Sony A1 II vs A7 IV

Available from December 2024, the Sony A1 II continues the tradition of high-end professional mirrorless cameras, four years after the launch of the first A1. This model retains the strengths of its predecessor, including a 50.1 MP stacked sensor, an ISO range of 50 to 102,400, high burst rates of up to 30 fps and the NP-FZ100 battery (with slightly reduced autonomy). It does, however, have an articulated screen with an improved resolution of 2.1 million dots, a slightly larger body and slightly heavier weight, and improved ergonomics thanks to a more comfortable grip. The dual CFexpress Type A and SD UHS-II slots are still there for flexible file management.

The strength of the Sony A1 II lies in the addition of the dual BIONZ XR processor and advanced AI processing unit. This combination of technologies significantly improves subject tracking and recognition. The camera identifies and tracks people, animals, insects and even vehicles with even greater precision. Image stabilisation, now up to 8.5 stops, greatly improves handheld shooting. In video, the A1 II retains 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps, with practical additions such as automatic framing and in-camera LUT management.

With these developments, the Sony A1 II is aimed at those looking for a mirrorless camera that combines performance and versatility. It doesn't revolutionise the market, but it optimises the existing basics with subtle but significant improvements, increasing its appeal to professional photographers and videographers.

The Sony Alpha 7 IV, launched in October 2021, is a 33-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera. The A7 IV is the successor to the highly regarded A7 III, offering a range of enhancements. The a7 IV features a 33MP sensor in conjunction with the BIONZ XR processor, allowing for video recording in 4K UHD at 60 fps (with APS-C cropping in 60p) and in Full HD at 120 fps. The ISO range, from 100 to 51,200 and extendable to 102,400, ensures optimal performance in low-light conditions.

The Alpha 7 IV features integrated 5-axis stabilization, protection against the effects of temperature and humidity, and an impressive battery life of up to 670 shots. The camera offers two memory card slots, one SD (UHS-II) and one CF Express Type A, as well as full connectivity, including a USB-C port. The camera features a 759-point hybrid autofocus system that covers 93% of the sensor, with advanced eye and face tracking capabilities for both photos and videos, ensuring high precision and accuracy. The 3.69 million-dot OLED viewfinder and enhanced touchscreen provide excellent ergonomics for all shooting situations, offering users a high level of control and precision.

The Alpha 7 IV has been designed with the intermediate and expert photographer in mind. It is a versatile camera that is ideal for portraiture, landscapes and video. While it carries a higher price tag, the A7 IV represents a significant advancement over the A7 III, particularly in terms of its video capabilities and advanced autofocus. Nevertheless, the A7 III remains a compelling option for those seeking excellent value for money.