Leica
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Original modern monochrome digital M with 24MP black-and-white sensor and rangefinder focus.
$7,495
Launch priceReleased Apr 2015
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
Alpha 7 IV is 6.5 years newer.
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Wins
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 49)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 120 frames)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- AM Monochrom (Typ 246) has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 10 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
139 × 80 × 42 mm
680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 16mm shorter and 38mm thinner than Alpha 7 IV but it is also 7mm wider.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 22 g heavier than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 42mm M Monochrom (Typ 246) · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
139 × 80 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
139 × 42 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 80 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M Monochrom (Typ 246): mount data unavailable
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.6, 80, 42
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only M Monochrom (Typ 246) supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Vehicle
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5.5 stops — higher is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 94 % — higher is better
EVF resolution
3,690,000 vs 3,686,400 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
759 vs 49 — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 120 frames — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
AA filter
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓EVF refresh rate — Both 120 Hz
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Pros
- ✓24MP monochrome
- ✓Legendary B&W rendering
- ✓No color filter
- ✓Classic M rangefinder
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Older sensor gen
- –Manual focus
Alpha 7 IV
Pros
- ✓33MP — more detail for cropping and print
- ✓10-bit 4K 60p (Super35 crop) / 4K 30p full-frame
- ✓Full-size HDMI port
- ✓759 phase-detect AF points
Cons
- –4K 60p requires Super35 crop
- –10fps burst lags behind R6 II at 40fps
- –Complex menu system
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 7 IV at major authorized retailers.
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Sony Alpha 7 IV
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for vlogging, M Monochrom (Typ 246) or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 8.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for M Monochrom (Typ 246) — Fully articulating screen — see yourself while filming.
What's the resolution difference between the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 7 IV?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 24 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the Alpha 7 IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) does not have IBIS, while Alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M Monochrom (Typ 246) or the Alpha 7 IV?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) reaches 20 fps electronic. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 7 IV?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) weighs 680 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the Alpha 7 IV is 22 g lighter.
Do the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
M Monochrom (Typ 246): 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
M Monochrom (Typ 246): Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
How much does each cost?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) launched at $7,495 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The Alpha 7 IV is $4,996 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Alpha 7 IV vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica and Sony press materials.