• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha ILCE-A7
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Panasonic GH3
GH3 vs GH4
Successor: Sony A7 II
A7 vs A7 II
Panasonic GH5
GH4 vs GH5
General
Model Number: A7 GH4
Alternate Model Number(s): ILCE-7  
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: Yes Yes
Retail Price: $1999.99 $1500.00
Street Price: $748.00 $898.99
Date Available: 2013-12-07 2014-04-30
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 27.1 oz (769 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
20.1 oz (569 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.0 x 3.7 x 1.9 in.
(127 x 94 x 48 mm)
5.2 x 3.7 x 3.3 in.
(133 x 93 x 84 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS Live MOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Panasonic
Effective Megapixels: 24.3 16.1
Sensor Format: 35mm 4/3
Sensor size: 855.62mm2 (35.80mm x 23.90mm) 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.97 microns 3.75 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x 2.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: Yes No
DxO Sensor Score: 90 74
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 24.8 23.2
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 14.2 12.8
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 2,248 791
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 6000 x 4000 (24.0 MP, 3:2),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
1968 x 1312 (2.6 MP, 3:2),
6000 x 3376 (20.3 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
1968 x 1112 (2.2 MP, Other),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
2160 x 5536 (12.0 MP, Other),
2160 x 3872 (8.4 MP, Other)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
2336 x 1720 (4.0 MP, Other),
2336 x 1560 (3.6 MP, 3:2),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1744 x 1744 (3.0 MP, 1:1),
1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG, RAW (14-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 5.0 12.8
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60p(28Mbps)/​60i(24/​17Mbps)/​24p(24/​17Mbps))
1440x1080 (30p(12Mbps))
640x480 (30p(3Mbps))
4096x2160 (24p)
3840x2160 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
1920x1080 (96p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC, stereo MOV (Audio format LPCM), MP4 (Audio format LPCM / AAC 2ch), AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch)
Composite Video Out: No Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a Yes
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony E Micro Four Thirds
Lens: Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS SEL2870 n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 28 - 70mm  
Focal Length (actual): 28 - 70mm  
Zoom Ratio: 2.50x  
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - f/22 (wide) / f/5.6 - f/36 (tele); 7 diaphragm blades (circular)  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 40 cm to Infinity
15.7 in to Infinity
 
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 55.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes No
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 4x; up to 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Fast Hybrid AF (Phase-detect + Contrast-detect AF): 117 points (phase-detection AF), 25 points (contrast-detection AF); Multi Point (25 points) / Center-weighted / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) / Zone Contrast Detection: Face/Eye detection, AF Tracking, 49-area-focusing, Custom Multi, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint (Full area touch is available)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD EVF / OLED
Viewfinder Type: EVF: 0.5-inch (1.30cm) 2.4M-dot XGA color OLED, 100% coverage, 0.71x magnification, -4.0 to +3.0 diopter EVF: 2,359K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.34x / 0.67x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, adjustable eye sensor
Focus Peaking: Yes Yes
EVF Resolution: 2,359,296 dots (786,432 pixels) 2,359,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.71x 0.67x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.71x 1.34x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 1,036,800 dots
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No Yes
Selfie Screen: No Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 18.8x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 25600 25600
Minimum ISO (native): 100 200
ISO Settings: Auto (100-6400), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600; Low extention to ISO 50; up to 51200 in MFNR mode Auto, Intelligent ISO, 200-25600; in 1/3 or 1 EV steps; expandable to ISO 100
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (4 settings), Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation), Underwater Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2/3/4, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1200-zone Evaluative Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot 1728-zone Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur; Sweep Panorama; HDR: Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step), No scene modes. Creative Control (Stills): Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, Sunshine; Creative Control (Movies): Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Fantasy, One Point Color
Self Timer: 2 or 10; 3/5 shots after 10 seconds 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No Yes
Flash Modes: Flash off, Auto flash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Hi-speed Sync, Wireless; Red-eye reduction: On/Off Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction (when iA, iA+), Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Off; Built-in flash supports wireless mode (4 channels, 3 groups)
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a 12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: n/a Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200)
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Multi Interface Hot shoe Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support: UHS-I UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (14-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG RAW, RAW + JPEG
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC, stereo MOV (Audio format LPCM), MP4 (Audio format LPCM / AAC 2ch), AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: Yes Yes
NFC: Yes Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
Headphone Jack: Yes Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: No Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional via RM-VPR1, USB or Wi-Fi Optional wired DMW-RSL1
Connections (extended): Multi-Terminal Micro USB (with remote support), Type-D Micro HDMI, Microphone and Headphone jacks Micro HDMI (Type-D), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, DMW-YAGH IU Connections
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.67 0.35
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.79 0.40
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.79 0.35
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 5.0 12.8
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 50 Unlimited
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 5.0 11.8
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 28 21
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 5.0 11.9
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 24 21
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.23 seconds 0.19 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.132 seconds 0.057 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):   0.35 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.023 seconds 0.050 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Full AF shutter lag, Multi-area AF mode = 0.230s Full AF, wide-area AF mode = 0.186s
Startup Time: 2.1 seconds 0.8 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.7 seconds 0.7 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:   4.2 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 340 shots 530 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 270 shots 500 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: No Yes
Internal Charging Supported: Yes No
Software
Included Software: Image Data Converter 4, PlayMemories Home PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.5 PE (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8); SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.1 SE (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8, Mac OS X v10.5-10.8); LoiLoScope (trial version) (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8)
OS Compatibility: Windows Vista/7/8; Mac OS X 10.6 or later. (PlayMemories Home is Windows only.) Windows, Mac OS X
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: World's smallest, lightest interchangeable lens full-frame camera (along with Sony A7R); Fast Hybrid AF; Compatible with Sony's E-mount lens system and new full-frame lenses. Up to 4Kp30 Ultra HD video, higher-res EVF and OLED monitor, 12fps full-res burst mode, 1/8000s top shutter speed, 1/250 x-sync, 200K shutter, optional DMW-YAGH Interface Unit.