Sony · a7 IV · Pro lesson
Video settings, in depth
What is the right video setup on the a7 IV — format, profile, and the settings around them?
camerasdecoded.com/camera-select/sony/a7-iv/video-settings
Step 1
Pick the format by the edit, not the spec sheet
MENU→Shooting→Image Quality→File Format
XAVC HS 4K records HEVC — smallest files, hardest on your editing machine. XAVC S 4K is the balanced default. XAVC S-I records every frame individually (Intra): the easiest footage to edit and by far the biggest files. Choose by what happens after the shoot.
The three 4K formats
XAVC HS 4KSmallest files. HEVC — older computers struggle to play it smoothly.
XAVC S 4KThe default. Balanced size and editing load for most work.
XAVC S-I 4KEvery frame stored whole. Easiest to edit, huge files, fast cards required.
PRO LESSON — THE FULL LESSON OPENS IN THE GUIDED PLAYER ABOVE, OR WITH PRO.