Optimising the Sony A7 IV: Customisation Guide for Nature, Wildlife, and Bird Photography

Document outlines customised settings for the Sony A7 IV tailored to nature, animal, and bird photography. It explains how to decouple autofocus from the shutter, assign quick manual focus toggle, configure the Action Button for instant wildlife action, and optimise focus area and silent shooting options. Three custom dial modes—birds in flight, low-light wildlife, and quiet stealth—are included. A summary table is given for quick reference.

1. Optimising the Sony A7 IV:
Customisation Guide
for
Nature, Wildlife, and Bird Photography
Kalyan Chatterjea
Singapore
28th September 2025
Abstract
This document outlines customised settings for the Sony A7 IV tailored to na-
ture, animal, and bird photography. It explains how to decouple autofocus from the
shutter, assign a quick manual-focus toggle, configure the Action Button for instant
wildlife action (using the mechanical shutter), and optimise focus-area and silent-
shooting options. Three custom dial modes—perch/landscape, low-light wildlife,
and quiet stealth—are recommended. Each setup includes purpose, precise step-
by-step setup instructions and field-use guidance, with a summary table for quick
reference.
The Sony A7 IV is a highly versatile camera that allows extensive customisation to
suit different photographic styles and environments. For nature, animal, and bird photog-
raphy, configuring the buttons and functions carefully helps ensure speed, accuracy, and
efficiency in the field, where quick reactions often make the difference between a missed
opportunity and a successful shot. This article explains recommended customisations,
how to set them up on the camera (step-by-step) and why they are particularly useful
when photographing wildlife.
Decoupling Autofocus from the Shutter
Purpose:By default, pressing the shutter button halfway activates autofocus. For
wildlife, this can cause delays or unwanted focus shifts. Decoupling autofocus ensures
the shutter only captures images, leaving focus activation to a separate button.
Step-by-step setup:
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2. 1.Press theMenubutton.
2.Navigate toSetup → Operation Customisation → Shutter/AF.
3.SetShutter/AFtoOff(this prevents the shutter half-press from activating AF).
4.Still inOperation Customisation, go toCustom Key/Dial Settings.
5.Select the physical rearAF-ONbutton (or the button you prefer) and assign the
AF-ONfunction to it.
6.Confirm and exit the menu.
Field use:You can pre-focus and hold focus with AF-ON while releasing the shutter
independently — ideal for animals that appear suddenly or birds in flight. Use AF-ON
to lock or start continuous tracking as needed.
AF-ON Button (Dedicated AF activation)
Purpose:A dedicated AF-ON button gives direct control of autofocus activation and
tracking without involving the shutter button.
Step-by-step setup:
1.PressMenu →Setup → Operation Customisation → Custom Key/Dial
Settings.
2.Choose the physical control you wish to act as AF-ON (rear button recommended).
3.From the function list selectAF-ONand assign it.
4.Exit the menu and test by pressing AF-ON while half-pressing the shutter (which
should no longer engage AF).
Field use:Use AF-ON to start or hold focus tracking on moving subjects; release
the shutter independently to avoid unintended refocus.
Manual-Focus Toggle on the AEL Button
Purpose:Quickly toggle between autofocus and manual focus when autofocus struggles
with foreground branches, reeds or fine detail.
Step-by-step setup:
1.PressMenu →Setup → Operation Customisation → Custom Key/Dial
Settings.
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3. 2.Select theAELbutton from the list of physical controls.
3.AssignAF/MF Toggle(sometimes shown asAF/MF Control Toggle) to the AEL
button.
4.Confirm and exit.
Field use:When autofocus struggles (kingfishers in reeds, insects at close range),
tap AEL to switch to manual focus, fine-tune, then return to AF as needed.
Action Button (C1) — Mechanical Shutter
Purpose:A single press sets the camera to an action-ready configuration for fast wildlife:
aperture f/5.6, shutter 1/2000s, Auto ISO, AF-C, Hi+ drive, Wide focus area, exposure
compensation –1.3 EV — and importantly uses themechanical shutterto avoid elec-
tronic artefacts during high-speed bursts.
Step-by-step setup:
1.Configure the camera to the desired action settings:
•SetAperturetof/5.6.
•SetShutter speedto1/2000s.
•SetISOtoAuto(optionally restrict range in ISO settings).
•SetAF ModetoAF-C.
•SetDrive ModetoHi+.
•SetFocus AreatoWide.
•SetExposure Compensationto–1.3 EV.
•InMenu → Shutter/SteadyShot → Shutter Type, selectMechanical
Shutter.
2.Save these settings to a recall memory (so the button can recall them):Menu →
Shooting → Camera Set. Memory→ choose an available memory slot (or note
the relevant “Custom Hold” slot).
3.Assign the physicalC1button toRecall Custom Hold:
•Menu → Setup → Operation Customisation → Custom Key/Dial
Settings→ selectC1 (button)→ assignRecall Custom Hold.
•When prompted, select the memory slot you saved in step 2 (so C1 recalls
exactly those settings while pressed/held).
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4. 4.Exit the menu and verify that pressing C1 recalls the action settings (mechanical
shutter included).
Field use:Press C1 to instantly switch to a mechanical-shutter action profile — ideal
for bird take-offs, fast mammals and any situation where electronic shutter artefacts are
a concern.
Focus Area on C2
Purpose:Quickly change focus-area modes (Wide, Zone, Flexible Spot) without navi-
gating menus.
Step-by-step setup:
1.PressMenu →Setup → Operation Customisation → Custom Key/Dial
Settings.
2.Select theC2button from the control list.
3.Assign the functionFocus Areato C2.
4.Exit the menu and test: press C2 and rotate the control to cycle available focus-area
options.
Field use:Use C2 to flip between Wide for flight, Zone for tracking larger subjects,
and Flexible Spot for precise eye focus on stationary wildlife.
Shutter Sound Toggle on C4
Purpose:Quickly switch between silent and audible feedback to avoid disturbing shy
animals or to gain audible confirmation.
Step-by-step setup:
1.PressMenu →Setup → Operation Customisation → Custom Key/Dial
Settings.
2.Choose theC4button from the control list.
3.Assign one of these functions to C4:
•Shutter Type(toggles between Mechanical and Electronic), or
•Audio Signals → On/Off(toggles camera audio beeps).
4.Exit the menu and test: press C4 to toggle the chosen function.
Field use:Use silent (electronic) shutter for very shy birds or close hides; switch to
mechanical or enable audio when you need audible confirmation in noisy environments.
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5. Fn Button — Subject Detection (Human / Animal / Bird)
Purpose:Add subject-priority detection to the Fn menu so you can switch quickly
between Human, Animal and Bird detection.
Step-by-step setup:
1.Press theFnbutton to open the Function menu.
2.Select theFn Menu EditorFunction Menu Set(often accessed via the cen-
tre/right of the Fn screen).
3.Choose the slot you want (bottom-left recommended for quick access).
4.From the list of assignable functions, addSubject RecognitionorSubject
Detection (Human/Animal/Bird)to that slot.
5.Confirm and exit the Fn menu.
Field use:Quickly switch detection depending on your subject — Bird mode for
small avian eye detection, Animal mode for mammals, Human for portraits — without
reconfiguring AF behaviour.
Using the Custom Mode Dial (C1, C2, C3 on the Dial)
The Sony A7 IV provides threeCustom Shooting Modes on the mode dial. Save
whole shooting configurations and recall them instantly.
C1: Perch and Landscape Mode
Suggested setup:Aperture priority, f/8, ISO Auto (restricted to 100–400), AF-S, Flex-
ible Spot (M), Single Shooting, Exposure Compensation –0.3 EV.
Step-by-step setup:
1.Turn theMode DialtoA (Aperture Priority).
2.Set aperture tof/8.
3.Press theISObutton → set toISO Auto→ restrict range to100–400viaMenu
→ Exposure/Colour → ISO → ISO AUTO Range.
4.Press theDrivebutton → chooseSingle Shooting.
5.Set exposure compensation to–0.3 EV.
6.Menu → Focus → Focus Mode→ chooseAF-S.
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6. 7.Fn menu→Focus Area → Flexible Spot (M).
8.Save to memory:Menu → Shooting → Camera Set. Memory→ assign to1 (C1).
Field use:For perched birds, static animals, and habitat context shots where depth
of field and detail matter.
C2: Low-Light Wildlife Mode
Suggested setup:Manual mode, f/4–f/5.6, 1/500s, Auto ISO (upper limit 12,800),
AF-C, Spot (M).
Step-by-step setup:
1.Turn theMode DialtoM (Manual).
2.Set aperture tof/4(or f/5.6 if required).
3.Set shutter to1/500s.
4.PressISO→ set toISO Auto→ inMenu → ISO AUTO Rangeset upper limit to
12,800.
5.Menu → Focus → Focus Mode→ chooseAF-C.
6.Fn menu→ setFocus Area → Spot (M).
7.Save to memory:Menu → Shooting → Camera Set. Memory→ assign to2 (C2).
Field use:Best for dawn/dusk activity — gives control of shutter/aperture while
Auto ISO adapts exposure.
C3: Quiet Stealth Mode
Suggested setup:Electronic shutter (silent), Aperture priority f/5.6, Auto ISO range
100–6400, AF-C, Low drive speed.
Step-by-step setup:
1.Turn theMode DialtoA (Aperture Priority).
2.Set aperture tof/5.6.
3.PressISO→ set toAuto ISOand restrict range to100–6400.
4.Menu → Focus → Focus Mode→ chooseAF-C.
5.PressDrive→ chooseLow-Speed Continuous.
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7. 6.Menu → Shutter/SteadyShot → Shutter Type→ selectElectronic Shutter
(silent).
7.Save to memory:Menu → Shooting → Camera Set. Memory→ assign to3 (C3).
Field use:For hides or close approaches where silence is paramount. The Auto
ISO cap avoids unnecessarily noisy images while the low drive reduces rolling-shutter
artefacts.
Conclusion
These customisations streamline the Sony A7 IV for nature, animal, and bird photog-
raphy, ensuring rapid response, reliable focusing and minimal disturbance to subjects.
Each control now includes precise step-by-step setup so you can implement the changes
on the camera quickly and confidently. The mechanical-shutter action profile and the
silent C3 mode give you both speed and discretion depending on the situation.
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8. Summary of Recommended Customisations
Control Assigned Function Field Use / Purpose
Shutter Button AF disabled (shutter/AF de-
coupled)
Prevents unwanted refocus; allows
independent control of shutter and
AF-ON. Useful for fast-moving or
partially obscured wildlife.
AF-ON Button Autofocus activation Dedicated AF start/hold for precise
tracking without using the shutter.
AEL Button AF/MF Toggle Rapidly switch to manual focus
when AF struggles (e.g., cluttered
foregrounds).
C1 Button (body)Recall Custom Hold (Action
setup: f/5.6, 1/2000s, Auto
ISO, AF-C, Hi+, Wide, Me-
chanical Shutter, –1.3 EV)
Instant mechanical-shutter action
mode for birds in flight and fast an-
imals.
C2 Button (body)Focus Area Selection Cycle Wide/Zone/Flexible Spot
without menu diving.
C4 Button (body)Shutter Type / Audio Signals
toggle
Switch between silent and audible
modes to avoid disturbing wildlife or
to get feedback.
Fn Menu (bottom-
left)
Subject Recognition (Human /
Animal / Bird)
Quick switching of subject detection
for reliable eye detection in different
subjects.
Mode Dial C1 Perch/Landscape (A, f/8, ISO
100–400, AF-S, Flexible Spot,
Single)
For perched birds, stationary ani-
mals and habitat context shots.
Mode Dial C2 Low-Light Wildlife (M,
f/4–f/5.6, 1/500s, Auto ISO
up to 12,800, AF-C, Spot)
Optimised for dawn/dusk and low-
light wildlife activity.
Mode Dial C3 Quiet Stealth (A, f/5.6, Auto
ISO 100–6400, AF-C, Elec-
tronic Shutter, Low drive)
Silent mode for hides and close ap-
proaches; ISO cap avoids excessive
noise.
Note: Unlike the Canon R7 (where “Animal” includes birds), on the Sony
A7 IV you need to pick Animal or Bird explicitly using Fn button.
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9. Figure 1Figure 2
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