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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 IV Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

canon eos 5d mark iv
75%

Sony a7 IV

sony a7 iv
Winner!
84%
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
vs
Sony a7 IV
Price
Brand
Canon
Sony
Model
EOS 5D Mark IV
a7 IV
Released
2016
2021
Announcement Date
August 25, 2016
October 21, 2021
Camera Type
DSLR
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony a7 IV emerges as the winner with a score of 84/100, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV trails behind with a score of 75/100. Both cameras share the same basic specs, such as being released within the past decade and having a launch price above $2000.

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in several ways. As a mirrorless camera, it offers a compact and lightweight design, measuring 131 x 96 x 80mm and weighing only 659g. It also boasts a more recent release date of 2021, which means it may include updated technology and features. Additionally, its launch price of $2499 is more affordable than the Canon’s $3500 price tag.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, a DSLR, has a larger size of 151 x 116 x 76mm and weighs more at 890g. However, some photographers may prefer the heftier build and traditional DSLR design. Despite its lower score, the Canon camera still offers quality performance and reliability since its release in 2016.

Taking all these points into consideration, the Sony a7 IV is the superior choice due to its compact design, updated technology, and more affordable price. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains a viable option for those who prefer a DSLR and are willing to invest in a slightly older model.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 IV Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in optics, scoring 85 out of 100 compared to Canon’s 76. Both cameras share some common specs, such as a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and similar lens mounts (Sony FE for the a7 IV and Canon EF for the 5D Mark IV).

The Sony a7 IV excels with its higher megapixel count of 33, faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, and a more advanced processor, the Bionz XR. Furthermore, the a7 IV boasts a superior DXOMARK sensor score of 97, and offers image stabilization, providing sharper images and improved low-light performance.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a lower megapixel count of 30.4, slower shooting speed of 7 frames per second, and an older processor, the Digic 6+. Despite these drawbacks, the 5D Mark IV remains a reliable option, particularly for those already invested in the Canon ecosystem and familiar with its lens mount.

Considering the optics, the Sony a7 IV emerges as the winner, offering better image quality, faster performance, and image stabilization. While the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV falls short in these aspects, it still remains a viable choice for photographers committed to the Canon brand. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and brand loyalty, but the Sony a7 IV holds a clear advantage in optics.

Optics
Optics
76%
85%
Megapixels
30.4 MP
33 MP
Image Resolution
6720 x 4480 px
7008 x 4672 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
24 x 36 mm
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
7 fps
10 fps
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Sony E
Image Processor
Digic 6+
Bionz XR
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000
51,200
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
50
50
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
102400
204400
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
61
759
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentaprism)
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
N/A
3,686,400 dots

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 IV Video Performance

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Sony a7 IV both have a video score of 91/100, indicating that they offer comparable video capabilities. Both cameras feature 4K video resolution, a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, and built-in time-lapse functionality.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a slight advantage in terms of video dimensions, offering a maximum of 4096 x 2160 pixels compared to the Sony a7 IV’s 3840 x 2160 pixels. This means that the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV provides a slightly higher quality video output, which can be beneficial for professional videographers and filmmakers.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 IV does not have any clear advantages over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras offer the same maximum frame rate and time-lapse functionality, making them equally suitable for various video applications.

Considering the video capabilities of both cameras, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a small advantage due to its higher video dimensions. This may be an important factor for those who prioritize video quality in their work. However, the Sony a7 IV remains a strong contender, offering nearly identical video features at a competitive level. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on individual preferences and specific requirements for video projects.

Video
Video
91%
91%
Video
Max Video Resolution
4K
4K
Max Video Dimensions
4096 x 2160 px
3840 x 2160 px
Max Video Frame Rate
120 p
120 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MOV, MP4
MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 IV Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 IV wins the features comparison with a score of 83/100, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV scores 74/100. Both cameras share some common specs, such as touchscreen capability and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in several aspects. Its screen is a flip screen, providing flexibility when capturing images from different angles. This feature is absent in the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Moreover, the Sony a7 IV offers Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless pairing with other devices, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV lacks this feature. Although the Sony a7 IV’s screen size is smaller at 3 inches compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s 3.2 inches, the flip screen advantage makes it more versatile.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a higher screen resolution of 1,620,000 dots compared to the Sony a7 IV’s 1,040,000 dots, which translates to a clearer and crisper display. Additionally, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a GPS feature, allowing photographers to geotag their images, while the Sony a7 IV does not offer this functionality.

The Sony a7 IV’s higher feature score is justified by its versatility, thanks to the flip screen and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has its strengths, such as a higher screen resolution and GPS functionality. Both cameras cater to different user preferences, and the final decision will depend on the individual photographer’s priorities.

Features
Features
74%
83%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
TFT LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3.2"
3"
Screen Resolution
1,620,000 dots
1,040,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 IV Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in storage and battery, scoring 76/100 compared to the Canon’s 71/100. Both cameras possess two memory card slots, but the Sony a7 IV accepts CFexpress Type A and SD (UHS-II compatible) cards, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV uses SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) and Compact Flash cards.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a longer battery life of 900 shots, compared to the Sony a7 IV’s 580 shots. However, the Sony a7 IV offers USB charging, which the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV lacks. This feature makes the Sony a7 IV more convenient for on-the-go charging.

While the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a longer battery life, the Sony a7 IV’s USB charging capability and better storage compatibility contribute to its higher score. The choice between the two cameras depends on the user’s preference for battery life or charging convenience and memory card compatibility.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
71%
76%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash
CFexpress Type A, SD (UHS-II compatible)
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
LP-E6N
NP-FZ100
Battery Life
900 shots
580 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
91%
97%
Portrait (Color Depth)
24.8 bits
25.4 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
13.6 EVs
14.7 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
2995
3379
Scores

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 IV – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 IV Comparison image.

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