Sony a7 II vs Sony a7 IV
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7 IV (2021) moves ahead on burst speed (10fps vs 5fps), resolution (33MP vs 24.3MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 25p). The Sony a7 II is still the value pick at $1,699 ($2,499 for the Sony a7 IV). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7 II gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Sony a7 II if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,699, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses.
Choose the Sony a7 IV if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 25p, 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage, no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap) and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 33MP resolves noticeably more than 24.3MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Sony a7 IV is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the Sony a7 II launched at $1,699, $800 under the Sony a7 IV — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Burst: the Sony a7 IV shoots 10fps to the Sony a7 II's 5fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Durability: the Sony a7 IV is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Resolution: 33MP on the Sony a7 IV vs 24.3MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7 II or the Sony a7 IV better?
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7 IV (2021) moves ahead on burst speed (10fps vs 5fps), resolution (33MP vs 24.3MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 25p). The Sony a7 II is still the value pick at $1,699 ($2,499 for the Sony a7 IV). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7 II gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Sony a7 II?
Choose the Sony a7 II if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,699, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses.
Who should choose the Sony a7 IV?
Choose the Sony a7 IV if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 25p, 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage, no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap) and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 33MP resolves noticeably more than 24.3MP and gives more cropping latitude. 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.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7 IV?
Video: the Sony a7 IV is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ XR |
| Effective Resolution | 24.3 MP | 33 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 51200 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 25p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | No limit |
| Log Profiles | − | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | − | 759 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | 425 |
| Low Light AF | − | -4 EV |
| Eye AF | No | Yes |
| Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 3.69M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.71x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.23M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.2 |
| USB | Micro USB 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 1x CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II + 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $2,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×95.7×60.3 mm | 131.3×96.4×79.8 mm |
| Weight | 599g (1.32 lb) | 658g (1.45 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 350 shots | 520 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 410 shots | 580 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FZ100 |
