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Nikon D4 vs Sony A7 IV

The Nikon D4 and the Sony Alpha A7 IV are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2012 and October 2021. The D4 is a DSLR, while the A7 IV is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 16.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 32.7 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D4
versus
Sony A7 IV
Nikon D4   Sony A7 IV
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
16.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 32.7 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/30p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 204,800) ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3686k dots)
3.2" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
2600 shots per battery charge580 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 91 mm, 1340 g 131 x 96 x 80 mm, 659 g
logo
Check D4 offers at
ebay.com
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Check A7 IV price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D4 and the Sony Alpha A7 IV? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D4 and the Sony A7 IV are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D4 vs Sony A7 IV
Compare D4 versus A7 IV top
Comparison D4 or A7 IV rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7 IV is considerably smaller (50 percent) than the Nikon D4. Moreover, the A7 IV is substantially lighter (51 percent) than the D4. 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. Both cameras have similarly sized sensors, but DSLRs have a larger flange-to-focal plane distance than mirrorless cameras, which imposes contraints on the optical engineering process and generally leads to bigger and heavier lenses. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D4) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7 IV). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A7 IV, 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 D4 gets 2600 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18 battery, while the A7 IV can take 580 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D4 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 A7 IV, Sony provides the VG-C4EM vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the A7 IV can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 i Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 i Oct 2021 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 i Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 i Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 i Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 i Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 i Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 i Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 i Feb 2012 US$ 2 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D800E 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 i Feb 2012 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 i Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 i Jan 2021 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 i Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 i Apr 2021 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 i Oct 2022 US$ 3 899 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 i Jul 2020 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The A7 IV was launched at a markedly lower price (by 58 percent) than the D4, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D4 and Sony A7 IV sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the A7 IV offers a higher resolution of 32.7 megapixels, compared with 16.2 MP of the D4. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 5.12μm versus 7.29μm for the D4). However, it should be noted that the A7 IV is much more recent (by 9 years and 9 months) than the D4, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A7 IV has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7 IV implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7 IV for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 35 x 23.4 inches or 89 x 59.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 28 x 18.7 inches or 71.2 x 47.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 23.4 x 15.6 inches or 59.3 x 39.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D4 are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7 IV has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D4 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7 IV are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the D4 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A7 IV uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D4 versus A7 IV MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7 IV has a markedly higher DXO score than the D4 (overall score 8 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.7 bits higher color depth, 1.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
2.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
3.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
4.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832i23.512.2229081
5.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
6.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032i24.713.7199288
7.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
8.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
9.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
10.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
11.
 
Nikon D800E Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.614.3297996
12.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280i24.613.1327989
13.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
14.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
16.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
17.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A7 IV provides a better video resolution than the D4. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the A7 IV has an electronic viewfinder (3686k dots), while the D4 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 A7 IV has a higher magnification than the one of the D4 (0.78x vs 0.70x), 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 Nikon D4 and Sony A7 IV along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty 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.
 
Nikon D4optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
2.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
4.
 
Nikon D3optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D3Soptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D4Soptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D600optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D800optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 4.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D800Eoptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 4.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon Dfoptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
13.
 
Sony A19437 i3.0 / 1440 tilting i 1/8000s 30.0/s i i
14.
 
Sony A7 III2359 i3.0 / 922 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 i3.0 / 2340 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
16.
 
Sony A7R V9440 i3.2 / 2100 full-flex i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
17.
 
Sony A7S III9440 i3.0 / 1440 swivel i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty 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
  empty Camera
Model

One feature that is present on the D4, but is missing on the A7 IV 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 A7 IV has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D4 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7 IV is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D4 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D4 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the A7 IV uses CFexpress (type A) or SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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 Nikon D4 and Sony Alpha A7 IV and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D4imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
2.
 
Sony A7 IVistereo / monoiifull3.2iii
3.
 
Canon 1D Ximono / iiimini2.0iii
4.
 
Nikon D3ii / iiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D3Sistereo / iiimini2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D3Xii / iiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D4Simono / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
9.
 
Nikon D600imono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D800imono / monoiimini3.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D800Eimono / monoiimini3.0iii
12.
 
Nikon Dfii / iiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Sony A1istereo / monoiifull3.2iii
14.
 
Sony A7 IIIistereo / monoiimicro3.1iii
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIAistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
16.
 
Sony A7R Vistereo / monoiifull3.2iii
17.
 
Sony A7S IIIistereo / monoiifull3.2iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the A7 IV offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D4 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D4 (unlike the A7 IV) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The A7 IV is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the D4 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D4 was succeeded by the Nikon D4S. Further information on the features and operation of the D4 and A7 IV can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D4 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7 IV Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D4 or the Sony A7 IV – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D4:

  • 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.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (2600 versus 580) on a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2012).

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha A7 IV:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (32.7 vs 16.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 42%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (8 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.70x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (131x96mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 681g or 51 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (58 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 9 months of technical progress since the D4 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A7 IV is the clear winner of the contest (24 : 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D4 09:24 A7 IV

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D4 and the Sony A7 IV 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 the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D4 and the A7 IV 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 expert reviews 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 US$ 2 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D800E......84/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 US$ 3 899 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check A7 IV price at
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Other camera comparisons

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  • Credit Card
  • Canon 1D
  • Canon 1D Mark II
  • Canon 1D Mark II N
  • Canon 1D Mark III
  • Canon 1D Mark IV
  • Canon 1Ds
  • Canon 1Ds Mark II
  • Canon 1Ds Mark III
  • Canon 1D C
  • Canon 1D X
  • Canon 1D X Mark II
  • Canon 1D X Mark III
  • Canon 5D
  • Canon 5D Mark II
  • Canon 5D Mark III
  • Canon 5D Mark IV
  • Canon 5DS
  • Canon 5DS R
  • Canon 6D
  • Canon 6D Mark II
  • Canon 7D
  • Canon 7D II
  • Canon 10D
  • Canon 20D
  • Canon 30D
  • Canon 40D
  • Canon 50D
  • Canon 60D
  • Canon 70D
  • Canon 77D
  • Canon 80D
  • Canon 90D
  • Canon D30
  • Canon D60
  • Canon G1 X
  • Canon G1 X Mark II
  • Canon G1 X Mark III
  • Canon G3 X
  • Canon G5 X
  • Canon G5 X Mark II
  • Canon G7 X
  • Canon G7 X Mark II
  • Canon G7 X Mark III
  • Canon G9 X
  • Canon G9 X Mark II
  • Canon G12
  • Canon G15
  • Canon G16
  • Canon M
  • Canon M3
  • Canon M5
  • Canon M6
  • Canon M6 Mark II
  • Canon M10
  • Canon M50
  • Canon M50 Mark II
  • Canon M100
  • Canon M200
  • Canon R
  • Canon R1
  • Canon R3
  • Canon R5
  • Canon R5 Mark II
  • Canon R5 C
  • Canon R6
  • Canon R6 Mark II
  • Canon R7
  • Canon R8
  • Canon R10
  • Canon R50
  • Canon R50 V
  • Canon R100
  • Canon RP
  • Canon S120
  • Canon SL1
  • Canon SL2
  • Canon SL3
  • Canon SX1
  • Canon SX10
  • Canon SX20
  • Canon SX30
  • Canon SX40
  • Canon SX50
  • Canon SX60
  • Canon SX70
  • Canon SX400
  • Canon SX410
  • Canon SX420
  • Canon SX430
  • Canon SX500
  • Canon SX510
  • Canon SX520
  • Canon SX530
  • Canon SX540
  • Canon SX600
  • Canon SX610
  • Canon SX620
  • Canon SX700
  • Canon SX710
  • Canon SX720
  • Canon SX730
  • Canon SX740
  • Canon Rebel
  • Canon T1i
  • Canon T2i
  • Canon T3
  • Canon T3i
  • Canon T4i
  • Canon T5
  • Canon T5i
  • Canon T6
  • Canon T6i
  • Canon T6s
  • Canon T7
  • Canon T7i
  • Canon T8i
  • Canon T100
  • Canon V1
  • Canon XC10
  • Canon XS
  • Canon XSi
  • Canon XT
  • Canon XTi
  • Contax N Digital
  • Epson R-D1
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100
  • Fujifilm GFX 100 II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100RF
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S II
  • Fujifilm X-A1
  • Fujifilm X-A2
  • Fujifilm X-A3
  • Fujifilm X-A5
  • Fujifilm X-A7
  • Fujifilm X-A10
  • Fujifilm X-E1
  • Fujifilm X-E2
  • Fujifilm X-E2S
  • Fujifilm X-E3
  • Fujifilm X-E4
  • Fujifilm X-E5
  • Fujifilm X-H1
  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm X-H2S
  • Fujifilm X-M1
  • Fujifilm X-M5
  • Fujifilm X-Pro1
  • Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm X-S10
  • Fujifilm X-S20
  • Fujifilm X-T1
  • Fujifilm X-T2
  • Fujifilm X-T3
  • Fujifilm X-T4
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • Fujifilm X-T10
  • Fujifilm X-T20
  • Fujifilm X-T30
  • Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • Fujifilm X-T50
  • Fujifilm X-T100
  • Fujifilm X-T200
  • Fujifilm X10
  • Fujifilm X20
  • Fujifilm X30
  • Fujifilm X70
  • Fujifilm X100
  • Fujifilm X100S
  • Fujifilm X100T
  • Fujifilm X100F
  • Fujifilm X100V
  • Fujifilm X100VI
  • Fujifilm XF10
  • Fujifilm XQ1
  • Fujifilm XQ2
  • Fujifilm XP120
  • Fujifilm XP130
  • Fujifilm XP140
  • Hasselblad X1D
  • Hasselblad X1D II
  • Hasselblad X2D 100C
  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
  • Leica CL
  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
  • Leica D-LUX 6
  • Leica D-LUX 7
  • Leica D-LUX 8
  • Leica Digilux 3
  • Leica M Typ 240
  • Leica M-E Typ 240
  • Leica M Typ 262
  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
  • Leica M10
  • Leica M10-P
  • Leica M10-R
  • Leica M11
  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
  • Leica Q3
  • Leica S1
  • Leica S2
  • Leica S3
  • Leica S Typ 006
  • Leica S-E Typ 006
  • Leica S Typ 007
  • Leica SL
  • Leica SL2
  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
  • Leica SL3-S
  • Leica T
  • Leica TL
  • Leica TL2
  • Leica V-LUX 1
  • Leica V-LUX 2
  • Leica V-LUX 3
  • Leica V-LUX 4
  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
  • Leica V-LUX 5
  • Leica X1
  • Leica X2
  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
  • Nikon 1 J5
  • Nikon 1 V1
  • Nikon 1 V2
  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
  • Nikon B500
  • Nikon B600
  • Nikon B700
  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
  • Nikon D1X
  • Nikon D2H
  • Nikon D2X
  • Nikon D2Xs
  • Nikon D3
  • Nikon D3S
  • Nikon D3X
  • Nikon D4
  • Nikon D4S
  • Nikon D5
  • Nikon D6
  • Nikon D40
  • Nikon D40X
  • Nikon D50
  • Nikon D60
  • Nikon D70
  • Nikon D70s
  • Nikon D80
  • Nikon D90
  • Nikon D100
  • Nikon D200
  • Nikon D300
  • Nikon D300S
  • Nikon D500
  • Nikon D600
  • Nikon D610
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikon D750
  • Nikon D780
  • Nikon D800
  • Nikon D800E
  • Nikon D810
  • Nikon D850
  • Nikon D3000
  • Nikon D3100
  • Nikon D3200
  • Nikon D3300
  • Nikon D3400
  • Nikon D3500
  • Nikon D5000
  • Nikon D5100
  • Nikon D5200
  • Nikon D5300
  • Nikon D5500
  • Nikon D5600
  • Nikon D7000
  • Nikon D7100
  • Nikon D7200
  • Nikon D7500
  • Nikon Df
  • Nikon L840
  • Nikon P900
  • Nikon P950
  • Nikon P1000
  • Nikon P1100
  • Nikon P7800
  • Nikon W150
  • Nikon W300
  • Nikon Z5
  • Nikon Z5 II
  • Nikon Z6
  • Nikon Z6 II
  • Nikon Z6 III
  • Nikon Z7
  • Nikon Z7 II
  • Nikon Z8
  • Nikon Z9
  • Nikon Z30
  • Nikon Z50
  • Nikon Z50 II
  • Nikon Zf
  • Nikon Z fc
  • Olympus E-1
  • Olympus E-3
  • Olympus E-5
  • Olympus E-30
  • Olympus E-300
  • Olympus E-330
  • Olympus E-400
  • Olympus E-410
  • Olympus E-420
  • Olympus E-450
  • Olympus E-500
  • Olympus E-510
  • Olympus E-520
  • Olympus E-600
  • Olympus E-620
  • Olympus E-M1
  • Olympus E-M1 II
  • Olympus E-M1 III
  • Olympus E-M1X
  • Olympus E-M5
  • Olympus E-M5 II
  • Olympus E-M5 III
  • Olympus E-M10
  • Olympus E-M10 II
  • Olympus E-M10 III
  • Olympus E-M10 IV
  • Olympus E-P1
  • Olympus E-P2
  • Olympus E-P3
  • Olympus E-P5
  • Olympus E-P7
  • Olympus E-PL1
  • Olympus E-PL2
  • Olympus E-PL3
  • Olympus E-PL5
  • Olympus E-PL6
  • Olympus E-PL7
  • Olympus E-PL8
  • Olympus E-PL9
  • Olympus E-PL10
  • Olympus E-PM1
  • Olympus E-PM2
  • Olympus PEN-F
  • Olympus Stylus 1
  • Olympus Stylus 1s
  • Olympus TG-4
  • Olympus TG-5
  • Olympus TG-6
  • Olympus XZ-1
  • Olympus XZ-2
  • OM System OM-1
  • OM System OM-1 II
  • OM System OM-3
  • OM System OM-5
  • OM System OM-5 II
  • OM System TG-7
  • Panasonic FZ80
  • Panasonic FZ80D
  • Panasonic FZ100
  • Panasonic FZ150
  • Panasonic FZ200
  • Panasonic FZ300
  • Panasonic FZ1000
  • Panasonic FZ1000 II
  • Panasonic FZ2500
  • Panasonic G1
  • Panasonic G2
  • Panasonic G3
  • Panasonic G5
  • Panasonic G6
  • Panasonic G7
  • Panasonic G9
  • Panasonic G9 II
  • Panasonic G10
  • Panasonic G85
  • Panasonic G97
  • Panasonic G95
  • Panasonic G100
  • Panasonic GF1
  • Panasonic GF2
  • Panasonic GF3
  • Panasonic GF5
  • Panasonic GF6
  • Panasonic GF7
  • Panasonic GH1
  • Panasonic GH2
  • Panasonic GH3
  • Panasonic GH4
  • Panasonic GH5
  • Panasonic GH5 II
  • Panasonic GH5s
  • Panasonic GH6
  • Panasonic GH7
  • Panasonic GM1
  • Panasonic GM5
  • Panasonic GX1
  • Panasonic GX7
  • Panasonic GX8
  • Panasonic GX9
  • Panasonic GX85
  • Panasonic GX850
  • Panasonic L1
  • Panasonic L10
  • Panasonic LF1
  • Panasonic LX5
  • Panasonic LX7
  • Panasonic LX10
  • Panasonic LX100
  • Panasonic LX100 II
  • Panasonic S1
  • Panasonic S1 II
  • Panasonic S1H
  • Panasonic S1R
  • Panasonic S1R II
  • Panasonic S5
  • Panasonic S5 II
  • Panasonic S9
  • Panasonic TS7
  • Panasonic ZS70
  • Panasonic ZS80
  • Panasonic ZS100
  • Panasonic ZS200
  • Pentax 645D
  • Pentax 645Z
  • Pentax K-1
  • Pentax K-1 II
  • Pentax K-3
  • Pentax K-3 II
  • Pentax K-3 III
  • Pentax K-5
  • Pentax K-5 II
  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
  • Pentax K-500
  • Pentax KP
  • Pentax K-S1
  • Pentax K-S2
  • Pentax MX-1
  • Pentax Q
  • Pentax WG-8
  • Pentax WG-90
  • Pentax WG-1000
  • Ricoh GR
  • Ricoh GR II
  • Ricoh GR III
  • Ricoh GR IIIx
  • Ricoh WG-6
  • Ricoh WG-60
  • Samsung NX1
  • Samsung NX30
  • Samsung NX500
  • Sigma fp
  • Sigma fp L
  • Sony A1
  • Sony A1 II
  • Sony A7
  • Sony A7 II
  • Sony A7 III
  • Sony A7 IV
  • Sony A7C
  • Sony A7C II
  • Sony A7C R
  • Sony A7R
  • Sony A7R II
  • Sony A7R III
  • Sony A7R IIIA
  • Sony A7R IV
  • Sony A7R IVA
  • Sony A7R V
  • Sony A7S
  • Sony A7S II
  • Sony A7S III
  • Sony A9
  • Sony A9 II
  • Sony A9 III
  • Sony A58
  • Sony A68
  • Sony A77
  • Sony A77 II
  • Sony A99
  • Sony A99 II
  • Sony A850
  • Sony A900
  • Sony A3000
  • Sony A5000
  • Sony A5100
  • Sony A6000
  • Sony A6100
  • Sony A6300
  • Sony A6400
  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
  • Sony A6700
  • Sony H200
  • Sony H300
  • Sony H400
  • Sony HX80
  • Sony HX90V
  • Sony HX95
  • Sony HX99
  • Sony HX350
  • Sony HX400V
  • Sony NEX-3
  • Sony NEX-3N
  • Sony NEX-5
  • Sony NEX-5N
  • Sony NEX-5R
  • Sony NEX-5T
  • Sony NEX-6
  • Sony NEX-7
  • Sony NEX-C3
  • Sony NEX-F3
  • Sony RX0
  • Sony RX0 II
  • Sony RX1
  • Sony RX1R
  • Sony RX1R II
  • Sony RX1R III
  • Sony RX10
  • Sony RX10 II
  • Sony RX10 III
  • Sony RX10 IV
  • Sony RX100
  • Sony RX100 II
  • Sony RX100 III
  • Sony RX100 IV
  • Sony RX100 V
  • Sony RX100 VI
  • Sony RX100 VII
  • Sony WX800
  • Sony ZV-1
  • Sony ZV-1 II
  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Nikon D4 vs Sony A7 IV

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 Nikon D4 Sony A7 IV
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
Launch Date January 2012 October 2021
Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 2,499
Sensor Specs Nikon D4 Sony A7 IV
Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 858.01 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43.1 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixels 32.7 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 pixels 7008 x 4672 pixels
Pixel Pitch 7.29 μm 5.12 μm
Pixel Density 1.88 MP/cm2 3.82 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
ISO Boost 50 - 204,800 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
Image Processor EXPEED 3 BIONZ XR
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 89 97
DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.7 25.4
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.1 14.7
DXO Low Light (ISO) 2965 3379
Screen Specs Nikon D4 Sony A7 IV
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.78x
Viewfinder Resolution 3686k dots
Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 921k dots 1037k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon D4 Sony A7 IV
Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations200 000 actuations
Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium CF or XQD cards CFexA or SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
Connectivity Specs Nikon D4 Sony A7 IV
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
HDMI Port micro HDMI full HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
Body Specs Nikon D4 Sony A7 IV
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18 Sony NP-FZ100
Battery Life (CIPA)2600 shots per charge580 shots per charge
In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 91 mm
(6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in)
131 x 96 x 80 mm
(5.2 x 3.8 x 3.1 in)
Camera Weight 1340 g (47.3 oz) 659 g (23.2 oz)
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