Matt explains that Sony has solid reasons both for and against making an A7S IV, but he ultimately believes they will.
Why Sony might not make an A7S IV
- The EVF advantage is weaker now: The A7S III’s built-in EVF was once a big advantage over the FX3. But Sony has introduced a tilting, video‑centric EVF for the FX2, and Matt thinks that EVF will likely appear in future cinema bodies (such as a potential FX3 II), reducing the need for an A7S‑style hybrid.
- No active cooling in Alpha bodies: Sony has never put a fan in a non‑cinema Alpha camera. With 6K60 and heavier codecs becoming common, active cooling is increasingly necessary. That could push video‑focused users toward the FX line instead of an A7S IV.
Why Sony probably will make an A7S IV
- There’s clear demand: Filmmakers still buy the A7S III because it has a usable EVF, shoots better photos than the FX3, and is often cheaper (with more frequent discounts).
- Sensor economics: The A7S series uses the same sensor family as FX cameras. More bodies mean more sensor sales, benefiting both the Camera and Sensor divisions.
- Separate teams, separate incentives: Sony’s Alpha team builds A7 cameras and the Cinema team builds FX cameras. With distinct roadmaps, both teams want their own version of the next‑gen low‑light/video sensor—supporting the existence of both an A7S IV and an FX3 II.
Final takeaway
Matt believes Sony will almost certainly release an A7S IV because demand, pricing, internal incentives, and sensor strategy all point toward it. For another perspective, see Tony Northrup’s take that the Sony A7S IV is coming in 2026, and revisit our earlier coverage: Matt Johnson: why Sony may not even make the camera.