Ricoh GR IIIx Review and Comparison with the Sony RX 100 VII | Sample Photos in Miami, Florida!

March 9, 2026

Point and shoot cameras are all the rage these days and the popular ones like the Canon G7X Mark II and Fujifilm X100VI are constantly sold out everywhere. But there are quite a few lesser known brands that offer amazing little point and shoot cameras too. It’s crazy what these tiny cameras are capable of these days. I recently had the chance to test out the Ricoh GR IIIx on a trip to Miami and got to fully experience how much point and shoot cameras have improved since the early 2000s. I constantly think about my very first point and shoot camera, the Canon ELPH Powershot sd900. It was unfortunately stolen one day after I set it down at a street festival, but I won my first photography contest with a photo I took with that camera! So, in a way, point and shoot digital cameras are really what started my career as a photographer and artist!

The Ricoh GR IIIx has so many incredible qualities and it definitely impressed me with it’s ability to create photos that don’t look like they came from a point and shoot at all. It’s super compact, aesthically gorgeous, and is capable of creating images that are cinematic, film-like, and creatively inspiring. I actually tested it against the Sony RX 100VII and noticed a few key differences right away. My main takeaway from shooting with those two cameras alongside each other is that the Ricoh GR IIIx is really meant for fine art photographers who are looking for pro-level photographs in a tiny package. It’s the perfect travel camera, as all point and shoots are, but it truly stood out against the Sony RX 100VI in terms of creating photographs that look like fine art vs. candid, wide angle lifestyle shots. If you’re looking for a camera that acts more like a large DSLR or mirrorless camera, the Ricoh GR IIIx might be the better option. I always dream of the day I can shoot a whole portrait session or wedding with a point and shoot but I think my clients might think it’s a bit strange if I showed up with a camera half the size of my hand! Maybe one day…

STANDOUT FEATURES OF THE RICOH GR IIIX

1. Large APS-C Sensor

The 24.2 MP APS-C sensor on the Ricoh GR IIIx is really the key ingredient here in terms of photo quality when comparing it to the smaller 20.1 MP 1-inch sensor on the Sony RX 100VII. This sensor is more similar to what you’d find on a large, pro-level mirrorless or DSLR camera. I noticed right away how beautiful the images were, especially in low light or with a wide open aperture. I kept asking myself, why do I drag around these giant DLSR cameras all day when I could create images that are just as beautiful with a tiny, pocket-sized camera! It made all of the difference in the world when I was exploring Miami, because I’m so used to carrying around a backpack that weighs a million pounds on my travels. For this trip, I was just walking around with a small side bag and these two point and shoot cameras that weighed next to nothing. It was a game changer. I’m not sure I can ever go back to my previous ways! After using the Ricoh GR IIIx for a few days, it quickly became obvious that if your goal is to create images that you’re hoping to submit to galleries, to enlarge for prints, or images that are more “fine art”, street-style photography, the Ricoh GR IIIx is the ideal choice. The Sony RX 100VII is better for sharing to social media, capturing candid moments with friends and family, or for basic travel photography that doesn’t require a lot of thinking. The Ricoh GR IIIx is a bit more advanced and isn’t quite as user-friendly, but even though it’s geared toward more fine art photography, it’s still easy enough to use for the average consumer. All point and shoot cameras are meant to be simple, hence “point…and…shoot”, but the Sony RX 100VII wins if you’re looking for a camera that does it all without being too complicated. The Ricoh GR IIIx is better for professional photographers with a bit more experience who are looking for a pocketable travel camera that takes pro level images.

2. Multiple Exposure Function

The fact that the Ricoh GR IIIx has a multiple exposure function really levels up the camera for me in comparison to the Sony RX 100 VII. For my personal style of photography, having a multiple exposure option is a necessity. It’s hard for me to justify spending money on a camera that doesn’t have this function. However, for a lot of people this is really just a fun feature that they won’t use often, if ever. But for professional photographers, it offers that extra option for additional creativity. If you haven’t experimented with multiple exposure, I highly recommend giving it a try to see how you like it! The menu on the Ricoh is a bit annoying to scroll through, but it’s relatively easy to switch to the multiple exposure function once you find it in the menu.

3. Super sharp 40 mm f/2.8 fixed lens

When it comes to the Ricoh GR IIIx and the Sony RX 100 VII, the lenses on the cameras are probably the main and most important difference between the two. The Ricoh GR IIIx has a 40 mm f/2.8 fixed lens. This means you don’t have the option to zoom and you’re stuck with one focal length. However, 40 mm is kind of the perfect focal length if you’re looking to create a blend of portraits, landscapes, macro photography and travel. While I personally prefer wider lenses, the 40 mm is another reason this camera has a sort of “fine art” feel to the images. 40 mm is more zoomed in than the eye sees naturally, so it adds a sort of dreamy, intimate quality to the photos. While the zoom function is nice on the Sony RX 100 VII, sometimes it’s nice to work with a fixed lens because it forces you to think about composition more. You have to move and adjust to your scenario and I think it causes you to plan and execute your images a little more effectively. The Sony RX 100 VII might be easier to use because you can just zoom in to your subject to capture what you need, but sometimes I find that it can cause you to be somewhat lazy and not put as much effort in to your shot.

4. Beautiful Macro Mode

I’m not a macro photographer by any means, but once I realized that the macro mode was so easily accessible on the main dial of the Ricoh, I figured I might as well try it out! I was amazed at how stunning the images were and how simple the feature was to use. I was able to take beautiful nature shots that looked like they were made with a super expensive lens on a DSLR. The background blur when using the macro mode was gorgeously soft and natural looking. I travel a lot and I love taking photos of beautiful plants and foliage when I’m in new places, and I can tell this would be a feature I’d end up using more than I expected. The Sony RX 100 VII does not have a macro mode, but it has a closer focusing distance so you can just bring the camera in closer to your subject to get the shot. However, you won’t get that gorgeous background blur and softness that you’ll find with the Ricoh GR IIIx.

Ricoh GR IIIx

Sony RX 100VII

Ricoh GR IIIx

Sony RX 100VII

5. Gorgeous Color Tones

At the end of the day, the thing that matters most to me as a photographer is if the camera can produce photos that are beautiful, sharp and eye-catching right out of the box. I don’t love when I have to do a ton of post-processing to get my images where I need them to be. I experimented with a few side by side comparisons using the Ricoh GR IIIx and the Sony RX 100VII in Miami and noticed that the color tones of the Ricoh were much more natural and aesthetically pleasing, in my opinion. The Sony is much more saturated with bright, popping colors that might be more popular on social media, but that aren’t necessarily ideal for photographers who want more creative control over their images. I can’t stand when images are over-sharpened, over saturated and overly contrasty. I prefer to have an image that can be manipulated more easily to match my personal style, and that I don’t have to spend hours pulling out weird, overly saturated reds, oranges and yellows. The Ricoh images might seem flat and understated when compared to the Sony, but because the color tones are more natural, it’s easier to enhance them without running into weird, frustrating color adjustment problems. The ultra-wide lens on the Sony can also distort shapes a bit, whereas the Ricoh GR IIIx is more true-to-life and creates more natural portraits.

Ricoh GR IIIx

Sony RX 100 VII

Ricoh GR IIIx

Sony RX 100VII

FINAL THOUGHTS

I had such a blast using the Ricoh GR IIIx and I was actually a bit surprised by how much I loved it. As someone who travels a lot, it was such a breath of fresh air to know that I could use such a tiny camera and still produce pro level images without having to lug around my giant DSLR camera. I found the Sony RX 100VII easier to use overall, but the image quality just doesn’t really compare to the Ricoh GR IIIx if you’re a professional photographer who is used to high-quality, large sensor cameras. The background blur and lens quality of the Ricoh GR IIIx is something special. That’s not to say that the Sony RX 100 VII isn’t a great camera, because it truly is. But it depends on your needs as a photographer. For me, I wish I could blend the two together, because I love the large sensor, multiple exposure option, and color tones of the Ricoh, but I prefer a wider lens (like the 24-200 that the Sony offers) when I’m traveling. The fact that the Ricoh only has 1080p up to 60 fps when it comes to video and the Sony has 4K up to 30 fps is also an important factor to keep in mind too when weighing your options. Lastly, in terms of main differences, the Ricoh does not have a flash. It does have a hot shoe mount so you can always add your own, but I found the built-in flash to be super convenient on the Sony, especially when traveling and being out and about at night. If you’re hoping to take selfies with your friends and family while traveling, the Sony is the better option. The 40 mm lens of the Ricoh is too zoomed in to get a good group selfie and the camera just isn’t made for late night, candid party photos. So, are you hoping to create pro-level fine art photography and want a pocket sized camera that can keep up with the higher end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras? Then the Ricoh GR IIIx is for you. Or, are you looking for the perfect all-around travel point and shoot that is super easy to use, takes great video, and has a zoom lens and flash for ultimate candid, lifestyle photos ready for posting on social media? If that’s you, then go for the Sony RX 100 VII. Of course, it really all comes down to the photographer. If you’re a great photographer you can take incredible images with any camera, so by no means is either of these cameras “better” than the other. What matters is how much passion you have and what matters most to you when creating photos.

One thing about both of these cameras is that they are slippery and feel very fragile. I’d recommend making sure your wrist strap is tight, or consider a case like this one for the Ricoh, or this one for the Sony.

If I absolutely had to choose between the two? It’s tough because I probably used the Sony RX 100VII more on our trip because of how user-friendly it is, but ultimately I care about image quality and creative functionality, so I’d probably go for the Ricoh GR IIIx if I really had to choose! It’s hard though because I really need both! Maybe one day that perfect blend of these two cameras will come to life and I’ll be first in line for that one!

WHERE TO BUY THE RICOH GR IIIx CAMERA

I always recommend B&H Photo because they have competitive prices, but with crazy fast shipping and excellent customer service!

RICOH GR IIIX: B&H Photo

RECOMMENDED CARRYING CASE: Ricoh GC-12 Soft Case

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY RX 100 vII

SONY RX 100VII: B&H Photo

RECOMMENDED CARRYING CASE: MegaGear Ever Ready PU Leather Camera Case

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

If you found this post helpful in any way, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

Polaroid Now Generation 2 Review & How-To with Sample Photos! The Best Polaroid Camera for Beginners

March 2, 2026

This camera is so darn cute. I’ve always been obsessed with Polaroid cameras, and honestly, they just keep getting better. The Polaroid Now Generation 2 camera comes in tons of different colors, takes beautiful photos, and gives you that retro, classic instant film vibe that everyone loves. Polaroid makes a few different modern versions of Polaroid cameras like the Polaroid Go (takes mini polaroids), the Polaroid I-2 (higher end, pricey Polaroid camera with more control), the Polaroid Flip (a bit more advanced, heavier, and more expensive than the Polaroid Now), and the Polaroid Now and Now+. The Polaroid Now is a great, affordable way for beginners to get started with instant film photography. There’s truly nothing more magical than watching a Polaroid come to life. And these days, it’s so important to take photos that actually mean something. The photo is printed right there in front of you and gives you something tangible to hold on to from that exact moment in time. It’s so easy for our memories to slip into the depths of the photo albums on our phones, sadly. I bring a Polaroid camera with me to every photo shoot, and on every trip I take. If I didn’t take a Polaroid, it didn’t happen. That’s my motto!

HISTORY BEHIND THE POLAROID BRAND

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Polaroid brand, but you might not know the long story behind it and how the brand is still able to exist today. The original company was started in 1937 and produced the first instant camera in 1947. Throughout the years they created the iconic Land Camera, the folding SX-70 camera, the 600 series, Spectra series, and so many more. In 2001 though, the company filed for bankruptcy, the assets were eventually sold off and the Polaroid brand pretty much ceased to exist for a while. Then, along comes a small instant film company called The Impossible Project who made it their mission to bring Polaroid back. Later down the line, they changed their name to Polaroid Originals before officially acquiring the Polaroid name and being able to market themselves as such. I’ve been there with them every step of the way, trying out the different film iterations and watching them grow into a reliable, successful company. It’s been a long road for them, but it’s so fun seeing their products labeled with the official Polaroid name.

THE MAKING OF THE POLAROID NOW CAMERA

The Polaroid Now camera is one of their original products, meant to mimic the older 600 series cameras, but with more modern features. The camera is cute and colorful, with a similar shape and size to cameras like the vintage Polaroid One-Step and Polaroid Sun600 cameras. I think my favorite part about these cameras, and the company itself, is that the photos still look exactly like they did back in the 80s. They haven’t tried to greatly enhance, change, or modernize the overall aesthetic of the photographs. I still have Polaroids my parents took of me as a kid and the color tones of Polaroids are so specific. While those have aged over the years and taken on a new color tone of their own, there is a special quality to Polaroids that simply can’t be replaced. The photos aren’t super sharp, but they have a magic candidness to them that truly captures of the essence of the moment. It can be a little frustrating to learn the quirks of Polaroid film, but that’s also part of the fun of it all.

MODERN FEATURES OF THE POLAROID NOW CAMERA

The vintage Polaroid 600 cameras were incredibly user-friendly, simple, and easy to use for the average consumer. You didn’t need to be a photographer to pick one up and take a photo. That’s why Polaroid cameras were in nearly every household back in the 80s and 90s. It’s really as simple as turning it on and snapping a photo. The Polaroid Now cameras aren’t that much different than the older 600 cameras, but there a few modern updates. For example, with the older versions of Polaroid cameras, the battery was actually inside each pack of film so you didn’t need to charge the camera. Today, the newer cameras need to be charged to be used and most of the film does not have a battery. While this sounds frustrating, it reduces environmental waste. However, the good news is, you can still buy an old 600 camera and use the new Polaroid 600 film which does have a battery built into the film. I love that they still offer the 600 film and continue to support the use of the vintage cameras. The newer cameras typically take i-Type film, which does not have a battery, and so the camera needs to be charged to work. It’s a little confusing, so just make sure to use the recommended film depending on which camera you purchase.

Front of camera, red shutter button

Flash button, yellow power button, digital film counter

And my absolute favorite feature of the Polaroid Now camera is that is has a double exposure mode! I absolutely love double exposures, so this a huge plus for me. It always bummed me out that I couldn’t do double exposures with the old 600 cameras, but now I can! I can’t wait to experiment more with this and get some really interesting photos. To turn the double exposure mode on, you simply double tap the white self-timer button on the front of the camera and you’ll see a “1” pop up on the digital counter. After your first image, it will turn to “2” before ejecting the photo after your second shot. You can also purchase a colorful filter set to use with the Polaroid Now so you can really get creative. I just got a set the other day and I can’t wait to try it out!

There is also a self-timer mode (a 9 second timer perfect for self-portraits or group portraits) and an option for turning the flash off. With the older 600 cameras, the flash would go off automatically every time. I actually love the way the Polaroid flash looks so, personally, I hardly ever turn it off. The Polaroid film typically requires a lot of light for decent images, especially if you’re shooting indoors or in the shade. The only time you might not need the flash is in bright, direct sunlight. You can also control the exposure by holding down the flash button until you see a line on the digital screen, and then pressing again for either + or -. The plus will make your photo brighter (+1/2 stop), and the minus (-1/2 stop) will make your photo a bit darker. I recommend using the darker setting if you’re in a really bright environment like the beach. The brighter setting is great if you’re in dark shade or shooting indoors.

And one of the most convenient features of the newer Polaroid cameras is that there is an app you can use alongside it. You can scan your polaroids right away and upload them to social media to share with your friends and family! You can even enter contests! With the newer model of the Polaroid Now, the Polaroid Now+, you can even control various aspects of your camera like aperture and remote shooting. Essentially, the Now+ is a bit more advanced if you prefer to have more control over your images. The Polaroid Now is easier to use and better for quick shooting or someone who just wants to pop their camera out, take a photo, and not have to worry about fiddling with settings or apps. The Polaroid Now is also a little more affordable! They’ve recently released a Polaroid Now Generation 3 model with slightly enhanced features like an updated light meter and range sensor if you’re able to spend a little more.

USB-C charging port

Viewfinder and white self timer/double exposure button

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m just so thrilled that Polaroid is still around producing film, creating cameras, and supporting the legacy of film photography. I take a Polaroid camera with me to every photo shoot and (not even joking) I have dozens of boxes and photo albums filled with Polaroids from my shoots over the years. They are such a great way to remember the moments and people I’ve met throughout my career. The Polaroid Now camera fits right into the overall nostalgia and spot-on aesthetic of the Polaroid brand. Plus, it’s nice that I can put my vintage 600 cameras up on the shelf and keep them safe while still getting that classic Polaroid vibe in my photos that I need at each photo shoot. The Polaroid Now is an affordable, basic Polaroid camera that anyone can use. I love that it has more features than the vintage 600 cameras though so I actually prefer to use it over the vintage ones. By no means is it a low-end camera though. You still get the full experience of Polaroid photography but without complication. If you’re ready for an upgrade though, the Polaroid Now+, Polaroid Flip or I-2 are for those who want a challenge. If you want a pocket-sized camera to snap cute, tiny polaroids with your friends, the Polaroid Go is a unique, fun option.

I also highly recommend these Polaroid photo albums to protect and store your photos. I have quite a few of them and they look great on a shelf! :) If you’re on the hunt for more gift ideas for a photographer, there is also a Polaroid printer that allows you to turn any photo from your phone into a Polaroid. I actually use mine all the time!

I’m still waiting for the day that the Polaroid brand brings back film for Polaroid Land Cameras. Those cameras are incredible and produce the most gorgeous Polaroids I’ve ever seen. They stopped making the film in 2008 and it’s extremely expensive if you’re able to find film on eBay. I have a full review and YouTube video about Polaroid Land Cameras if you want to find out more! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Land camera film is on the horizon…. we’ll see!

WHERE TO BUY THE POLAROID NOW GEN 2 CAMERA

Amazon

Polaroid

B&H Photo

WHERE TO BUY THE POLAROID NOW GEN 3 CAMERA

Amazon

Polaroid

B&H Photo

WHERE TO BUY THE POLAROID NOW+ CAMERA

Amazon

Polaroid

B&H Photo

WHERE TO BUY I-TYPE FILM

Amazon

Polaroid

B&H Photo

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

<3 Myles Katherine

Sony A7 IV Real World Review by a Professional Photographer with Sample Photos | Is it Worth the Cost and Hype?

November 25, 2025

Here we go, the Sony A7 IV. I honestly can’t believe I’m reviewing this camera right now because I’m typically a Canon girl through and through. But the Sony A7 IV has been on my radar for a while now, so when I had the opportunity to test it out, you better believe I took it! The Sony A7 IV is known for its incredible video and autofocus, but it also takes beautiful photos. When you add in the long battery life, dual card slots, in-body image stabilization and a 33 MP full-frame sensor, it’s hard to deny this camera. I’m a full-time photographer, not a videographer, but I definitely loved switching between the photo and video modes because it was just so user-friendly and intuitive. I mainly use a Canon 5D Mark IV and a Canon EOS R, so I’m used to video that is a bit clunky with slow, unreliable autofocus. I’ve just never really had a camera that was video-forward, but the Sony A7 IV made me question if the reason I haven’t been shooting video is because I just didn’t have the right tools!

As a photographer who shoots all kinds of photographs from portraits to weddings to landscapes to food to fashion, I need a camera that is a workhorse with reliability. I need an amazing lens selection, a sturdy camera body, a long battery life, and super sharp images. When it comes to choosing a camera, there are really 5 categories I’m judging to determine whether a camera is for me — Functionality, Portablity, Durability, Clarity and Creativity. These might differ from photographer to photographer, but I’ve learned over the years what matters most to me and my business. I’m simply not a technically minded person. Of course the features of a camera matter to me, but I’m more interested in the originality and quality of my work, along with the ease of use that a cameras allows for. I shoot quickly and I take a LOT of images. I’m always working towards creating photographs that are entirely unique, creative, and original. I want to create photographs that wow my clients. I just prefer to be real with my camera reviews and share what I truly think about shooting in the real world, in a real location, with real people. Was the camera easy to use or was it confusing and glitchy? Did it handle low light well? Were the images tack sharp? Did the battery last through the shoot? Would it survive a fall if I dropped it on the concrete floor of a studio? Does it have options for creative modes? These are the things that matter to me. So if you’re wondering if the Sony A7 IV can keep up in the real world and create truly stunning photographs that will make your work stand out, you should keep reading. :)

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

FUNCTIONALITY (RATING: 4.5/5)

When I picked up the Sony A7 IV for the first time, I immediately noticed how intuitive the buttons and menu screen felt as I worked my way around it. I suppose I had always imagined myself being completely confused by a new camera brand because I’m so used to Canon cameras. However, I quickly got used to adjusting the ISO, aperture, exposure compensation and more. There are 3 custom buttons that you can assign different settings to so that you can access them quickly, like white balance, ISO, shutter speed, etc. So, depending on how you shoot, you can make everything you need super accessible. This is definitely a plus for me, especially when I’m working a wedding and need to change settings fast.

Another nice feature is having options when it comes to the touch screen. I like using the “touch to focus” option so that I can choose exactly where I want the camera to focus if I’m shooting a large group of people at a wedding or am trying to hone in on one person and catch a candid moment during cocktail hour. I absolutely hate “touch shutter” so I avoid that option at all costs. My Canon EOS R would always accidentally slip into the touch shutter mode because the button was super easy to hit with your nose if you decided to shoot through the viewfinder. It drove me crazy. But luckily the mode is tucked within the menu on the Sony A7 IV so it doesn’t accidentally change on you.

And of course, the 5-axis in-body stabilization (IBIS) is a huge upgrade for me. It’s somehow the first time I’ve ever used a professional camera with in-body image stabilization and it is definitely something I could get used to. Since I’ve never had it before, I just never missed it, but at any sort of wedding or event where I’m moving around, it would come in handy, for sure.

The fact that the A7 IV also has dual card slots is a major plus. It’s another one of those things that you don’t miss until you have it. After having them with my 5D Mark IV, it just lowered my stress levels so much when working for clients. You can record your images or video to two cards at the same time so you always have a backup of your work. There’s really nothing more important than having that safety net for a high-paying gig.

One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was the battery life. I ended up using the Sony A7 IV much more than I expected to at my most recent wedding at Mankin Mansion in Richmond, Virginia, but the battery lasted the entire 6 hour wedding day and had about 17% battery left when I got home. I did notice that once it got to about 11% battery, it died really quickly after that.

The A7 IV worked like a dream in low light and I managed to make it through the whole wedding without feeling the need to add a flash. The native ISO range is 100-51,200 expandable from 50-204,800 ISO. Some cameras say they have these wide ISO ranges but then struggle with autofocus in low light but I didn’t find that to be an issue with the A7 IV.

PORTABILITY (RATING: 5/5)

To some photographers, portability might not matter, but for me it’s a giant factor. I’m not a very large person and professional cameras can be super bulky and heavy. I often come home from a wedding feeling like I got hit by a truck because I lugged 2 DSLR’s with huge lenses around along with a camera bag stuffed with film cameras. Anywhere that I can cut weight from my bag matters. I loved how lightweight the A7 IV was, and I think it was one of the reasons I kept grabbing it from my backpack and choosing to use it over my other cameras. I was using the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 II Art Lens which is a lovely zoom lens with a wide aperture but is surprisingly small and light for the power that it has. I’m used to the gigantic Canon RF 28-70 f/2.0 lens (you can read more about this amazing lens here!) which is incredible but weighs a million pounds and looks a little odd on my Canon EOS R. The Sigma f/2.8 lens is even smaller than my Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, which is the comparable lens by Canon. The A7 IV hand grip size also just feels right to me when it comes to my hand size. The Canon 5D Mark IV is much bulkier and feels much larger in my hand. In terms of portability, the Sony A7 IV really passes the test for me.

DURABILITY (RATING: 3.75/5)

I have a tendency to drop my cameras, mostly because I’m constantly switching between different ones. I often get tangled in straps and a camera ends up flying onto the sidewalk. It’s sad, but true! I’ve dropped every single one of my Canon cameras and have yet to officially break one. Luckily, I did not drop the Sony A7 IV but it did feel a bit more breakable to me than the Canon 5D Mark IV or Canon 6D that I’m used to. The Canon EOS R is also a mirrorless camera similar to the Sony A7 IV and it feels fragile in the same way, with the articulating back screen and sharper edges. I have a theory that these companies purposefully make these cameras more fragile these days because they want you to break it so that you have to buy another one… similar to iPhones… what do you think? If you’ve dropped your Sony A7 IV, let me know in the comments if you experienced any major malfunctions afterwards! I’m rating it a 3/5 just based on my intuition and experience with durable cameras. My Canon 5D Mark II and 5D Mark IV seem to truly be built to last, and it’s another one of the reasons I tend to gravitate towards Canon and DSLR’s.

CLARITY (RATING: 4.2/5)

Obviously, the clarity and overall sharpness of the images is extremely important to me. I need to know if I can blow up the images I take and hang them on a wall without them looking digitized or unnatural. If one of my wedding couples ever decides to make an oversized print to hang over their couch, I want to know that it still looks epic. While the image stabilization definitely helps to keep your images sharp and clean, I didn’t find the images to look quite as natural as the images I create with my Canon cameras. When zooming in on large groups of people, there is a bit of a “digitized” look that sort of flattens faces and makes it seem a little too “fake”, in my opinion. However, I’m talking really zooming in, like on a group of 20 people and focusing in on one face. It doesn’t make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things, and your clients would probably never notice, it’s just something that stuck out to me when going through the photos after the wedding photographed. However, I was pleasantly surprised by look of the images overall, as I remember Sony images to look more digital than most cameras just a few years ago. I think they’ve really improved on making the images as beautiful as Canon or Nikon. The color tones seem to have been improved as well, as the greens look vibrant, but natural, and the skin tones are lovely and natural as well.

The one thing that really threw me off though was the viewfinder. I tend to look through the viewfinder most of the time to take photos, instead of using the LCD touch screen. This is probably more of the old-school photographer in me, but the images looked like they were going to be awful. The quality of the image in the electronic viewfinder just isn’t the best, and I’m used to DSLR viewfinders that show you the real scene that your eyes are seeing through a mirror/prism. That would take some getting used to for me.

However, the benefit of using a mirrorless camera with a digital viewfinder is that you’re seeing exactly what the white balance/color tone/depth of field and exposure will look like when you import it into your computer. It just is a lower resolution version of it. I’m just used to seeing the scene as it stands before me, but again, I guess I’m just old school…

Overall though, after importing the photos into my computer, the images were sharp and beautiful. I find the Sony A7 IV to actually be a bit more reliable in light handling and autofocus than my 5D Mark IV and EOS R, which really does make a difference during a photo shoot. I can see myself loving the consistency and in-body image stabilization after a while though, as it would relieve some of the stress that comes along with things like weddings and corporate events where your clients expects images that don’t differ from each other too much.

