Upgrade Guide

Sony A9→Sony A7R IV

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Sony

£1,026 used

2017

→

Upgrade to

Sony

A7R IV

£1,078 used (+£52)

2019

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the A9. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the A7R IV

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	A9	A7R IV
Price	£1,026 used	£1,078 used
Released	2017	2019	↑
Sensor	24.2MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Exmor RS	Full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS 35mm
Resolution	24MP	61MP	↑
Video	4K/30p, 1080p/120p	4K 30fps
Autofocus	693 phase-detect + 25 contrast-detect, real-time eye/body tracking	567-point phase-detect, real-time tracking
Stabilisation	IBIS — 5-axis, up to 5 stops	5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops
Burst Rate	20fps (blackout-free, silent electronic shutter with full AF/AE)	10fps	↓
Battery Life	~650 shots (CIPA)	670 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	673g (with battery and card)	665g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF, OLED 3.69M dots, 0.78× magnification, 60fps refresh (blackout-free)	EVF 0.78× 5.76M-dot
Screen	3.0" tilting touchscreen	3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.44M-dot
Mount	Sony FE (full-frame E-mount)	Sony E-Mount
Memory Cards	Dual SD UHS-II slots	Dual SD UHS-II slots

Compare side-by-side

See A9 and A7R IV next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the A7R IV against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the A9

Camera family history