Sony a7R II vs Sony a7R IV
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7R IV (2019) moves ahead on burst speed (10fps vs 5fps) and resolution (61MP vs 42.4MP). The Sony a7R II is still the value pick at $3,199 ($3,499 for the Sony a7R IV). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7R II gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Sony a7R IV if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst and 567 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 61MP resolves noticeably more than 42.4MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -3 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Sony a7R II launched at $3,199, $300 under the Sony a7R IV — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Burst: the Sony a7R IV shoots 10fps to the Sony a7R II's 5fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Card slots: the Sony a7R IV has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Durability: the Sony a7R IV is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Resolution: 61MP on the Sony a7R IV vs 42.4MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7R II or the Sony a7R IV better?
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7R IV (2019) moves ahead on burst speed (10fps vs 5fps) and resolution (61MP vs 42.4MP). The Sony a7R II is still the value pick at $3,199 ($3,499 for the Sony a7R IV). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7R II gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Sony a7R IV?
Choose the Sony a7R IV if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst and 567 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 61MP resolves noticeably more than 42.4MP and gives more cropping latitude. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -3 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7R II and the Sony a7R IV?
Price: the Sony a7R II launched at $3,199, $300 under the Sony a7R IV — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ X |
| Effective Resolution | 42.4 MP | 61 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 32000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 102400 | 50 – 102400 |
| 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 30p | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | 29 min |
| Log Profiles | S-Log2 / S-Log3 / HLG | S-Log3 / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 399 | 567 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -2 EV | -3 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 5.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.23M dots | 1.44M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.2 |
| USB | Micro USB 2.0 | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 2x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $3,199 | $3,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×95.7×60.3 mm | 128.9×96.4×77.5 mm |
| Weight | 625g (1.38 lb) | 665g (1.47 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 290 shots | 530 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 340 shots | 670 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FZ100 |
