Sony A7IV in 2025: Is This Full Frame Camera Still Worth Buying? An In-Depth Review

Quick Verdict

The Sony A7IV remains a compelling choice in 2025, offering exceptional value with its robust feature set, reliable performance, and competitive price point. While newer models exist, the A7IV continues to deliver professional-quality results across various photography genres.

I've been using the Sony A7IV since its release, shooting everything from high-speed mountain bike action to landscape photography. In a world where camera technology seems to advance at breakneck speed, it's worth taking a thoughtful look at whether this camera still deserves your attention – and your investment (I know money is tighter now more than ever!) – in 2025. Let me cut to the chase: Yes, the Sony A7IV remains a fantastic camera in 2025, but the real question is whether it's the right camera for you. Let me share my real-world experience to help you make that decision.

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The heart of any camera is its sensor, and the A7IV's 33MP full-frame sensor continues to impress me daily. In October, I was shooting a mountain bike event that ran from bright daylight into dusk. The camera handled the transition beautifully, producing clean, detailed images even as I pushed the ISO up to 12800 to capture those final golden hour shots. The dynamic range still competes with newer cameras, giving you plenty of flexibility in post-processing. I also find that pair this with the AI Denoise facility on Lightroom and you can really produce images of great clarity at higher ISO’s

What really makes the A7IV shine is its autofocus system. While newer cameras might boast more advanced AI features, the A7IV's 759-point phase-detection system remains remarkably capable. During Many shoots in the forests, tracking riders through dense Foliage is a very common situation I encounter especially when trying to Pan shot for example. With branches and leaves constantly crossing the frame, the camera keeps its focus locked on the riders with an accuracy that still amazes me.

The camera's build quality has proven itself time and time again. I've used it in everything from summer dust storms in the Utah desert to winter snow in Canada, and it keeps performing flawlessly. The weather sealing has held up admirably – something that's particularly important when you're frequently shooting in challenging outdoor conditions like I do.

But let's talk about the elephant in the room: price. With newer models now on the market, the A7IV sits at a very attractive price point in 2025 (Around $2800 CAD or $1950 USD) You're getting professional-level features and reliability at a more accessible cost. This value proposition is particularly important if you're looking to invest in your first full-frame camera or upgrading from an older model. The camera's video capabilities deserve a mention too. The 4K 60p output might not be the highest spec available in 2025, but it's more than capable of producing professional-quality content.

One aspect that's often overlooked is the camera's ecosystem. Over the years, Sony has built up an impressive selection of native lenses, and third-party manufacturers have added even more options. This mature system means you're not just buying a camera – you're buying into a platform with proven reliability and extensive support with a multitude of wide, prime and tele focal lenses to choose from.

However, I wouldn't be giving you the full picture if I didn't mention where newer cameras pull ahead. Yes, you can find models with higher resolution sensors, faster continuous shooting speeds, and more advanced AI features. But the question you need to ask yourself is whether these incremental improvements justify the higher price tag. From my perspective as a professional photographer, the A7IV hits a sweet spot that's still relevant in 2025. It balances advanced features with reliability and value in a way that makes sense for both professionals and serious enthusiasts. The autofocus system can keep up with fast-moving subjects, the image quality stands up to critical examination, and the build quality has proven itself over time.

That said, there are some photographers who might want to look elsewhere. If you absolutely need the highest resolution possible for large format printing, or if budget isn't a concern and you want the latest technology, newer models might be a better fit. But for most photographers – whether you're shooting sports, landscapes, portraits, or a mix of everything – the A7IV remains a compelling choice. What really stands out to me after years of use is the camera's consistency. It delivers professional results day in and day out, regardless of the conditions. In the fast-paced world of camera technology, that reliability counts for a lot.

The Sony A7IV might not be the newest camera on the block in 2025, but it continues to be a solid investment for serious photographers. It's a camera that lets you focus on creating images rather than wrestling with technology – and ultimately, isn't that what we're all looking for?

[About the Author: I'm a professional mountain bike photographer who has put the Sony A7IV through its paces in some of the most challenging shooting conditions. You can see more of my work at JBWphotos.ca]

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