How to Set Up the Sony a7iv for Hybrid Shooting
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Switching between photo and video on the fly doesn’t have to be clunky — especially if you’re using the powerful Sony A7IV. Whether you’re capturing crisp stills one minute and cinematic footage the next, setting your camera up for hybrid shooting can save you loads of time and frustration.
Here’s how to get your Sony A7IV dialed in for fast, efficient toggling between photo and video modes.
Why Set Up for Hybrid Shooting?
If you’re someone who needs both high-quality stills and professional video — say, for weddings, events, travel content, or even b-roll + thumbnails — flipping between modes quickly and intuitively is crucial. Thankfully, the A7IV offers robust customization options that let you streamline your entire workflow.
Step 1: Custom Buttons for Photo Mode
In Manual Mode, here's how to make the most of your custom keys for photography:
C1: White Balance
C3: Toggle between Autofocus and Manual Focus
Rear Dial: Exposure Compensation (default)
Right Button on Control Wheel: Focus Area
Custom Menu (Fn): Left mostly on default, including Drive Mode, ISO, Metering Mode, and more
Want to shoot action (like kids or pets)? Assign High-Speed Burst (Hi+) to your drive mode for rapid stills.
Step 2: Customize for Video Mode
Switch to Movie Mode using the mode dial and then adjust your custom keys:
C1 (Top): Zebra Display Toggle
C2 (Top): Audio Recording Levels
C3 (Rear): AF/MF Toggle
AEL Button: Zebra Display On/Off
AF-ON Button: Focus Map Toggle (a fantastic new tool on the A7IV)
Control Dial (formerly Exposure Comp): ISO
Down Button: Clear Image Zoom (for lossless digital zoom)
To use Clear Image Zoom, go to:
Menu → Shooting → Zoom Range → Set to “Clear Image Zoom”
This zooms in smoothly without noticeable loss in quality — great for quick framing flexibility without changing lenses.
Step 3: The Function Menu
Your video Fn menu should include things like:
Audio Level Control
Focus Mode
Focus Area
Picture Profiles (like S-Log3)
Zebra Settings
Peaking
Gamma Display Assist (for viewing flat profiles with natural contrast)
Variable Shutter (to combat flickering from artificial lights)
You can customize this in:
Menu → Fn Menu Settings
Step 4: Use the Memory Recall Settings (MR 1/2/3)
These are your best friends for hybrid workflows. Assign frequently used video settings to the MR dial:
MR 1: 4K at 24p (shutter: 1/50, ISO 800, S-Log3)
MR 2: 4K at 60p (shutter: 1/125)
MR 3: 1080p at 120p (shutter: 1/250)
Each one stores resolution, frame rate, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and even picture profile settings. Just flip the dial to instantly switch between modes — no fiddling around in menus.
Final Thoughts
The Sony A7IV is an absolute hybrid beast — if you take the time to set it up right. Once your buttons, dials, and memory recall slots are tailored to your needs, switching between stills and video becomes seamless.
Whether you’re grabbing portraits, handheld b-roll, or slow-motion action, you’ll always be just one click away.
Pro tip: Not using a custom function button yet? Try assigning it to something you toggle often, like switching between focus modes or activating SteadyShot.
Happy shooting — and even faster switching!
