts up to two more NP-FZ100 batteries for extended shooting times. Its ergonomic design also enhances handling when shooting in the vertical orientation.

For improved audio recording, and making use of the a7R IVA's updated Multi Interface Shoe and digital audio interface, there is the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone, which delivers a digital audio stream directly to the camera for cleaner quality with low noise. For even more advanced audio control, there is also the XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit, which is a dual-channel digital XLR audio adapter for connecting external microphones to the camera while still benefitting from the digital audio interface.

Nine years in the making, Sony has retooled their classic, workhorse telephoto zoom lens with the FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II, introducing performance upgrades in autofocus, stabilization, magnification, and sharpness while reducing both its length and size. Remaining a portable, workaday stalwart for events, sports, and portraiture, this latest iteration expands its capabilities into video and macro applications.

The biggest change to the optical design of the lens is the introduction of a floating focusing element, enabling the lens' high-resolution .5x "half-macro" magnification, shrinking the minimum focusing distance to 10.2" at 70mm. This increased resolution is available across the entirety of the zoom range, as is the lens' improved corner-to-corner sharpness. The lens features aspherical, Advanced Aspherical, Super Extra-low dispersion, and extra-low dispersion aspherical elements to reduce and suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations. Nano AR Coating II controls flare and ghosting, while the rounded, nine-blade diaphragm supplies the lens with its soft, smooth bokeh.

Chief among the 70-200mm f/4 II's enhancements is its faster, video-optimized autofocus system. Featuring 4 XD Linear motors, two for each of the lens' focus groups, the lens now performs 20% faster than its predecessor and supports focus tracking while zooming. The new autofocus system also works with the Alpha 1's blackout-free 30 fps high-speed continuous shooting, double the rate of the f/4 OSS I.

For those eager to apply the lens' virtues to video, Sony has introduced several features from their cinema division. The new autofocus system has near-silent operation while dramatically reducing focus breathing and focus shift. The Linear Response MF system to ensures a consistent, natural-feeling operation, while the full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) feature makes it easy to make quick adjustments using the focus ring while in AF modes.

Rounding out the improvements to image quality, the lens' built-in SteadyShot optical image stabilization is designed to work in tandem with the camera body's stabilization system to ensure sharp images while shooting handheld even at the longest focal lengths.

In reconfiguring the 70-200mm f/4 II, Sony has kept in mind both the endurance of the lens and its user, reducing both the length and weight of the optic by 15% to 5.8" and 1.7 lb, respectively. The internal zoom mechanism minimizes front-heaviness to reduce strain while focusing, while its dust- and moisture-resistant design and rubber control rings make it suitable for inclement conditions.

Other design features include:

• A removable and rotating tripod collar for added stability and reducing strain on the camera's lens mount.
• Three focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch on the lens barrel for intuitive tactile control and rapid access to select settings.
• Three-mode optical image stabilization switch to ensure sharpness in varying shooting conditions.
• A full-time DMF switch for manual focus override during AF-C mode.
• Zoom lock and focus range limiter switches to prevent unwanted lens extension or to constrain the usable focus range between a set limited range or full for improving focus speed.
• A fluorine coating for the front-lens element to repel water, oil, and other contaminants and facilitate lens-cleaning.

Teleconverter Compatibility

The FE 70-200mm f/4 GM OSS II is compatible with Sony's optional FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. These teleconverters allow for life-size, 1:1 macro photography throughout the entire zoom range. When used, the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters will provide effective focal lengths and apertures of 98-280mm f/5.6 and 140-400mm f/8, respectively.

G Lens Image Quality

Designed for demanding visual creators, this ultra-wide zoom offers no compromises regarding image quality, autofocus performance, or movie-making functionality.

• Engineered for use with full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, the lens's constant f/4 maximum aperture maintains consistent illumination throughout the entire zoom range.
• Features a combination of three ED elements, two AA elements, one ED aspherical element, and one standard aspherical element to effectively eliminate chromatic and spherical aberrations while also rendering excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and color fidelity.
• Rounded 9-blade aperture provides deep, soft bokeh.

Enhanced Autofocus and Video Capabilities

Offering an enhanced feature set for both still photography and videography, the FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens delivers fast focusing performance, improved tracking, and a series of attributes specifically designed for videographers.

• Two XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors provide smooth, silent, and precise autofocus performance as well as improved tracking performance for photos and videos.
• Internal focusing system maintains the overall length of the lens and does not rotate the lens barrel while focusing, enhancing the use of circular polarizers and variable ND filters.
• Updated optical design effectively eliminates focus breathing, focus shift, and axial shift to prevent unwanted movements and angle of view variations during movie recording.
• Aperture ring with On/Off click switch and iris lock switch prevents the aperture ring from being accidentally moved between the f/4 and f/22 settings.
• Optimized for filming, the lens supports active mode image stabilization and micro-step aperture control for smooth and seamless video capture.
• Two programmable focus hold buttons and a focus mode switch for intuitive focus control.
• Minimum focusing distance of 9.8" with excellent close-up performance at all focal lengths.

Handling and Design

Compact and lightweight, this highly-versatile ultra-wide standard zoom offers a unique and expansive field of view for everyday shooting.

• Hybrid construction uses both metal and plastic components to maximize both durability and a low weight design.
• Fluorine coating on front lens element repels water, dust, fingerprints, and other contaminants while also making it easier to clean the front of the lens.
• Dust and moisture-resistant design includes a rubber ring to seal the lens mount for working in inclement weather conditions.