Sony a7 IV vs a9 Comparison

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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