Comparison of Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Sony A7 IV
General Features
| Feature | Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Sony A7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 138.4 x 97.5 x 88.4 | 131.3 x 96.4 x 79.7 |
| Weight (g) | 670 (including battery) | 658 (including battery) |
| Screen Type | 3-inch vari-angle LCD, 1.62 million dots, touch-sensitive | 3-inch vari-angle LCD, 1.04 million dots, touch-sensitive |
| Battery Life (shots, based on CIPA standard) | Approximately 580 | Approximately 520 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II offers a slight edge in battery endurance, which is beneficial for extended shooting sessions, while the Sony A7 IV is marginally lighter, potentially improving handling during prolonged use.
Sensor and Image Quality
| Feature | Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Sony A7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Type and Size | Full-frame CMOS, 35.9 x 24 mm | Full-frame Exmor R CMOS, 35.6 x 23.8 mm |
| Effective Megapixels | 24.2 | 33 |
| ISO Range | 100 – 102,400 (expandable to 204,800) | 100 – 51,200 (expandable to 50 – 409,600) |
| Dynamic Range (approx. EV at ISO 100) | 14 | 14.8 |
| Image Stabilization | In-body 5-axis, up to 8 stops with compatible lenses | In-body 5-axis, up to 5.5 stops |
The Sony A7 IV’s higher megapixel count provides more detail for large prints or crops, making it preferable for landscape or studio work, whereas the Canon EOS R6 Mark II’s broader expandable ISO range excels in low-light scenarios, reducing noise in high-ISO shots.
Performance and Speed
| Feature | Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Sony A7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) | Up to 12 (mechanical shutter), 40 (electronic shutter) | Up to 10 |
| Autofocus Points | 1,053 selectable points with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II | 759 points with phase-detection AF |
| Shutter Speed Range | 30 sec to 1/8000 sec (mechanical), up to 1/18000 sec (electronic) | 30 sec to 1/8000 sec |
| Buffer Capacity (raw at max fps) | Approximately 1,000 frames | Approximately 828 frames |
For action photography, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II’s superior burst rate and larger buffer make it more capable for capturing fast-moving subjects like sports, while the Sony A7 IV’s autofocus system covers a wide area, offering reliable tracking in various lighting conditions.
Video Capabilities
| Feature | Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Sony A7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Video Resolution | 4K at 60p (oversampled from 6K), 1080p at 120p | 4K at 60p, 1080p at 120p |
| Internal Recording Formats | 4K 10-bit, 6K raw via HDMI | 4K 10-bit, no internal raw |
| Audio Options | Built-in stereo mic, 3.5mm jack, optional XLR adapter | Built-in stereo mic, 3.5mm jack |
| Video Stabilization | Electronic IS with 5-axis in-body | Electronic IS with 5-axis in-body |
Video enthusiasts might favor the Canon EOS R6 Mark II for its ability to oversample from 6K, delivering higher quality 4K footage with less cropping, compared to the Sony A7 IV, which provides solid 4K performance but lacks internal raw options, potentially limiting advanced post-production workflows.
Additional Considerations
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II stands out as a more versatile option for hybrid shooters due to its enhanced speed and video features, making it a better fit for dynamic content creation, though it might be seen as expensive for beginners. In contrast, the Sony A7 IV offers greater resolution for stills photography and is relatively more affordable in its segment, appealing to those prioritizing image detail over speed. Both cameras deliver excellent overall performance, but the choice depends on whether you value rapid shooting and video flexibility or higher megapixel output for detailed editing.