CameraReview

Sony a6600 vs Sony a7 IV — Which Is Better?

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

Sony a6600
Sony
Sony a6600
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · APS-C · 4K video
75
SCORE
$888
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7 IV
Sony
Sony a7 IV
Mirrorless · 33 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
84
SCORE
$1,998
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Best Price →
General
Brand SonySony
Model a6600a7 IV
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20192021
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
28/08/201921/10/2021
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 120 x 67 x 69 mm131 x 96 x 80 mm
Camera weight 503 g659 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP05033 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40007008 x 4672
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.
15.6 x 23.523.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CFull 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.
11 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.
Sony ESony E
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
503020010030200
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.
1024003003280000512003003280000
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.
50302005030200
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.
10240030032800002044003003280000
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.
400080032000800080032000
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.
42503007590300
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 235929609900000368640009900000
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.
4K4K
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 21603840 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 fps120 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, AVCHD, XAVC SMPEG-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 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"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
921600115000150000010400001150001500000
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, Memory Stick Pro DuoCFexpress Type A, SD (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FZ100NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
810 shots1505000580 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a6600 with a score of 84/100 compared to 75/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similarities in launch years, with the a6600 released in 2019 and the a7 IV in 2021. The a7 IV excels in its overall performance, justifying the higher launch price of $2499, while the a6600 has a more budget-friendly price of $1200.

The a7 IV is larger and heavier, measuring 131 x 96 x 80mm and weighing 659g, offering a more substantial build than the a6600, which measures 120 x 67 x 69mm and weighs 503g. This extra weight and size contribute to the a7 IV’s superior performance and features, making it a better choice for professional use. However, the a6600’s lighter and more compact design is advantageous for casual photographers and travelers who prioritize portability.

Considering these factors, the Sony a7 IV is the clear winner for those seeking top-notch performance, while the Sony a6600 offers a more budget-friendly and portable option for casual users.

Sony a6600 vs a7 IV Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a6600 in optics, scoring 85/100 compared to the a6600’s 76/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as CMOS sensor type, Sony lens mounts, and built-in image stabilization. However, the a7 IV shows superiority in various aspects, while the a6600 has its own advantages.

The Sony a7 IV boasts a higher megapixel count at 33, compared to the a6600’s 24.2, allowing for more detailed and higher resolution images. The a7 IV also features a Bionz XR processor, providing faster and more efficient processing capabilities than the a6600’s Bionz X processor. Furthermore, the a7 IV’s full-frame sensor size contributes to its impressive DXOMARK score of 97, significantly higher than the a6600’s APS-C sensor score of 82. This results in better low-light performance and dynamic range for the a7 IV.

On the other hand, the Sony a6600 has a slightly faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second, compared to the a7 IV’s 10. While this advantage is minimal, it might benefit those who require rapid continuous shooting for fast-moving subjects.

Considering these factors, the Sony a7 IV excels in image quality and processing performance, making it a superior choice for photographers seeking higher resolution and low-light capabilities. The Sony a6600, while slightly faster in continuous shooting, falls short in comparison to the a7 IV’s overall optical performance. Therefore, the a7 IV is the clear winner in this comparison, offering photographers a more advanced and versatile camera for capturing stunning images.

Sony a6600 vs a7 IV Video Performance

When comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a6600 and the Sony a7 IV, both cameras tie with a video score of 91/100. This equal score highlights their strong performance in capturing high-quality videos.

The Sony a6600 and the Sony a7 IV share some common specifications in their video capabilities. Both cameras offer a max video resolution of 4K and max video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. They also have built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software.

The Sony a7 IV surpasses the a6600 in one key aspect: its max video frame rate. With a frame rate of 120fps, the a7 IV provides smoother slow-motion footage and more flexibility in post-production compared to the a6600’s 100fps. This higher frame rate makes the a7 IV a more suitable choice for videographers who prioritize capturing fast-moving subjects or creating dramatic slow-motion effects.

On the other hand, the Sony a6600 does not have any notable advantages over the a7 IV in terms of video capabilities. The two cameras are evenly matched, with the a7 IV taking a slight lead due to its higher max video frame rate.

Considering the similarities in video features and the a7 IV’s edge in frame rate, both cameras are excellent choices for capturing high-quality video. However, those who require the smoothest slow-motion footage or need more flexibility in post-production may find the Sony a7 IV to be the better option.

Sony a6600 vs a7 IV Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 IV wins the features comparison with a score of 83/100, while the Sony a6600 scores 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications: a 3-inch screen, touchscreen capabilities, flip screen, no GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the a6600 in screen resolution, offering 1,040,000 dots compared to the a6600’s 921,600 dots. This higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image preview, which is beneficial for composing and reviewing shots.

The Sony a6600 does not surpass the a7 IV in any specific feature. However, it closely competes with the a7 IV, as evident from their similar scores. The a6600’s slightly lower score is not an indication of inferior quality but rather that it offers comparable features to the a7 IV.

Considering the specifications, the Sony a7 IV is the better camera in terms of features, primarily due to its higher screen resolution. On the other hand, the Sony a6600 is a worthy competitor that offers similar capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on individual preferences and priorities. For those who value a higher screen resolution, the Sony a7 IV is the clear winner. However, the Sony a6600 remains a strong contender for those who seek comparable features and might prioritize other factors, such as price or size, over screen resolution.

Sony a6600 vs a7 IV Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a6600 in storage and battery with a score of 76/100, compared to the a6600’s 48/100. Both cameras accept the NP-FZ100 battery type and offer USB charging capabilities.

The a7 IV surpasses the a6600 with two memory card slots, accepting both CFexpress Type A and UHS-II compatible SD cards. In contrast, the a6600 has only one memory card slot, limited to SD / SDHC / SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. This advantage allows the a7 IV users to store more data and switch between different card types.

However, the a6600 offers a longer battery life of 810 shots, while the a7 IV reaches 580 shots per charge. This difference benefits a6600 users in terms of extended shooting sessions without needing to recharge or replace the battery.

To conclude, the a7 IV excels in storage options with its dual memory card slots and versatile card compatibility. On the other hand, the a6600 provides a longer battery life, making it more suitable for extended shooting periods.

Sony a6600 vs a7 IV – Our Verdict

Sony a6600 vs a7 IV Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a6600 or the Sony a7 IV: