Sony a7 IV vs Sony a7R VI
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7R VI (2025) moves ahead on resolution (60.1MP vs 33MP), 8K video and subject-detection AF. The Sony a7 IV is still the value pick at $2,499 ($4,499 for the Sony a7R VI). 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 a7 IV if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $2,499, about $2,000 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.
Choose the Sony a7R VI if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p).
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 60.1MP resolves noticeably more than 33MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals and vehicles that the other body lacks.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Sony a7 IV launched at $2,499, $2,000 under the Sony a7R VI — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 60.1MP on the Sony a7R VI vs 33MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Card slots: the Sony a7R VI has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Weight: the Sony a7 IV is 658g (1.45 lb) vs 720g (1.59 lb) — 62g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7 IV or the Sony a7R VI better?
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7R VI (2025) moves ahead on resolution (60.1MP vs 33MP), 8K video and subject-detection AF. The Sony a7 IV is still the value pick at $2,499 ($4,499 for the Sony a7R VI). 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 a7 IV?
Choose the Sony a7 IV if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $2,499, about $2,000 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.
Who should choose the Sony a7R VI?
Choose the Sony a7R VI 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 — 60.1MP resolves noticeably more than 33MP and gives more cropping latitude. Choose it if you photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals and vehicles that the other body lacks. 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.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7 IV and the Sony a7R VI?
Price: the Sony a7 IV launched at $2,499, $2,000 under the Sony a7R VI — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI Stacked CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ XR | BIONZ XR2 |
| Effective Resolution | 33 MP | 60.1 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 100 – 32000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 50 – 102400 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/32000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 8K |
| 8K Recording | − | Up to 30p |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | 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 | 693 |
| Contrast Detect Points | 425 | − |
| Low Light AF | -4 EV | -4 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 3.69M dots | 9.44M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.9x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 2.10M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | 4-Axis Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v5.3 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II + 1x SD UHS-II | 2x CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,499 | $4,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 131.3×96.4×79.8 mm | 131.3×96.9×82.4 mm |
| Weight | 658g (1.45 lb) | 720g (1.59 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 520 shots | 530 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 580 shots | 600 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 |
