Sony A7 IV vs Canon R5 – Which one is better?
Sony A7 IV vs Canon R5 – Which One Is Better?
The Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R5 are two of the most popular full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market — both offering cutting-edge performance for hybrid photo and video creators.
While the A7 IV represents Sony’s all-around hybrid excellence, the Canon R5 pushes the boundaries of resolution and video quality for professionals.
So, which camera gives you the best balance of power, performance, and value? Let’s find out.
⚙️ Overview — Balanced Hybrid vs High-End Powerhouse
Sony A7 IV:
A true hybrid camera that blends stills and video performance with a 33 MP sensor, 10-bit 4K 60p recording, and class-leading autofocus. It’s built for creators who want professional quality in every shooting situation — from portraits to travel to YouTube.
Canon EOS R5:
A professional-grade camera boasting a 45 MP sensor, 8K RAW video, and advanced Dual Pixel AF II autofocus. It’s designed for photographers and filmmakers who demand the highest image quality, resolution, and performance in a single body.
In short:
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A7 IV = Hybrid flexibility and great value.
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R5 = High-end performance and resolution for serious pros.
📸 Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Sony A7 IV | Canon EOS R5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2021 | July 2020 |
| Sensor | 33 MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS | 45 MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | DIGIC X |
| Mount | Sony E-Mount | Canon RF Mount |
| In-Body Stabilization (IBIS) | ✅ Yes (up to 5.5 stops) | ✅ Yes (up to 8 stops) |
| Video Recording | 4K 60p (10-bit 4:2:2, Super 35 crop) | 8K 30p / 4K 120p (10-bit 4:2:2) |
| Autofocus System | 759 Phase-Detect Points with Real-Time Tracking | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II (1053 AF zones) |
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps (mechanical/electronic) | 12 fps (mechanical) / 20 fps (electronic) |
| Viewfinder | 3.68M-dot OLED EVF | 5.76M-dot OLED EVF |
| Screen | 3.0” Fully Articulating Touch LCD (1.03M dots) | 3.2” Fully Articulating Touch LCD (2.1M dots) |
| Dual Card Slots | ✅ Yes (CFexpress Type A + SD UHS-II) | ✅ Yes (CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II) |
| Weather Sealing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | ~580 shots | ~320 shots |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI |
| Weight (Body Only) | 659 g | 738 g |
| Price (Body Only) | ~$2,499 (check on Amazon) | ~$3,399 (check on Amazon) |
🧱 Build and Handling
Both cameras feature durable magnesium alloy bodies with full weather sealing, professional dials, and deep grips.
The Sony A7 IV feels slightly more compact and lighter, with Sony’s modern menu system and customizable controls. It’s designed for hybrid shooters who frequently switch between photo and video.
The Canon R5 has a larger, more ergonomic grip and a higher-resolution 5.76M-dot EVF that’s a joy to use. Canon’s control layout is intuitive, and the top LCD panel is handy for quick settings checks — especially for professionals working on set.
👉 Verdict:
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A7 IV: Lighter and more compact; great hybrid handling.
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R5: More premium feel with better EVF and ergonomics for long sessions.
🎯 Autofocus and Performance
The A7 IV features Sony’s acclaimed Real-Time Tracking AF with 759 phase-detect points, covering 94% of the frame. It tracks humans, animals, and birds in both stills and video seamlessly.
The Canon R5 counters with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, offering 1,053 zones of deep-learning-based tracking for faces, eyes, animals, and vehicles. It’s faster in burst mode (up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter) and slightly smoother when tracking erratic motion.
👉 Verdict:
-
A7 IV: Fantastic hybrid autofocus for all conditions.
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R5: Faster and more advanced subject detection — better for action and wildlife.
🎥 Video Capabilities
This is where both cameras shine — but in different ways.
Sony A7 IV:
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4K 60p (Super 35 crop) / 4K 30p (full sensor readout)
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10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
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S-Cinetone, S-Log3, and HLG profiles
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No overheating in normal use
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Focus breathing compensation
Canon R5:
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8K 30p RAW internal recording
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4K 120p slow motion
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10-bit 4:2:2 with Canon Log and HDR PQ
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Exceptional image detail and dynamic range
-
Some thermal limitations during extended 8K or 4K HQ recording
👉 Verdict:
-
A7 IV: Reliable and flexible for hybrid shooters — no overheating, consistent performance.
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R5: Incredible resolution and slow-motion options, but better for shorter or managed sessions.
🧠 Image Quality
The Canon R5’s 45 MP sensor offers higher resolution and dynamic range, perfect for landscape, studio, and commercial photographers who need massive detail and cropping flexibility.
The Sony A7 IV’s 33 MP sensor provides slightly better low-light performance and smaller, more manageable files — ideal for everyday use, events, and hybrid workflows.
Both produce stunning color reproduction, especially with Sony’s updated S-Cinetone and Canon’s classic Color Science.
👉 Verdict:
-
A7 IV: Balanced resolution and better ISO performance.
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R5: Superior detail, clarity, and dynamic range.
🔋 Battery Life and Connectivity
The A7 IV outlasts the R5 by a wide margin. With around 580 shots per charge, it’s one of the most efficient full-frame hybrids today.
The R5 averages around 320 shots, but can be powered via USB-C or external batteries for extended use. Both feature Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, and HDMI for tethering, live streaming, or content transfer.
👉 Verdict:
-
A7 IV: Better battery endurance and efficiency.
-
R5: Shorter battery life but faster performance.
💰 Price and Value
| Model | Approx. Price | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Sony A7 IV | ~$2,499 | Hybrid creators, event shooters, content makers |
| Canon R5 | ~$3,399 | Professional photographers, filmmakers, and studio users |
The A7 IV delivers tremendous value for its class, offering professional-quality stills and 10-bit 4K video at a much lower price.
The R5, while more expensive, provides cutting-edge resolution and video options that rival cinema cameras.
👉 Verdict:
-
A7 IV: Best balance of features and price.
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R5: Worth it if you need 8K, 45 MP, and top-tier autofocus.
🏁 Final Verdict — Sony A7 IV vs Canon R5
| Type of User | Recommended Camera |
|---|---|
| Beginner Photographer | A7 IV |
| Professional Photographer | R5 |
| Hybrid Creator | A7 IV |
| Landscape Photographer | R5 |
| Wedding / Event Shooter | A7 IV |
| Vlogger / YouTuber | A7 IV |
| Studio Photographer | R5 |
| Wildlife / Sports Shooter | R5 |
| Budget Buyer | A7 IV |
✅ In short:
Choose the Sony A7 IV if you want a reliable, hybrid camera that excels in both photography and video — with long battery life, strong autofocus, and excellent value.
Choose the Canon R5 if you need maximum resolution, professional-grade video power, and don’t mind the higher cost or heavier body.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The Sony A7 IV is the perfect hybrid camera for creators who need top performance across photo and video — without breaking the bank. Its 33 MP sensor, dependable autofocus, and no-overheating 4K recording make it a workhorse for nearly any scenario.
The Canon EOS R5, on the other hand, remains a beast of a camera for professionals. With 45 MP stills, 8K video, and blazing-fast autofocus, it’s a dream for those who push creative limits — though its price and battery life may be overkill for casual users.
If you want the most capable all-rounder, go for the Sony A7 IV.
If you want the ultimate image quality and cinematic performance, the Canon R5 still leads the pack.
Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒
📷 Canon R5 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
📷 Sony A7 IV — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
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