Sony a7 II vs a7 IV Comparison

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7 II with a score of 84/100 compared to 69/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a7 IV being slightly larger and heavier. They also have the same launch prices when adjusted for inflation.

The a7 IV excels with its more recent release date in 2021, offering updated technology and features. The a7 II, released in 2014, still holds its own with a lower launch price of $1600, making it a more budget-friendly option.

When comparing these cameras, the Sony a7 IV proves to be the better choice due to its higher score and advanced features. However, the Sony a7 II remains a solid option for those on a tighter budget.

Sony a7 II vs a7 IV Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7 II in optics with a score of 85/100 compared to 78/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. They also have compatible lens mounts: the Sony a7 II with Sony E and the Sony a7 IV with Sony FE.

The Sony a7 IV has a clear advantage with its 33-megapixel resolution, significantly higher than the Sony a7 II’s 24.2 megapixels. This increase in resolution translates to more detailed images and better cropping flexibility. Additionally, the a7 IV boasts a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, doubling the a7 II’s 5 frames per second. This improvement is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects or action shots. Furthermore, the a7 IV has a more advanced Bionz XR processor and a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 97, compared to the a7 II’s Bionz X processor and sensor score of 90. These factors contribute to the a7 IV’s superior image quality and processing capabilities.

Though the Sony a7 II falls short in some areas, it still holds its ground as a reliable camera with solid optics. Its 24.2-megapixel resolution and 5 frames per second shooting speed are sufficient for most photography needs, and its full-frame sensor and image stabilization remain competitive features.

When comparing the optics of these two cameras, the Sony a7 IV emerges as the winner due to its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and improved processing and sensor performance. However, the Sony a7 II remains a viable option for those seeking a more affordable camera with adequate capabilities.

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7 II in video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to the a7 II’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, but the a7 IV has more advanced features, making it the better choice for videographers.

The Sony a7 II and a7 IV both have Full HD video resolution. However, the a7 IV goes beyond this by offering 4K video resolution, with max video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. This is a significant improvement over the a7 II’s max dimensions of 1920 x 1080, allowing for more detailed and higher-quality footage. Additionally, the a7 IV has a higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the a7 II’s 60fps. This enables smoother slow-motion video and better overall performance in capturing fast-moving subjects.

Furthermore, the Sony a7 IV has built-in time-lapse functionality, a feature that is absent in the a7 II. This allows for easy creation of stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software, making it a more versatile option for videographers.

While the Sony a7 II may be more affordable and sufficient for casual video shooters, its video performance falls short when compared to the a7 IV. The a7 IV’s superior video resolution, frame rate, and time-lapse capabilities make it the clear winner in terms of video performance.

Considering these factors, the Sony a7 IV is the better choice for those seeking advanced video capabilities and improved performance. The a7 II may still be suitable for those with more modest video needs, but for filmmakers and videographers looking to create high-quality content, the a7 IV is the superior option.

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7 II in features with a score of 83/100 compared to the latter’s 57/100. Both cameras share some specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the absence of GPS.

The Sony a7 IV excels in several aspects, making it a better choice for those seeking advanced features. The a7 IV boasts a touchscreen, which significantly enhances user experience and control. The touchscreen allows for faster and more intuitive adjustments, making it a valuable addition. Moreover, the Sony a7 IV includes Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless communication with other devices and accessories.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a higher screen resolution of 1,230,000 dots compared to the a7 IV’s 1,040,000 dots. This results in a sharper display, which can be beneficial for reviewing images and videos on the camera. However, this advantage does not outweigh the additional features that the a7 IV offers.

The Sony a7 IV emerges as a superior camera due to its enhanced features, such as a touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. These additions provide better user experience and improved compatibility with other devices. Meanwhile, the Sony a7 II’s higher screen resolution does not compensate for its lack of advanced features. Therefore, the Sony a7 IV is the clear winner in terms of features, making it a more suitable choice for photographers seeking an upgrade or a versatile, feature-rich camera.

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7 II in storage and battery, with a score of 76/100 compared to the a7 II’s 35/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, as well as Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo. However, the a7 IV has two memory card slots and is compatible with CFexpress Type A and UHS-II SD cards, giving it an advantage in storage flexibility.

In terms of battery life, the a7 IV lasts for 580 shots, while the a7 II’s battery life is limited to 350 shots. The a7 IV uses the NP-FZ100 battery, an upgrade from the a7 II’s NP-FW50.

Despite its lower score, the a7 II remains a viable option for those seeking a more budget-friendly camera without the need for extensive storage or battery capabilities. However, for photographers requiring extended usage and storage options, the Sony a7 IV is the clear winner in this comparison.

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

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