The Sony a1 and a7R IV are two of the most advanced mirrorless cameras out there, and both offer very high-resolution sensors in tandem with a range of other advanced features. So, which one is right for you? This excellent video review compares the two of them with a particular focus on wildlife and landscape work.
Coming to you from Leigh The SnapChick, this great video review compares the Sony a1 to the Sony a7R IV. No doubt, both are remarkably advanced cameras, but considering the a1 is twice the price, it is well worth considering if you really need it, especially given how much the a7R IV already offers. Without a doubt, if you are only shooting landscapes, portraits, or anything else that does not require ultra-high frame rates, top-class autofocus, or the very best video features, you probably do not need the a1, and you would probably be better served spending that money on a nice lens or two to go with the a7R IV (plus you get more resolution). That being said, if you want or need the best of the best, it is hard to go wrong with the a1. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
Finally a basic, thoughtful and unbiased comparison of two fantastic cameras. The fact that the A7RIV…a two year old camera that can be found new for 3500 USD less than the A1…is being compared at all to the A1, says a lot about how great a camera it still is in 2021.
Yes…for fast moving subjects the A1 is superior. But worth the extra 3500 dollars? As the video does a great job explaining, only you can decide. I for one believe the A7RIV has a lot more capability than most people realize…even for BIF etc.
The person posting this video has no idea how to review, never mind make use of such a powrrful camera (A1). The A1 and A7RIV are so far apart in terms of tech that you cant compare the two. The only comparable factor is the high resolution - everything else is NOT. I owned the A7RIV since its release, and will tell you it leaves a lot to be desired in the AF department - its too slow and inconsistent (inconsistent auto focus results and back focuses with many lenses more often than not). I also shoot Birds in Flight - and again the A7RIV isnt the best choice (Any A9 is FAR superior).. The R4 blackout and EVF lag can cause missed moments. The menu lag is terrible , The noise handling of the A7RIV is poor, matter of fact worse than my A7RIII... where the A1 bring back a good balance (similar to the A7RIII) . And video? A7RIV cant even do 4k60... we get so many more options with the A1. If your into just Landscape, Studio stills then the R4 is fine due to its high resolution... but going back to my R4 feels like going back several generations - ITS SLOW! this video is misleading and a terrible comparison
Sony swung and whiffed in releasing the A7rIV. The camera provides some nice upgrades over the rIII--ergonomics and EVF--but the sensor is not one of them. The additional 18MP does not cut it since it really does take twice the resolution for any noticeable difference. I really have to blow images up to 200% or 300% to detect even minor increases in detail (most noticeable when shooting text or very fine lines). However, the added noise over the rIII is always present.
Instead of pushing for higher resolution, Sony should have kept the 42MP sensor--or marginally increased it to 50MP--and focused on providing more significant improvements in AF, IBIS, tracking, and eye-AF. But I guess Sony was saving those improvements for the A1.
Frankly I often recommend the rIII over the rIV even for portrait and landscape shooters. Only if you truly hate the rIII's ergonomics and really want/need the improved EVF is the rIV worth purchasing over the rIII.