Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Sony
Alpha 7CR
61MP compact full-frame for resolution in a small body.
$2,999
Released Oct 2023
Alpha 7CR is 2 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
Wins
Alpha 7CR
5 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 120 frames)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BAlpha 7CR has higher Resolution (61 MP vs 33 MP)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 32,000)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
Alpha 7CR
124 × 71 × 63 mm
515 g (1.14 lb / 18.17 oz)
Alpha 7 IV is 7mm wider, 25mm taller, and 16mm thicker than Alpha 7CR.
Alpha 7 IV is 143 g heavier than Alpha 7CR.
Depth (front-to-back): 80mm Alpha 7 IV · 63mm Alpha 7CR
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Alpha 7CR
35.7 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
850 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7CR
✓ 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
Alpha 7 IV
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 120 frames — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 32,000 — higher is better
EVF resolution
3,686,400 vs 2,359,296 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
10 fps vs 7 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7CR
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124, 71.1, 63.4
Resolution
61 MP vs 33 MP — higher is better
Weight
515 g vs 658 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5.5 stops — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
Alpha 7CR
Pros
- ✓61MP in compact form
- ✓AI AF
- ✓High detail for landscapes
Cons
- –Smaller body ergonomics
- –Slower burst than A7R V
- –Price premium for size
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Alpha 7 IV or Alpha 7CR?
Alpha 7 IV scores 8.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Alpha 7CR — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7CR?
Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP and Alpha 7CR is 61 MP, so the Alpha 7CR captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7CR have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7CR has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 IV or the Alpha 7CR?
Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 7CR reaches 8 fps mechanical.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7CR?
Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g and Alpha 7CR weighs 515 g, so the Alpha 7CR is 143 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7CR record 4K video?
Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7CR: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7CR weather sealed?
Alpha 7 IV: Yes. Alpha 7CR: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 580 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 IV and 520 shots for the Alpha 7CR, giving the Alpha 7 IV the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 IV launched at $2,499 and Alpha 7CR at $2,999. The Alpha 7 IV is $500 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.