Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Canon | Sony |
| Model | EOS R | a7 IV |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2018 | 2021 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
05/09/2018 | 21/10/2021 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 136 x 98 x 84 mm | 131 x 96 x 80 mm |
| Camera weight | 485 g | 659 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
30.3 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. |
8 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 RF | 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 8 | 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. |
400003003280000 | 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. |
56550300 | 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. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 369000009900000 | 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. |
3840 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. |
30 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. |
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 | 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. |
21000001150001500000 | 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-II compatible) | 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. |
370 shots1505000 | 580 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✓ |
The Sony a7 IV outshines the Canon EOS R with a score of 84/100, compared to Canon’s 74/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similarities in size and launch prices, with the Canon EOS R being slightly larger at 136 x 98 x 84mm and the Sony a7 IV at 131 x 96 x 80mm. The Canon EOS R is lighter, weighing 485g, while the Sony a7 IV weighs 659g.
The Sony a7 IV’s higher score reflects its superior performance and features. However, the Canon EOS R has its advantages, such as being lighter and having a lower launch price of $2300 compared to the Sony a7 IV’s $2499.
Considering both cameras’ specifications and scores, the Sony a7 IV is the clear winner in terms of performance and quality. The Canon EOS R, on the other hand, offers a more budget-friendly and lightweight option for those prioritizing cost and portability.
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Canon EOS R in optics with a score of 85/100 compared to Canon’s 73/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and similar lens mounts (Canon RF and Sony FE). However, there are key differences that contribute to the Sony a7 IV’s higher score.
The Sony a7 IV has a higher megapixel count at 33, compared to the Canon EOS R’s 30.3, providing more detailed and sharper images. Its shooting speed of 10 frames per second is also faster than the Canon EOS R’s 8 frames per second, allowing for better capture of fast-moving subjects. The Sony a7 IV’s Bionz XR processor offers improved performance and efficiency compared to the Canon EOS R’s Digic 8 processor. Additionally, the Sony a7 IV’s DXOMARK sensor score of 97 surpasses the Canon EOS R’s score of 89, indicating better overall image quality.
The Canon EOS R has certain advantages, although they are not enough to surpass the Sony a7 IV. Its RF lens mount supports a growing range of high-quality lenses. However, the Sony FE mount has a more extensive selection of lenses currently available.
One notable advantage of the Sony a7 IV is its in-body image stabilization, which the Canon EOS R lacks. This feature helps reduce camera shake and allows for sharper images, particularly in low-light situations or when using slower shutter speeds.
Taking all these factors into account, it is clear that the Sony a7 IV offers superior optics compared to the Canon EOS R. Its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, better processor, higher DXOMARK sensor score, and image stabilization contribute to its higher overall score. While the Canon EOS R has some merits, it falls short in comparison to the Sony a7 IV’s capabilities.
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Canon EOS R in video capabilities, with a score of 91/100 compared to the Canon’s 70/100. Both cameras offer 4K video resolution with a maximum dimension of 3840 x 2160, and both have built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Sony a7 IV has several advantages over the Canon EOS R, making it the superior choice for videographers.
One significant advantage of the Sony a7 IV is its higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the Canon EOS R’s 30fps. This allows the Sony a7 IV to capture smoother slow-motion footage, which is crucial for many video applications. The higher frame rate also provides more flexibility in post-production, as it enables users to slow down or speed up their footage without losing quality.
The Canon EOS R, on the other hand, has no significant advantages in video capabilities over the Sony a7 IV. Its lower video score and limited frame rate make it a less suitable choice for videographers who prioritize high-quality video performance.
To sum up, the Sony a7 IV is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities. Its higher score reflects its superior performance, particularly its higher maximum video frame rate. While both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality, the Sony a7 IV’s additional capabilities make it the better choice for those seeking a camera with strong video performance. Conversely, the Canon EOS R falls short in this area, making it less desirable for videographers who require advanced video features.
The Canon EOS R takes the lead in features with a score of 87/100, while the Sony a7 IV trails behind with a score of 83/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as touchscreen capabilities, flip screens, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Canon EOS R outshines the Sony a7 IV in certain aspects, making it the winner in this comparison.
The Canon EOS R boasts a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, compared to the Sony a7 IV’s 3-inch screen. This difference allows for a more enjoyable and comfortable viewing experience when composing and reviewing images. Additionally, the Canon EOS R has a higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots, nearly double the Sony a7 IV’s 1,040,000 dots, providing a clearer and more detailed display.
While the Canon EOS R holds an advantage in screen size and resolution, the Sony a7 IV still has its merits. Both cameras have touchscreen capabilities, flip screens, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity, making them equally convenient and versatile for various shooting situations. These shared specifications ensure that both cameras offer a good user experience and cater to the needs of modern photographers.
In comparing the Canon EOS R and Sony a7 IV in terms of features, the Canon EOS R emerges as the better option due to its larger screen size and higher screen resolution. However, the Sony a7 IV remains a strong contender with its shared specifications, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize other aspects of a camera. Ultimately, the decision between these two cameras will depend on individual preferences and priorities.
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Canon EOS R in storage and battery, scoring 76 points compared to Canon’s 35 points. Both cameras accept UHS-II compatible SD cards and offer USB charging. However, the Sony a7 IV has two memory card slots, supporting CFexpress Type A and SD cards, while the Canon EOS R has only one slot for SD cards.
The Sony a7 IV also boasts a longer battery life, providing 580 shots per charge with its NP-FZ100 battery. In contrast, the Canon EOS R delivers 370 shots using the LP-E6N battery. Although the Canon EOS R falls short in storage and battery life, it is still a reliable camera for casual photographers.
Considering the differences, the Sony a7 IV is a better choice for professionals and enthusiasts who require more storage options and longer battery life. The Canon EOS R remains a suitable option for those with less demanding storage and battery needs.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS R or the Sony a7 IV: