Capturing Modern Muscle: Unboxing the Sony A7 IV Mirrorless Camera and Shooting the Hellcat

Read the full story on Modern Car Collector

As a modern car collector, documenting your vehicles is just as important as driving and preserving them. Whether for insurance, resale, or simply sharing your passion with other enthusiasts, high-quality photography has become an essential part of the hobby. That’s exactly why I recently added the Sony A7 IV to my collector’s toolkit.

In this article—and the accompanying vlog—I walk through the unboxing of this powerful mirrorless camera and put it to the test with my Dodge Hellcat, a modern muscle icon that deserves to be captured in the best light possible.

Why the Sony A7 IV Belongs in a Collector’s Gear Bag

The Sony A7 IV bridges the gap between professional photography and enthusiast-friendly usability. For collectors who document their cars for online listings, social media, or publication, it offers:

A 33MP full-frame sensor for sharp detail

Fast, intelligent autofocus—perfect for capturing engine bays or moving vehicles

4K video at up to 60fps for walkarounds or driving clips

Reliable color science to represent factory paint and finishes accurately

This camera isn’t just for content creators—it’s a tool that helps preserve the story of your collection.

First Shoot: My Hellcat, Through a New Lens

After the unboxing, I headed out for a quick shoot with my Hellcat Charger—a perfect subject thanks to its aggressive stance, vibrant factory paint, and muscle car pedigree. I focused on key collector details: VIN tags, Brembo brakes, interior condition, and panel fitment. I also experimented with a few wide-angle and low-light shots to see how the camera handled real-world lighting scenarios collectors often encounter at car meets or indoor storage facilities.

The results were impressive. Even in tricky lighting, the Sony A7 IV delivered crisp, balanced images that made the Hellcat’s details pop. These are the kinds of shots that elevate for-sale listings, Instagram profiles, or even documentation for your own digital archive.

The Role of Photography in Modern Collecting

In 2025, car collecting isn’t just about what’s in your garage—it’s also about how you present it. With more buying, selling, and storytelling happening online, a solid photo setup is a modern collector’s secret weapon.

I’ll be sharing more of my photography journey—including gear tips, editing workflows, and feature shoots with other modern classics—right here on Modern Car Collector. Whether you’re shooting a GT500, ZL1, or even your daily driver with future potential, the goal is the same: capture the car, preserve the moment.

🎥 Watch the full video here – Unboxing the Sony A7 IV + Hellcat photo session

📸 Coming Soon: High-res gallery + behind-the-scenes gear setup

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter