Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Alpha 7 IV is 2.2 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
Wins
Alpha 7R IV
8 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 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 7R IV 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 7R IV
129 × 96 × 78 mm
665 g (1.47 lb / 23.46 oz)
Alpha 7 IV is 2mm wider and 2mm thicker than Alpha 7R IV.
Alpha 7 IV is 7 g lighter than Alpha 7R IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 80mm Alpha 7 IV · 78mm Alpha 7R IV
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Alpha 7R IV
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 7R 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
Alpha 7 IV
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3 EV — lower 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
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 79.8
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.265
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7R IV
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 128.9, 77.5
Resolution
61 MP vs 33 MP — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,686,400 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Battery life (CIPA)
670 shots vs 580 shots — 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
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 10 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 7R IV
Pros
- ✓61MP detail
- ✓Great for studio
- ✓Pixel shift mode
Cons
- –Slower AF than A7R V
- –Large files
- –Rolling shutter in video
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Alpha 7 IV or Alpha 7R IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 8.0/10 versus 4.5/10 for Alpha 7R IV — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R IV?
Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP and Alpha 7R IV is 61 MP, so the Alpha 7R IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R IV have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7R IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 IV or the Alpha 7R IV?
Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 7R IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R IV?
Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g and Alpha 7R IV weighs 665 g, so the Alpha 7 IV is 7 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R IV record 4K video?
Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7R IV: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R IV weather sealed?
Alpha 7 IV: Yes. Alpha 7R IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 580 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 IV and 670 shots for the Alpha 7R IV, giving the Alpha 7R IV the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 IV launched at $2,499 and Alpha 7R IV at $3,499. The Alpha 7 IV is $1,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.