Canon EOS R8 vs Sony A7 IV – Which One Is Best for You?

If you’re looking for a compact full-frame camera that delivers exceptional image quality and reliable autofocus, two names will inevitably come up — the Canon EOS R8 and the Sony A7 IV.

Both sit in the sweet spot between enthusiast and professional gear, and both are designed for creators who want a single camera for photo and video.

But while they may seem similar on paper, they’re very different in personality.

So — is the lighter and newer Canon R8 the better deal, or does the Sony A7 IV still justify its higher price?

Let’s find out which one is best for you.

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⚙️ Overview – Lightweight vs All-Round Hybrid Power

The Canon EOS R8 is Canon’s most affordable full-frame hybrid camera, offering professional image quality in a small, 461-gram body.
The Sony A7 IV, meanwhile, is Sony’s workhorse hybrid — heavier, more expensive, but built for professionals who need everything in one package.

Both cameras use cutting-edge sensors, 10-bit internal recording, and powerful autofocus — but their priorities differ:

• Canon R8: Compact, fast, and easy to carry

• Sony A7 IV: Feature-packed, durable, and built for control

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📸 Specifications Comparison

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🧱 Build and Handling

The Canon R8 feels incredibly light — almost half the weight of the Sony A7 IV. It’s perfect for travel photographers, vloggers, or creators who want full-frame performance in a compact setup.

However, it lacks weather sealing and uses a smaller battery, which limits endurance.

The Sony A7 IV feels far more substantial. Its magnesium-alloy frame, deep grip, and dual card slots make it a camera you can rely on for professional work, regardless of the conditions.

👉 Verdict:

• R8: Excellent for portability and casual travel.

• A7 IV: Best for professionals who value durability and control.

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🎯 Autofocus and Speed

Both cameras feature world-class autofocus systems — and both are powered by advanced subject detection.

The Canon R8 uses Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, capable of recognizing people, animals, and vehicles, even in low light. It’s extremely fast and accurate, especially for portrait and lifestyle shooting.

The Sony A7 IV, with its 759-point phase detection AF and real-time tracking, remains one of the most reliable autofocus systems available. It covers 94% of the frame and rarely misses — especially when tracking eyes in continuous bursts.

👉 Verdict:

• R8: Fantastic AI tracking for stills and video.

• A7 IV: Slightly more reliable and configurable for pro work.

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🎥 Video Capabilities

This is where both cameras truly shine — but in different ways.

Canon EOS R8

• 4K 60p oversampled from 6K (no crop)

• 10-bit 4:2:2 C-Log3 for flexible color grading

• Compact body ideal for gimbal or travel setups

• Digital stabilization (no IBIS)

Sony A7 IV

• 4K 30p oversampled from 7K (no crop), 4K 60p with 1.5× crop

• 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording in S-Log3 or S-Cinetone

• 5.5-stop IBIS for handheld shooting

• No recording limits

If you shoot handheld video, the Sony’s IBIS and richer codec options (XAVC S-I, All-Intra) make it superior.
If you prefer gimbal or tripod work, the Canon’s oversampled 4K gives sharper, cleaner results.

👉 Verdict:

• R8: Better for gimbal/travel video.

• A7 IV: Better for handheld professional filmmaking.

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🧠 Image Quality

The Sony A7 IV’s 33-megapixel BSI sensor offers more resolution and dynamic range, ideal for landscape and commercial work. It also performs slightly better in low light and retains detail in shadows.

The Canon R8’s 24.2MP sensor, however, produces Canon’s signature color science — vibrant, warm tones and pleasing skin tones right out of the camera.

Both cameras deliver outstanding image quality, but Sony leans more toward technical precision, while Canon focuses on aesthetic appeal.

👉 Verdict:

• R8: Better color science and JPEG rendering.

• A7 IV: Sharper, more dynamic, and flexible in post-processing.

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🔋 Battery and Storage

Here, the Sony A7 IV wins by a wide margin. Its NP-FZ100 battery easily doubles the R8’s endurance, and its dual card slots support CFexpress for faster data handling — essential for professional shoots.

The Canon R8 uses a smaller LP-E17 battery with about 290 shots per charge and only one SD card slot. It’s fine for casual creators but not ideal for long sessions.

👉 Verdict:

• R8: Compact and light, but limited endurance.

• A7 IV: Professional-grade battery life and storage.

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💰 Price and Value

This is one of the most significant differences:

• Canon R8: ~$1,499 (body only)

• Sony A7 IV: ~$2,499 (body only)

That’s a $1000 gap — and it reflects their market positions.

The R8 offers outstanding value for creators upgrading to full-frame on a budget, while the A7 IV justifies its cost with IBIS, better battery, dual slots, and unmatched flexibility.

👉 Verdict:

• R8: Best price/performance ratio for creators.

• A7 IV: Worth the premium for serious hybrid professionals.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Canon R8 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Sony A7 IV — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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🏁 Final Verdict — Canon R8 vs Sony A7 IV

✅ In short:

Choose the Canon EOS R8 if you want a lightweight, affordable full-frame camera that produces incredible image quality and cinematic 4K footage without spending $2500+.

Choose the Sony A7 IV if you need a professional hybrid camera with IBIS, dual slots, longer battery life, and maximum flexibility for paid work.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Both the Canon EOS R8 and Sony A7 IV are modern hybrid masterpieces — they just serve different creators.

The R8 is the lightweight powerhouse that makes full-frame accessible to everyone. The A7 IV remains the benchmark hybrid for professionals who demand reliability and control in every situation.

In the end, both cameras deliver stunning results — the choice simply depends on your workflow, your shooting style, and your budget.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Canon R8 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Sony A7 IV — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Looking for more? Discover how other cameras stack up in our full comparison series:

• Canon EOS R8 vs Sony A7 III
• Canon EOS R8 vs RP
• Canon EOS R8 vs Canon R7
• Canon EOS R8 vs R6