CameraReview

Sony a7 IV vs Sony a7R IVA — Which Is Better?

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

Sony a7 IV
Sony
Sony a7 IV
Mirrorless · 33 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
84
SCORE
$1,998
best of 6 retailers
Best Price →
✓ WINNER
Sony a7R IVA
Sony
Sony a7R IVA
Mirrorless · 61 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
85
SCORE
$1,999
best of 3 retailers
Best Price →
General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20212021
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
21/10/202107/04/2021
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 131 x 96 x 80 mm129 x 96 x 78 mm
Camera weight 659 g665 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
33 MP05061 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7008 x 46729504 x 6336
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.
23.8 x 35.635.7 x 23.8
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull 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 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 FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XRBionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
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.
512003003280000320003003280000
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.
20440030032800001024003003280000
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.
800080032000800080032000
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.
75903005670300
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 368640009900000576000009900000
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.
120 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, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265MPEG-4, MOV, H.264
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 LCDTFT 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.
1040000115000150000023600001150001500000
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 (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.
580 shots1505000670 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R IVA edges out the Sony a7 IV with a score of 85/100 compared to 84/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2021, with the a7R IVA announced on 07/04/2021 and the a7 IV on 10/21/2021. They share similar dimensions, with the a7R IVA measuring 129 x 96 x 78mm and the a7 IV at 131 x 96 x 80mm. The a7R IVA is slightly heavier at 665g, while the a7 IV weighs 659g.

The a7R IVA’s higher score reflects its superior performance in certain aspects, such as image quality and resolution. This makes it a better choice for photographers who prioritize high-quality images. On the other hand, the a7 IV is more budget-friendly, with a launch price of $2499 compared to the a7R IVA’s $3500. This makes it a more attractive option for those seeking a balance between performance and cost.

Considering these factors, the a7R IVA is the better option for photographers who prioritize image quality, while the a7 IV offers a more cost-effective solution with comparable performance.

Sony a7 IV vs a7R IVA Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 IV and the Sony a7R IVA both score 85/100 in optics, indicating that they are comparable in terms of lens and image quality. They share several key specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. Additionally, both cameras have a shooting speed of 10 frames per second.

The Sony a7R IVA has a higher resolution with 61 megapixels, compared to the Sony a7 IV’s 33 megapixels. This allows the a7R IVA to capture more detail in images, making it ideal for landscape and fine art photography. Furthermore, the a7R IVA’s sensor has a DXOMARK score of 99, two points higher than the a7 IV’s score of 97, indicating that it has slightly better overall image quality.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 IV has the advantage of a more advanced Bionz XR processor, which offers improved processing speeds and better noise reduction in low-light conditions. This makes the a7 IV more suitable for action and low-light photography. However, this advantage does not make it superior to the a7R IVA in terms of optics.

While both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, it is essential to consider the specific needs and preferences of the photographer. The Sony a7R IVA is better suited for those who require higher resolution and image quality, while the Sony a7 IV is more appropriate for photographers who value faster processing and better low-light performance. Ultimately, the choice depends on the individual’s priorities and intended use for the camera.

Sony a7 IV vs a7R IVA Video Performance

The Sony a7 IV and the Sony a7R IVA both have a video score of 91/100, which means that they perform at a similar level in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras offer 4K maximum video resolution with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, and a maximum video frame rate of 120fps. Additionally, both cameras have built-in time-lapse functionality.

Despite having the same video score, the Sony a7 IV is the better camera for video performance. The similarities in specifications between the two cameras do not indicate any significant differences, but the a7 IV provides a more efficient and user-friendly experience for videographers. The a7 IV’s advanced autofocus system and improved color science contribute to its superior video quality.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R IVA may have some advantages in terms of video capabilities, but these are not significant enough to surpass the a7 IV. The a7R IVA’s primary strength lies in its high-resolution sensor, which is more suitable for still photography rather than videography. This high-resolution sensor does not contribute to a better video performance compared to the a7 IV.

To conclude, both the Sony a7 IV and the Sony a7R IVA offer similar video specifications, with 4K resolution, 120fps frame rate, and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the a7 IV is the better camera for video performance due to its advanced autofocus system and improved color science. The a7R IVA’s high-resolution sensor is its main advantage, but this does not contribute to better video performance.

Sony a7 IV vs a7R IVA Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R IVA emerges as the winner with a feature score of 85/100, while the Sony a7 IV scores 83/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreens, flip screens, and the absence of GPS. Additionally, both cameras have WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities.

The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Sony a7 IV in screen resolution, with 2,360,000 dots compared to the latter’s 1,040,000 dots. This higher resolution offers clearer and more detailed image previews, making it easier for photographers to review their shots and make necessary adjustments.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 IV does not have any features that are distinctly better than the Sony a7R IVA. Both cameras possess similar functionalities, with only a slight difference in their overall feature scores.

To conclude, the Sony a7R IVA is the superior camera in terms of features, particularly in screen resolution. While the Sony a7 IV remains a strong contender, it does not offer any distinct advantages over its counterpart. Therefore, photographers who prioritize screen resolution and image clarity should opt for the Sony a7R IVA.

Sony a7 IV vs a7R IVA Storage and Battery

The Sony a7R IVA edges out the Sony a7 IV in storage and battery performance, scoring 79/100 compared to the a7 IV’s 76/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including two memory card slots, compatibility with UHS-II cards, NP-FZ100 batteries, and USB charging capabilities.

The a7R IVA’s advantage lies in its better battery life, providing 670 shots per charge compared to the a7 IV’s 580 shots. This longer battery life allows for extended shooting sessions without the need to swap batteries or recharge.

The a7 IV, however, supports the use of CFexpress Type A cards, in addition to SD cards. This gives users the flexibility to choose between different card types depending on their needs and preferences.

Considering these factors, the Sony a7R IVA’s longer battery life makes it the more reliable choice for extended shooting sessions. Meanwhile, the Sony a7 IV offers flexibility in storage options with its support for CFexpress Type A cards. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras depends on the user’s priorities in terms of battery life and storage preferences.

Sony a7 IV vs a7R IVA – Our Verdict

Sony a7 IV vs a7R IVA Comparison image.

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 IVA: