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I’ve been shooting with Sony cameras since August 2016, almost nine years in the system, and like many photographers and content creators, I’ve been closely following the evolution of the Alpha line.
Every new model brings something exciting, but it also makes you pause and wonder… Is now the right time to upgrade?
So let’s dive into the reality of the Sony a7IV in 2025 and whether it’s still worth buying or if you should wait for the next big thing, the Sony a7V.
Is the Sony a7 V Coming Soon?
This is the question everyone keeps asking.
We don’t have official confirmation or a launch date for the Sony a7V, but we can look at Sony’s release patterns to make an educated guess. The Sony a7RV dropped on October 26, 2022. Since then, Sony has released several cameras including the Sony a7CII and a7CR in September 2023.
More recently, in 2025, we saw another FX model launched (FX2). But these cameras cater to very specific users. They’re not direct upgrades to the core a7 line.
That means the a7IV is still the “mainstream” hybrid full-frame workhorse from Sony and a direct successor might still be a few months (or even a year) away.
What Makes the Sony a7IV Still a Great Buy in 2025?
Let’s break it down.
Release Date & Core Features
Launched on October 21, 2021
33MP full-frame sensor — ideal balance between image detail and file size
Excellent subject-tracking autofocus with Eye AF and Real-Time Tracking
4K 60fps (in Super35 mode) and 4K 30fps (full-frame, 7K oversampled) video
10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording — a big upgrade from the a7III
Newer Sony menu system with touch functionality
Same battery as the a7III and newer models (NP-FZ100) — excellent longevity
Massive lens compatibility thanks to the E-mount system
Whether you’re a photographer or a hybrid creator, the a7IV still delivers a strong punch in 2025.
How Does the a7IV Compare to Other Sony Cameras?
Let’s look at where it stands against other models in the lineup.
For Video Creators
If you’re primarily shooting video, the Sony a7SIII, FX2, or ZV-E1 might make more sense. These cameras are built with video in mind, better thermal control, higher ISO performance, and advanced codecs.
The a7IV can handle video really well, especially with 10-bit 4:2:2, but if video is your main gig, look at the S-series or the FX line.
For Photographers
From a photography perspective, the a7IV is the most balanced tool in the current lineup. It’s ahead of the a7III in terms of autofocus, menu layout, and resolution. It also gives you better colors, faster response time, and higher customization.
Yes, the a7C II and a7CR are newer, but they’re designed more for compactness which is great for travel, street photography, or minimal setups. However, they lack some of the customization, ergonomics, and button layout that pro shooters appreciate on the a7IV.
Megapixels That Actually Make Sense
The Sony a7IV’s 33MP sensor hits a real sweet spot for most photographers. Here’s why it matters:
You get enough resolution for large prints, cropping flexibility, and detailed images without jumping into massive file sizes
RAW files remain manageable, making editing faster and smoother in programs like Lightroom and Capture One
You won’t fill up your data storage overnight, especially important if you shoot high volumes (think weddings, events, or travel)
Less need to constantly buy more external SSD drives, cloud storage, or upgrade your internal storage
Compared to the 24MP of the Sony a7III or the 60MP of the a7RV, the 33MP sensor on the a7IV gives you better efficiency, less strain on your workflow, and more flexibility without overwhelming your storage system.
Sony a7III vs a7IV vs a7RV
| Feature | Sony a7III | Sony a7IV | Sony a7RV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2018 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Megapixels | 24.2MP | 33MP | 61MP |
| Autofocus | Real-time Eye AF | Real-time Eye + Subject Tracking | AI-based Real-time Tracking |
| Video Specs | 4K 30p 8-bit | 4K 60p (10-bit, S35) | 8K 24p / 4K 60p |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis | 5.5-stop IBIS | 8-stop IBIS |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M-dot | 3.68M-dot | 9.44M-dot |
| Menu System | Old Sony menu | New Sony UI | New Sony UI with touch |
| Price (approx.) | $1,500 | $2,200 | $3,600 |
The a7IV is clearly the best value right now for hybrid shooters. It modernizes almost everything from the a7III without the ultra-high price of the a7RV. Unless you need 60MP or 8K video, the a7IV is still the better everyday camera.
What Real Photographers and Creators Say About the Sony a7IV
Erin Donahue on Using the a7IV
View this post on Instagram
@niredonahue
“Sony’s Alpha 7IV is a well-rounded option for hybrid creators who need to shoot both photo and video without compromising on quality or needing multiple pieces of gear.
I shot with the Alpha 7 III for over three years (and APS-C’s for even longer), and the difference in in-body image stabilization was immediately noticeable.
I often shoot handheld, especially in low light or at slower shutter speeds, and because I’m constantly switching between vertical and horizontal formats, I ditch my gimbal a lot.
The 33MP for photos hit a sweet spot between image detail and manageable file size, which I like, since I don’t particularly care for ultra high-megapixel cameras.
Meanwhile, the 4K 10-bit video offers plenty of flexibility in post for creators looking to level up their videography.
I recently partnered with Sony for a second time, this time to showcase the Alpha 7IV and cover these exact features. It’s the kind of future-proof tool that grows with you and your skillset, especially if you’re upgrading from a crop-sensor camera or a smartphone setup.”
Erin Bancroft on Her Real-World Experience
@erinb_explores
“I think generally, for someone at my level and type of photography, I felt like the 33MP was going to be sufficient.
Obviously, higher MP means you can crop or expand a photograph a lot more but for general use as well as storage capacity, the 33MP seemed like a nice in between number.
Photos with higher MP mean larger RAW photos and I simply don’t have enough storage for photos that huge. Hopefully one day I can sell large scale photos, but a regular size 24×36 or 8×10 is more than enough right now.
The price tag of the Sony Alpha IV also played a factor in which one I was going to buy as well as the huge number of lens options.
The image quality has been outstanding so far! The autofocus is incredible for moving objects (like children and animals) and I have noticed that my photos are a lot more crisp and in focus.
I love wide angle shots and I always try to incorporate something in the foreground like flowers or leaves or a nice frame around the subject so my go-to lens is the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8.
Although I would have loved a Sony lens, the price tag was a bit out of my budget so the Sigma was 2nd best!
So far, I have absolutely loved the versatility and although it was a bit of an adjustment from my previous camera (settings/menu etc.) it has been a really fun camera and I am looking forward to taking it on many more adventures and sharing my photos with the world from beautiful places.”
So… Should You Buy the a7IV or Wait for the a7V?
Honestly? The Sony a7IV is still one of the best hybrid full-frame cameras on the market especially at its current price point.
If you’re upgrading from a crop sensor, the a7III, or even something like the Canon RP or Nikon Z5, this is a future-proof body that’ll support you for years.
Unless:
You need 8K video
You want AI-powered autofocus and a top-tier EVF
You’re willing to wait a year or more without knowing what the a7V will cost or offer…
Then just get the a7IV now.
Final Thoughts
Is the Sony a7IV a good fit for your photography or content creation in 2025? Probably yes. It checks all the boxes for most creators, and with a wide range of native lenses and third-party options, you can build a powerful system around it.
But if you’re the type who always wants to wait for the next big thing… ask yourself: Are you losing opportunities by waiting?
So… What’s Your Next Camera?
Would you wait for the a7V? Or is the a7IV enough for your creative journey today?
Let me know in the comments or DM me on Instagram! I’d love to hear what you’re shooting with!
