How to Get 4:2:2 10Bit Color at 120fps on the Sony a7iv (HACK)
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Are you eyeing the Sony a7IV, wondering if it's still worth picking up in 2024? Well, spoiler alert—I've been putting this camera through its paces, and my answer is a resounding YES! But wait, before you dash off, there's more to this story.
Hey filmmakers and camera enthusiasts! Today, let's dig into the Sony a7IV and uncover a cool hack that might just level up your video game. Buckle up; it's going to be a wild ride!
Alright, so the Sony a7IV boasts a fantastic capability: 10-bit color shooting for videos. Why is this a big deal, you ask? Well, buckle up—more color information in your footage means richer details, smoother color correction, and easier grading. Picture those vibrant hues popping out of your screen—stunning, right?
Here's the secret hack you might not know: you can shoot in 10-bit color at 120 frames per second with the a7IV. I'm about to put this to the test and compare it against non-10-bit color in slow motion. Spoiler alert: I'm pretty sure the difference will be striking, but let's see it in action.
Now, when it comes to shooting video, the Sony a7IV hits 4K up to 60 frames per second. But if you want that buttery smooth slow-mo at 120 frames per second, you need to switch to HD mode. And guess what? You can still achieve that juicy 10-bit color in most frame rates except for 120 fps—well, that's what you might think.
Now, let's unlock this hidden gem within the camera settings. Dive into video mode, select 4K, or dive into xavc shd for that sweet slow-mo action at 120 fps. But wait, there's a twist! If you switch to S&Q mode under shooting, tweak the settings to capture at 120 fps, you'll unearth the treasure—10-bit color, albeit with a slightly lower data rate.
However, there's a catch with S&Q mode. Sound isn't recorded, so if audio matters in your shoot, this might not be your go-to mode. But hey, S&Q does let you preview the slow-motion footage in real-time, helping you gauge the effect on the spot—a handy feature.
Now, let's talk comparisons. I've shot clips at both settings: 10-bit color in S&Q mode and 8-bit in regular video mode at 120 fps. At first glance, they might seem similar, but the real difference shines when we dive into intense color correction. The 10-bit footage holds up way better, especially for demanding edits or green screen work.
So, here's the takeaway—while the file size might be a tad smaller in S&Q mode, the 10-bit color offers more versatility and information, especially for challenging editing scenarios.
And voilà! That's the magic behind leveraging 10-bit color in 120 fps footage on the Sony a7IV.
Until next time, happy shooting and experimenting! 🎥✨
