Sony A7IV Mirrorless Camera – Is it worth buying in 2025?

When I picked up the Sony A7IV in January 2023, I had high expectations. Coming from previous Sony bodies, I needed something that could handle a packed schedule of photography and videography projects, everything from high-speed automotive work to live music, corporate events, and even the odd wildlife shoot. Two years and hundreds of shoots later, I can confidently say this camera has been an absolute workhorse.

But is it still worth buying in 2025? With newer cameras hitting the market, has the A7IV stood the test of time? Let’s break it down.

Sony A7IV Build Quality & Handling

The A7IV strikes a great balance between durability and comfort. It’s solid but not overly heavy, and the grip is well-designed for long shooting sessions. Whether I’m trekking across the dunes of Morocco or spending 10+ hours at an event, it remains comfortable to use.

The button layout makes sense, and the fully articulating touchscreen is a lifesaver when shooting at awkward angles. This is particularly useful when I need to get a low-angle shot of a motorcycle on the move or frame a video interview in a tight space.

Sony has finally sorted out the menu system on this model. If you’ve used previous Sony cameras and found the menus frustrating, this one is much better. I can navigate settings quickly, whether I’m adjusting autofocus for fast-moving motorcycles or tweaking exposure for low-light event work. The level of customisation available in the function menu makes it easy to tailor the camera to my workflow, saving valuable time during fast-paced shoots.

One thing worth noting is the weather sealing. While not fully waterproof, the A7IV has held up well in challenging conditions. I’ve shot in pouring rain, freezing temperatures, and dusty environments, and the camera has never failed me.

Real-World Performance in My Projects

This camera has been through it all with me. Some of the standout projects include:

• Triumph Adventure Experience (Wales) – Shooting promotional video and photography in mixed lighting conditions with a lot of fast action. The autofocus and image quality held up perfectly, even in unpredictable Welsh weather. – See full article by clicking here.
• Linda Blakely – Rowing Documentary – This was a real test of durability, shooting long-form documentary footage in unpredictable conditions. Shooting at sea, with strong reflections off the water, was a challenge, but the dynamic range handled it well. – See full article by clicking here.

• Surfing Photography in Imsouane, Morocco – Capturing fast-moving subjects in bright, high-contrast conditions. The 33MP sensor provided plenty of detail, and the tracking autofocus ensured the surfers remained in sharp focus. – See full article by clicking here.
• Event Videography for L’Oréal – High-pressure environment, low-light conditions, and fast turnaround times. The A7IV delivered sharp, professional footage, and the colour science made grading the footage a smooth process. – See full article by clicking here.
• Automotive Projects (BMW Motorrad, Triumph Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson, Porsche, Lamborghini) – Whether it was tracking shots, studio work, or dynamic outdoor photography, the A7IV kept up with the fast pace of automotive shoots. Its ability to capture rich detail in reflections and shadows was invaluable. – See my automotive work by clicking here.

• Honey Bee Photography with Cullen Brown – This was a great test for the animal autofocus, which locked onto the bees without an issue. The fine details and depth of field control made for some stunning macro-style images. – See full article by clicking here.
• Live Music Video Work with Sons of Mark – Low-light concert photography and video, where the dual native ISO made all the difference. The camera performed flawlessly in shifting stage lighting conditions, maintaining excellent detail without excessive noise. – See full article by clicking here.

Sony A7IV Low-Light Performance & Autofocus in 2025

Sony’s low-light capabilities are some of the best in the game, and the A7IV’s multiple native ISO settings (when shooting in S-Log3) give it an edge for video work. Whether I’m shooting an event in a dimly lit venue or capturing a night-time motorcycle rally, the footage remains clean with minimal noise.

The autofocus is another area where this camera shines. The real-time tracking and eye autofocus work flawlessly, whether I’m photographing a model, a bird in flight, or a motorcycle ripping down a track. The subject detection for humans, animals, and birds is a huge plus for anyone who shoots a mix of content. Even in complex lighting situations, like backlit subjects at golden hour or fast action at dusk, the camera keeps up with pinpoint accuracy.

Sony A7IV 2025 Video Capabilities

For videographers, the A7IV is an easy recommendation. Some standout features include:

• 4K 10-bit footage – Offers great flexibility in post-production, allowing for more dynamic color grading.
• S-Log3 and HLG support – Maximizes dynamic range and ensures compatibility with professional workflows.
• Lexar Digital V90 SD Cards – Essential for recording high-bitrate 4K footage without dropped frames.
• Heat management – Unlike some earlier Sony models, I’ve never had overheating issues, even during long shoots.
• Image stabilization – While not quite at the level of some higher-end cinema cameras, the in-body stabilization helps smooth out handheld shots.
• Dual card slots – A must-have for professionals who need redundancy when shooting important footage.

The rolling shutter can be a minor issue in certain fast-moving scenes, but for most projects, it’s not a deal-breaker.

Battery Life & Usability

Battery life is excellent, provided you use Sony’s official batteries. I always keep three batteries minimum on me for a whole day shooting, but I’m yet to use up all three even when capturing 5+ hours of footage at 24fps.

The A7IV also has great customisation options. I’ve programmed my function buttons to speed up my workflow, making it easy to switch between stills and video or adjust settings on the fly. The ability to assign different profiles to custom buttons makes switching between shooting styles incredibly fast.

Conclusion: Is The Sony A7IV Still Worth Buying in 2025?

Absolutely. The Sony A7IV remains one of the best hybrid cameras on the market, even in 2025. If you need a camera that can handle professional photography and high-quality video, this is still a fantastic choice. While newer models might offer incremental upgrades, the A7IV delivers everything you need at a price point that still makes sense.

For anyone looking to invest in a solid, future-proof camera, the Sony A7IV is still 100% worth it. Whether you’re a professional or an advanced hobbyist, it’s a camera that will grow with you.

If you’ve used the A7IV, I’d love to hear your thoughts, drop a comment below and let’s chat!

Featured Image Credit: Debashis RC Biswas – Unsplash