A7 IVvs Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
VS
Which should you buy?
Portrait & Wedding Photography — A7 IV (2021): The full-frame portrait benchmark — 33MP, AI Eye AF, and exceptional skin-tone rendering in a pro-grade hybrid body.
Portraits & Everyday — Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 (2016): The most affordable full-frame prime in the Sony FE system — f/1.8 subject separation and linear motor AF at an entry-level price.
Who should buy what
A7 IV (2021)
- You want a high-resolution full-frame all-rounder for portraits, weddings, or travel
- You're stepping up from APS-C or a DSLR and want the best all-round full-frame body under £3,000
- You shoot a mix of stills and video and need a single body that handles both seriously
- You want access to the widest lens ecosystem in the mirrorless market
Quick take: The sony fe 50mm f/1.8 is the most affordable; only the a7 iv is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7 IV (2021) | Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,299 | £199 |
| Sensor | 33MP Full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS | f/1.8 (max aperture) |
| Resolution | 33.0MP | — |
| Video | 4K/60p oversampled, 10-bit internal, S-Log3, S-Cinetone | 45cm minimum focus distance |
| Autofocus | 759-point phase-detect, AI subject recognition | Linear motor (fast and quiet AF) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | None (relies on body IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | — |
| Battery Life | ~580 shots (CIPA) | — |
| Weight | 659g body only | 186g |
| Dimensions | 131.3 × 96.4 × 79.8mm | 68.6 × 59.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.78× magnification | — |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen | — |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: CFexpress Type A + SD UHS-II | — |
| Connectivity | USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | — |
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