Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 75
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 86
SCORE
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|
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Canon | Sony |
| Model | EOS 5D Mark IV | a1 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2016 | 2021 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
25/08/2016 | 26/01/2021 |
| Camera type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 151 x 116 x 76 mm | 129 x 97 x 81 mm |
| Camera weight | 890 g | 737 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
30.4 MP050 | 50.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6720 x 4480 | 8640 x 5760 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
24 x 36 | 24 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
7 fps045 | 30 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon EF | Sony FE |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Digic 6+ | Dual Bionz XR |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
320003003280000 | 320003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
1024003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 3200080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
610300 | 7590300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✓ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 943718409900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
4K | 8K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
4096 x 2160 | 7680 x 4320 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
120 fps | 120 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV, MP4 | LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 16bit), LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 24bit), LPCM 4ch(48 kHz 24bit), MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✓ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | TFT LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
16200001150001500000 | 14400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash | SD,CFexpress Type A (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | LP-E6N | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
900 shots1505000 | 530 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✓ |
The Sony a1 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with a score of 86/100 compared to 75/100. Both cameras share some similarities, such as being high-quality professional cameras launched at premium prices ($6499 for the Sony a1 and $3500 for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV). They also have differences in terms of camera type, with the Sony a1 being a mirrorless camera and the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV being a DSLR.
The Sony a1 boasts a higher score due to its more compact size (129 x 97 x 81mm) and lighter weight (737g), making it more portable and easier to handle. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, though slightly heavier (890g) and larger (151 x 116 x 76mm), has been on the market for a longer time, making it a tried-and-tested option for professionals since 2016.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a1 emerges as a better camera with a higher score, offering greater portability and advanced features. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains a reliable and trusted option for those who prefer a DSLR camera.
The Sony a1 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in optics, scoring 89/100 compared to Canon’s 76/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and compatibility with their respective brand’s lens mounts (Sony FE for the a1 and Canon EF for the 5D Mark IV).
The Sony a1’s superior optics can be attributed to its higher megapixel count of 50.1, compared to the Canon’s 30.4, which results in better image resolution. Additionally, the a1 boasts a faster shooting speed of 30 frames per second (fps) versus the 5D Mark IV’s 7 fps, enabling it to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. The Sony a1 also has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 98, as opposed to the Canon’s 91, indicating better overall image quality. Furthermore, the a1 features image stabilization, which the Canon lacks, providing an advantage in low-light conditions and reducing camera shake.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV still has its merits, such as the Digic 6+ processor, which offers reliable and efficient performance. However, the Sony a1’s dual Bionz XR processors offer even faster and more advanced processing capabilities.
Considering these factors, the Sony a1 is the clear winner in terms of optics, with superior resolution, shooting speed, sensor performance, and image stabilization. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains a reliable option for those who prioritize the Canon ecosystem and its EF lenses, but it falls short in comparison to the a1’s advanced features and capabilities.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Sony a1 in video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the Sony a1’s 86/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video frame rate of 120fps. However, there are notable differences that contribute to the Canon’s higher score.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a built-in time-lapse functionality, which the Sony a1 lacks. This feature allows the Canon camera to capture stunning time-lapse sequences without the need for additional equipment or software. This advantage gives the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV versatility and convenience when shooting video.
On the other hand, the Sony a1 boasts a higher maximum video resolution of 8K, compared to the Canon’s 4K. With 7680 x 4320 video dimensions, the Sony a1 can capture extremely detailed and high-resolution footage. This higher resolution may be an attractive feature for some videographers, as it allows for greater flexibility in post-production and future-proofing content.
Despite the Sony a1’s higher resolution capabilities, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV still secures the win in video performance due to its built-in time-lapse feature. The convenience and versatility offered by this feature outweigh the advantage of the Sony a1’s higher resolution. Ultimately, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a better choice for those prioritizing video capabilities, while the Sony a1 may appeal to those seeking higher resolution footage.
The Sony a1 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in features, scoring 83/100 compared to the Canon’s 74/100. Both cameras share some common specs, such as touchscreen functionality, WIFI connectivity, and similar screen sizes (3 inches for the Sony a1 and 3.2 inches for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV).
The Sony a1 surpasses the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with its flip screen and Bluetooth connectivity. The flip screen provides flexibility in shooting angles and is useful for vlogging or capturing images in challenging positions. Bluetooth offers seamless connectivity with other devices, making it easier to transfer files and control the camera remotely.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a higher screen resolution (1,620,000 dots) compared to the Sony a1 (1,440,000 dots), resulting in a sharper and clearer display. Additionally, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV features GPS functionality, allowing photographers to geotag their photos and track their shooting locations.
Despite these advantages, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV falls short in overall features compared to the Sony a1. The Sony a1’s higher score reflects its superior feature set, making it a more versatile and user-friendly camera. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, while offering some unique features, does not match the Sony a1 in terms of overall functionality.
To conclude, the Sony a1 is the better camera in terms of features, offering a flip screen and Bluetooth capabilities that the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV lacks. While the Canon has a higher screen resolution and GPS functionality, these advantages are not enough to surpass the Sony a1’s comprehensive and superior feature set.
The Sony a1 wins the storage and battery comparison with a score of 73/100, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV scores 71/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including two memory card slots and compatibility with SD memory cards. However, the Sony a1 also accepts CFexpress Type A cards, offering faster writing speeds.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Sony a1 in battery life, providing 900 shots compared to the a1’s 530 shots. This longer battery life is advantageous for extended photography sessions. Conversely, the Sony a1 has the benefit of USB charging, allowing for more convenient charging options.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a1 holds a slight edge over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV due to its broader memory card compatibility and USB charging feature. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains a strong contender with its impressive battery life.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the Sony a1:
