The Sony a7IV was released in late 2021, and even in 2025, it’s still a powerhouse in the full-frame mirrorless market. However, with increasing rumors about the upcoming Sony a7V, many creators are left wondering whether it’s better to upgrade now or wait. The a7IV features a 33MP full-frame sensor, next-gen autofocus, and outstanding 4K video performance, all of which still meet the demands of today’s content creators.
Waiting for the a7V may seem appealing, but consider how much you actually need the supposed upgrades. If your current camera is outdated, limiting your creative work, or lacks hybrid features, the a7IV is more than capable and already battle-tested in professional environments.
Is the Sony a7V Release Just Around the Corner?
The Sony a7V is heavily rumored to launch by late 2025 or early 2026, based on historical release timelines. The Sony a7 series typically sees a refresh every 3 to 4 years, and since the a7IV came out in 2021, the a7V’s arrival is likely not far off.
Expected upgrades for the a7V include:
- A stacked BSI sensor for better readout speeds
- AI-driven subject tracking similar to the Sony A9 III
- Improved in-body stabilization (up to 8 stops)
- 8K video support with 10-bit internal recording
- Dual CFexpress Type A slots for faster data handling
While these features sound promising, they’re speculative. Sony has not officially confirmed anything. So, if you’re waiting purely based on rumors, you might end up delaying your content creation for another 6–12 months unnecessarily.
Why the Sony a7IV Is Still Worth Buying in 2025
The Sony a7IV continues to hold its place in 2025 as the go-to hybrid camera for advanced amateurs and professionals. Here’s why it remains highly relevant:
- Hybrid Excellence: With class-leading autofocus and 10-bit 4K60 video, the a7IV is ideal for creators who shoot both stills and videos.
- Color Science: Sony improved the color accuracy and skin tones in the a7IV, reducing the need for heavy post-processing.
- Reliability: It’s a trusted camera in the field, used by wedding photographers, YouTubers, vloggers, and even filmmakers.
- Firmware Support: Sony has continued releasing firmware updates, ensuring the camera remains compatible with the latest features like lens corrections and improved Real-time Tracking.
Unless your work demands the latest specs, the a7IV delivers more than enough value in 2025.
Sony a7IV Key Features and 2025 Update Overview
- 33MP Full-Frame Sensor: More resolution than the a7III, perfect for large prints, cropping, and commercial work.
- BIONZ XR Processor: Delivers up to 8x processing power compared to previous-gen chips, enhancing speed, dynamic range, and noise control.
- 4K60 10-bit Video: Records at high quality with rich color depth, ideal for professional videography.
- Real-Time Eye AF for Humans, Animals, and Birds: Pinpoint accuracy, great for wildlife, portraits, and even fast-moving kids or pets.
- Dual Card Slots (SD + CFexpress Type A): Versatility for both everyday and high-speed workflows.
- 7-Stop In-Body Stabilization (IBIS): Stable handheld shooting, even with slower lenses or in low light.
Comparing the a7IV with Other Sony Alpha Models
In 2025, the Sony Alpha lineup offers several excellent full-frame mirrorless options. However, choosing between the a7III, a7IV, and a7RV can be confusing, especially when balancing price, performance, and purpose.
Below is a detailed table comparing these three popular models to help you decide which is the best fit for your photography or video needs.
Sony a7IV vs a7III vs a7RV – Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Sony a7III | Sony a7IV | Sony a7RV |
| Release Year | 2018 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.2MP Full-Frame | 33MP Full-Frame | 61MP Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ XR | BIONZ XR |
| Autofocus System | 693 Phase-Detect AF Points | 759 Phase-Detect AF Points | 693 AF Points + AI Subject Recognition |
| ISO Range | 100–51,200 (Expandable to 204,800) | 100–51,200 (Expandable to 204,800) | 100–32,000 (Expandable to 102,400) |
| Video Recording | 4K30 8-bit | 4K60 10-bit 4:2:2 | 8K24 / 4K60 10-bit |
| IBIS (Stabilization) | 5-Axis, up to 5 stops | 5-Axis, up to 7 stops | 5-Axis, up to 8 stops |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M-dot OLED | 3.69M-dot OLED | 9.44M-dot OLED |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Tilting, 922k-dot | 3.0″ Vari-angle, 1.04M-dot | 3.2″ Fully Articulating, 2.1M-dot |
| Card Slots | Dual SD (UHS-II) | 1x SD (UHS-II) + 1x CFexpress Type A | 1x SD (UHS-II) + 1x CFexpress Type A |
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 10 fps | 10 fps |
| Weight | 650g | 658g | 723g |
| Best For | Entry-Level Full-Frame | Hybrid Creators (Photo + Video) | High-Resolution Pros (Studio, Prints) |
| Current Price (2025) | $1,300 (approx.) | $2,300 (approx.) | $3,900 (approx.) |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Sony a7III: Best for beginners entering the full-frame world. While it lacks some modern features, it still delivers reliable results for casual shooters or those on a tight budget.
- Sony a7IV: Perfect balance between price and performance. Ideal for hybrid creators who need both high-quality stills and professional video features in a single body. Its autofocus, sensor, and video tools are excellent for weddings, content creation, events, and more.
- Sony a7RV: Designed for professionals needing extreme resolution and advanced autofocus. Perfect for studio work, landscapes, product photography, and high-end commercial use.
How the Megapixel Count on the a7IV Truly Matters
The Sony a7IV has a 33-megapixel sensor, which gives you the best of both worlds. It offers more detail than the older a7III (which has 24MP), so your photos look sharper and clearer. This is helpful when you want to crop your pictures or make large prints.
