As a professional video editor and photographer, I’ve found that the Sony A7IV is a “chameleon” camera. It can be a stripped-back street photography tool one day and a fully rigged-out cinema rig the next. However, because it’s so capable, it’s easy to waste money on gear that doesn’t actually improve your workflow.
Below is the kit I actually use and recommend for my cameras. These aren’t just highly-rated items; they are the accessories that solve specific technical bottlenecks I’ve encountered while shooting in the field or editing in the studio.
Also, check out the Sony E-Mount Lens List, where I list all the lenses available for the Sony system, or most of them anyway.
1. Batteries For Sony A7IV
Sony’s Z-series batteries are legendary for their stamina, but Sony cameras can also be picky. I’ve learned the hard way that a “cheap” third-party battery can become a paperweight after a Sony firmware update. We haven’t seen something like this happen in a while, but it’s something to keep in mind when investing in big shoots.
The Professional Choice: Always keep at least 2 Official Sony NP-FZ100 Batteries for paid gigs. The “iNFOlithium” tech isn’t just a gimmick; knowing exactly how many minutes of record time you have left is vital when you’re mid-shoot.
Official Battery Sony NP FZ100
1 Official Battery
The Sony NPFZ100 batteries are powerful and reliable. They have a 2280mAh capacity and a 7.2V output. They weigh about 3.0 ounces, which might add some bulk to your camera if you use a vertical grip. These batteries use iNFOlithium technology, which lets the camera estimate how many charges remain in the battery.
- Capacity: 2280 mAh / 16.4 Wh
- Output: 7.2 VDC
The Modern Workaround: If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend the SmallRig USB-C NP-FZ100. Why? Because you can charge it directly with a MacBook or phone cable. In my workflow, being able to top off a battery via USB-C without a bulky dedicated charger is a game-changer.
Best Third-Party Batteries For Sony A7IV
Note: Third-party batteries often do not ship with lithium cells that have not been broken in yet. You will need to cycle the batteries at least five times, fully charging and discharging each battery before it shows stable performance. So expect about half the performance for the first charge, and it will get closer to the rated Capacity as you use the batteries more.
Wasabi Power Third-Party Batteries For Sony NP FZ100
2 NP-FZ100 Compatible Batteries + 1 Charger
Wasabi is a reputable battery brand based in California. Their batteries have a 2000mAh capacity and a 7.2V output, slightly lower than the official ones but much cheaper. They also have the iNFOlithium feature, which shows the remaining battery charge. They come with a 3-year warranty and are made in China.
- Capacity: 2000 mAh / 14.4 Wh
- Output: 7 VDC
Available At: Amazon
This SmallRig NP-FZ100 is the best third-party battery for the Sony A7IV. It is a little more expensive than many other third-party batteries, but it performs much closer to the real thing. I highly recommend these.
SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery with USB-C charging
1 USB-C Battery
Charge Faster with USB-C: This NP-FZ100 battery has a USB Type-C port that lets you charge it 40% faster than other USB-C camera batteries and 65% faster than regular charging. With high-current charging (5V/2.2A), you can fully charge the battery in just 2.5 hours. It also has a charging indicator that shows you the charging status. Red means charging, and green means fully charged.
- Capacity: 2400mAh / 17.28Wh
- Output: 7.2 VDC
Available At: Amazon
2. Memory Cards: Stop Overpaying for Speed You Don’t Need
I’ve run extensive benchmark tests on the A7IV, and the truth is: most people don’t need CFexpress Type A, but it can be the less expensive option.
The “Everyday” Scenario: For 90% of shooters, a high-quality V60 SD card is the “sweet spot.” It handles almost every video bitrate the A7IV offers without the $200 price tag.
The “Pro” Scenario: If you are shooting XAVC S-I (All-I) or doing heavy burst photography, you need the heat dissipation and speed of CFexpress.
3. Screen Protectors
There are many types of screen protectors, such as crystal clear, glass, or anti-reflection. I’ve used Glass on my Sony cameras for years. The only thing you might not like about Glass is that it gets chips and cracks over time, and it isn’t easy to remove them. You can heat them with a hair dryer to peel them off, which is a crackling, shattered mess. Replacing crystal-clear or anti-reflection screen protectors is much easier, but doesn’t offer as much protection.
Here is a great brand for a glass screen protector I’ve started using on my latest cameras.
ULBTER Screen Protector for Sony A7IV
3 Glass Screen Protectors + 2 Bubble Levels Hot Shoe Cover
This LCD Screen Protector and Hot Shoe are designed for the Sony A7 IV Digital Camera. They are easy to install with no bubbles. 9H Hardness—The screen protector is tempered, making it harder and more durable. It protects the camera screen from high-impact drops, scratches from keys, and other sharp objects.
- 9H Hardness
Available At: Amazon
4. Sony A7IV Case
Many third-party leather half-cases are available if you need a case for the Sony A7IV. They can help protect the bottom of the camera, extend the grip, or just add a cool aesthetic.
My favorite Sony A7IV half-cases are Lim’s Genuine Leather cases. If those are out of stock, the Gariz cases are also nice. Kaza cases are also generally nice because of their genuine, hand-crafted feel.
Lim’s Sony A7IV Leather Half Case
With Lim’s Leather Half Case, you can replace the battery without taking off the case. The aluminum base is very strong and durable, as it is treated with Alumite for corrosion wear resistance and light stability. The side of the Dovetail Plate has a place to attach the camera strap. The Tripod Mount is separate from the bolt, so you can use it more conveniently.
- Genuine Leather
- Made In Korea
Available At: Amazon
Gariz Leather Half Case Sony A7IV
This high-quality leather and material case is made in Korea. Its metal base has a built-in tripod mount, so you can use a tripod without removing the case. The case also has a soft lining with the Gariz logo to protect your camera. It comes with a soft bag and a box.
- Genuine Leather
- Made In Korea
Available At: Amazon
Kaza Deluxe Leather Half Case
Kaza Deluxe Handmade cases are one of the best budget leather cases, in my opinion. I have used them for many of my rangefinder-style cameras, and I really like them. They are very high quality, and I think you will like them too.
- Outside Material: Cow Hide Leather
- Inside Material: Fiber
- Made In: Hong Kong
Available At: KazaDeluxe
5. Sony A7IV Grip & Grip Extension
If you need extra grip or a grip extension, these accessories will do the job.
Sony Official VG-C4EM Vertical Battery Grip
The Sony A7IV Vertical Battery Grip adds extra handling and support for vertical shooting, and it also lets you add a battery to the camera for extended battery life. I typically liked using these on my Sony cameras in the past, though with the Z100 batteries, they can add quite a bit of extra weight.
SmallRig Camera Cage For Sony A7IV
SmallRig now offers several cage styles for the Sony A7IV family of camera bodies. The Rhinoceros cage has Carbon fiber additions to improve the system’s weight. These cages help protect your camera and support additional rails, grips, and monitor mounts.
Be sure to browse the stores for their different cage styles in case the Rhinoceros style doesn’t suit your fancy.
6. Camera Straps
There are so many great straps out there now that it’s hard to decide what to go with. Personally, with my mirrorless hybrid cameras, I’m using a Peak design setup because the system is somewhat modular and allows you to quickly change out straps or hand grips on the fly without any headache.
I use the clutch as a handgrip and attach the Peak Design camera strap.
Peak Design Slide Strap
The Peak Design Slide is a camera strap that adapts to your needs. You can wear it as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap, and adjust the length and grip easily. It also has a quick and secure Anchor Link system.
- Reconfigure the slide for quick size adjustment
- Achor Links hold 200 pounds
- Multiple color options
Peak Design Clutch
The Peak Design Clutch is a hand strap for any camera. It lets you adjust the tightness and access the controls easily. It also features a quick-connect system with Anchor Links.
- Quick Adjusting
- Quick Connecting Anchor System
- Tripod Arca-Swiss Plate.
Peak Design Wrist Strap
The Peak Design Wrist Strap is a camera accessory that lets you secure your camera to your wrist. It is made of nylon webbing and aluminum alloy, with a sliding buckle that adjusts the fit.
- Aluminum-alloy Adjuster
- Anchor Links hold 200 pounds
- Multiple color options
7. Best On-Camera Mics: Why Digital Audio is a Must
From an editor’s perspective, clean audio is non-negotiable. The A7IV features a Digital Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, which is a feature many users overlook.
Most cameras take digital sound, convert it to analog (via a 3.5mm jack), and then convert it back to digital. This creates a “hiss” or noise floor. Using a digital mic like the Sony ECM-B1M keeps the signal digital from the mic capsule to the SD card.
My Pick for Versatility: The Sony ECM-B10. It’s compact enough that it doesn’t make the A7IV feel top-heavy (a big plus if you’re used to the small footprint of a Ricoh or Fuji), but the beamforming tech allows you to switch between Super-directional (for interviews) and Omni (for ambient sound) with a physical switch.
Sony ECM-B1M Camera Digital Shotgun
Like the Sony A7rIV, the A7IV has the latest digital hot shoe for connecting digital audio devices, such as the Sony ECM-B1M. Sony designed this mic to interface perfectly with Sony cameras via a digital connection, such as the A7IV.
Sony ECM-B10 Compact Digital Shotgun mic
If you’re looking for a more compact digital mic, the Sony ECM-B10 has you covered. It has a lot of the same tech as the ECM-B1M, like the digital interface, Super/Uni/Omni pickup patterns and advanced beamforming technology, but in a smaller package.
Some of the new Rode Mics might be a better option for your setup if you also need a mic that can plug directly into a computer via USB.
Rode NTG Hybrid Mic
The Rode NTG Hybrid mic has a 10 Ohms impedance and works well with Sony cameras. It is a good on-camera mic for professional settings, with more features than the Rode VideoMic GO II, which is better for quick and easy shooting.
Rode VideoMic Go II Ultracompact
The Rode VideoMic Go II Ultracompact is my favorite Rode travel mic. It sounds warm, unlike the Video Mic Pro+, which sounds metallic and hollow. The new version (version II ultra-compact) has USB inputs for mobile devices and computers, but the older version is cheaper if you don’t need them.
Extras – Cleaning Accessories
If you need cleaning accessories, here is a full guide to the best cleaning products for your camera and sensor.
Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloths
Microfiber clothes are also a good accessory for cleaning your camera and lenses.
You’ll likely need many of these since they don’t last forever. Once they build up enough body oil and dirt, they stop being as effective. I typically keep one that I don’t mind if it’s dirty for cleaning my camera, EVF, or LCD screen.
Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloths 6-Pack
6 Individually wrapped Micro Fiber Cloths
These microfiber cloths can safely and effectively clean all your delicate surfaces. They work well on a wide range of surfaces, including LCD screens, laptops, phones, cars, tablets, mirrors, glass, glasses, cameras, lenses, and more. Whether you need to wipe off dust, fingerprints, smudges, or stains, this product will leave your surfaces sparkling and spotless.
- 6-Pack Individually wrapped
Available At: Amazon
Sensor Cleaning Swabs
For tougher cleaning jobs, I use the UES cleaning wands. These wands have a cleaning solution and are very effective. They are also easy to use, as each wand is packed separately for one-time use. Many other brands have similar products, but these wands stand out for their convenience and performance at a very reasonable price.
UES Sensor Swabs Full Frame 14 Piece
14 Swabs + Cleaning Solution
These wands have a cleaning solution and are very effective. They are also easy to use, as each wand is packed separately for one-time use. Many other brands have similar products, but these wands stand out for their convenience and performance at a very reasonable price.
- 14 vacuum-sealed packs
- 15ml Alcohol-free sensor cleaner
Available At: Amazon
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