Sony a7 IV vs a7R IV Comparison
Sony a7 IV
Sony a7R IV
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7 IV | a7R IV | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2021 | 2019 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 21, 2021 | July 16, 2019 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
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The Sony a7 IV and Sony a7R IV both scored 84/100, making them equally impressive mirrorless cameras. They share similarities in size and weight, with the a7 IV measuring 131 x 96 x 80mm and weighing 659g, while the a7R IV measures 129 x 96 x 78mm and weighs 665g.
The a7 IV, released in 2021, has a launch price of $2499, making it more affordable than the a7R IV, which was released in 2019 and has a launch price of $3500. This price difference gives the a7 IV an advantage for those on a budget.
On the other hand, the a7R IV’s release in 2019 means it has had more time on the market, potentially benefiting from firmware updates and a larger user base for support.
Both cameras excel in their respective areas, with the a7 IV being a more budget-friendly option and the a7R IV having a longer presence in the market. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on individual preferences and priorities.
Sony a7 IV vs a7R IV Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 IV and Sony a7R IV both score 85/100 in our optics comparison. These cameras share several key specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, 10 fps shooting speed, and image stabilization. Despite these similarities, there are notable differences in their performance.
The Sony a7R IV has a higher megapixel count at 61.2 compared to the Sony a7 IV’s 33 megapixels. This enables the a7R IV to capture more detail and produce higher-resolution images. Additionally, the a7R IV has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 99, compared to the a7 IV’s score of 97. This shows that the a7R IV’s sensor performs better in terms of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 IV has the advantage of a newer Bionz XR processor. This processor allows for faster and more efficient image processing, potentially resulting in improved performance in areas such as autofocus, noise reduction, and overall image quality.
Both cameras excel in their respective areas, with the Sony a7R IV offering superior image resolution and sensor performance, while the Sony a7 IV benefits from a more advanced processor. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual’s priorities and needs. Photographers seeking the highest possible image quality and resolution may prefer the a7R IV, while those who prioritize processing speed and efficiency might lean towards the a7 IV. Either way, both cameras offer impressive optics performance that is sure to satisfy a wide range of users.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 33 MP | 61.2 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. | 7008 x 4672 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. | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | 23.8 x 35.7 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. | 10 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 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 | |
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. | 51,200 | 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. | 204400 | 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/ 8000 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 | 425 | |
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 | 3,686,400 dots | 5,760,000 dots |
Sony a7 IV vs a7R IV Video Performance
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7R IV in video capabilities, earning a score of 91 out of 100, compared to the a7R IV’s score of 70. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Additionally, both models feature built-in time-lapse functionality, making them suitable for capturing stunning time-lapse sequences.
Despite these similarities, the Sony a7 IV surpasses the a7R IV in video performance, primarily due to its higher maximum video frame rate. The a7 IV can record at an impressive 120 frames per second (fps), enabling ultra-smooth slow-motion playback and more versatile creative options for videographers. This feature sets the a7 IV apart from the a7R IV, which only offers a maximum frame rate of 30fps.
While the a7R IV lags behind the a7 IV in terms of video frame rate, it may still be a suitable option for photographers who prioritize high-resolution still images over advanced video features. However, for those focused on capturing the best possible video quality, the a7 IV is the clear winner in this comparison.
Considering the significant difference in video scores and the superior frame rate offered by the Sony a7 IV, it is evident that this camera is better suited for videographers and those who require advanced video capabilities. On the other hand, the Sony a7R IV, while not a top performer in video, may still meet the needs of photographers focusing primarily on still images.
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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. |  4K | 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. | 3840 x 2160 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 | 30 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. | MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265 | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Sony a7 IV vs a7R IV Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 IV and Sony a7R IV both have a feature score of 83 out of 100, making them equally strong in terms of features. 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 IV stands out with its higher screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, compared to the Sony a7 IV’s 1,040,000 dots. This difference results in a sharper and clearer display on the a7R IV, allowing for better image preview and easier menu navigation.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 IV does not have any specific features that make it superior to the a7R IV. Both cameras have the same score and share most of their specifications, indicating that they perform similarly in terms of features.
Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a7R IV’s higher screen resolution makes it a better choice for those who prioritize display quality. However, since both cameras have the same feature score and share most specifications, the choice between the two may depend on other factors such as price, individual preferences, and specific use cases.
Given the equal feature scores and shared specifications, both the Sony a7 IV and Sony a7R IV are strong contenders in the camera market. While the a7R IV has a slight advantage in screen resolution, the choice between these two cameras ultimately depends on the user’s individual needs and preferences.
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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 | 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. | 1,040,000 dots | 1,440,000 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. |  | | |
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Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Sony a7 IV vs a7R IV Storage and Battery
The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7 IV in storage and battery, scoring 79/100 compared to the a7 IV’s 76/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including two memory card slots, NP-FZ100 batteries, and USB charging capabilities.
The a7R IV takes the lead with a longer battery life of 670 shots, 90 more than the a7 IV’s 580 shots. This advantage allows for more extended shooting sessions without needing to replace or recharge the battery. However, the a7 IV accepts both CFexpress Type A and SD (UHS-II compatible) memory cards, providing more flexibility in storage options. The a7R IV only accepts SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) memory cards.
Despite the a7 IV’s flexibility in memory card compatibility, the a7R IV’s superior battery life makes it the better choice for photographers who prioritize longer shooting times. The a7 IV, on the other hand, may appeal to those who value diverse storage options.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | CFexpress Type A, SD (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. | 580 shots | 670 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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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.' | 25.4 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.' | 14.7 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' | 3379 | 3344 |
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Scores
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Sony a7 IV vs a7R IV Alternatives
Still not ready to make a decision? Check out our other popular camera comparisons for inspiration:
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User Scores
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Sony a7 IV
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Sony a7R IV
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B&H photo video |
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