Sony a7R II vs a7R IV Comparison
Sony a7R II
Sony a7R IV
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7R II | a7R IV | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2015 | 2019 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | June 10, 2015 | July 16, 2019 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7R 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 a7R IV being slightly larger at 129 x 96 x 78mm and heavier at 665g. The a7R II, released in 2015, is lighter and more compact, weighing 625g and measuring 127 x 96 x 60mm.
The higher score of the a7R IV is due to its improved features, such as better image quality and performance. However, the a7R II still holds its ground with a lower launch price of $3198 compared to the a7R IV’s $3500.
Taking all factors into consideration, the Sony a7R IV is the superior choice for those seeking top performance and image quality, while the Sony a7R II remains a solid option for budget-conscious photographers.
Sony a7R II vs a7R IV Overview and Optics
The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7R II in optics, with a score of 85/100 compared to the a7R II’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. Despite these similarities, there are key differences that contribute to the a7R IV’s higher optics score.
The a7R IV boasts a remarkable 61.2 megapixels, a significant increase from the a7R II’s 42.4 megapixels. This allows the a7R IV to capture more detailed and higher resolution images. Additionally, the a7R IV has a shooting speed of 10 frames per second, doubling the a7R II’s 5 frames per second. This improved shooting speed enables the a7R IV to excel in capturing fast-paced action and fleeting moments.
The Sony a7R II, however, has a slightly lower DXOMARK sensor score of 98, compared to the a7R IV’s 99. This difference is minimal and does not have a significant impact on the overall image quality. Furthermore, the a7R II still produces high-quality images with its 42.4-megapixel sensor, making it a suitable option for many photographers.
In conclusion, the Sony a7R IV’s higher optics score is due to its increased megapixels and shooting speed, resulting in superior image quality and performance. While the Sony a7R II has a marginally lower score, it remains a viable option for those seeking a high-quality camera with similar specifications. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on individual preferences and specific photography needs.
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Optics
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Sony a7R II
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Sony a7R IV
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 42.4 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. | 7952 x 5304 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. | 24 x 35.9 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. | 5 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 FE | 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 X | 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. | 25,600 | 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. | 102400 | 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. | 399 | 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 | 2,359,296 dots | 5,760,000 dots |
Sony a7R II vs a7R IV Video Performance
The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7R II in video capabilities with a video score of 70/100, compared to the Sony a7R II’s score of 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K maximum video resolution, maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160, and a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, there are differences that set the Sony a7R IV apart as the superior camera for video recording.
The winning camera, the Sony a7R IV, has built-in time-lapse functionality, which is absent in the Sony a7R II. This feature allows the user to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. This advantage gives the Sony a7R IV an edge in video capabilities and justifies its higher video score.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R II does not offer any significant advantage over the Sony a7R IV in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share the same video specifications, with the only difference being the absence of built-in time-lapse functionality in the Sony a7R II. This lack of a unique advantage results in the Sony a7R II’s lower video score.
Taking into account the video specifications, the Sony a7R IV is the clear winner in video capabilities due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. The Sony a7R II, despite having similar video specifications, falls short because of its lack of this feature. Therefore, for users prioritizing video capabilities, the Sony a7R IV is the better choice.
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Video
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Sony a7R II
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Sony a7R IV
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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. | 30 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. | XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Sony a7R II vs a7R IV Features and Benefits
The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7R II with a feature score of 83/100 compared to 57/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen functionality, WiFi connectivity, and lack of GPS.
The Sony a7R IV surpasses the a7R II in several aspects. Firstly, it offers a higher screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots compared to the a7R II’s 1,228,800 dots, providing a sharper and clearer display. Additionally, the a7R IV features touchscreen capabilities, making it more user-friendly and convenient. Lastly, the a7R IV includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless and efficient data transfer between devices.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R II still has a few advantages despite its lower feature score. Its flip screen allows for flexible shooting angles and easier self-portraits. However, this feature is also present in the a7R IV, making it a shared advantage rather than a unique selling point for the a7R II.
Comparing these two cameras, it is evident that the Sony a7R IV exceeds the a7R II in terms of features, particularly in screen resolution, touchscreen capabilities, and Bluetooth connectivity. The a7R II does not offer any exclusive benefits over the a7R IV. Consequently, the Sony a7R IV stands out as the superior choice for those seeking a camera with advanced features and ease of use.
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Features
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Sony a7R IV
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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. | 1,228,800 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. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Sony a7R II vs a7R IV Storage and Battery
The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7R II in storage and battery with a score of 79/100 compared to the latter’s 16/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the a7R IV has a clear advantage with two memory card slots and compatibility with UHS-II cards, while the a7R II has only one slot and supports Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.
The a7R IV also boasts a significantly longer battery life of 670 shots, using the NP-FZ100 battery type, while the a7R II’s NP-FW50 battery allows for 290 shots. Additionally, the a7R IV can charge via USB, which is not possible with the a7R II.
Despite these differences, the a7R II remains a viable option for those who prioritize a more affordable camera and do not require the extended battery life or additional memory card slot. The Sony a7R IV, however, is the clear winner in terms of storage and battery performance, making it ideal for photographers seeking more advanced capabilities.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 290 shots | 670 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a7R II
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Sony a7R IV
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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.' | 26 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.' | 13.9 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' | 3434 | 3344 |
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Scores
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Sony a7R II
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Sony a7R IV
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Sony a7R II vs a7R IV – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7R II or the Sony a7R IV:
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User Scores
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Sony a7R II
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Sony a7R IV
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B&H photo video |
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