Sony A7R IV vs Canon R5 – Which One Is Better?

The Sony A7R IV and Canon EOS R5 are two high-end full-frame mirrorless cameras built for professionals who demand exceptional image quality, performance, and reliability.

Both deliver stunning results — but they do so with different philosophies. The A7R IV focuses on maximum resolution and fine detail for stills photographers, while the R5 aims to be the ultimate hybrid camera for those balancing photo and video.

So, which one gives you the best performance and value today? Let’s find out.

---

⚙️ Overview – Resolution Master vs Hybrid Powerhouse

Sony A7R IV:
A full-frame camera with an incredible 61 MP sensor, outstanding dynamic range, and color accuracy. It’s designed primarily for landscape, studio, and commercial photographers who need large, detailed images.

Canon R5:
A powerful hybrid camera featuring a 45 MP full-frame sensor, 8K RAW video, and state-of-the-art autofocus. It’s built for professionals who shoot both high-end stills and cinematic video.

In short:

• A7R IV = Ultimate resolution and photographic precision.

• R5 = Top-tier hybrid camera for both stills and video professionals.

---

📸 Specifications Comparison

---

🧱 Build and Handling

Both cameras are built to professional standards with magnesium alloy frames and full weather sealing.

The Sony A7R IV features a familiar, compact Sony design with a tilting screen and intuitive controls — great for photographers who prioritize precision.

The Canon R5 offers a slightly larger body with a deeper grip and a fully articulating touchscreen, making it more comfortable for long shoots and ideal for video recording.

👉 Verdict:

• A7R IV: Smaller and lighter — great for travel and landscape setups.

• R5: More ergonomic and flexible for hybrid workflows.

---

🎯 Autofocus and Performance

The Canon R5 leads with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, offering advanced AI-based subject detection that recognizes humans, animals, and vehicles. Autofocus tracking is fast, sticky, and reliable in both stills and video.

The A7R IV’s 567-point phase-detect system is excellent for still photography but lacks newer AI-based subject recognition. It’s extremely accurate but not as adaptive or intuitive as Canon’s latest AF tech.

The R5 also delivers faster burst shooting — up to 20 fps electronically — compared to the A7R IV’s 10 fps.

👉 Verdict:

• A7R IV: Fast, precise AF for static or controlled scenes.

• R5: Smarter, faster AF for action, wildlife, and hybrid use.

---

🎥 Video Capabilities

This is where the Canon R5 dominates.

Sony A7R IV

• 4K 30p (8-bit, full sensor readout)

• 1080p up to 120 fps

• S-Log2 / S-Log3 / HLG

• Clean HDMI output

• Limited to short recording times for video-heavy workflows

Canon R5

• 8K 30p RAW (10-bit 4:2:2 internal)

• 4K 120p (10-bit 4:2:2)

• Canon Log 3 / HDR PQ

• Full-frame oversampling for incredible sharpness

• Fully articulating screen and superior color science

While the A7R IV can record good-quality 4K footage, it’s clearly a photo-first camera. The R5, meanwhile, is a true hybrid beast capable of cinema-quality video — though early models had heat limitations (greatly improved with firmware updates).

👉 Verdict:

• A7R IV: Great for occasional or supporting video use.

• R5: One of the best hybrid cameras for high-end video creators.

---

🧠 Image Quality

Both deliver incredible still image quality, but they differ in focus:

The A7R IV’s 61 MP sensor produces unmatched detail, dynamic range, and cropping flexibility — perfect for large prints and commercial use.

The R5’s 45 MP sensor offers slightly lower resolution but benefits from Canon’s color science, cleaner JPEG processing, and exceptional sharpness even at higher ISOs.

👉 Verdict:

• A7R IV: Superior for resolution, texture, and fine detail.

• R5: Slightly better color rendering and low-light performance.

---

🔋 Battery Life and Connectivity

The A7R IV has the advantage in endurance, with around 670 shots per charge, compared to about 320 on the R5.

However, the R5 offers modern connection options including CFexpress Type B for 8K workflows, full-size HDMI, and better wireless transfer speeds.

👉 Verdict:

• A7R IV: Longer battery life for photo sessions.

• R5: Better connectivity for fast data transfer and professional setups.

---

💰 Price and Value

–

The A7R IV remains one of the best high-resolution cameras for pure photography, while the R5 delivers industry-leading versatility for both stills and video at a higher cost.

👉 Verdict:

• A7R IV: Best value for detail-oriented photographers.

• R5: Best all-around hybrid option for pros.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Sony A7R IV — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Canon R5 — 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.

---

🏁 Final Verdict — Sony A7R IV vs Canon R5

–

✅ In short:

Choose the Sony A7R IV if you want maximum resolution, unmatched detail, and professional-grade stills performance.

Choose the Canon R5 if you need a true hybrid powerhouse — excellent photos, professional 8K video, fast autofocus, and top-tier color science.

---

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Sony A7R IV remains a benchmark for high-resolution photography — its 61 MP sensor still outperforms most cameras for pure detail and clarity. It’s the choice for professionals who live for perfection in still imagery.

The Canon R5, on the other hand, is the more versatile hybrid tool, capable of shooting cinematic 8K video and razor-sharp stills with next-generation autofocus and color reproduction.

If your priority is resolution and print-quality detail, go for the A7R IV.

If you need versatility, video excellence, and speed, the R5 is the clear winner.