The Key Differences Between Canon EOS R vs. Sony A7R IV
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The Key Differences Between Canon EOS R vs. Sony A7R IV

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Today, we will discuss the differences between Canon EOS R and Sony A7R IV. These two mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras were announced in September 2018 and July 2019. Which camera is the best option for you? I will clarify this throughout this article.

The Canon EOS R offers a resolution of 30.1 megapixels, whereas Sony A7R IV offers 60.2 megapixels. Other differences are also noticeable. That’s why the price gap between them is more than double.

Sony Alpha A7R came first in 2015, and A7R IV is the fourth version of this. Where Canon EOS R made its debut as the first full-frame mirrorless camera, let’s look at the other differences.

Canon EOS R vs Sony A7R IV: Comparison Table

Canon EOS R and Sony Alpha A7R IV are great helpers in terms of the uses for your photography career.

However, before selecting the camera for you to buy, look at the differences between these two.

FeaturesCanon EOS RSony A7R IVSuperior
Release DateSeptember 2018July 2019 
Mount TypeRF MountE-Mount  
Sensor Resolution30.1mp60.2mpSony A7R IV
Sensor TypeCMOSCMOS 
Sensor Size36 x 24mm35.7 x 23.8mmQuite same
Image Size6720 x 44809,504 x 6,336Sony A7R IV
ISO Sensitivity100-25,600 (expands up to 50-102,400)100-32,000 (expands up to 50-102800)Sony A7R IV
Low Pass Filter/ Anti-aliasing FilterYesNoCanon EOS R
Built-in Focus MotorNoYesSony A7R IV
Electronic viewfinder3690k dots5760k dotsSony A7R IV
Weather SealingYesYes 
Image processorDigic 8Bionz XSony A7R IV
Display3.20″ Fully Articulated Screen3.00″ Tilting ScreenCanon EOS R
Weight & Dimension660g. 136 x 98 x 84 mm665g. 129 x 96 x 78 mmCanon EOS R
4K (3840 x 2160 p)YesYes 
BluetoothYesYes 
WifiYesYes 
In-body Image StabilizationYesYes 
ReplacedFirst Full-frame mirrorless cameraReplaced Sony Alpha A7R III 
Price1599 USD3499 USDBoth are good at their own perspective.

What are the Key Differences Between the Sony A7R IV and Canon EOS R?

Newcomers don’t buy these kinds of professional cameras. However, it is okay to be confused about which one to choose Canon EOS R or Sony A7R IV. They seem a little similar but on a close look, you will notice a lot of differences.

Here are some differences in terms of features.

Design

The Sony A7R IV is the successor of the Sony A7R III. Canon made its full-frame mirrorless camera debut with the EOS R.

Canon built the EOS R somewhat more prominent than the Sony A7R IV camera as its initial move.

Not that Canon considered Sony a direct marketing competitor (We all know they are).

The Sony camera is heavier than the Canon (665g vs. 660g). The handle of the Canon R is more prominent and comfortable, allowing you to shoot for more extended periods.

Both camera manufacturers include a microphone input port and a headphone output region. They also offer file transfer through WiFi and Bluetooth.

Camera                 Measurements                         Weight

Sony A7R IV         129 x 96 x78 mm                    665g

Canon EOS R       135.8 x 98.3 x 84.4 mm          660g

Sensor

The A7R IV’s 61.2 MP picture sensor is the world’s first of its type. The CMOS image sensor is equipped with a BIONZ X image processor from the most recent generation.

The EOS R has a DIGIC 8 image processor and a 30.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. The Canon’s video sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 25600, allowing high-quality recordings in low-light circumstances. The ISO varies from 100 to 12800 while shooting Ultra High-Definition footage.

The ISO sensitivity range on the Sony A7R IV is excellent, ranging from 100 to 32000 with an enhanced content up to 102400 ISO.

At low sensitivities, the A7R IV sensor’s 15 stops dynamic range provides more lifelike gradations ranging from deep shadows to highlights. A wide dynamic range is essential for cinematographers while filming videos or vloggers who like shooting nature or daily lives.

The Canon R can record in two different RAW formats. The first is RAW, an uncompressed format, and C.RAW, a compressed format.

The A7R IV also offers the same compressed and uncompressed RAW recording formats specified in the camera. Both cameras record in Raw AT 14 bit, with the A7R IV recording in 4:3 and 1:1 aspect ratios. The aspect ratio of Canon R is 3:2.

The mechanical curtains that shield the sensor close when the Canon R is turned off, which is a unique feature of the Canon R. When the Sony A7R IV is switched off, the mechanical curtains close at random, but only for a short time before reopening after a few seconds.

Image Stabilization

As the Canon EOS R lacks a built-in stabilization mechanism, it must rely on optical stabilization lenses. The electronic stabilizer works with optical stabilization to keep the footage steady when shooting video.

A 5-axis sensor stabilization system with 5.5 stops correction is included in the A7R IV. As a result, whatever lens you use with this Sony camera will have stabilization.

Video Recording

For videographers, the Canon R has several intriguing qualities. The camera can shoot video in 4K at up to 30 frames per second with availability modes.

The IPB is the initial mode, in which not all of the frames are saved for post-production. The ALL-I mode compresses each frame and treats each one independently in post-production.

The EOS R records up to 480mbps in Ultra High Definition in the ALL-I mode. During the process of the IPB compression method, bitrate drops to 120fps.

As per Sony, the A7R IV is an extraordinary filmmaking camera compared to other devices with 4K movie recording capabilities.

The A7R IV has S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 gradation modes for color enhancement, with the S-Log 3 offering 14 stops of dynamic range. For quick HDR recording, the Hybrid Log-Gamma is also incorporated.

The Canon can record up to 60 frames per second in 1080p at 180Mbps in ALL-I mode and 60Mbps in IPB mode. The recording speed in HD is up to 120 frames per second (720p). The A7R IV can record in Full HD at 120 frames per second.

Battery Life

The Canon R gives 350 photos in one charge for the EVF and 370 for the LCD.

The numbers can rise to 560 while in power-saving mode. The A7R IV can provide a long battery life of 670 frames in LCD mode and 530 frames in EVF mode.

You can charge both camera batteries using the given USB charger. Battery grips are available from both companies, including the Canon BG-E22 and the Sony VG-C4EM.

Price

Sony A7R IV will cost you $3500. The Canon R was released at $2300, but now it is only $1599 for its body.

You can choose between 28-75 mm f/2 and 35mm f/1.8 and other lenses if you are going for the Canon EOS R (which comes with the body).

Conclusion

The Sony A7R IV camera costs a lot but delivers an excellent output that Vloggers and professional photo shooters can appreciate.  On the other hand, Canon EOS R is comparatively cheap and creates competition with the Sony A7R IV. At this value, this is a great product.

If you don’t have any budget issues, go for the Sony A7R IV. Canon EOS R is the best option if you think you can compromise a little.

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