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Sony a1 IIvsSony a7 IV: Which Full-Frame Alpha to Choose

Both full-frame mirrorless cameras share the Sony E lens mount and support dual memory card slots. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you require flagship-tier electronic shooting speeds and high-resolution video or everyday versatility.

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Intro

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Best for

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Biggest differences

  • Continuous shooting (electronic)

    Sony a1 II leads

    3×

    higher is better

    • Sony a1 II30 fps
    • Sony a7 IV10 fps

  • Launch price

    Sony a7 IV leads

    2.6×

    lower is better

    • Sony a1 II6,499.99 USD
    • Sony a7 IV2,499.99 USD

  • Viewfinder resolution

    Sony a1 II leads

    2.56×

    higher is better

    • Sony a1 II9.44 M dots
    • Sony a7 IV3.69 M dots

  • In-body image stabilization

    Sony a1 II leads

    +55%

    higher is better

    • Sony a1 II8.5 stops
    • Sony a7 IV5.5 stops

Features not all of them have

High resolution pixel-shift mode

  • Sony a1 II✓
  • Sony a7 IV✕

Where each one wins

  • Sony a1 II

    • High resolution pixel-shift mode
    • Effective pixels
    • In-body image stabilization
    • Continuous shooting (electronic)
    • Max video resolution
    • 4K max frame rate
    • 4K max frame rate (full width)
    • Raw video recording
    • Viewfinder resolution
    • Viewfinder magnification
    • Screen size
    • Screen articulation
    • Rear screen resolution

  • Sony a7 IV

    • Launch price
    • Native ISO maximum
    • Battery life
    • Weight
    • Width
    • Height
    • Depth

What both have

  • Lens mountSony E
  • Sensor formatFull-frame
  • Aspect ratios3:2
  • Continuous shooting (mechanical)10 fps
  • Max mechanical shutter speed8,000 1/s
  • Video codecsH.264, HEVC
  • Video bit depth10 bit
  • Log profile support✓
  • Memory card slots2 slots
  • Weather sealingDust and drip resistant
  • USB charging & power delivery✓
  • Minimum operating temperature0 °C
  • Headphone port✓
  • HDMI port typeFull-size

Every spec

Red marks the better value in each row.

SpecSony a1 IISony a7 IV
Overview

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Overview specs

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Release date2024-1212021-10
Launch price6,499.99 USD2,499.99 USD
Lens mountSony ESony E
High resolution pixel-shift modeYes2No
Sensor & Image

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Sensor & Image specs

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Effective pixels50.1 MP33 MP
Sensor formatFull-frameFull-frame
Native ISO maximum32,000 ISO51,200 ISO3
In-body image stabilization8.5 stops45.5 stops5
Sensor readout speedNot publishedNot published
Sensor type—CMOS
Aspect ratios3:23:2
Lens & Autofocus

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Lens & Autofocus specs

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Continuous shooting (mechanical)10 fps10 fps6
Continuous shooting (electronic)30 fps10 fps
Max mechanical shutter speed8,000 1/s8,000 1/s
Pre-burst capture duration1 s7Not published
AF subject detectionHuman, animal, bird, insect, car, train, airplaneHuman, animal, bird
Video

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Video specs

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Max video resolution8K4K
4K max frame rate119.88 fps860 fps9
Video codecsH.264, HEVCH.264, HEVC
4K max frame rate (full width)59.94 fps1030 fps11
Raw video recordingExternal12None13
Video bit depth10 bit10 bit
Log profile supportYesYes
Video dynamic range (log)Not published15 stops14
Viewfinder & Screen

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Viewfinder & Screen specs

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Viewfinder resolution9.44 M dots3.69 M dots
Viewfinder magnification0.9 x0.78 x
Screen size3.2 in2.95 in15
Screen articulationMulti-angleFully articulated
Rear screen resolution2.1 M dots1.04 M dots16
Handling & Power

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Handling & Power specs

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Battery life520 shots17580 shots18
Memory card slots2 slots2 slots
Weather sealingDust and drip resistant19Dust and drip resistant20
Weight743 g658 g
Width136.1 mm131.3 mm
Height96.9 mm96.4 mm
Depth82.9 mm2169.7 mm22
USB charging & power deliveryYesYes23
Minimum operating temperature0 °C0 °C
Headphone portYesYes
HDMI port typeFull-sizeFull-size
Notes on 23 values — test conditions and caveats
  1. 1Sony a1 II, Release date: Announced 19 November 2024; first retail availability was December 2024.
  2. 2Sony a1 II, High resolution pixel-shift mode: 4- or 16-shot pixel shift composites are merged with Sony's Imaging Edge Desktop PC software.
  3. 3Sony a7 IV, Native ISO maximum: Native range tops out at ISO 51200; 50-204800 requires expanded ISO settings.
  4. 4Sony a1 II, In-body image stabilization: 8.5 stops is the CIPA centre rating; 7.0 stops at the periphery.
  5. 5Sony a7 IV, In-body image stabilization: CIPA rating measured with the 50mm F1.4 ZA test lens attached.
  6. 6Sony a7 IV, Continuous shooting (mechanical): 10 fps applies to compressed RAW/JPEG/HEIF; drops to 6 fps for lossless or uncompressed RAW.
  7. 7Sony a1 II, Pre-burst capture duration: Pre-capture buffers between 0.03 s and 1 s of frames before full shutter press.
  8. 8Sony a1 II, 4K max frame rate: 4K 100p/120p recording uses a 1.1x crop.
  9. 9Sony a7 IV, 4K max frame rate: 4K 60p is only available in Super35mm crop; full-frame 4K tops out at 30p.
  10. 10Sony a1 II, 4K max frame rate (full width): Full-width 4K tops out at 59.94p; 4K 100/120p requires a 1.1x crop.
  11. 11Sony a7 IV, 4K max frame rate (full width): 4K 60p requires the Super35mm crop; full-width 4K is limited to 30p.
  12. 12Sony a1 II, Raw video recording: 16-bit RAW video can only be output over HDMI to an external recorder; no internal RAW recording.
  13. 13Sony a7 IV, Raw video recording: No internal or external raw recording; HDMI output tops out at 10-bit 4:2:2.
  14. 14Sony a7 IV, Video dynamic range (log): Sony's claim for S-Log3 per internal tests; stated as 15+ stops.
  15. 15Sony a7 IV, Screen size: Sony rates the panel at 2.95in (3.0-type); most sources round to 3in.
  16. 16Sony a7 IV, Rear screen resolution: 1,036,800 dots; Sony's retail pages round this to 1.03 megadots.
  17. 17Sony a1 II, Battery life: CIPA rating is 520 shots per charge on the rear LCD; 420 shots with the viewfinder.
  18. 18Sony a7 IV, Battery life: 580 shots per charge with the rear LCD; 520 with the EVF.
  19. 19Sony a1 II, Weather sealing: Sony specifies dust- and moisture-resistant sealing; no formal IP rating is published.
  20. 20Sony a7 IV, Weather sealing: Dust and moisture resistant but not IP-rated; Sony does not guarantee 100% sealing.
  21. 21Sony a1 II, Depth: Sony also lists 72.8 mm depth measured from grip to monitor, excluding the grip protrusion.
  22. 22Sony a7 IV, Depth: Sony lists 79.8mm total depth; 69.7mm is measured from front grip to rear monitor.
  23. 23Sony a7 IV, USB charging & power delivery: Charging and USB power delivery work only through the USB Type-C port.

Resolution and Detail

The Sony a1 II delivers 50.1 megapixels for massive prints and heavy cropping. It also includes a high-resolution pixel-shift mode that merges 4- or 16-shot composites using desktop software.

The Sony a7 IV steps down to 33 megapixels and omits pixel-shift compositing entirely. It still provides plenty of detail for general photography and standard publishing needs.

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Resolution and Detail

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Speed and Autofocus

For capturing fast action, the Sony a1 II reaches 30 fps using its electronic shutter and detects insects, trains, and airplanes alongside common subjects. It also buffers up to one second of pre-capture frames before you fully press the shutter.

The Sony a7 IV matches mechanical shutter speeds at 10 fps but drops to 10 fps electronically, restricting subject detection to humans, animals, and birds.

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Speed and Autofocus

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Video Capabilities

Videographers stepping up to the Sony a1 II gain 8K recording and 4K at up to 119.88 fps, though 100p and 120p rates apply a 1.1x crop. It also outputs 16-bit RAW video externally over HDMI.

The Sony a7 IV limits maximum video resolution to 4K and tops out at 60 fps using a Super35mm crop, while full-frame 4K is restricted to 30p with no raw video output options.

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Video Capabilities

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Handling and Design

The Sony a1 II features a larger 3.2-inch multi-angle screen and a viewfinder with 9.44 million dots and 0.9x magnification. It adds an 8.5-stop image stabilization system based on CIPA centre measurements.

The Sony a7 IV weighs less at 658 grams and offers a slightly longer battery life of 580 shots on its rear LCD, compared to 520 shots for the flagship body.

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Handling and Design

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The Verdict

Buy the Sony a1 II if you need uncompromising resolution, fast electronic burst rates, and advanced 8K video. Buy the Sony a7 IV if you want a reliable, high-resolution full-frame hybrid camera at a lower launch price.

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Verdict

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Where to buy

FAQ

Do both cameras feature weather-sealed bodies?

Yes, both models feature dust- and moisture-resistant sealing, though neither carries a formal IP rating.

Can I charge both cameras via USB?

Yes, both cameras support USB charging and power delivery exclusively through their USB Type-C ports.

What audio and video ports do they share?

Both models include a headphone port and a full-size HDMI port.

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FAQ

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