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 7R II
Historic 42MP mirrorless that proved high-resolution full-frame could work.
$3,199
Released Jun 2015
Alpha 7 IV is 6.3 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
Wins
Alpha 7R II
4 categories tied
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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 ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher Burst (mechanical) (10 fps vs 5 fps)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher Burst (electronic) (10 fps vs 5 fps)
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 7R II
127 × 96 × 60 mm
625 g (1.38 lb / 22.05 oz)
Alpha 7 IV is 4mm wider, 1mm taller, and 20mm thicker than Alpha 7R II.
Alpha 7 IV is 33 g heavier than Alpha 7R II.
Depth (front-to-back): 80mm Alpha 7 IV · 60mm Alpha 7R II
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Alpha 7R II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7R II
✓ 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
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -2 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
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 120 frames — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Animal, Bird, Insect…
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.265
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7R II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 95.7, 60.3
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Codecs
Adds AVCHD, MP4
Resolution
42.4 MP vs 33 MP — higher is better
Weight
625 g vs 658 g — lower 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
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
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 7R II
Pros
- ✓42MP milestone
- ✓5-axis IBIS
- ✓Historic importance
Cons
- –Very dated AF
- –Old video
- –Superseded many times
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Alpha 7 IV or Alpha 7R II?
Alpha 7 IV scores 8.0/10 versus 1.5/10 for Alpha 7R II — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R II?
Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP and Alpha 7R II is 42.4 MP, so the Alpha 7R II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R II have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7R II has 4.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 IV or the Alpha 7R II?
Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 7R II reaches 5 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R II?
Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g and Alpha 7R II weighs 625 g, so the Alpha 7R II is 33 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R II record 4K video?
Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7R II: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R II weather sealed?
Alpha 7 IV: Yes. Alpha 7R II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 580 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 IV and 290 shots for the Alpha 7R II, giving the Alpha 7 IV the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 IV launched at $2,499 and Alpha 7R II at $3,199. The Alpha 7 IV is $700 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.