Canon R6 vs Sony A7 IV: Which Should You Choose?

We will be covering everything in this Canon R6 vs Sony A7 IV side-by-side comparison from image quality to autofocus and video capabilities, to help you decide which camera is the camera for your specific needs and the camera we recommend to buy.

These two cameras are in the same category, both of them are mirrorless, full-frame, and high-end cameras with a lot of advanced features and even the same price.

Whether you’re a professional photographer looking to upgrade your gear or a hobbyist just starting out.

This comparison will help you decide the best fit for your specific needs.

How does the Canon R6 vs Sony A7 IV compare – which is the best?

Regarding key specifications, both the Canon EOS R6 and the Sony A7 IV have a lot to offer. Both cameras offer a wide range of features and capabilities, making them great choices for photographers of all skill levels.

Here’s a brief overview:

• The Canon EOS R6 offers a 20-megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video recording at 60fps an advanced autofocus system with dual pixel CMOS AF.
• The Sony A7 IV offers a 33.0-megapixel full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS sensor, 4K video recording at 60fps, and an advanced hybrid autofocus system.

Both cameras also offer in-body image stabilisation, dual card slots, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and durable construction from the outside elements.

Canon R6 vs Sony A7 IV price: 

• The Canon R6 price = £2399 (in the USA $2499)
• The Sony A7 IV price = £2399 (in the USA $2499)

As you can see both cameras are priced exactly the same so you will probably want to see where your money will go further.

Let’s take a closer look at both cameras side by side to see what they offer!

sony a7IV vs canon r6 image quality & Lowlight Performance

The Canon EOS R6 and Sony A7 IV are two of the top cameras on the market that promise powerful combinations of image quality, autofocus, and video capabilities.

Both cameras feature high-resolution sensors, robust autofocusing systems, and impressive low-light performance.

Choosing a camera for image quality and low light performance is important because it directly affects the final outcome of a photograph.

Let’s take a more detailed look.

Which would you buy for the image quality – sensor and resolution:

If you are looking for a camera with a higher resolution and better image quality, then the Sony A7 IV would be the better choice.

• The R6 has a 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
• The A7 IV has a 33-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor

The higher resolution sensor of the Sony A7 IV also gives you more leeway to crop your photos and offers a better dynamic range.

Which would you buy for the image processing:

When it comes to image processing, both the Canon EOS R6 and Sony Alpha A7 IV offer high-quality image processing capabilities.

• The R6 has a powerful DIGIC X image processor
• The A7 IV has a BIONZ XR image processor

Both processors found in these cameras enable fast image processing and various features, such as fast continuous shooting and 4K video capture.

If as a photographer you need the highest possible resolution and the ability to capture extremely detailed images, the Sony A7 IV will be the better choice. But you will still be very happy with the results from the R6 which is more than capable of printing large prints

✅ For image quality and processing the Sony A7 IV comes out as the best!

Which would you buy for the low-light performance:

When it comes to low-light performance, both the Canon EOS R6 and Sony A7 IV are capable of producing good-quality images in challenging lighting conditions.

• The R6 has a native ISO range of 100-102400 (expandable to 50-204800)
• The A7 IV has a native ISO range of 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-204,800).

Both cameras are able to capture good quality images in low light conditions, although the Canon R6 has a slightly wider native ISO range, which will give it an advantage in very low light situations. But generally higher megapixel sensors do produce cleaner images.

Which would you buy for image stabilisation:

In terms of image stabilisation, the R6 and A7 IV offer in-body stabilization systems that can help to reduce camera shake and improve image quality, especially at lower shutter speeds.

• The R6 has a 5-axis system that is effective up to 8 stops,
• The A7 IV has a 5-axis system that is effective up to 5.5 stops.

There is also a mechanical difference in the image stabilisation between these cameras with the Canon R6 in-body stabilisation built in the body rather than the Sony A7 IV having stabilisation built around the sensor.

This means that the R6 like the R5 has the potential to be slightly better at reducing camera shake, particularly when shooting at longer exposures or with longer focal lengths. Read our comparison of the Canon R5 vs Sony A7 IV here.

✅ For image stabilisation and lowlight the Canon EOS R6 comes out as the best!

Canon R6 vs Sony A7IV Low Light & Image Quality Summary:

It’s clear both the Canon EOS R6 and the Sony A7 IV are high-performing cameras with impressive image and lowlight capabilities.

• The Canon EOS R6 20.1 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor is ideal for fast-paced action and sports photography.
• The Sony A7 IV, on the other hand, has a 33-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor makes it well-suited for landscape and fine art photography.

The Canon R6 also has in-body image stabilisation of up to 8-stops which is an advantage over the Sony A7 IV’s 5.5-stops.

In lowlight performance, both cameras are well suited, however, the Canon R6 may have a slight edge thanks to its higher native ISO capabilities and better stabilisation.

But the Sony A7 IV higher resolution sensor would create cleaner images.

⭐ The Sony A7 IV comes out as the best value for money in image quality and low-light performance.

Canon R6 vs Sony A7 IV Burst shooting & Autofocus Performance

When it comes to capturing fast-paced action and sports, burst shooting and autofocus performance are crucial factors to consider when choosing a camera.

Both cameras are equipped with advanced autofocus systems and fast burst shooting capabilities, but there are some key differences between the two that may make one a better choice for certain types of photography.

Let’s see how they compare.

Which would you buy for the autofocus:

When it comes to autofocus, the Canon EOS R6 and the Sony A7 IV have some key differences.

• The R6 boasts an impressive 1,050 phase-detection AF points
• The A7 IV has a more modest 759 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points

Both cameras have Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking which enable the camera to automatically detect and track subjects with high precision.

In summary, the Canon R6 has more AF points but Sony A7 IV has a better coverage area and tracking capabilities.

Which would you buy for continuous shooting:

When it comes to continuous shooting, the Canon EOS R6 and the Sony A7 IV have some key differences.

• The R6 can shoot at up to 20 frames per second using an electronic shutter, or at up to 12 fps using its mechanical shutter.
• The A7 IV, on the other hand, can shoot at up to 10 frames per second using either its mechanical or electronic shutter.

Both cameras also offer a range of other shooting modes, including timelapse and focus bracketing, to help photographers capture the perfect shot.

Both cameras are well suited for capturing fast-paced action and sports, but the A7 IV is not as fast as the R6. The Canon R6 is faster in continuous shooting with a mechanical shutter and with an electronic shutter, reaching a maximum of 12fps and 20fps respectively, while the Sony A7 IV reaches a maximum of 10fps with both types of shutters.

The Canon R6 is ideal for sports or wildlife photographers who need to capture the action in real time and not miss that split-second snap.

✅ For autofocus and continuous shooting the Canon EOS R6 comes out as the best!

Burst shooting and autofocus performance summary:

There is some key difference between the Canon EOS R6 and the Sony A7 IV when it comes to autofocus and continuous shooting.

• The Canon EOS R6 uses a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with over 1,050 AF points, which provides a wide coverage area and fast, accurate autofocus performance.
• The Sony A7 IV uses a fast Hybrid AF system that combines phase-detection and contrast-detection AF points, which results in fast and accurate autofocus performance.

Both cameras feature advanced Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking which enable the camera to automatically detect and track subjects with high precision.

In terms of continuous shooting,

• The Canon EOS R6 can shoot at up to 12 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical shutter, and up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter,
• The Sony A7 IV can shoot at up to 10 frames per second (fps) with both the mechanical and electronic shutter.

Overall, both cameras have great autofocus and continuous shooting capabilities, but the Canon R6 has a faster continuous shooting performance with similar tracking capabilities to that of the Sony A7 IV.

⭐ The Canon EOS R6 comes out as the best value for money in autofocus and continuous shooting.

sony a7IV vs canon r6 for video

Video capabilities are becoming increasingly important for professional photographers, as more and more clients are requesting high-quality video footage to complement their still images.

Both cameras can shoot in 4K resolution and offer advanced video features such as slow motion and time-lapse. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for certain types of video projects.

Let’s read on.

Which would you buy for the Video:

Both the Canon EOS R6 and Sony A7 IV are excellent choices for videographers, as they both offer a range of features and capabilities that are suitable for professional-level video production.

• The Sony A7 IV has 4K UHD 60p, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording capability
• The Canon R6 has 4K UHD 60p, 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording

Both cameras have excellent video capabilities, that allow you to capture professional-quality video footage with high resolution and smooth motion.

Which would you buy for the longest recording time:

The length of time to record without interruption or overheating is very important to the videographer so they can continue creating without having to pause the shoot.

• The EOS R6 is capable of recording up to 30 minutes of 4K video before overheating.
• The A7 IV is capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second for up to approximately 60 minutes.

However, these recording times may be shorter if the camera is used in high ambient temperatures or if it is recording at high bitrates for an extended period of time.

The latest firmware updates will also improve these record times.

The Sony A7 IV also supports the use of an external power supply, which can be used to extend the recording time. Additionally, the Sony A7 IV has a built-in heat-dissipating structure constructed from a graphite material with excellent thermal conductivity.

Therefore, if you’re looking for the longest recording time, the Sony A7 IV would be a better choice.

✅ For video and record time the Sony A7 IV comes out as the best!

Video spec summary:

It’s clear the Canon EOS R6 and the Sony A7 IV are both high-end cameras that offer advanced video capabilities of 4K resolution at 60p ideal for professional videographers.

They also include Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking, which makes it well-suited for high-resolution video capture and accurate focus tracking.

The Canon R6, on the other hand, has Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 1,053 AF points which provides a wide coverage area and fast, accurate autofocus performance, making it well suited for fast-paced action and sports.

When it comes to in-camera stabilisation they both offer this with 5-axis stabilisation. The Canon R6 has the advantage of camera stabilisation over the A7 IV sensor stabilisation – 2.5 stops more. Of course, using a gimbal or tripod would not require this feature.

When it comes to the recording time, the Sony A7 IV would be a better choice since it allows you to use an external power supply and has a built-in heat dissipating mechanism which enables longer recording time.

⭐ The Sony A7 IV comes out as the best value for money in video and record time.

Canon R6 vs Sony A7 IV How are They Physically & Visually Different

When it comes to choosing a camera, it’s important to consider not only the technical specifications but also the physical design and visual aesthetics.

While they share many similarities in terms of technical specifications, they also have some key differences in terms of physical design, visual aesthetics and connections.

Let’s see how they compare.

Which would you buy for the LCD display:

The higher LCD resolution the camera has can benefit you with a clear and detailed view of the scene, which can be helpful when composing shots, checking focus, and reviewing images.

It can also make it easier to see the display in bright light conditions, which can be useful when shooting outdoors.

• The Canon EOS R6 has a 3-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2.1 million dots.
• The Sony A7 IV has a 3-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1.04 million dots

Both cameras have the same size LCD screen of 3 inches but the Canon EOS R6 has more resolution giving more detail when zooming in.

Their LCD touchscreen displays are even adjustable that can be tilted and swivelled, which can be useful for shooting from different angles.

Which would you buy for the Viewfinder:

A high viewfinder resolution in a camera benefits the user by providing a clear and detailed view, making it easier to compose shots and check focus, especially in bright light. It can also reduce eyestrain during extended use.

• The Canon EOS R6 has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 million dots
• The Sony Alpha A7 IV has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 million dots.

Both cameras have an excellent viewfinder and are ideal for photography and video.

✅ For the LCD display and viewfinder the Canon EOS R6 comes out as the best!

Which would you buy for the Storage:

In terms of storage, both cameras have dual card slots, which allows photographers to use multiple cards or to back up their images for added security.

• The R6 offers support for dual SD cards
• The A7 IV offers support for dual SD cards + CF express type A

Having dual sd cards makes it easier for the everyday photographer as SDs are universal for just about every camera – great if you are upgrading from a camera that already uses SD cards.

