A7R IVvs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Landscape, Studio, Commercial — A7R IV (2019): 61MP in a mirrorless body — the resolution benchmark.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
Who should buy what
A7R IV (2019)
- Landscape photographers who print large
- Studio shooters needing maximum detail
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The a7r iv has the highest resolution at 61mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7R IV (2019) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,199 | £600 |
| Sensor | Full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS 35mm | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 61.0MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K 30fps | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | 567-point phase-detect, real-time tracking | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 5fps |
| Battery Life | 670 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 665g (body only) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 128.9 × 96.4 × 77.5mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.78× 5.76M-dot | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.44M-dot | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Sony E-Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II / CFexpress Type A | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5GHz, Bluetooth 4.1, USB-C 3.2 | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7R IV | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Architecture | — | |
| Street | ||
| Travel | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with A7R IV
Camera family history