Sony Alpha 7 IV (Getting Started Guide)

1. What’s In The Box?

When you first pop open the box for your new Sony Alpha 7 IV mirrorless camera, here’s what you’ll find:

• Sony A7IV Camera Body - A full-frame mirrorless powerhouse with a 33MP sensor and incredible autofocus.
• Lens (if purchased as a kit) - Many kits include a versatile 28-70mm lens, perfect for everyday shooting.
• Battery and Charger - The NP-FZ100 battery plus a USB-C charger to keep you powered up.
• Strap - A comfy neck strap for easy carrying.
• USB-C Cable - For charging and transferring files directly from the camera.

That’s everything out of the box. Now, let’s look at the accessories that can really round out your setup.

2. Key Accessories: What Else Do You Need?

While the Sony A7IV works wonderfully right out of the box, a few add-ons can seriously improve your workflow.

For one, high-speed memory cards (UHS-II) make all the difference when you’re shooting 4K footage or taking bursts of photos; the faster write speeds help prevent any lag. Investing in spare batteries is also a good idea, especially if you plan on filming for extended stretches or shooting on location all day.

An external microphone is a great way to boost sound quality if you're recording audio. A wireless lav mic is perfect for interviews or remote setups, while a shotgun mic excels for vlogging or talking directly to the camera. You’ll also want to consider ND filters — essential for controlling exposure in bright conditions without having to crank your shutter speed. On top of that, filters like Black Pro-Mist or a circular polarizer can lend a unique style to your footage or stills, letting you experiment with different looks. Finally, a padded camera bag will protect all this gear while you’re on the go, which is especially handy if you’re traveling or shooting in unpredictable weather.

3. Turning It On & Basic Setup

Before you start capturing shots, there are a few key steps to getting your A7IV fully operational. First, slide the battery into its compartment and insert your memory card (or two, if you plan to take advantage of the dual card slots). Next, align the white dot on the lens with the corresponding mark on the camera mount, twist, and listen for the click that tells you the lens is secure.

Flip the power switch to turn the camera on. You’ll be prompted to set your date, time, and region — this only happens once. Lastly, adjust the diopter dial next to the viewfinder to your eyesight.

Now, you’re ready to start tinkering with settings.

4. Settings Overview

The Sony A7IV offers a wide range of customization options.

Depending on the project, most users will toggle between Photo Mode, Video Mode, and S&Q (Slow & Quick Motion) Mode. In Photo Mode, I shoot RAW (uncompressed) for the highest editing flexibility. When switching to Video Mode, I opt for the XAVC HS 4K format; it delivers excellent quality without chewing through memory too fast.

To capture a variety of looks and actions, you can select different frame rates, including 24 or 30 fps for standard footage, 60 fps in 4K (with a crop) for slow-motion, or even 120 fps in 1080p if you really want to slow things down. Sony’s Real-Time Eye AF is a major asset — use AF Continuous to track subjects moving around in the frame. If you find yourself changing settings often, custom buttons let you map frequently used functions for quick access (like Eye AF, focus magnification, or toggling image profiles).

I’m also a big fan of using the S-Log3 profile for video, as it allows the maximum dynamic range for color grading in post.

5. Portrait Photography

Portrait shooting is a breeze with the A7IV. I typically switch to Aperture Priority Mode and choose a wide aperture, like f/1.8, to get that dreamy, blurred background. Eye AF is a lifesaver for nailing focus on your subject’s eyes, and I often dial in a slight exposure compensation — around –0.7— to preserve highlights in bright conditions.

I tend to follow the rule of thirds for composition, placing my subject off-center for a more dynamic look. Once I’m happy with the framing, I half-press the shutter to confirm focus, then fully press to capture. With the A7IV’s fast autofocus and reliable tracking, you’ll rarely miss a moment.

6. Cinematic Video

If cinematic video is your focus, the A7IV certainly delivers. I shoot most projects in 4K at 24 fps for a classic, film-like feel. Using S-Log3 flattens the footage, which might look a bit washed out at first, but it provides much more room for creative color grading in post.

I always enable Real-Time Tracking so the camera smoothly follows my subject, even if they move around. Keep an eye on your shutter speed—you’ll want to follow the 180-degree rule (basically double your frame rate, so 1/50 if you’re shooting 24 fps). Once that’s set, you’re good to press record. Whether you’re filming a short doc, a personal vlog, or a narrative piece, the A7IV can handle it all.

7. Pro Tips for Better Results

To really elevate your content, I recommend always having a set of ND filters on hand, especially if you’re shooting video outdoors in bright conditions. This helps maintain the ideal shutter speed without overexposing your footage. Shooting in LOG profiles (like S-Log3) also increases the camera’s dynamic range, giving you far more flexibility when color grading.

For hybrid shooters, the Photo/Video/S&Q switch makes it easy to jump between different shooting modes — an absolute must if you’re capturing both stills and clips on the same job. Don’t forget about burst mode for fast action scenes, and if you’re in tricky lighting, setting a custom white balance is often better than relying on auto.

8. Closing Thoughts

That’s it! With these basic steps and tips, you’re fully equipped to make the most of your Sony A7IV, whether you’re snapping stunning portraits, capturing epic slow-mo B-roll, or producing cinematic narratives.

If you found this helpful, feel free to pass it along to fellow creators. If you have any further questions, email us at hello@shopmoment.com.

Until next time, happy shooting!