CameraReview

Sony a7 IV vs Sony a9 — Which Is Better?

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

✓ 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 →
Sony a9
Sony
Sony a9
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
80
SCORE
$1,698
best of 4 retailers
Best Price →
General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20212017
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
21/10/202119/04/2017
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 131 x 96 x 80 mm127 x 96 x 63 mm
Camera weight 659 g673 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
33 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7008 x 46726000 x 4000
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 35.623.8 x 35.6
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 fps04520 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.
512003003280000512003003280000
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.
20440030032800002048003003280000
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.
75903006930300
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 368640009900000368640009900000
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 fps30 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.265XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, 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 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.
1040000115000150000014400001150001500000
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 shots1505000650 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a9 with a score of 84/100 compared to 80/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a7 IV measuring 131 x 96 x 80mm and the a9 at 127 x 96 x 63mm. The a7 IV is slightly lighter at 659g, while the a9 weighs 673g.

Released in 2021, the Sony a7 IV has the advantage of being a newer model, and its launch price of $2499 is more affordable than the a9’s $4500 price tag from 2017. The a7 IV’s higher score reflects its improved features and better value for money.

However, the Sony a9 still has its merits. It is a bit more compact in depth, which can be beneficial for some users. Despite the score difference, both cameras offer impressive performance, and the choice between them depends on individual preferences and budget.

Sony a7 IV vs a9 Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 IV wins in the optics comparison with a score of 85/100, while the Sony a9 scores 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including the CMOS sensor type, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a9 in certain aspects. It has a higher megapixel count of 33, compared to the a9’s 24.2 megapixels, resulting in more detailed images. The a7 IV also has a superior processor, the Bionz XR, which enables faster image processing and better performance in low-light conditions. Additionally, the a7 IV has a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 97, compared to the a9’s score of 92, indicating better overall image quality.

On the other hand, the Sony a9 has a faster shooting speed of 20 frames per second (fps) compared to the a7 IV’s 10 fps. This makes the a9 a better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects and action photography.

Considering these points, the Sony a7 IV excels in image quality, detail, and low-light performance, making it an ideal choice for photographers who prioritize these aspects. The Sony a9, while having a lower score, is still an excellent camera, particularly for action photography and situations where a fast shooting speed is crucial.

Thus, the choice between the Sony a7 IV and Sony a9 depends on the photographer’s priorities and the type of photography they engage in. The a7 IV is the winner in terms of optics, but the a9 should not be overlooked for its fast shooting speed capabilities.

Sony a7 IV vs a9 Video Performance

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a9 in video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the a9’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common video features, such as 4K video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. However, the a7 IV has significant advantages over the a9, making it the clear winner in this comparison.

The a7 IV’s higher video score is due to its impressive maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which is four times faster than the a9’s 30fps. This allows the a7 IV to capture smooth slow-motion footage, providing greater creative possibilities for videographers. Additionally, the a7 IV has built-in time-lapse functionality, enabling users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software.

On the other hand, the Sony a9 does not offer any significant advantages in video capabilities over the a7 IV. Its lower video score and limited frame rate make it less versatile for video applications. The lack of built-in time-lapse functionality further limits its appeal to videographers.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 IV is the superior choice for video capabilities. Its higher video score, faster frame rate, and built-in time-lapse functionality make it a more versatile and powerful option for those looking to capture high-quality video content. In contrast, the Sony a9 falls short in this area, lacking key features that would appeal to videographers and offering no notable advantages over the a7 IV.

Sony a7 IV vs a9 Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 IV and Sony a9 both have a feature score of 83/100, making them equal in this aspect. They share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen, touchscreen functionality, flip screen, GPS absence, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity. Despite the identical scores, there are differences between the two cameras that could influence a buyer’s decision.

The Sony a9 has a superior screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots compared to the Sony a7 IV’s 1,040,000 dots. This difference means the Sony a9 offers clearer and more detailed images on its screen, providing a better user experience when reviewing photos or framing shots.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 IV does not have any specific feature that makes it better than the Sony a9. Given that both cameras have the same feature score and share most specifications, the higher screen resolution of the Sony a9 is the primary distinguishing factor between the two.

Considering the shared specifications and equal feature scores, both cameras are suitable for photographers who value touchscreens, flip screens, and wireless connectivity options. The Sony a9’s higher screen resolution may appeal to users who prioritize image clarity and detail on their camera’s screen. However, without any significant advantages, the Sony a7 IV remains on par with the Sony a9, making the final choice a matter of personal preference and budget.

Sony a7 IV vs a9 Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a9 in storage and battery with a score of 76/100, compared to the a9’s 65/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including two memory card slots, compatibility with UHS-II cards, and the NP-FZ100 battery type.

The a7 IV is superior due to its support for CFexpress Type A cards in addition to SD cards, which allows for faster data transfer and larger storage capacities. Additionally, the a7 IV offers USB charging, providing convenience and flexibility when charging the camera’s battery.

On the other hand, the Sony a9 has a longer battery life of 650 shots, compared to the a7 IV’s 580 shots. This advantage may be beneficial for photographers who require extended shooting time without recharging.

Taking these points into account, the Sony a7 IV stands out in storage and battery performance, mainly due to its compatibility with CFexpress Type A cards and USB charging capability. However, the Sony a9’s extended battery life is a notable strength for those prioritizing longer shooting sessions.

Sony a7 IV vs a9 – Our Verdict

Sony a7 IV vs a9 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 a9: