Sony has been at the forefront of full frame mirrorless camera innovation for years now. With the recently released A7 IV joining the high-end A1 in Sony’s lineup, photographers now have two excellent but very different options to choose from.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll look at how the flagship A1 and mid-range A7 IV stack up across critical categories like image quality, video, autofocus, design, and price to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Sony A1 | Sony A7 IV |
| Sensor Resolution | 50MP | 33MP |
| Max Burst Speed | 30fps electronic shutter | 10fps mechanical shutter |
| Max Video Resolution | 8K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 9.44M dots | 3.68M dots |
| IBIS Rating | 5.5 stops | 5 stops |
| Battery Life | ~430 shots | ~580 shots |
| Weight | 737g | 658g |
| Weather Sealing | Extensive, magnesium body | Sealed, magnesium frame |
| Base ISO Range | ISO 50-32,000 | ISO 100-32,000 |
| MSRP Price | $6500 | $2500 |
Overview Of The Sony A1 And A7 IV
The Sony A1 made big waves when it was announced in early 2021 as Sony’s new no-compromise flagship camera designed for professional photographers and hybrid shooters. Priced at a premium $6500, the A1 boasted a stacked 50MP sensor capable of 30fps burst shooting with a totally silent electronic shutter. It also introduced impressive 8K video recording and next-generation autofocus powered by a new processing system.
In late 2021, Sony followed up with the A7 IV, a more affordable iteration of its core A7 line aimed at advanced amateurs and enthusiasts. At $2500, the 24MP A7 IV offers many high-end features borrowed from the A1 like its autofocus system, viewfinder, and 4K video quality. However, it makes some compromises to achieve its lower price point.
To help summarize the distinctions, here’s an overview of how the two compare:
Sony A1
- 50MP stacked sensor
- 30fps silent shutter burst
- 8K video
- Advanced subject tracking AF
- 9.44M dot EVF
- Professional build quality
- $6500 price tag
Sony A7 IV
- 33MP sensor
- 10fps mechanical shutter burst
- 4K video with oversampling
- Real-time tracking AF system
- 3.68M dot EVF
- Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- $2500 price tag
Also Read: Comparison Between the Nikon D5500 and D7200
Now let’s dive deeper into the key features and performance of each camera.
Image Quality
The most obvious distinction between the A1 and A7 IV is their sensors.
The A1 utilizes a stacked 50.1MP back-illuminated Exmor RS CMOS sensor. The stacked design allows for faster readout speeds which enables impressive capabilities like 30fps bursts with silent shutter. Coupled with Sony’s latest BIONZ XR processor, the A1 delivers stunning image quality with immaculate detail and superb dynamic range. The enhanced processing pipeline also enables other advanced features that aid IQ like Sony’s 10-bit HEIF photo capture and 16-bit RAW files.
By comparison, the A7 IV sports a newer 33MP Exmor R CMOS sensor. While resolution is reduced compared to the A1, 33MP still provides ample resolution for large prints. More important is the new sensor design which brings big improvements to dynamic range thanks to a dual gain architecture similar to Sony’s cinema cameras. The A7 IV now provides up to 15 stops of DR for incredible flexibility editing both shadows and highlights. Low light performance has also been improved by up to 1 stop according to Sony.
Both cameras provide excellent dynamic range and noise performance. But the A1’s higher resolution sensor still gives it an edge for critical applications like landscape, commercial and fashion photography where printing large or cropping heavily are priorities. For general use however, the A7 IV’s sensor produces stunning images that will satisfy all but the most demanding photographers.
Autofocus Performance
Sony made big claims about the A1 ushering in the next generation of autofocus performance, and it largely lives up to the hype. Powered by a new processing system, the A1 has blazing fast AF that reliably locks onto and tracks subjects. Enhanced algorithms enable more tenacious tracking of everything from eyes, faces and bodies to animals and birds. All with more precision than Sony’s previous cameras.
Impressively, Sony has now brought this same AF system to the much more affordable A7 IV. It uses the same algorithms and processing for industry-leading speed and accuracy. Real-time tracking in particular is exceptional, with seamless subject tracking even when obstructed.
Both cameras offer excellent low light focus down to -4EV with the A1 rated slightly better at -6EV. But the gap in real world AF performance between the A1 and A7 IV is negligible. If you need crazy fast burst rates however, the A1’s 30fps silent shutter gives it a meaningful advantage for action.
Video Capabilities
For video, the A1 is in a league of its own. It offers astonishing 8K 30p recording along with 4K 120p slow motion. Footage is oversampled from the full sensor width, making it extremely sharp and detailed. There’s also 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth and S-Log profiles for maximum dynamic range and post production flexibility.
The A7 IV pales in comparison on paper with 4K 30p and Full HD 120p recording. But video is sharply improved over previous A7 models. The sensor’s fast readout enables oversampled, supersampled 4K with excellent detail. You also get 10-bit 4:2:2 color and S-Log3 profiles. While not as advanced as the A1, the A7 IV produces very high quality oversampled 4K video that will satisfy many filmmakers.
Design And Ergonomics
The A1 has a durable, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body befitting its flagship status. Its deep comfortable grip gives it fantastic ergonomics for prolonged handheld use, aided by a top display status panel and plethora of customizable buttons and dials. The eye-level EVF is also best-in-class with 9.44 million dots resolution and 240 fps refresh rate for incredibly sharp and fluid viewing.
Although not as robust, the A7 IV retains a similar body design including the improved ergonomics. It too boasts extensive weather-sealing and a magnesium frame for confidence in tough conditions. The EVF resolution is lower at ‘just’ 3.68 million dots, but remains very impressive. You get the same generous custom buttons and dials along with dual card slots. Only the top status display is omitted.
Both offer excellent handling and comfort in a compact package. The A1’s tank-like sealing and resolution-rich EVF give it an edge for field use. But the A7 IV shares much of the same DNA at a lighter weight.
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Battery Life
One key advantage of the A7 IV over the A1 is improved battery life. It’s rated for 580 shots using the rear LCD or 610 shots through the EVF. This is a noticeable jump over CIPA ratings of around 430 shots for the A1. In real world use, you can expect all day shooting from the A7 IV whereas A1 owners will want to pack extra batteries.
Price And Value
With the A1 debuting at $6500 and the A7 IV at $2500, there is a massive $4000 price differential between the two. At less than half the cost, the A7 IV is much more accessible for enthusiasts and semi-pros. Despite some compromises compared to the A1, it remains a very capable camera that can fulfill the needs of many photographers at a much lower investment.
The A1 on the other hand is a no-holds-barred camera aimed at professionals who need the absolute best performance. While undoubtedly capable of amazing images and video, the A1 commands a steep premium. For many shooters, the improvements it brings over the A7 IV simply won’t justify spending 2.5X as much.
Ultimately there is no definitively “better” choice between the two. It comes down to your specific needs and budget. For those who can afford the A1’s lofty price, it offers incredible technology and performance. But the A7 IV packs many of those same features into a smaller, more accessible package that will meet or exceed the needs of the majority of photographers.
Also Read: Is Sony a7c Better Than a7 IV?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The A1 is Sony’s top-of-the-line mirrorless camera, while the A7 IV is aimed at advanced enthusiasts. The A1 has a higher resolution sensor, faster burst shooting, 8K video and higher-end physical construction. But for most users, the A7 IV provides nearly as impressive performance and image quality for over $4000 less.
Unless you really need 50MP files, 30fps silent shutter bursts, or 8K video, then yes the A1 is likely overkill. Its superb imaging capabilities may be excessive for those who don’t print enormous photos or push limits.
The A7 IV packs much of the same performance (minus highest resolution and video specs) into a smaller, more affordable package.
Despite its lower price point, the A7 IV retains many cutting-edge features that make it suitable for professional use including its excellent autofocus system, image quality and 4K video chops. While not quite as robust, it shares much of the pro-oriented DNA of the A1 in a lighter, more accessible form factor.
Two years after launch, the A7 IV remains an excellent buy with Sony’s latest tech like the real-time tracking autofocus. Image quality is fantastic with impressive dynamic range. It can handle anything from weddings to portraits to sports and 4K video.
Future firmware updates may further improve performance. At $2500, it’s a compelling option for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Also Read: Is Nikon D3200 Better Than D3500?
Conclusion
The Sony A1 represents the pinnacle of mirrorless technology with no-compromise features and stratospheric pricing to match. But its little sibling, the A7 IV, packs nearly all of the same capabilities into a smaller body at less than half the cost.
While the A1 remains an undisputed technical marvel, the A7 IV offers tremendous value and will more than satisfy the majority of photographers at this mid-range price point.
Carefully weigh your specific needs, budget constraints and how much you plan to print or crop when deciding between these two powerhouse cameras. Both are phenomenal tools capable of delivering professional results and capturing amazing images.