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 9
First stacked-sensor mirrorless sports camera with 20fps blackout-free shooting.
$4,499
Released Apr 2017
Alpha 7 IV is 4.5 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
Wins
Alpha 9
7 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 200 frames)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher Burst (mechanical) (10 fps vs 5 fps)
- BAlpha 9 has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 10 fps)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 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 9
127 × 96 × 63 mm
673 g (1.48 lb / 23.74 oz)
Alpha 7 IV is 4mm wider, 1mm taller, and 17mm thicker than Alpha 9.
Alpha 7 IV is 15 g lighter than Alpha 9.
Depth (front-to-back): 80mm Alpha 7 IV · 63mm Alpha 9
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Alpha 9
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 9
✓ 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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 200 frames — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.265
Burst (mechanical)
10 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 9
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 95.6, 63
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Battery life (CIPA)
650 shots vs 580 shots — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 51,200
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
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 9
Pros
- ✓Stacked sensor pioneer
- ✓20fps silent burst
- ✓Pro sports AF
Cons
- –Superseded by A9 II/III
- –24MP
- –Expensive when new
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for vlogging, Alpha 7 IV or Alpha 9?
Alpha 7 IV scores 8.0/10 versus 4.5/10 for Alpha 9 — Fully articulating screen — see yourself while filming.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 9?
Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP and Alpha 9 is 24.2 MP, so the Alpha 7 IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 9 have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 9 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 IV or the Alpha 9?
Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 9 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 9?
Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g and Alpha 9 weighs 673 g, so the Alpha 7 IV is 15 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 9 record 4K video?
Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 9: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 9 weather sealed?
Alpha 7 IV: Yes. Alpha 9: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 580 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 IV and 650 shots for the Alpha 9, giving the Alpha 9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 IV launched at $2,499 and Alpha 9 at $4,499. The Alpha 7 IV is $2,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.