At the same time, it’s not too heavy on file size like the a7RV’s 61MP sensor. That means your images are easier to store, share, and edit, even if your computer isn’t super powerful.
Even with the higher resolution, the a7IV still works great in low light, giving clean and clear results. So whether you’re shooting portraits, travel, or events, the 33MP sensor gives you plenty of quality without the hassle of giant files.
Sony a7III vs a7IV vs a7RV – Which One Is Right for You?
| Feature | a7III | a7IV | a7RV |
| Sensor | 24.2MP | 33MP | 61MP |
| Video | 8-bit 4K30 | 10-bit 4K60 | 10-bit 8K30 / 4K120 |
| Autofocus | Good | Excellent (AI tracking) | Advanced (AI + deep learning) |
| Price (2025) | Budget-Friendly | Mid-Tier | Premium |
| Ideal For | Beginners | Hybrid Creators | High-Res Professionals |
In short:
- a7III: Great entry point for full-frame users
- a7IV: Perfect hybrid for photography + video
- a7RV: Best for pros needing max detail
Real Creators Share Their Sony a7IV Experience
Erin Donahue on Shooting with the a7IV
Erin praises the camera’s Eye AF and sharp color science. She highlights its reliability across lighting conditions, from golden hour portraits to indoor shoots.
Instagram: @niredonahue
Her feed displays rich tonality and shallow depth of field, emphasizing the a7IV’s lens compatibility and full-frame quality.
Portfolio: niredonahue.com
On her site, she showcases editorial, lifestyle, and branding shoots—all captured with the a7IV. Her clients demand consistency and quality, which this camera delivers.
Erin Bancroft’s Hands-On a7IV Review
Erin B. travels extensively, and she points out the a7IV’s balance between portability and pro-level features. Her favorite aspect is how intuitive the camera becomes once set up.
Instagram: @erinb_explores
Her travel reels shot in S-Cinetone look polished even without color grading. She uses custom picture profiles and praises the camera’s built-in stabilization for handheld work.
Buy the a7IV or Wait for the a7V – Which Is the Better Move?
If your current camera is holding back your creative work, the Sony a7IV is a safe and smart buy in 2025. It has everything you need now and will remain relevant for several years.
However, if you:
- Already own an a7IV or a7RV
- Aren’t in a rush to upgrade
- Want the latest sensor or AI tech
…then waiting for the a7V could be worthwhile. Just note that new models also come with a premium price tag and initial firmware bugs.
Our Final Verdict on the Sony a7IV in 2025
The a7IV still stands as one of the best value full-frame mirrorless cameras in 2025. It provides high-end performance for both video and stills, with a dependable build, fast autofocus, and modern connectivity. Unless you’re a gear enthusiast looking to upgrade just for the sake of it, the a7IV will cover all your needs.
What’s the Right Camera for You This Year?
Choosing the right camera depends on your budget, your type of work, and what features matter most to you. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide between the Sony a7III, a7IV, a7RV, or waiting for the upcoming a7V:
- Go with the a7IV if you want a well-balanced, reliable hybrid camera. It’s great for both photos and videos, with strong autofocus, good video features, and a 33MP sensor that gives you quality and flexibility. Perfect for weddings, travel, portraits, and content creation.
- Choose the a7RV if you’re a professional who needs extreme detail. With a 61MP sensor, it’s made for commercial photography, product shots, large-format printing, and landscape work where image resolution really matters. It’s not the best for fast-paced video, but it shines in high-resolution stills.
- Stick with the a7III if you’re on a tight budget but still want the benefits of a full-frame camera. It may not have the latest tech, but it still delivers great image quality, good autofocus, and solid performance for hobbyists, beginners, or part-time creators.
- Wait for the a7V if you’re someone who wants the latest and greatest. If you’re already using the a7IV or just like upgrading to the newest gear, the a7V could bring big changes like a new sensor, faster performance, better AI features, or 8K video. Just be ready to wait, and spend more.
- Pick the a7C II or FX30 if you want something lighter and more compact. These are great for travel, vlogging, or creators who prioritize portability. The a7C II gives full-frame power in a small body, while the FX30 focuses more on video.
Conclusion:
The Sony a7IV continues to be one of the most reliable and well-rounded cameras in 2025. It offers excellent photo and video quality, fast autofocus, and a user-friendly design that works for both beginners and professionals. While the upcoming Sony a7V might bring exciting new features, the a7IV already delivers everything most creators need—and at a more affordable price.
If you’re starting fresh or looking for a serious upgrade, the a7IV is still a smart investment this year. But if you’re curious about cutting-edge tech and can afford to wait, keeping an eye on the a7V might be worth it. No matter which camera you choose, Sony’s Alpha lineup gives you powerful tools to bring your creative ideas to life.
FAQs: Sony a7IV vs a7V in 2025
1. Is the Sony a7IV still a good choice in 2025?
Yes, the Sony a7IV is still a strong and reliable choice. It offers excellent photo and video quality, fast autofocus, and modern features for most creators.
2. Should I wait for the Sony a7V or buy the a7IV now?
If you need a camera now, the a7IV is a great option. But if you already own a good camera and want the latest features, it might be worth waiting for the a7V.
3. What makes the Sony a7IV better than the a7III?
The a7IV has a higher-resolution 33MP sensor, better video features (4K60 10-bit), faster autofocus, and a newer processor compared to the a7III.
4. Who should consider the Sony a7RV over the a7IV?
The a7RV is best for professionals who need very high resolution (61MP) for commercial, landscape, or studio photography.
5. Is the Sony a7IV good for both photography and video?
Yes, the a7IV is an excellent hybrid camera, ideal for creators who do both. It handles 4K video smoothly and captures detailed, high-quality stills.
