Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony A7 IV
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a versatile and robust full-frame digital SLR camera designed to excel in both high-resolution photography and 4K video recording. Featuring a 30.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon's renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, it delivers exceptional image quality with impressive detail and smooth, fast autofocus performance in both Live View and movie modes. Built for professionals working in demanding environments, this camera offers a durable weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, and an intuitive touchscreen interface. With a native ISO range of 100-32,000—expandable up to 102,400—it provides reliable low-light performance, making it a trusted workhorse for wedding, wildlife, portrait, and commercial photographers worldwide.
The Sony A7 IV is a full-frame mirrorless camera positioned as an all-rounder, balancing high-resolution 33MP stills with capable 4K video up to 60fps, making it a popular choice for hybrid shooters who need both photo and video capability from one body. Sony's advanced real-time autofocus with eye and subject tracking works reliably for both humans and animals, and a fully articulating touchscreen aids vlogging and awkward-angle shooting. Dual card slots (one CFexpress Type A, one UHS-II SD) provide flexible storage and backup options, while in-body 5-axis image stabilization helps handheld shooting in lower light.
Body only around $2,498 MSRP.
- Exceptional 30.4-megapixel image quality
- Fast and accurate Dual Pixel AF in Live View
- Durable, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Excellent balance of photo and video capability
- Reliable, fast autofocus tracking
- Strong in-body stabilization
- Flexible dual card slots
- Video is cropped when shooting in 4K
- Fixed LCD screen does not articulate
- Uses older CF and SD card slot combination
- Body-only price excludes lenses
- Menu system has a learning curve
- Rolling shutter present in some video modes
What reviewers say
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Reviews
No reviews yet.
Sony A7 IV Reviews
4.7 (3)Solid choice
I picked up Sony A7 IV a while back and haven't looked back. Flexible dual card slots. No major complaints so far. Would recommend.
Solid choice
I picked up Sony A7 IV a while back and haven't looked back. Reliable, fast autofocus tracking. No major complaints so far. Would recommend.
Does exactly what we need
We've been using Sony A7 IV for a few months now and it's genuinely made a difference. Strong in-body stabilization. One minor gripe: menu system has a learning curve, but it hasn't been a dealbreaker. Would recommend.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Canon EOS 5D IV is a rugged, weather‑sealed DSLR with excellent image quality and long battery life, while the Sony A7 IV is a more modern mirrorless offering higher resolution, superior video specs, and better card flexibility at a lower price.
Key differences
- •Canon uses an older CF/SD slot combo; Sony offers dual CFexpress Type A + SD slots.
- •Sony provides 4K video up to 60 fps and 5‑axis IBIS; Canon caps at 4K 30 fps with no IBIS.
- •Canon’s battery lasts ~900 shots; Sony’s battery life isn’t specified.
- •Canon’s body is weather‑sealed magnesium alloy; Sony’s durability details are not provided.
Key features
Sony offers 33 MP sensor, 4K 60 fps, eye‑tracking AF, and 5‑axis IBIS versus Canon’s 30.4 MP, 4K 30 fps, no IBIS.
Battery life
Canon lists approx. 900 shots per charge; Sony’s battery capacity is not specified.
Ecosystem & compatibility
Sony’s dual CFexpress Type A + SD slots are more versatile than Canon’s older CF + SD combo.
Comfort & design
Both have distinct form factors (DSLR vs. mirrorless) but no comparative ergonomics data provided.
Durability
Canon explicitly mentions weather‑sealed magnesium alloy body; Sony’s durability specs are not given.
Price & value
Canon MSRP $3,499; Sony body‑only MSRP $2,498, making Sony the cheaper option.
Choose Canon EOS 5D Mark IV if…
Professional shooters needing rugged, weather‑sealed gear and long battery life.
Choose Sony A7 IV if…
Hybrid photographers/videographers wanting higher resolution, better video, modern card slots, and lower cost.
Common questions
Which camera offers better video performance?
Sony A7 IV supports 4K up to 60 fps and includes in‑body stabilization; Canon EOS 5D IV caps at 4K 30 fps and lacks IBIS.
Is the Canon’s battery life superior?
Canon specifies about 900 shots per charge; Sony’s battery life isn’t listed, so Canon is the only one with a confirmed higher count.
How do the storage options compare?
Canon uses a CF and SD slot combination; Sony provides dual slots of CFexpress Type A and SD, offering faster and more flexible media options.