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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7R IV Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

canon eos 5d mark iv
75%

Sony a7R IV

sony a7r iv
Winner!
84%
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
vs
Sony a7R IV
Price
Brand
Canon
Sony
Model
EOS 5D Mark IV
a7R IV
Released
2016
2019
Announcement Date
August 25, 2016
July 16, 2019
Camera Type
DSLR
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, scoring 84/100 compared to Canon’s 75/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as their $3500 launch price and being released in the mid-2010s. However, the Sony a7R IV has the advantage of being a mirrorless camera, which contributes to its smaller size (129 x 96 x 78mm) and lighter weight (665g) compared to the Canon’s DSLR build (151 x 116 x 76mm and 890g).

The Sony a7R IV’s higher score reflects its superior performance in terms of size and weight, making it more convenient for photographers. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s DSLR system may be preferable for those who enjoy the traditional feel and handling of such cameras. Ultimately, the Sony a7R IV stands out as the better choice for most users due to its compact design and higher score.

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

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in optics with a score of 85/100 compared to the Canon’s 76/100. Both cameras share common specifications such as a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and compatible lens mounts – Sony FE for the a7R IV and Canon EF for the 5D Mark IV.

The Sony a7R IV excels in several key areas. With 61.2 megapixels, it captures more detail than the Canon’s 30.4 megapixels. Additionally, the Sony has a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second (fps) compared to the Canon’s 7 fps. The a7R IV also has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 99, which is 8 points higher than the 5D Mark IV’s score of 91. Most importantly, the Sony a7R IV includes image stabilization, a feature that the Canon 5D Mark IV lacks.

On the other hand, the Canon 5D Mark IV has the advantage of a more extensive range of compatible lenses due to the well-established Canon EF lens mount. This gives photographers more flexibility and options when choosing lenses for their Canon camera.

In comparing the optics of both cameras, the Sony a7R IV takes the lead with its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, better DXOMARK sensor score, and the inclusion of image stabilization. While the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV offers a wider selection of lenses, it falls short in other key optical aspects. The Sony a7R IV emerges as the superior option for those seeking top-notch optical performance.

Optics
Optics
76%
85%
Megapixels
30.4 MP
61.2 MP
Image Resolution
6720 x 4480 px
9504 x 6336 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
24 x 36 mm
23.8 x 35.7 mm
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
7 fps
10 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
32,000
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
425
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentaprism)
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
N/A
5,760,000 dots

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

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV emerges as the winner in video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the Sony a7R IV’s score of 70/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Canon 5D Mark IV outperforms the Sony a7R IV in several aspects, while the Sony a7R IV has its own advantages as well.

The Canon 5D Mark IV has a higher maximum video dimension of 4096 x 2160, compared to the Sony a7R IV’s 3840 x 2160. This difference allows the Canon 5D Mark IV to produce videos with greater detail and clarity. Additionally, the Canon 5D Mark IV boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, significantly higher than the Sony a7R IV’s 30fps. This enables the Canon 5D Mark IV to capture smoother slow-motion videos, providing more flexibility for videographers.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R IV has some advantages despite its lower video score. While it may not excel in video dimensions or frame rate, it still produces high-quality 4K videos suitable for most videography needs. Furthermore, its built-in time-lapse functionality matches that of the Canon 5D Mark IV, allowing both cameras to create stunning time-lapse sequences.

Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV proves to be the superior camera in terms of video capabilities. Its higher video dimensions and frame rate allow for greater detail and smoothness in videos, making it an ideal choice for professional videographers. However, the Sony a7R IV remains a reliable option for those seeking high-quality 4K video and time-lapse features in a camera.

Video
Video
91%
70%
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
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4

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

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with a feature score of 83/100 compared to 74/100. Both cameras share a few specifications, such as a touchscreen, WIFI capabilities, and similar screen sizes – 3 inches for the Sony a7R IV and 3.2 inches for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. However, the Sony a7R IV excels in certain areas, making it the superior camera in this comparison.

The Sony a7R IV has a flip screen and Bluetooth connectivity, which the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV lacks. These features provide added convenience and flexibility for photographers, allowing for easier composition and seamless transfer of images. Despite having a slightly smaller screen, the Sony a7R IV still has a high screen resolution of 1440000 dots, only slightly lower than the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s 1620000 dots.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV does have some advantages over the Sony a7R IV, such as GPS functionality. This feature enables photographers to geotag their images, which can be useful for tracking locations and organizing photos. However, this advantage does not outweigh the benefits of the Sony a7R IV’s additional features.

Based on this comparison, the Sony a7R IV emerges as the better camera due to its higher feature score and additional features like the flip screen and Bluetooth connectivity. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV does offer GPS functionality, but it falls short in other areas, making the Sony a7R IV the more appealing option for photographers seeking a versatile and feature-rich camera.

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
1,440,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

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

The Sony a7R IV takes the lead with a storage and battery score of 79/100, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV trails behind with a score of 71/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots; however, the Sony a7R IV accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-II compatibility, while the Canon 5D Mark IV accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I compatibility and Compact Flash cards.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a longer battery life of 900 shots compared to the Sony a7R IV’s 670 shots. Despite this advantage, the Sony a7R IV offers USB charging, which the Canon 5D Mark IV lacks. This feature allows for more convenient charging options for the Sony a7R IV.

In terms of storage and battery, the Sony a7R IV emerges as the superior camera due to its UHS-II compatibility and USB charging feature. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a slightly better battery life, but its lack of USB charging makes it less versatile in comparison.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
71%
79%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
LP-E6N
NP-FZ100
Battery Life
900 shots
670 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
91%
99%
Portrait (Color Depth)
24.8 bits
26 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
13.6 EVs
14.8 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
2995
3344
Scores

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

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

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