CREATIVITY (RATING: 3/5)

This is probably the most important category to me. Can I create images that are timeless, show-stopping, unique, eye-catching, breathtaking, magical? I don’t want images that are digitally “perfect.” I don’t want them to look digital, at all, actually. I prefer photographs that look natural, film-like, cinematic, and just generally pretty. I will say this, the photos I took with the Sony A7 IV surprised me. They didn’t look that different than my Canon 5D Mark IV, and the camera overall is considerably smaller and faster when it comes to autofocus and convenience. I truly enjoyed shooting with it!

Sadly though, the Sony A7 IV does not have a built-in multiple exposure function. And if it did, I probably would seriously consider using a Sony camera as my main work camera. It’s a necessity for me to have a multiple exposure function, though I understand that this feature isn’t important to everyone. For me though, it is a dealbreaker. I wish it wasn’t! Of course, you can always layer images in photoshop after your shoot and create multiple exposures on your own, but I often have so many photos to edit that I just don’t have time to play around in PhotoShop. I used to do that when I first started my business, because it does allow for more control with your multiple exposures, but I prefer to create them on the spot. I also find it to be sort of a fun challenge, to use my surroundings in that moment to create something interesting.

The other thing I noticed is the way the Sony A7 IV handled sunlight when I tried to get some lovely backlighting behind the bride. While it was probably handling the sunlight “correctly” and minimizing sun flare, maintaining detail in the shadows and not blowing out the scene, I found it to be a bit flat and boring. In that moment, I ended up switching back to my Canon cameras to capture the images the way I’m used to. There is something about the way Canon captures sunlight that is so lovely and magical.

If Sony can let go of some of the “perfection” and lean into creativity, I think I’d end up with a Sony in my camera bag. I did like that it had some creative options built into the camera like black and white, sepia, etc., which allows beginner photographers to have fun and experiment, but I didn’t find any of them to be personally exciting in any way. I’d still rather shoot the image flat and edit it in Lightroom myself.

OVERALL SCORE - 87/100

There are so many things I truly enjoyed about this camera. The small, lightweight body, the fast and accurate autofocus, the in-body image stabilization, the reliable light-handling when photographing large groups of people, and the overall color tone of the images. Not to mention, features like the dual card slots, custom function buttons, long battery life, and low-light functionality can really change the game when it comes to wedding and event photography. I’m pleasantly surprised by the beauty and natural aesthetic of the images right out of the camera, without editing or using a picture profile. It also was just super fun to mess with the video and I can see why so many videographers choose this camera. If you’re a hybrid photographer/videographer, or you’re a videographer that wants the option of taking beautiful photos, then this camera would be perfect for you. While it definitely bums me out that it doesn’t have a multiple exposure function, I still loved having this camera in my bag for a few weeks. I knew that I could rely on it for a lot of high-stress photography moments, like a wedding, and I found myself continuously reaching for it over some of my other cameras. It’s an amazing camera that offers so much value for the price. It has everything you need for running a successful photography business, or for filming for a YouTube channel, or for traveling and photographing landscapes, nature, people, etc. I’d even say that the Sony A7 IV was even better than I expected and it makes me want to try out some of their other products, for sure. It was fun being a Sony girl for a hot minute! I’ve included tons of sample photos below so you can decide if this camera is for you!

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY A7 IV CAMERA

B&H Photo

SIGMA 24-70MM F/2.8 DG DN II ART LENS (SONY E)

B&H Photo

I hope this post helps you decide if the Sony A7 IV is for you! It’s truly an amazing camera! And it’s actually on sale through B&H Photo this year for Black Friday/Cyber Monday! You can find the deal here. I’ve included a ton of sample photos below. There are no filters on these images, but I have made minor adjustments to exposures, shadows, highlights, and color temperature to fit my personal style. There is no sharpness or clarity enhancements, curve adjustments, or color grading. If you have more specific questions about the editing, please feel free to ask!

<3 Myles Katherine