CameraReview

Canon EOS R5 C vs Sony a7R IV — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

✓ WINNER
Canon EOS R5 C
Canon
Canon EOS R5 C
Mirrorless · 45 MP · Full Frame · 8K video
87
SCORE
$2,999
best of 3 retailers
Best Price →
Sony a7R IV
Sony
Sony a7R IV
Mirrorless · 61.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
84
SCORE
$2,481.26
best of 4 retailers
Best Price →
General
Brand CanonSony
Model EOS R5 Ca7R IV
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20222019
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
19/01/202216/07/2019
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 142 x 101 x 111 mm129 x 96 x 78 mm
Camera weight 770 g665 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
45 MP05061.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
8192 x 54649504 x 6336
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 3623.8 x 35.7
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull 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.
20 fps04510 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 RFSony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic XBionz X
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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
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.
512003003280000320003003280000
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.
100302005030200
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.
10240030032800001024003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
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.
800080032000800080032000
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.
105303004250300
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 576000009900000576000009900000
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.
8K4K
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.
8192 x 43203840 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 fps30 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.
MPEG-4, XF-AVC, MOVXAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4
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 LCDLCD
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.
2100000115000150000014400001150001500000
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 (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress BSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E6NHNP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
320 shots1505000670 shots1505000
USB charging

The Canon EOS R5 C outperforms the Sony a7R IV with a score of 87/100 compared to Sony’s 84/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and have similar dimensions, with the Canon being slightly larger and heavier. The Canon EOS R5 C was released in 2022, while the Sony a7R IV was launched in 2019.

The Canon EOS R5 C excels with its higher score and more recent release, offering advanced features and improved performance. However, the Sony a7R IV has the advantage of being lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around. Additionally, the Sony camera is more affordable, with a launch price of $3500 compared to Canon’s $4499.

Considering these points, the Canon EOS R5 C is the superior camera in terms of performance and features, while the Sony a7R IV offers a more budget-friendly and portable option for photographers.

Canon EOS R5 C vs Sony a7R IV Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS R5 C outperforms the Sony a7R IV in optics, scoring 88/100 compared to Sony’s 85/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a full-frame CMOS sensor, image stabilization, and similar lens mounts with the Canon RF and Sony FE.

The Canon EOS R5 C surpasses the Sony a7R IV in several areas. With a shooting speed of 20 frames per second (fps), it doubles the Sony’s 10 fps, making it better suited for fast-action photography. The Canon’s Digic X processor is also more advanced than the Sony’s Bionz X, contributing to the camera’s overall performance and speed. Despite having a slightly lower DXOMARK score (97) for the sensor compared to the Sony (99), the Canon’s other superior features compensate for this difference.

However, the Sony a7R IV holds an advantage in terms of megapixels, boasting a 61.2-megapixel sensor compared to the Canon’s 45 megapixels. This allows the Sony to capture more detail and produce higher resolution images, which may be preferable for photographers who prioritize image quality over speed.

In comparing the optics of the Canon EOS R5 C and the Sony a7R IV, the Canon emerges as the winner due to its faster shooting speed and superior processor. While the Sony a7R IV has a higher megapixel count, the Canon’s overall performance makes it a better choice for most photographers. The Sony may still be a viable option for those who prioritize image resolution, but the Canon EOS R5 C provides a more well-rounded and versatile photographic experience.

Canon EOS R5 C vs Sony a7R IV Video Performance

The Canon EOS R5 C outperforms the Sony a7R IV in video capabilities, scoring 100/100 compared to the Sony’s 70/100. Both cameras share some common video features, such as built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Canon EOS R5 C is superior in several key aspects.

The Canon EOS R5 C boasts a maximum video resolution of 8K, while the Sony a7R IV offers only 4K. This difference in resolution means the R5 C captures videos with significantly more detail and clarity. The Canon’s video dimensions are 8192 x 4320, compared to the Sony’s 3840 x 2160. This larger video dimension contributes to the R5 C’s ability to produce higher-quality videos.

Another advantage of the Canon EOS R5 C is its maximum video frame rate of 120fps. This is far superior to the Sony a7R IV’s 30fps, allowing the R5 C to record smoother and more fluid videos, especially in fast-paced or action-packed situations.

The Sony a7R IV, while not as powerful in video capabilities as the Canon EOS R5 C, still offers solid performance for those seeking a camera with 4K video and time-lapse functionality. Its 70/100 video score indicates that it is a capable camera for most users but may not satisfy those looking for higher video performance.

The Canon EOS R5 C is the clear winner in video capabilities, offering superior resolution, dimensions, and frame rate. While the Sony a7R IV provides adequate performance for many users, those seeking top-notch video quality will find the R5 C to be the better choice.

Canon EOS R5 C vs Sony a7R IV Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS R5 C wins the features comparison with a score of 87/100, while the Sony a7R IV scores 83/100. Both cameras share multiple specifications, including touchscreen capabilities, flip screens, absence of GPS, and the presence of WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Canon EOS R5 C excels with a larger screen size of 3.2 inches and a higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots. This advantage provides users with a clearer and more detailed display for image and video review. The larger screen size also enhances the user experience, allowing for easier navigation through menus and settings.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R IV has a smaller screen size of 3 inches and a lower screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots. While this is still a high-quality display, it falls short when compared to the Canon EOS R5 C. Despite this, the Sony a7R IV remains a strong competitor and may offer other advantages, such as a more compact design or a lower price point.

Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, but the Canon EOS R5 C takes the lead in terms of features. The larger screen size and higher resolution contribute to a superior user experience and image review process. However, the Sony a7R IV should not be dismissed, as it may provide other benefits depending on an individual’s preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific requirements and priorities of the user.

Canon EOS R5 C vs Sony a7R IV Storage and Battery

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Canon EOS R5 C in storage and battery, scoring 79/100 compared to the Canon’s 68/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as two memory card slots and compatibility with USB charging. However, the Sony a7R IV has a significantly longer battery life of 670 shots, while the Canon EOS R5 C only offers 320 shots. This advantage makes the Sony a7R IV more suitable for extended shooting sessions.

The Canon EOS R5 C does have a slight edge in memory card compatibility, accepting both SD (UHS-II compatible) and CFexpress B cards. In contrast, the Sony a7R IV only accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC (UHS-II compatible) cards. This difference may benefit some users who prefer CFexpress B cards for their workflow.

Despite the Canon EOS R5 C’s memory card advantage, the Sony a7R IV’s superior battery life makes it the better choice for photographers who prioritize longer shooting times. The Canon EOS R5 C is still a solid option for those who value CFexpress B card compatibility.

Canon EOS R5 C vs Sony a7R IV – Our Verdict

Canon EOS R5 C vs Sony a7R IV Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS R5 C or the Sony a7R IV: