Sony a1 vs a7R IVA Comparison
Sony a1
Sony a7R IVA
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a1 | a7R IVA | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2021 | 2021 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 26, 2021 | April 07, 2021 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
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Camera Weight |
The Sony a1 takes the lead with a score of 86/100, while the Sony a7R IVA follows closely with 85/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2021, sharing similar dimensions with the a1 measuring 129 x 97 x 81mm and the a7R IVA at 129 x 96 x 78mm.
The a1 shines with its higher score and a launch price of $6499, reflecting its superior features. It is slightly heavier at 737g, which could indicate a more robust build. On the other hand, the a7R IVA has a lower launch price of $3500 and a lighter weight of 665g, making it a more budget-friendly and portable option.
Considering their scores and specifications, the Sony a1 is the better camera for those seeking top-of-the-line features, while the Sony a7R IVA offers great performance at a more affordable price.
Sony a1 vs a7R IVA Overview and Optics
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a7R IVA in optics with a score of 89/100 compared to the a7R IVA’s 85/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, Full Frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.
The Sony a1 possesses a superior shooting speed of 30, whereas the a7R IVA has a shooting speed of 10. This significant difference allows the a1 to capture fast-moving subjects and to deliver better performance in action and sports photography. Additionally, the a1 features a Dual Bionz XR processor, providing faster processing and improved image quality compared to the a7R IVA’s Bionz X processor.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R IVA boasts a higher megapixel count of 61 compared to the a1’s 50.1 megapixels. This advantage enables the a7R IVA to capture more intricate details and produce larger prints. However, the a1’s DXOMARK score for the sensor is slightly lower at 98 compared to the a7R IVA’s 99, indicating that the difference in image quality may not be substantial.
Considering these aspects, the Sony a1 emerges as the better camera in terms of optics due to its faster shooting speed and advanced processor. The Sony a7R IVA, though offering a higher megapixel count, falls short in other areas that contribute to overall optical performance. Thus, the Sony a1’s higher score reflects its superiority in delivering better results for various photography situations.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 50.1 MP | 61 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 8640 x 5760 px | 9504 x 6336 px | |
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 35.9 mm | 35.7 x 23.8 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 30 fps | 10 fps | |
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. | Sony FE | Sony FE | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Dual Bionz XR | Bionz 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. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 32,000 | 32,000 | |
Minimum 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. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum 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. | 102400 | 102400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 32000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
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. | 759 | 567 | |
In-body Stabilization 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 Resolution | 9,437,184 dots | 5,760,000 dots |
Sony a1 vs a7R IVA Video Performance
The Sony a7R IVA comes out on top with a video score of 91/100, while the Sony a1 scores 86/100. Both cameras share key video features, including a maximum video frame rate of 120fps. However, their respective video resolutions and dimensions, as well as time-lapse functionality, set them apart.
The Sony a1 surpasses the a7R IVA in terms of video resolution, offering 8K capabilities with dimensions of 7680 x 4320. This higher resolution provides greater detail and a more immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Sony a7R IVA has a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160. Although this resolution is lower than the a1’s, it is still sufficient for most professional applications.
Despite its lower resolution, the Sony a7R IVA scores higher in video capabilities due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for external accessories or software. The Sony a1, unfortunately, lacks this built-in time-lapse functionality, which may be a drawback for some users.
To sum up, the Sony a1 boasts a superior video resolution, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the highest possible image quality. However, the Sony a7R IVA’s built-in time-lapse feature gives it an edge in video capabilities, earning it a higher score. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on one’s specific needs and preferences, whether it be higher resolution or time-lapse capabilities.
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Video
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  8K |  4K | |
Max Video Dimensions 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. | 7680 x 4320 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
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 p | 120 p | |
Time-Lapse 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. | LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 16bit), LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 24bit), LPCM 4ch(48 kHz 24bit), MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch | MPEG-4, MOV, H.264 |
Sony a1 vs a7R IVA Features and Benefits
The Sony a7R IVA wins the features comparison with a score of 85/100, while the Sony a1 scores 83/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capability, flip screen, absence of GPS, and the presence of WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Sony a1 in terms of screen resolution, boasting a higher resolution of 2,360,000 dots compared to the a1’s 1,440,000 dots. This higher resolution provides the a7R IVA with a clearer and more detailed display, which is advantageous for photographers when composing shots and reviewing images.
On the other hand, the Sony a1 has its own strengths despite its slightly lower feature score. The camera’s performance in other categories, such as general specifications, optics, and video, may surpass the a7R IVA. However, this comparison focuses solely on features, and the a1 does not outperform the a7R IVA in this regard.
In determining the better camera based on features, the Sony a7R IVA emerges as the winner due to its superior screen resolution. This advantage enhances the user experience by providing a clearer display for composing and reviewing images. However, it is essential to consider other aspects, such as general specifications, optics, and video capabilities, when choosing between the two cameras.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 | TFT 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" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,440,000 dots | 2,360,000 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Sony a1 vs a7R IVA Storage and Battery
The Sony a7R IVA wins in the storage and battery category with a score of 79/100, while the Sony a1 scores 73/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and support USB charging. They also share the same battery type, NP-FZ100.
The a7R IVA outperforms the a1 in battery life, providing 670 shots per charge compared to the a1’s 530 shots. This longer battery life allows photographers to capture more images without needing to recharge or swap batteries, proving advantageous for extended shooting sessions.
The Sony a1, however, accepts both SD and CFexpress Type A memory cards, while the a7R IVA only accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The CFexpress Type A compatibility offers faster read and write speeds, enhancing the a1’s performance during high-speed continuous shooting and 8K video recording.
Despite this advantage, the Sony a7R IVA remains superior in storage and battery performance due to its longer battery life. The a1’s added memory card compatibility is beneficial for specific shooting scenarios but does not outweigh the a7R IVA’s overall storage and battery advantage.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD,CFexpress Type A (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 530 shots | 670 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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Photography Genre
Graded from the first-hand experience of one of our writers |
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Beginner Friendly | 
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Portrait | 
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Landscape | 
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Sports and Action | 
| N/A | |
Street | 
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Value for Money | 
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 25.9 bits | 26 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.5 EVs | 14.8 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 3163 | 3344 |
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Scores
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Sony a1
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Sony a7R IVA
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Alternatives to the Sony a1 and a7R IVA
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a1 or the Sony a7R IVA:
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User Scores
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Sony a1
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Sony a7R IVA
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