CameraReview

Sony a7R II vs Sony a7R IVA — Which Is Better?

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

Sony a7R II
Sony
Sony a7R II
Mirrorless · 42.4 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
70
SCORE
$1,013.44
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7R IVA
Sony
Sony a7R IVA
Mirrorless · 61 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
85
SCORE
$2,078.40
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General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20152021
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
10/06/201507/04/2021
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 127 x 96 x 60 mm129 x 96 x 78 mm
Camera weight 625 g665 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
42.4 MP05061 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7952 x 53049504 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.
24 x 35.935.7 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.
5 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 FESony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz 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.
256003003280000320003003280000
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.
10240030032800001024003003280000
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.
39903005670300
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 235929609900000576000009900000
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.
30 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.
XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4MPEG-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.
1228800115000150000023600001150001500000
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 SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG DuoSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FW50NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
290 shots1505000670 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Sony a7R II with a score of 85/100 compared to 70/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a7R IVA being slightly larger at 129 x 96 x 78mm and the a7R II measuring 127 x 96 x 60mm. They also have a similar weight, with the a7R IVA weighing 665g and the a7R II at 625g.

The a7R IVA’s higher score reflects its superior features and performance. Released in 2021, it boasts a more recent launch date and a higher launch price of $3500, indicating advancements in technology and capabilities. The a7R II, released in 2015, is more affordable at $3198, offering a budget-friendly option for those seeking a reliable camera.

While the a7R IVA excels in multiple aspects, the a7R II’s lighter weight and lower price make it a viable choice for users with specific needs and budget constraints. Ultimately, the a7R IVA’s higher score represents its overall superiority, making it the winner in this comparison.

Sony a7R II vs a7R IVA Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R IVA emerges as the winner in optics with a score of 85/100, outperforming the Sony a7R II, which has a score of 81/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.

The Sony a7R IVA proves superior due to its 61-megapixel resolution, which surpasses the 42.4 megapixels of the Sony a7R II. This higher resolution allows for more detailed images and better cropping flexibility. Additionally, the a7R IVA boasts a shooting speed of 10 frames per second, doubling the 5 frames per second offered by the a7R II. This increased shooting speed is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects or continuous action. The a7R IVA also excels with a DXOMARK sensor score of 99, slightly higher than the a7R II’s score of 98, indicating a marginally better sensor performance.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R II still holds some advantages despite its lower score. With a lower resolution, the a7R II has larger pixels, which can result in better low-light performance and reduced noise levels. However, the difference in the DXOMARK sensor scores is minimal, suggesting that the advantages of the a7R II in this aspect may not be significant.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R IVA stands out as the better camera in terms of optics, offering higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and marginally better sensor performance. While the Sony a7R II has certain advantages in low-light situations, the overall benefits of the a7R IVA make it the superior choice for photographers prioritizing optical performance.

Sony a7R II vs a7R IVA Video Performance

The Sony a7R IVA surpasses the Sony a7R II in video capabilities with a video score of 91/100 compared to 56/100. Both cameras share 4K max video resolution and 3840 x 2160 max video dimensions. However, the a7R IVA boasts superior features making it the clear winner in this comparison.

The most significant advantage of the a7R IVA is its max video frame rate of 120fps, which is four times higher than the a7R II’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother and more detailed slow-motion videos, providing greater creative possibilities for videographers. Additionally, the a7R IVA has built-in time-lapse functionality, enabling users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for external devices or software. This feature is not available in the a7R II.

The a7R II does not have any notable advantages in video capabilities over the a7R IVA. Its lower video score reflects the lack of advanced features such as the higher frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality.

Considering these factors, the Sony a7R IVA is the superior choice for videographers due to its higher frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality. The a7R II, while still capable of producing 4K video, falls short in providing the advanced features desired by professionals and enthusiasts alike. With a significant difference in video scores, the a7R IVA is the clear winner in this comparison, offering a more versatile and powerful video experience.

Sony a7R II vs a7R IVA Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Sony a7R II in terms of features, scoring 85/100 compared to the latter’s 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, absence of GPS, and the presence of WIFI. However, there are key differences that set the Sony a7R IVA apart as the superior camera.

The Sony a7R IVA offers a higher screen resolution at 2,360,000 dots, while the Sony a7R II has 1,228,800 dots. This difference results in a sharper and clearer display on the Sony a7R IVA. Additionally, the Sony a7R IVA has a touchscreen, which provides users with a more intuitive and efficient way to navigate menus and adjust settings quickly. The Sony a7R II lacks this feature. Another advantage of the Sony a7R IVA is the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity, which enables seamless pairing and file transfer with compatible devices. The Sony a7R II does not have this feature.

The Sony a7R II, despite its lower feature score, still has some strengths. Its flip screen allows for flexible shooting angles, and its WIFI capability enables wireless file transfer and remote control. However, these features are also present in the Sony a7R IVA, making it difficult to argue in favor of the Sony a7R II based on features alone.

Considering the differences in feature scores and the advantages offered by the Sony a7R IVA, it is evident that the Sony a7R IVA is the better camera in terms of features. The higher screen resolution, touchscreen functionality, and Bluetooth connectivity all contribute to a more enjoyable and efficient user experience. While the Sony a7R II has some strengths, it cannot compete with the superior features of the Sony a7R IVA.

Sony a7R II vs a7R IVA Storage and Battery

The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Sony a7R II in storage and battery with a score of 79/100, compared to the a7R II’s score of 16/100. Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, but the a7R IVA has two memory card slots and is UHS-II compatible, while the a7R II has only one slot and supports Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo as well.

The a7R IVA’s battery life is significantly better, offering 670 shots per charge with its NP-FZ100 battery, whereas the a7R II’s NP-FW50 battery lasts for just 290 shots. Additionally, the a7R IVA has USB charging capability, while the a7R II lacks this feature.

The only advantage the a7R II has in this comparison is its support for Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. However, this advantage is minimal, given the a7R IVA’s superior storage and battery performance.

Considering the substantial difference in scores and the benefits provided by the a7R IVA, it is the clear winner in terms of storage and battery capabilities.

Sony a7R II vs a7R IVA – Our Verdict

Sony a7R II 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 a7R II or the Sony a7R IVA: