CameraReview

Sony a7R IV vs Sony a7R V — Which Is Better?

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

Sony a7R IV
Sony
Sony a7R IV
Mirrorless · 61.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
84
SCORE
$2,481.26
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7R V
Sony
Sony a7R V
Mirrorless · 61 MP · Full Frame · 8K video
85
SCORE
$3,298
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General
Brand SonySony
Model a7R IVa7R V
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20192022
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
16/07/201926/10/2022
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 129 x 96 x 78 mm131 x 97 x 82 mm
Camera weight 665 g723 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
61.2 MP05061 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
9504 x 63369504 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 35.735.7 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 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 XR
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.
320003003280000320003003280000
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.
42503006930300
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 576000009900000944000009900000
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.
4K8K
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 21607680 x 4320
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.
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4MPEG-4, MOV, H.264, H.265, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I
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"3.2"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1440000115000150000021000001150001500000
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 (UHS-II compatible)SD / SDHC / SDXC, CFexpress Type A
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.
670 shots1505000530 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R V takes the lead with a score of 85/100, just one point ahead of the Sony a7R IV‘s 84/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a7R V being slightly larger at 131 x 97 x 82mm compared to the a7R IV’s 129 x 96 x 78mm. They also have a similar weight, with the a7R V weighing 723g and the a7R IV at 665g.

The higher score of the a7R V is a testament to its improvements over the a7R IV. However, it’s worth noting that the a7R IV is still a strong contender, especially considering its lower launch price of $3500 compared to the a7R V’s $3999.

While the a7R V has the advantage in terms of overall score, the a7R IV remains a viable option for those looking to save money without sacrificing too much in terms of performance and features. Ultimately, both cameras offer impressive specifications, and the choice between them will largely depend on individual preferences and budget considerations.

Sony a7R IV vs a7R V Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R IV and Sony a7R V both scored 85/100 for optics, indicating no clear winner between the two. They share several specifications, such as having 61.2 and 61 megapixels, respectively, a shooting speed of 10, a CMOS sensor, a full frame sensor size, a Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.

The Sony a7R IV has a slight edge in sensor performance with a DXOMARK score of 99, compared to the a7R V’s 94. This higher score reflects a better sensor quality in the a7R IV, which can result in improved image quality. Additionally, the a7R IV uses a Bionz X processor, while the a7R V employs a Bionz XR processor. The difference in processors does not directly affect the optics score, but it may influence other aspects of the camera’s performance.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R V is not necessarily worse than the a7R IV in terms of optics. The difference in DXOMARK scores is relatively small, and both cameras have high-quality sensors that produce excellent images. Moreover, the a7R V’s Bionz XR processor may offer other benefits, such as faster processing speeds and improved noise reduction, which can indirectly contribute to the overall image quality.

Considering the identical optics scores and the shared specifications, the Sony a7R IV and Sony a7R V are both strong contenders in the camera market. The a7R IV has a slightly better sensor performance, while the a7R V may offer advantages in other areas. Ultimately, photographers should base their decision on their specific needs and preferences, as both cameras have the potential to deliver outstanding results.

Sony a7R IV vs a7R V Video Performance

The Sony a7R V emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison, scoring a perfect 100/100, while the Sony a7R IV lags behind with a score of 70/100. Both cameras share some common video features, such as having built-in time-lapse functionality, which allows for creative and dynamic video creation.

The Sony a7R V outshines the a7R IV in terms of video resolution and frame rate. With an impressive 8K maximum video resolution and dimensions of 7680 x 4320, the a7R V offers significantly higher image quality and detail compared to the a7R IV, which has a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160. Additionally, the a7R V boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, allowing for smoother and more professional-looking footage, whereas the a7R IV’s maximum frame rate is limited to 30fps.

Despite the lower video score, the Sony a7R IV still performs well in its own right, offering 4K video resolution and time-lapse functionality. It may be more suitable for casual video shooters or those with less demanding video requirements. However, it cannot compete with the superior video capabilities of the a7R V.

Taking each point into account, the Sony a7R V is the clear choice for those seeking advanced video features, higher resolution, and smoother frame rates. On the other hand, the Sony a7R IV remains a viable option for those less focused on video capabilities but still desiring quality footage and time-lapse functionality.

Sony a7R IV vs a7R V Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R V emerges as the winner with a feature score of 87 out of 100, compared to the Sony a7R IV, which scores 83 out of 100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a touchscreen, flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities. However, they lack GPS functionality.

The Sony a7R V surpasses the a7R IV in terms of screen size and resolution. The a7R V has a 3.2-inch screen, while the a7R IV has a slightly smaller 3-inch screen. The a7R V also boasts a higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots, compared to the a7R IV’s 1,440,000 dots. These improvements provide the a7R V with a clearer, more detailed display and an enhanced user experience.

While the Sony a7R IV has a lower feature score, it still offers numerous advantages. It shares the same core specifications as the a7R V, such as a touchscreen, flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth. Despite its smaller screen size and lower resolution, the a7R IV remains a reliable and versatile camera that meets the needs of many photographers.

The Sony a7R V’s superior screen size and resolution make it the more attractive option for photographers who prioritize a high-quality display. However, the a7R IV remains a viable choice for those who value the essential features both cameras share. Ultimately, the decision between the two models depends on the individual’s preferences and priorities.

Sony a7R IV vs a7R V Storage and Battery

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7R V in storage and battery, scoring 79/100 compared to the a7R V’s 73/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and USB charging capabilities. They also use the same NP-FZ100 battery type.

The a7R IV has a longer battery life of 670 shots, significantly more than the a7R V’s 530 shots. This advantage allows photographers to capture more images before needing to recharge or replace the battery. The a7R IV also supports SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) memory cards.

On the other hand, the a7R V has the added flexibility of accepting not only SD/SDHC/SDXC cards but also CFexpress Type A cards. This versatility may be beneficial for users who already own or prefer CFexpress Type A cards.

Considering these points, the Sony a7R IV offers a more extended battery life, making it better suited for longer shooting sessions. The Sony a7R V, however, provides more storage versatility with its additional memory card compatibility.

Alternatives to the Sony a7R IV and a7R V

Sony a7R IV vs a7R V 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 IV or the Sony a7R V: