Sony A7R IV Underwater Review
Sony A7R IV Underwater Review
We think the Sony A7R IV is the mirrorless camera of the future, and certainly a top choice for underwater photographers. Now that underwater photographers will have access to so much resolution, we can’t wait to see the caliber of art produced in the next few years. Macro photographers will especially be able to crop to their hearts desire! The well-roundedness of this camera makes it perfect for macro, wide angle, supermacro, pelagic shooting, and pretty much any other type of underwater photography you can think of.
Our team at Bluewater Photo was fortunate enough to receive a prototype Ikelite A7R IV housing to use with our new Sony A7R IV camera. We decided to take the set up on our trip aboard the Socorro Vortex - a new liveaboard running luxury trips to Guadalupe Island, Mexico - to go cage diving with great white sharks. After some spectacular underwater moments, we can safely say that the A7R IV is the camera of the year!
U.S. MSRP Sony A7R IV: $3500
One of the world's first underwater photos with the Sony A7R IV. Taken with the Ikelite A7R IV housing, dual Ikelite DS 161 strobes, and the Sony 16-35mm rectilinear wide lens aboard the Socorro Vortex liveaboard. 1/250, f/10, ISO 320
Comparison | Specifications | Features
Underwater Photo and Video | Lens Recommendation | Underwater Housings |
Sample Images | Final Thoughts
Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III
Sony A7R IV Camera Specifications
Key Upgrades from the A7R III
A tiny blenny stands out with detail that only a 61 megapixel camera could capture. Taken with the Sony A7R IV, Ikelite A7R IV housing, dual Ikelite DS 161 strobes, the Sony 90mm macro lens, and the Bluewater +7 diopter. 1/250, f/11, ISO 200
Sony A7R IV Complete Specs
Sony A7R IV Key Features
Body, Build, and Ergonomics
Resolution and Image Quality
Sony A7R IV 100% Crop Test
The only way to truly understand the value of 61 megapixels of resolution is to "pixel peep." With other cameras, pixel peeping can make you feel like you have a bad camera. But with the A7R IV, it brings out details that could not be captured with any other full frame camera. Macro photographers, in particular, can really benefit from 61 megapixels of resolution. Cropping lets you "recompose" your photo in post processing as well as bring out details beyond what your camera could capture with normal composition. Sometimes cropping is the only way to create a photo of an extremely small subject. Here are some 100% crops of macro photographs captured with the A7R IV, that show just how truly amazing 61 megapixels is. Be sure to click on each photo to view them in a larger size.
Autofocus System
Video Capability
Sony A7R IV for Underwater Photography and Underwater Video
Sony A7R IV Underwater Housings
Best Lenses for Underwater Use with the Sony A7R IV
Wide-Angle Lenses
Mid-Range Lenses
Macro Lenses
Canon Lenses
Lenses for Underwater Video
Sample Underwater Images
Final Thoughts