Sony A7 IV Vs A7R IV – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Sony A7 IV & A7R IV share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as image quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sony A7R IV rather than the Sony A7 IV.

Why Do I Recommend Sony A7R IV

  • Sony A7R IV has 61 megapixel camera which helps to capture images and videos in higher Resolution with more details, whereas the Sony A7 IV has a 33-megapixel Camera.
  • The Sony A7R IV has 759 phase-detection points & Real-time Tracking for faster & more accurate autofocus across 94% of the frame, while the A7R IV lacks extensive coverage and focus speed.
  • The A7R IV offers 670 shots in a single charge for extended shooting sessions compared to the Sony A7 IV’s 580 shots.
  • It has a built-in focus motor for moving the lens in order to autofocus, while the Sony A7 IV lacks this feature.
  • The Sony A7R IV has a 1440k dots display resolution to provide a sharper and more detailed display experience compared to the Sony A7 IV’s 1036k dots lower-resolution screens. 

Maybe the Sony A7 IV price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sony A7R IV. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureSony A7R IVSony A7 IV
Sensor Resolution61 MP33 MP
Sensor TypeExmor R CMOSExmor R CMOS
Image ProcessorBIONZ XBIONZ XR
ISO Range (Expanded)50-102,40050-204,800
Autofocus Points567 Phase-detection759 Phase-detection
Viewfinder Resolution5.76M dots3.68M dots
Image Stabilization (IBIS)5.0 stops5.5 stops
Memory Card SlotsDual SD (UHS-II)CFexpress Type A
Battery Life (CIPA)Approx. 670 shots (LCD)Approx. 580 shots (LCD)
Weight665g658g
PriceCheck A7R IV PriceCheck A7 IV Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Robust Sensor Technology: Both the A7 IV and A7R IV utilize Sony’s Exmor R CMOS technology with backside illumination, enhancing performance in low-light settings by improving light sensitivity and reducing noise. This makes both cameras capable of delivering high-quality images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Advanced Autofocus System: The Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking features in both cameras provide precise and continuous focus on subjects’ eyes, whether human or animal. This feature is incredibly useful for portrait, wildlife, and even event photography, ensuring subjects remain sharply in focus even when moving unpredictably.
  • 5-Axis In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS): With 5-axis IBIS, both models allow users to capture sharp images and steady videos, especially when shooting handheld. This stabilization is beneficial across all focal lengths, helping photographers and videographers achieve cleaner results without always relying on tripods or stabilizers.
  • High-Speed Continuous Shooting: Both cameras support 10 fps continuous shooting, essential for capturing fast-moving action. This high burst rate allows photographers to choose from multiple frames, ensuring that critical moments are captured, which is particularly valuable in sports or wildlife photography.
  • Dual Card Slots for Workflow Flexibility: The dual card slots support different recording options, like backup, overflow, and file separation, making both cameras reliable choices for professional environments where data integrity and fast media handling are paramount.
  • Durable Build and Weather Sealing: The magnesium alloy body in both cameras is designed to endure harsh conditions, with dust and moisture resistance providing added protection. This durability is crucial for photographers working outdoors or in challenging environments where equipment needs to withstand rough handling.
  • Extensive Connectivity Options: Both models include a comprehensive array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless functionality and USB-C and HDMI ports for wired connections. This flexibility supports fast file transfers, remote control, and compatibility with various accessories, enhancing usability in professional settings.
  • NP-FZ100 Battery Compatibility: Using the same NP-FZ100 battery, both cameras offer prolonged battery life. This compatibility is beneficial for photographers who own other Sony models, as they can interchange batteries without needing separate charging solutions, which is convenient during extended shoots.
  • Updated Menu System for Improved Usability: Sony’s redesigned menu system on both cameras improves navigation and ease of use, helping photographers quickly access key functions and settings. This efficiency is beneficial during shoots where quick adjustments are necessary.
  • Versatile Lens Compatibility with E-mount: The Sony E-mount system in both models provides access to a wide selection of lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers, giving photographers the flexibility to choose from a range of optics for different styles, from landscapes to portraits.
  • Comprehensive Shooting Modes for Creative Control: With full manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program auto modes, both models offer versatile control over camera settings. This allows photographers to adapt to various shooting scenarios and maintain creative control or rely on automated settings when speed is essential.
  • Professional Log and Color Profiles: S-Log3 and S-Gamut3 support in both models makes them ideal for video production, enabling users to record footage with a wide dynamic range for more flexibility in color grading. This feature is essential for videographers looking to achieve cinematic quality and color fidelity.
  • Focus Peaking and Exposure Tools: The inclusion of focus peaking and zebra patterns on both models provides valuable tools for manual focus precision and exposure control. These features are indispensable in achieving accurate focus and managing exposure, particularly useful for both photography and videography.

Common Features

FeatureSony A7R IVSony A7 IV
Sensor TechnologyExmor R CMOSExmor R CMOS
Autofocus SystemReal-time Eye AFReal-time Eye AF 
In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS)5-axis IBIS5-axis IBIS
Continuous Shooting10 fps10 fps
Dual Card SlotsDual SD (UHS-II) Dual SD (UHS-II)
Body DesignDust & moisture resistantDust & moisture resistant
Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)OLED EVF with high resolutionOLED EVF with high resolution
Touchscreen LCD3.0-inch touchscreen3.0-inch touchscreen
Connectivity OptionsWi-Fi, BluetoothWi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery CompatibilityNP-FZ100NP-FZ100
Menu and InterfaceSony’s updated menu systemSony’s updated menu system
Lens MountSony E-mountSony E-mount
Shooting ModesFull ManualFull Manual
Log and Color ProfilesS-Log3, S-Gamut3S-Log3, S-Gamut3
Focus Peaking and Zebra PatternsYesYes
Price Check A7R IV Price Check A7 IV Price

FAQ

Q: Who should choose the Sony A7 IV over the A7R IV?
A: The Sony A7 IV is well-suited for hybrid shooters who prioritize both photography and videography. Its 4K 60p video capability, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, and enhanced autofocus system make it an excellent choice for content creators, event photographers, and videographers. Additionally, the A7 IV is more budget-friendly, making it appealing for those who want a versatile camera without the high resolution of the A7R IV.Q: Is the Sony A7R IV better for professional photography?
A: Yes, the Sony A7R IV’s 61 MP sensor is highly beneficial for professional photography that requires exceptional detail and large print sizes. The high resolution allows for significant cropping without compromising image quality, making it ideal for landscape, portrait, and studio photographers who prioritize detail over file size and video capabilities.Q: How does the autofocus performance compare between the two cameras?
A: The A7 IV has an upgraded autofocus system with 759 phase-detection points covering 94% of the frame, making it more effective in tracking fast-moving subjects. The A7R IV has 567 phase-detection points and slightly less frame coverage. Although both cameras include Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, the A7 IV’s autofocus system is more responsive and better suited for action photography.Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: Both cameras perform well in low-light conditions due to their Exmor R CMOS sensors, which improve light-gathering efficiency. However, the A7 IV has an expanded ISO range up to 204,800, compared to the A7R IV’s 102,400, allowing it to handle lower-light scenarios with more flexibility, especially when combined with its in-body stabilization.

Q: Can both cameras shoot 10 frames per second in continuous shooting mode?
A: Yes, both the A7 IV and A7R IV support continuous shooting at 10 frames per second. However, the A7 IV can maintain this speed with full AF/AE tracking across more shots due to its faster buffer clearance and CFexpress compatibility. The A7R IV, with its higher-resolution images, has a smaller buffer capacity, which may slow down in extended shooting sessions.

Q: Are both cameras compatible with the same lenses?
A: Yes, both the A7 IV and A7R IV use Sony’s E-mount system, making them compatible with the extensive range of Sony lenses as well as third-party E-mount lenses. This compatibility provides flexibility for various shooting styles, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto wildlife photography.

Q: Do both cameras have weather-sealing and durable body designs?
A: Yes, both cameras are built with magnesium alloy bodies and have dust and moisture resistance. This rugged design makes them reliable for outdoor and professional use in challenging environments, giving photographers confidence that the cameras can handle rough conditions.

Q: How do the electronic viewfinders (EVFs) compare between the two cameras?
A: The A7R IV features a higher-resolution EVF with 5.76 million dots, providing sharper detail in the viewfinder, beneficial for precise composition and critical focus. The A7 IV, while slightly lower in EVF resolution at 3.68 million dots, offers a higher refresh rate, making it smoother in tracking fast-moving subjects. Both EVFs are OLED, ensuring vibrant color and brightness.

Q: What are the battery life differences between the A7 IV and A7R IV?
A: The A7R IV offers slightly better battery life, providing approximately 670 shots per charge compared to the A7 IV’s 580 shots (based on CIPA ratings using the LCD). Both cameras use Sony’s NP-FZ100 battery, known for its high capacity, and battery life can vary depending on shooting conditions and settings.

Q: Are both cameras suitable for professional video production?
A: The A7 IV is more suited for professional video production due to its advanced video features. It supports 4K recording at 60p, 10-bit 4:2:2 color, and offers S-Log3 and HLG profiles for flexible color grading, catering to videographers needing high-quality, cinematic footage. The A7R IV, limited to 4K at 30p and 8-bit recording, is primarily designed for photography rather than intensive video production.

Q: How does file handling and storage differ between the A7 IV and A7R IV?
A: The A7 IV has one slot compatible with CFexpress Type A cards in addition to SD UHS-II, allowing faster data handling, particularly beneficial for high-bitrate video and extended burst shooting. The A7R IV, with dual SD UHS-II slots, lacks CFexpress compatibility, which may affect performance in continuous shooting or large file transfers.

Q: Which camera offers better value for general photography and videography?
A: The Sony A7 IV provides a better value for those needing a balance of photography and videography features, especially with its advanced autofocus, versatile video capabilities, and reasonable price. The A7 IV is an all-rounder that suits hybrid shooters who want excellent image quality and reliable video performance without the high-resolution focus of the A7R IV.

Q: What color profiles and logs are available on both cameras?
A: Both cameras support S-Log3 and S-Gamut3, which provide a wide dynamic range and flexibility in post-processing for video. These color profiles are essential for users who want to capture footage for color grading and achieving cinematic results. However, the A7 IV’s 10-bit 4:2:2 recording enhances these profiles, offering more flexibility for color adjustments than the 8-bit recording on the A7R IV.

Q: Which model is better for users focused exclusively on high-resolution still photography?
A: The A7R IV is the superior choice for photographers who prioritize high-resolution images due to its 61 MP sensor. Its resolution allows for exceptional detail and large-format printing, making it ideal for landscape, product, and studio photographers who require maximum detail. While the A7 IV is versatile, the A7R IV is purpose-built for high-end still photography.

 

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