Comparison

Used Sony A7R IV vs. A7R V: 60 MP at a reasonable price

Want 60 MP without paying new prices? I compare the Sony A7R IV and A7R V on the used market – which one to choose and what to watch out for.

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Both the Sony A7R IV and the A7R V have a 61 MP sensor, and today you can get them second-hand for much more reasonable money. Which one makes sense, and what should you be prepared for?

Who high resolution is for

When people hear 60 megapixels, most picture a professional studio or demanding landscape work. But above all, high resolution lets you crop heavily without losing detail. That's handy for large-format prints and for “zooming in” after the fact in post.

For the average social media user, that kind of resolution is often overkill. For detail lovers and nature photographers, though, it's a tool that opens up new possibilities. If you want control over every pixel, these models are made for you.

Differences between the IV and the V

The main difference is in the electronics and ease of use. The A7R V has more advanced autofocus with AI subject recognition, which is faster and more reliable than its predecessor's. It also offers improved sensor stabilization and a more powerful processor.

Still, the A7R IV remains a very capable camera. If you don't need the latest AI features and the previous generation's viewfinder and focusing are enough for you, the A7R IV offers better value for money. On the used market you'll often read that the A7R V is “beefier,” but in everyday shooting the difference is smaller than it might seem.

Storage demands

At this resolution, data piles up fast – a single uncompressed RAW can easily exceed 100 MB. So you need fast memory cards that can handle burst shooting without stalling.

Both bodies take fast SD UHS-II cards, and the A7R V also takes CFexpress Type A.
Slow cards take longer to write files, which is frustrating when shooting dynamic scenes.
For archiving, plan on large storage – external drives or the cloud are a necessity, not an option.

Practical limits

High resolution has its downsides too. The files are demanding to process in Lightroom or Photoshop, and your computer needs plenty of RAM and a powerful graphics card for smooth editing.

High resolution also reveals lens imperfections. Older lenses will show their flaws more, so it pays to use quality glass that can make use of the resolution. Also expect file transfers to take longer than you'd think.

Conclusion

Both models are a great choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of every shot. The A7R IV is a proven classic that's still worth it at a used price. The A7R V is for those who want newer technology and are willing to pay extra for it.

The decision depends on your budget and needs. When buying second-hand, don't forget to check the shutter count and sensor condition.