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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7R II Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

canon eos 5d mark iv
Winner!
75%

Sony a7R II

Sony A7R II camera image
70%
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
vs
Sony a7R II
Price
Brand
Canon
Sony
Model
EOS 5D Mark IV
a7R II
Released
2016
2015
Announcement Date
August 25, 2016
June 10, 2015
Camera Type
DSLR
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Sony a7R II with a score of 75/100 compared to 70/100. Both cameras were released in the mid-2010s, with the Canon 5D Mark IV launching in 2016 at $3500 and the Sony a7R II in 2015 at $3198. They share some common specifications, such as their full-frame sensors.

The Canon 5D Mark IV has the advantage of being a DSLR, which typically provides better battery life and faster autofocus performance. Additionally, it is slightly larger and heavier at 151 x 116 x 76mm and 890g, which may offer a more stable shooting experience for some users.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R II is a mirrorless camera, which makes it lighter and more compact at 127 x 96 x 60mm and 625g. This can be beneficial for photographers who prioritize portability and a smaller form factor.

Considering these factors, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV proves to be a more versatile and reliable camera for various shooting scenarios, while the Sony a7R II offers a more compact and lightweight option for those who value portability.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7R II Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R II outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in optics, scoring 81/100 compared to the Canon’s 76/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a full-frame CMOS sensor, which provides excellent image quality and low-light performance. They also share compatibility with their respective native lens mounts – Canon EF for the 5D Mark IV and Sony FE for the a7R II.

The Sony a7R II excels with its 42.4-megapixel resolution, allowing for more detailed images than the Canon’s 30.4 megapixels. Furthermore, the a7R II has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 98, compared to the 5D Mark IV’s 91, indicating superior image quality. The a7R II also features in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and improve handheld shooting.

On the other hand, the Canon 5D Mark IV has a faster shooting speed of 7 frames per second (fps) compared to the Sony’s 5 fps. This makes it better suited for action and sports photography. Its Digic 6+ processor also ensures fast performance and efficient handling of large image files.

Weighing the strengths and weaknesses of both cameras, the Sony a7R II stands out in optics with its higher resolution, better sensor performance, and image stabilization. However, the Canon 5D Mark IV offers advantages in shooting speed and processing power. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras should be based on the specific needs and priorities of the photographer.

Optics
Optics
76%
81%
Megapixels
30.4 MP
42.4 MP
Image Resolution
6720 x 4480 px
7952 x 5304 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
24 x 36 mm
24 x 35.9 mm
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
7 fps
5 fps
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Sony FE
Image Processor
Digic 6+
Bionz X
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000
25,600
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
50
50
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
102400
102400
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
61
399
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentaprism)
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
N/A
2,359,296 dots

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7R II Video Performance

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Sony a7R II in video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the Sony’s 56/100. Both cameras share common features, such as 4K video resolution. However, the Canon 5D Mark IV surpasses the Sony a7R II in several key aspects, leading to its higher score.

Firstly, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a higher maximum video dimension of 4096 x 2160, while the Sony a7R II’s maximum is 3840 x 2160. This difference allows the Canon to produce larger, more detailed videos. Additionally, the Canon boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the Sony’s 30fps. The higher frame rate enables the Canon to capture smoother, more professional-looking videos, particularly during fast-paced action or sports scenes.

Another advantage of the Canon 5D Mark IV is its built-in time-lapse functionality, which the Sony a7R II lacks. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software.

Despite these advantages, the Sony a7R II still has some merits. For instance, its lower score does not necessarily mean it is a poor camera for video capture. In fact, it offers 4K video resolution and may be sufficient for casual users or those with less demanding video requirements.

To sum up, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV clearly excels in video capabilities, making it a superior choice for videographers and professionals who require advanced features. On the other hand, the Sony a7R II, while not as impressive in this area, may still be suitable for users with less demanding video needs.

Video
Video
91%
56%
Video
Max Video Resolution
4K
4K
Max Video Dimensions
4096 x 2160 px
3840 x 2160 px
Max Video Frame Rate
120 p
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MOV, MP4
XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7R II Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the winner in the features comparison, with a score of 74/100, while the Sony a7R II scores 57/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as a WIFI connection and the absence of Bluetooth. However, the Canon camera excels in certain areas, making it the better choice in terms of features.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the Sony a7R II’s 3 inches. The Canon also has a higher screen resolution of 1,620,000 dots, compared to the Sony’s 1,228,800 dots. Furthermore, the Canon camera has a touchscreen, while the Sony does not. The presence of GPS in the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an advantage over the Sony a7R II, which lacks this feature.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R II has a flip screen, which the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV does not possess. This feature can be useful for photographers who need to take pictures from different angles. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits of the Canon camera.

In this comparison, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the better camera in terms of features. Its larger screen size, higher screen resolution, touchscreen, and GPS make it a more versatile and user-friendly option than the Sony a7R II. While the Sony camera has the advantage of a flip screen, it falls short in other areas, resulting in a lower overall score.

Features
Features
74%
57%
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
1,228,800 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7R II Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Sony a7R II in storage and battery, scoring 71/100 to Sony’s 16/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, with the Canon 5D Mark IV also supporting Compact Flash and the Sony a7R II accommodating Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. The 5D Mark IV offers two memory card slots, while the a7R II has only one.

A significant advantage of the Canon 5D Mark IV is its battery life, providing 900 shots per charge compared to the Sony a7R II’s 290 shots. The 5D Mark IV uses an LP-E6N battery, while the a7R II relies on an NP-FW50 battery. Neither camera offers USB charging.

In storage and battery performance, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV clearly surpasses the Sony a7R II with its longer battery life and additional memory card slot. Despite the a7R II’s compatibility with Memory Stick cards, it falls short in overall storage and battery capabilities.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
71%
16%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
LP-E6N
NP-FW50
Battery Life
900 shots
290 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
91%
98%
Portrait (Color Depth)
24.8 bits
26 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
13.6 EVs
13.9 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
2995
3434
Scores

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7R II – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7R II Comparison image.

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