Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Canon | Sony |
| Model | EOS 5D Mark IV | a7 IV |
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 | 21/10/2021 |
| Camera type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 151 x 116 x 76 mm | 131 x 96 x 80 mm |
| Camera weight | 890 g | 659 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
30.4 MP050 | 33 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 | 7008 x 4672 |
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 | 23.8 x 35.6 |
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 | 10 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 E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Digic 6+ | 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 | 512003003280000 |
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 | 2044003003280000 |
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 | 800080032000 |
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 | 368640009900000 |
| 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 | 4K |
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 | 3840 x 2160 |
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 | MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265 |
| 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 | 10400001150001500000 |
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 | CFexpress Type A, SD (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 | 580 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✓ |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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 a7 IV: