Six years after the release of the groundbreaking Sony A7S III, it's being reported that the A7S IV is finally on the way.
The Sony A7S IV has been the subject of camera rumors for the best part of half a decade, as its core architecture was used for cameras like the Sony FX3 and Sony ZV-E1.
Indeed, with the launch of subsequent models in both those dedicated video lines, it had been speculated that the A7S series might have been abandoned. After all, the "S" stands for sensitivity; with the dedicated FX and ZV lines, the A7S felt a bit like a camera without an audience.
However, it looks like the tables have been turned. Where the A7S III was the technological basis for the FX3, it's being reported that the Sony FX5 might return the favor and serve as the foundation for the A7S IV.
Sony Alpha Rumors is reporting that a camera recently registered in China, code WW261362, is a "mid- to high-end model". While a number of other bodies might fit the bill, the outlet concludes, "My bet is that this will be the new Sony A7S IV."
ABOVE: Watch a video version of the report
This is based upon Sony's typical four-year update cycle, which would disqualify successors for the other possible candidates – the A9 III (2023), A7C II and A7C R (2023) and A1 II (2024).
The site predicts that the Sony A7S IV will possess the same 16MP sensor as the FX5, with Sony's beloved 9.44 million-dot EVF and the same processor, IBIS and autofocus of the A7R VI. However, the FX5's internal RAW codecs are unlikely to be ported across.
The sting in the tail, if indeed the report is accurate, is that Sony is still struggling to fulfil FX5 orders:
"AI companies are buying all the DRAM they can, which may be why Sony cannot begin shipping the FX5 yet. So, I wonder whether Sony will be forced to delay the launch of the A7S IV until it has fulfilled the FX5 preorders. I fear that, although Sony registered the camera with the intention of announcing it in November, we may see the announcement delayed."
Part of me is highly suspicious of A7S rumors these days, as it feels the line has been too long abandoned to remain relevant. However, with Sony coming out of left field and reviving the RX1R III and RX10 V, I wouldn't be entirely surprised!
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Take a look at the best Sony cameras on the market right now, along with the best cameras for video. And it's a pretty safe bet that the best lenses for the Sony A7S III will also be ideal for the mark IV!
