Here are my top microphone recommendations based on budget and use case:

Best Overall: Sony ECM-M1 - it uses beamforming technology and advanced digital processing technology to provide eight audio recording modes including stereo to deliver outstanding sound quality in a wide range of situations. The microphone takes full advantage of the Sony A7IV's digital audio interface to avoid the noise and distortion associated with analogue transmission. It's specifically designed for Sony cameras and connects through the Multi Interface Shoe with no cables needed

Budget Option: Sennheiser MKE 400 – compact, reliable, and great sound quality for the price. Sennheiser MKE600 is also excellent if you need something more robust.

Wireless: DJI Mic 3. Love it, compact and easy to use. The new released DJI MIC Mini is also a good choice. For premium wireless, the RODE Wireless GO II microphone is currently best wireless microphone on the market for Sony a7 III and a7 IV.

Shotgun Options: Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone for high-end needs, or the Rode VideoMic NTG is another great microphone for Sony a7 III and a7 IV. Designed for versatility, it can be used for both analog and digital audio capture.

The a7 IV's digital audio over the MI shoe – no 3.5mm cable, no analog hiss, no loose connectors. The camera powers the mic, and you get a 96kHz/24‑bit capable chain, so Sony's native mics really shine here.

Get the DJI Mic 2.

Building on the earlier suggestion about that digital interface, you really gotta be careful about overspending on features you might not actually use. I learned that lesson the hard way a few years back when I first started out. Spent way too much on a high-end setup because I thought more expensive meant better quality for my specific style. It mostly just sat in a drawer tho, because it was way too bulky for quick vlogs. Honestly, the most expensive gear is always the stuff you leave at home because it's a hassle to carry... Just a couple things to think about before you drop the cash on something for your Sony a7 IV:

• Are you mostly doing 'talking head' videos in a quiet room or are you gonna be out in the wind?
• How much do you actually care about having a built-in backup recording on the transmitter itself? Better to save that extra cash for better lighting or even a tripod if you dont strictly need the pro-level wireless range right now.

I use Sennheiser MKE600, a great wireless mic for Sony.

^ This. Also, if you are serious about the a7 IV, you definitely need to look into the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro because that stepless gain knob on the back is absolutely amazing for hitting your peaks perfectly! I love how tactile it feels compared to digging through menus. Actually, speaking of tactile stuff, it reminds me of this old manual typewriter I found at a flea market last weekend. I spent like six hours trying to clean the gunk out of the keys with a toothbrush because I thought it would be cool to use for writing my video scripts. My cat kept jumping on the carriage and dinging the bell every time I got close to finishing a sentence. I never even finished the first page because the ribbon was bone dry and I couldnt find a replacement anywhere that wasnt totally overpriced. I ended up just using it as a really heavy paperweight for my desk lamp. Anyway lol, sorry kinda went off topic there.

If you are looking for a compact mic, get the Sennheiser MKE 400. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Sennheiser+MKE+400+Shotgun+Microphone&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50

DJI MIC 2 is one of the best choices.

I have Sennheiser MKE600, the audio quality is great.

Any Sennheiser mic works.

The new released DJI MIC Mini is also a good choice. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=DJI+Ultralight+Detail+Rich+Cancelling+Microphone&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50

Dji mic 2.