CameraReview

Sony a7R IV vs Sony a9 — Which Is Better?

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

✓ WINNER
Sony a7R IV
Sony
Sony a7R IV
Mirrorless · 61.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
84
SCORE
$2,481.26
best of 4 retailers
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
Brand SonySony
Model a7R IVa9
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20192017
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
16/07/201919/04/2017
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 129 x 96 x 78 mm127 x 96 x 63 mm
Camera weight 665 g673 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
61.2 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
9504 x 63366000 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 35.723.8 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 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.
320003003280000512003003280000
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.
10240030032800002048003003280000
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 576000009900000368640009900000
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 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.
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4XAVC 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.
1440000115000150000014400001150001500000
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 (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.
670 shots1505000650 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a9 with a score of 84/100 compared to 80/100. Both cameras are mirrorless, announced in 2019 and 2017, respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the a7R IV measuring 129 x 96 x 78mm and the a9 at 127 x 96 x 63mm. Their weight is almost identical, with the a7R IV weighing 665g and the a9 at 673g.

The a7R IV has the advantage of a lower launch price of $3500 compared to the a9’s $4500. However, the a9’s slimmer depth may be appealing to some users. Despite the slight difference in size, the a7R IV offers better overall performance, justifying its higher score. Both cameras have their unique features, but the a7R IV stands out as the superior option.

Sony a7R IV vs a9 Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R IV takes the lead in optics with a score of 85/100, outperforming the Sony a9, which scored 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 a7R IV excels with its 61.2-megapixel resolution, significantly higher than the a9’s 24.2 megapixels, enabling it to capture more detail and produce higher-quality images. Additionally, the a7R IV boasts a DXOMARK sensor score of 99, compared to the a9’s score of 92, indicating better overall sensor performance.

On the other hand, the Sony a9 does have some advantages over the a7R IV, particularly in shooting speed. The a9 can capture images at a rapid 20 frames per second, double the a7R IV’s 10 frames per second. This makes the a9 more suitable for fast-paced action and sports photography, where capturing the perfect moment is crucial.

In terms of optics, the Sony a7R IV is the superior camera, offering higher resolution and better sensor performance. However, the Sony a9’s faster shooting speed may be more appealing to photographers who prioritize capturing fast-moving subjects. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the photographer.

Sony a7R IV vs a9 Video Performance

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a9 in video capabilities, scoring 70 out of 100 compared to the a9’s 56. Both cameras have 4K max video resolution, 3840 x 2160 max video dimensions, and 30fps max video frame rate. However, there are differences that contribute to the a7R IV’s higher score.

The a7R IV has built-in time-lapse functionality, which the a9 lacks. This feature allows the a7R IV to capture a series of images over a period of time and combine them into a single video, showcasing changes in the scene. This makes the a7R IV more versatile for creative videography.

The Sony a9, on the other hand, does not have any significant advantages over the a7R IV in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share the same core video specs, but the a9’s lower score results from its lack of time-lapse functionality.

Considering these points, the Sony a7R IV is the better option for videography due to its time-lapse feature, which enhances its creative potential. The Sony a9, while still a capable camera, does not offer any major advantages in video capabilities compared to the a7R IV. Therefore, for those who prioritize video performance, the Sony a7R IV is the superior choice.

Sony a7R IV vs a9 Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R IV and the Sony a9 both have a feature score of 83 out of 100, making them equally competitive in terms of specifications. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen size, a screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, and a touchscreen. Additionally, both models feature a flip screen, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Despite the identical scores, the Sony a7R IV has some advantages over the Sony a9. The a7R IV offers a higher resolution sensor at 61 megapixels compared to the a9’s 24 megapixels, which results in greater image detail and larger print sizes. Furthermore, the a7R IV has a better color depth and dynamic range, allowing for more vibrant and detailed images in various lighting conditions.

On the other hand, the Sony a9 has some benefits over the a7R IV. The a9 provides faster continuous shooting at 20 frames per second versus the a7R IV’s 10 frames per second, making it better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports and wildlife photography. Additionally, the a9 has a superior autofocus system with more focus points and faster tracking, ensuring sharper images and improved subject tracking in challenging situations.

After analyzing the features of both cameras, it is clear that the Sony a7R IV excels in image quality and detail, while the Sony a9 is better suited for action and sports photography due to its faster continuous shooting and autofocus capabilities. Both cameras provide excellent overall performance, with their shared features making them versatile choices for various photography needs.

Sony a7R IV vs a9 Storage and Battery

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a9 in storage and battery with a score of 79/100, compared to the a9’s 65/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including two memory card slots and compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC (UHS-II) cards. They also use the same NP-FZ100 battery type.

The a7R IV has a slightly longer battery life, allowing for 670 shots, while the a9 provides 650 shots. Additionally, the a7R IV offers USB charging, a feature absent in the a9. This advantage makes the a7R IV more convenient for on-the-go charging and extended shooting sessions.

On the other hand, the a9 does not have any notable advantages in storage and battery over the a7R IV. Therefore, the a7R IV is the better choice for photographers who prioritize longer battery life and charging flexibility.

Sony a7R IV vs a9 – Our Verdict

Sony a7R 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 a7R IV or the Sony a9: