A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon 1D Mark IV vs Sony A7R

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Sony Alpha A7R are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2009 and October 2013. The 1D Mark IV is a DSLR, while the A7R is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-H (1D Mark IV) and a full frame (A7R) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 36.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1D Mark IV
versus
Sony A7R
Canon 1D Mark IV   Sony A7R
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
16 MP – APS-H sensor 36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400) ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 51,200)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 1230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
10 shutter flaps per second 4 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
1500 shots per battery charge340 shots per battery charge
156 x 157 x 80 mm, 1230 g 127 x 94 x 48 mm, 465 g
logo
Check 1D Mark IV offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check A7R offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Sony Alpha A7R? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Sony A7R. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon 1D Mark IV vs Sony A7R
Compare 1D Mark IV versus A7R top
Comparison 1D Mark IV or A7R rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7R is considerably smaller (51 percent) than the Canon 1D Mark IV. Moreover, the A7R is substantially lighter (62 percent) than the 1D Mark IV. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (1D Mark IV) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7R). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A7R, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the 1D Mark IV gets 1500 shots out of its LP-E4 battery, while the A7R can take 340 images on a single charge of its NP-FW50 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1D Mark IV has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the A7R, Sony provides the VG-C1EM vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the A7R can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 60D 145 mm 106 mm 79 mm 755 g 1100 Y Aug 2010 1,399ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 7D 148 mm 111 mm 74 mm 860 g 800 Y Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 50D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 800 Y Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 474 g 340 Y Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The A7R was launched at a markedly lower price (by 54 percent) than the 1D Mark IV, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D Mark IV features an APS-H sensor and the Sony A7R a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7R is 66 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 1D Mark IV and Sony A7R sensor measures

With 36.2MP, the A7R offers a higher resolution than the 1D Mark IV (16MP), but the A7R has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 5.70μm for the 1D Mark IV). Yet, the A7R is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 11 months) than the 1D Mark IV, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A7R has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1D Mark IV are 24.5 x 16.3 inches or 62.2 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.7 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 10.9 inches or 41.5 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7R are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-51200.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

1D Mark IV versus A7R MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7R offers substantially better image quality than the 1D Mark IV (overall score 21 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.8 bits higher color depth, 2.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
2.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
5.
 
Canon 60D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.581366
6.
 
Canon 7D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.785466
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
8.
 
Canon 50D APS-C 15.1 4752 3168none21.811.469663
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
11.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
12.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
13.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
14.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
15.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
16.
 
Sony A7 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.814.2224890
17.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
padding

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A7R provides a faster frame rate than the 1D Mark IV. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7R has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), while the 1D Mark IV has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the A7R has a higher magnification than the one of the 1D Mark IV (0.71x vs 0.58x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 1D Mark IV and Sony A7R along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 60Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/8000s 5.3/s Y n
6.
 
Canon 7Doptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
8.
 
Canon 50Doptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 6.3/s Y n
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
13.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
16.
 
Sony A72400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that is present on the 1D Mark IV, but is missing on the A7R is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The 1D Mark IV writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDHC cards, while the A7R uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The 1D Mark IV features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A7R only has one slot. The A7R supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the 1D Mark IV cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and Sony Alpha A7R and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
2.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 60DYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 7DYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 50DY- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony A7Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
padding

It is notable that the A7R offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 1D Mark IV does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 1D Mark IV (unlike the A7R) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 1D Mark IV and the A7R have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A7R was replaced by the Sony A7R II, while the 1D Mark IV does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the 1D Mark IV and A7R can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D Mark IV Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7R Manual.

ad

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Sony A7R? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

ilogo

Advantages of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1500 versus 340) on a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2009).

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha A7R:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (36.2 vs 16MP), which boosts linear resolution by 50%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.8 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.1 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.58x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 920k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More compact: Is smaller (127x94mm vs 156x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 765g or 62 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (54 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 11 months of technical progress since the 1D Mark IV launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A7R is the clear winner of the contest (21 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

1D Mark IV 09:21 A7R

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Sony A7R place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 1D Mark IV and the A7R in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 60D5/5+..79/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2010 1,399ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 7D5/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 50D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A75/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

logo
Check 1D Mark IV offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check A7R offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Canon 1D Mark IV vs Sony A7R

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 1D Mark IV Sony A7R
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2009 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 2,299
    Sensor Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Sony A7R
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-H Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 27.9 x 18.6 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 518.94 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 33.5 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.3x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixels 36.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4896 x 3264 pixels 7360 x 4912 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.70 μm 4.88 μm
    Pixel Density 3.08 MP/cm2 4.20 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 50 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC IV BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 74 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.8 25.6
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.0 14.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1320 2746
    Screen Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Sony A7R
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.58x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 1230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Sony A7R
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 4 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations250 000 actuations
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDHC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Sony A7R
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Sony A7R
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type LP-E4 NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)1500 shots per charge340 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 156 x 157 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    127 x 94 x 48 mm
    (5.0 x 3.7 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 1230 g (43.4 oz) 465 g (16.4 oz)
    logo
    Check 1D Mark IV offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check A7R offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon 1D Mark IV vs Sony A7R