Sony α7 IV Anti-flicker: Anti-flicker Shoot. And Var. Shutter

Two Anti-Flicker Functions of the Sony α7 IV

The Sony ILCE-7M4 (α7 IV) manual introduces two functions for mitigating the effects of artificial light flicker: Anti-flicker Shoot. automatically detects the frequency and schedules the timing of still photo shots; Var. Shutter allows the user to manually adjust the shutter speed while monitoring the live view. Their applicable scenarios and limitations are different.〔G-LED-FLICKER-01〕

Limitations of Anti-flicker Shoot.

The manual limits Anti-flicker Shoot. to still photos and the mechanical shutter, and states that it only detects 100 Hz or 120 Hz flicker. It cannot cover all higher-frequency LED lights, nor can it be used as an anti-flicker setting for video recording.〔G-LED-FLICKER-02〕

Applicable Scenarios of Var. Shutter

Var. Shutter supports still photos and videos and can use either electronic or mechanical shutters; the manual lists 100/120 Hz as well as higher frequencies (e.g., LED lights) for flicker, and allows adjustment of the shutter speed while viewing the live monitoring image. Do not generalize the α7 IV’s menus, frequency range, or control methods to other models.〔G-LED-FLICKER-03〕

Check Actual Recording Results After Adjustment

Sony reminds that the faster the shutter speed, the more likely the monitor image before shooting will differ from the final recorded image, so check the actual file after adjustment. If the environment has both 100/120 Hz and higher-frequency flicker, the manual suggests first enabling Anti-flicker Shoot. and Var. Shutter, then adjusting Var. Shutter. This article does not promise that stripes will completely disappear.〔G-LED-FLICKER-04〕