Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Model | a7 IV | a7R II |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2021 | 2015 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
21/10/2021 | 10/06/2015 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 131 x 96 x 80 mm | 127 x 96 x 60 mm |
| Camera weight | 659 g | 625 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
33 MP050 | 42.4 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
7008 x 4672 | 7952 x 5304 |
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. |
23.8 x 35.6 | 24 x 35.9 |
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. |
10 fps045 | 5 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 E | Sony FE |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
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 |
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. |
512003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
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. |
2044003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
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. |
7590300 | 3990300 |
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 | 368640009900000 | 235929609900000 |
| 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. |
120 fps | 30 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, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265 | XAVCS, AVCHD, 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 | 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" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10400001150001500000 | 12288001150001500000 |
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 | CFexpress Type A, SD (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✗ |
| Battery type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
580 shots1505000 | 290 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✗ |
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7R II with a score of 84/100 compared to 70/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a7 IV measuring 131 x 96 x 80mm and the a7R II at 127 x 96 x 60mm. They also have comparable weights, with the a7 IV weighing 659g and the a7R II at 625g.
The a7 IV has the advantage of being a more recent release, hitting the market in 2021, while the a7R II debuted in 2015. This gives the a7 IV the benefit of newer technology and features. Additionally, the a7 IV has a lower launch price of $2499, compared to the a7R II’s original price of $3198.
The a7R II, however, is slightly lighter and more compact than the a7 IV, making it a better option for those seeking a more portable camera. Despite these advantages, the a7 IV’s higher score and more recent release make it the superior choice for most photographers.
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7R II in optics, scoring 85/100 compared to the latter’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. These common features contribute to the high-quality performance of both cameras.
The Sony a7 IV surpasses the a7R II due to its faster shooting speed of 10 fps, compared to the a7R II’s 5 fps. This higher speed allows for better action and sports photography. Additionally, the a7 IV has a more advanced Bionz XR processor, which enhances image processing, autofocus, and overall camera performance. Although the a7 IV has a lower DXOMARK score (97) than the a7R II (98), the difference is minimal and not significant enough to impact the overall optics performance.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R II has a higher megapixel count of 42.4 compared to the a7 IV’s 33. This increased resolution enables the a7R II to capture more detail, making it more suitable for landscape and studio photography where intricate details are crucial. However, this advantage comes at the cost of slower shooting speed.
In comparing the optics of these two cameras, the Sony a7 IV emerges as the winner due to its faster shooting speed and advanced processor, making it more versatile and suitable for various photography styles. The Sony a7R II, with its higher megapixel count, excels in detail-oriented photography but may not be the best choice for action or sports photography. Therefore, the choice between these cameras depends on the specific needs and priorities of the photographer.
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7R II in video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the a7R II’s 56/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as 4K max video resolution and 3840 x 2160 max video dimensions. However, the a7 IV has distinct advantages that contribute to its higher score.
The winning camera, the a7 IV, boasts a max video frame rate of 120fps, which is significantly higher than the a7R II’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother, more detailed slow-motion footage, giving users more creative options when capturing video. Additionally, the a7 IV has built-in time-lapse functionality, providing an extra feature for photographers and videographers to utilize in their projects.
On the other hand, the a7R II does not offer any specific advantages in video capabilities compared to the a7 IV. The lower score of 56/100 signifies that the a7R II falls short in delivering the same level of performance in video recording as the a7 IV.
Considering the higher video score and the additional features offered by the Sony a7 IV, it is the superior choice for videographers and photographers who prioritize video capabilities. The a7 IV’s higher frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality provide more creative options and better performance, making it the clear winner in this comparison. The Sony a7R II, while still offering 4K resolution, does not match the a7 IV in terms of video capabilities and would not be the ideal choice for those seeking advanced video features.
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7R II in features with a score of 83/100 compared to 57/100. Both cameras share some specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, absence of GPS, and WIFI connectivity. However, the Sony a7 IV has advantages over the a7R II that contribute to its higher score.
The Sony a7 IV is superior because it has a touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. A touchscreen allows for easier navigation and control, while Bluetooth enables seamless connection with other devices. These features enhance the user experience and provide additional functionality compared to the Sony a7R II.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R II has a higher screen resolution at 1,228,800 dots, compared to the a7 IV’s 1,040,000 dots. This results in a slightly sharper display, potentially offering a better view of images and videos. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits of the a7 IV’s additional features.
To conclude, the Sony a7 IV is the better camera in terms of features due to its touchscreen and Bluetooth capabilities. These aspects provide an improved user experience and increased functionality. Although the Sony a7R II has a slightly higher screen resolution, it lacks the additional features that make the a7 IV a superior choice.
The Sony a7 IV surpasses the Sony a7R II in storage and battery, scoring 76/100 compared to the a7R II’s 16/100. Both cameras share compatibility with SD memory cards and the option to use multiple memory card types. However, the a7 IV outperforms the a7R II by offering two memory card slots and supporting CFexpress Type A cards in addition to SD (UHS-II compatible) cards.
The a7 IV also excels in battery life, providing 580 shots with its NP-FZ100 battery, while the a7R II only allows for 290 shots using the NP-FW50 battery. Furthermore, the a7 IV has the advantage of USB charging, which the a7R II lacks.
The a7R II does not offer any clear advantages in storage and battery over the a7 IV. With greater memory card flexibility, longer battery life, and USB charging capabilities, the Sony a7 IV proves to be the superior choice in terms of storage and battery performance.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 IV or the Sony a7R II: