Sony a1 II vs Sony a7 IV
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Sony a1 II (2024) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 10fps), resolution (50.1MP vs 33MP) and 8K video. The Sony a7 IV is still the value pick at $2,499 ($6,499 for the Sony a1 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7 IV gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Sony a1 II if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 10fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p).
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 50.1MP resolves noticeably more than 33MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Choose the Sony a7 IV if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $2,499, about $4,000 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Burst: the Sony a1 II shoots 30fps to the Sony a7 IV's 10fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Price: the Sony a7 IV launched at $2,499, $4,000 under the Sony a1 II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Card slots: the Sony a1 II has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Weight: the Sony a7 IV is 658g (1.45 lb) vs 743g (1.64 lb) — 85g you'll feel on a long day out.
- ›Resolution: 50.1MP on the Sony a1 II vs 33MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a1 II or the Sony a7 IV better?
Same line, different generation: the Sony a1 II (2024) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 10fps), resolution (50.1MP vs 33MP) and 8K video. The Sony a7 IV is still the value pick at $2,499 ($6,499 for the Sony a1 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7 IV gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Sony a1 II?
Choose the Sony a1 II if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 10fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p). Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 50.1MP resolves noticeably more than 33MP and gives more cropping latitude. Choose it if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Who should choose the Sony a7 IV?
Choose the Sony a7 IV if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $2,499, about $4,000 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Sony a1 II and the Sony a7 IV?
Burst: the Sony a1 II shoots 30fps to the Sony a7 IV's 10fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI Stacked CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ XR | BIONZ XR |
| Effective Resolution | 50.1 MP | 33 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 32000 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 102400 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/400 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 30 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | Up to 30p | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 240p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 759 | 759 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | 425 |
| Low Light AF | -4 EV | -4 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 9.44M dots | 3.69M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.9x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 2.10M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | 4-Axis Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.3 | v4.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II | 1x CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II + 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $6,499 | $2,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 136.1×96.9×82.9 mm | 131.3×96.4×79.8 mm |
| Weight | 743g (1.64 lb) | 658g (1.45 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 520 shots | 520 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 420 shots | 580 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 |
