Sony a7R V vs a7 IV

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Article: description: In the Sony a7R V vs a7 IV, there is no doubt that both cameras are well equipped and provide excellent performance. But which is best for imaging? For video? Find out here!
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If you are searching for your next mirrorless camera and have narrowed your search down to the popular Sony a7R V and a7 IV, you’re in the right place!  

In this Sony a7R V vs a7 IV camera comparison guide, we’ll share overviews of the two cameras, compare their photo and video performance, recommend our favorite Sony lenses to shoot with, and more! Additionally, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a used mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier than it is today. 

Who is MPB? They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling pre-owned photography and videography gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, all their cameras and lenses are closely hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists with years of experience and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

Over the years, we’ve saved thousands of dollars trading in equipment and upgrading our photography kits using MPB’s online marketplace, and you could do the same by heading over to their website today! Now, it’s time to dive in and discover which of these amazing Sony mirrorless cameras is right for you! 

Check out the video above by Benj Haisch to learn more about these two cameras and see whether or not he thinks the a7R V is worth purchasing if you already own the a7 IV.  

Table of Contents

Sony a7R V vs a7 IV: Overview

Sony a7R V

The Sony Alpha a7R V was released at the end of 2022, while the Sony Alpha a7 IV first debuted in 2021. The a7R V is the newest camera in Sony’s “R” lineup of high-resolution cameras aimed at professional photographers. In particular, landscape, nature, and portrait photographers will see extraordinary results shooting with it. 

Alternatively, the a7 IV is the newest model in the company's best-selling “standard” Alpha lineup of hybrid mirrorless cameras. It’s a versatile all-around camera ideal for everyone, from hobbyists and enthusiasts to full-time digital content creators like YouTubers, vloggers, and social media influencers. 

Sony a7 IV

The first thing you will notice when looking at the cameras is that they are nearly identical from the outside. The design, button layout, and control dial layouts are perfect images of each other. The only two subtle differences are the camera names on top of the camera and the weight. Although their dimensions are the same, the a7 IV weighs 64 grams less than the a7R V.

Shared design features include a photo/movie mode switch, customization options, and a robust weather-proof coating. The photo/movie switch lets you change settings for one mode without affecting the other. There are 12 customizable buttons/dials on each camera. And the weather-proof coating protects the cameras from water, sand, snow, dust, moisture, etc.

Here’s a head-to-head look at the key features and specs of the Sony a7R V and Sony a7 IV to see how they stack up:

Sony a7R V vs a7 IV: Imaging Performance

Sony a7R V

The signature feature of the Sony Alpha a7R V is its super-high-resolution 60.2-megapixels full-frame BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor. It’s the highest-resolution mirrorless camera currently on the market, and Sony added two Bionz XR image processors to top it off. The processors improve the efficiency of the menus and autofocus (AF) system. 

While the Sony Alpha a7 IV can’t match the pixel count of the a7R V, its 33.0-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor is still impressive, and it’s a big step up from the 24.2 MP sensor of the previous a7 III. The difference is noticeable when looking at detail retention and image quality of low-light photos. One Bionz XR processor sits at the heart of the camera.  

Sony a7 IV

Speaking of low-light performance, both cameras excel in this department thanks to their BSI image sensors and wide ISO ranges. The a7R V has a native ISO of 100 - 32,000, which expands to 50 - 102,400. On the flip side, the a7 IV boasts a native ISO of 100 - 51,200, which expands to an industry-leading 50 - 204,800. 

Two features that set the a7R V apart from the a7 IV are its AI-trained AF system and high-resolution multi-shot mode. The AF recognizes and tracks everything from people and animals to cars and boats. And the multi-shot mode captures 16 frames you can stitch together to create 240MP photos. Lastly, both cameras have a 10.0 max continuous shooting speed. 

Which is the best camera for photos? The Sony Alpha a7R V

Learn More:

Sony a7R V vs a7 IV: Video Performance

 

Sony a7 IV with an external microphone for video

 As the world increasingly turns more and more toward video content, you won’t be shocked to hear that the Sony Alpha a7R V and Sony Alpha a7 IV are powerful video cameras. With that in mind, their target audiences and who will see the best results recording video with them is quite different. 

The video capabilities of the a7R V are truly remarkable. It has 8K video, 10-bit 4:2:2 video, and professional codecs like S-Log3, HLG, and S-Cinetone. It films 8K footage at 24 fps, 4K at up to 60 fps, and 1080p Full HD as high as 120p (slow-motion). These drool-worthy specs make it perfect for professional videographers, filmmakers, journalists, and documentarians.  

While the a7 IV also has 4K/60p and 1080p/120p slow-motion video capabilities, it doesn't have 8K video. For the average photographer, that isn’t a problem, though, since shooting in 8K is overkill in most situations. The a7 IV is a go-to option for wedding/event photographers, travel vloggers, and people who share videos on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

The two cameras' video features include in-camera image stabilization (IBIS), dual memory card slots, and full-articulating rear screens. The IBIS of the a7R V adds up to eight stops of exposure, and that of the a7 IV adds 5.5. Two memory card slots allow you to record uninterrupted for longer. And the articulating screens make framing scenes quicker and easier. 

Which is the best camera for video? The Sony Alpha a7R V

Recommended Sony Lenses

 

Sony a7R V with Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens

Here’s a short list of some of the best Sony FE lenses for photo and video to pair with these two Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Final Thoughts on the Sony a7 IV vs a7R V

 

Sony a7 IV

Ultimately, both the Sony Alpha a7R V and Sony Alpha a7 IV are fantastic full-frame mirrorless cameras. However, thanks to its higher-resolution photos and videos, the a7R V is the better camera for professional photographers. On the other hand, you should opt for the a7 IV if you are a semi-professional or someone on a budget. 

Still unsure whether the Sony a7R V vs a7 IV is the right choice for you and your needs and want to compare them with more options? No worries! Check out the list below of other Sony FE mirrorless cameras currently available at MPB:

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