Sony a7 IV vs Sony a7S
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7 IV (2021) moves ahead on burst speed (10fps vs 5fps), resolution (33MP vs 12.2MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7S gives you most of the experience for less.
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 30p, 10-bit internal colour and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap).
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 33MP resolves noticeably more than 12.2MP 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.
Choose the Sony a7S if…
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (102,400) gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Sony a7 IV is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Resolution: 33MP on the Sony a7 IV vs 12.2MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Price: the Sony a7 IV launched at $2,499, $300 under the Sony a7S — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Burst: the Sony a7 IV shoots 10fps to the Sony a7S'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.
- ›Weight: the Sony a7S is 566g (1.25 lb) vs 658g (1.45 lb) — 92g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7 IV or the Sony a7S better?
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7 IV (2021) moves ahead on burst speed (10fps vs 5fps), resolution (33MP vs 12.2MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7S gives you most of the experience for less.
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 30p, 10-bit internal colour and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap). Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 33MP resolves noticeably more than 12.2MP 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.
Who should choose the Sony a7S?
Choose the Sony a7S if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (102,400) gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7 IV and the Sony a7S?
Video: the Sony a7 IV is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ XR | BIONZ X |
| Effective Resolution | 33 MP | 12.2 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 100 – 102400 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 50 – 409600 |
| 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 | 10 fps | 5 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | No |
| Recording Limit | No limit | 29 min |
| Log Profiles | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone | S-Log2 |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 759 | − |
| Contrast Detect Points | 425 | − |
| Low Light AF | -4 EV | − |
| Eye AF | Yes | No |
| Animal AF | Yes | No |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 3.69M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.71x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.23M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | No |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.0 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | Micro USB 2.0 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II + 1x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-I |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,499 | $2,799 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 131.3×96.4×79.8 mm | 126.9×94.4×48.2 mm |
| Weight | 658g (1.45 lb) | 566g (1.25 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 520 shots | 240 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 580 shots | 310 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FW50 |