Which would you buy for size and weight:

The size and weight of the camera are important to consider when carrying it around all day.

• The Canon R6 has a weight of 738g and dimensions of 138 x 97.5 x 88 mm
• the Sony A7 IV has a weight of 658g and dimensions of 131.3 x 96.4 x 79.8mm

The Sony A7 IV is considered more compact and lightweight than the Canon R6, making it a good option if you’re looking for a camera that is easy to carry around and handle.

✅ For storage and size and weight the Sony A7 IV comes out as the best!

Which would you buy for battery life:

One area where there is a clear difference between them is the battery life.

• The A7 IV with the NP-FZ100 battery can capture up to 740 shots on a single charge
• The R6 with the LP-E6NH battery can capture up to 360 shots on a single charge

The A7 IV is better suited to extended shooting sessions, and maybe a more convenient choice for photographers who don’t want to worry about constantly changing batteries.

It’s worth noting that these numbers are approximate and the actual battery life can vary depending on usage, such as shooting in live view mode or shooting video, which use more power than shooting stills.

It’s also good to have at least one extra battery with you when shooting to avoid running out of power.

Battery grips such as the BG-R10 for the Canon R6 and the VG-C4EM for the Sony A7 IV can carry an extra battery allowing you to shoot longer. They can even help you shoot portrait compositions.

Which would you buy for durability:

Both the Canon EOS R6 and the Sony A7 IV are designed to be durable and withstand rugged use.

Both cameras have a weather-sealed construction that helps to protect the camera from dust and moisture.

• The Canon R6 is built with a magnesium alloy chassis and is rated as weather-sealed, making it resistant to dust and moisture. It also has shutter durability of 200,000 cycles.
• The Sony A7 IV is also built with durable construction and is weather-sealed, making it resistant to dust and moisture. The camera body is made of a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate. It also has shutter durability of 200,000 cycles.

In summary, both cameras are built with durable construction and are resistant to dust and moisture. They both have similar shutter durability and both camera’s body are built with Magnesium alloy.

But the Canon R6 DSLR-like shape makes it more rugged to the elements.

✅ For battery life and durability the Sony A7 IV comes out as the best overall!

Physically & visually difference summary:

There you have some key differences in terms of physical design and visual aesthetics.

The Sony A7 IV is smaller and lighter than the Canon R6, making it more compact and easy to handle, while the Canon R6 has a more traditional and professional look.

Both cameras have a weather-sealed construction that helps to protect the camera from dust and moisture, and both cameras have similar shutter durability.

Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras in terms of physical design and visual aesthetics will likely come down to personal preference and the type of photography you’ll be doing.

Whether you’re looking for a compact and lightweight camera or a more traditional and professional look, both the Canon R6 and the Sony A7 IV are excellent options that offer advanced features and capabilities for professional photographers.

⭐ The Sony A7 IV comes out as the best value for the ascetic features.

Canon R6 vs Sony A7 IV The Verdict

There you have it the Canon EOS R6 and Sony A7 IV are both high-end cameras that offer advanced features and capabilities for professional photographers.

While they share many similarities, they also have some key differences that make them better suited for different types of photography.

The Canon R6 is best for fast-paced action and sports photography, while the Sony A7 IV is best for portrait and landscape photography.

Both cameras have durable construction, weather-sealing and similar shutter durability.

Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras will depend on your specific needs as a content creator but here is a recap as to why you should buy these cameras.

Feature	Canon EOS R6	Sony A7 IV
Image Quality		✅
Low Light Performance	✅
Autofocus Performace	✅
Continuous Shooting	✅
Video		✅
Record Time		✅
Image Stabilisation	✅
LCD display	✅
Viewfinder	✅
Storage		✅
Size And Weight		✅
Battery Life		✅
Durability	✅

And there you have it!

We hope you found this guide useful and if you wish to purchase the Canon EOS R6 or Sony 7 IV you can do so using the links below.

We are available 7 days a week to talk about your camera or lens purchase by phone, email and live chat.

Why not take a look at one of our other articles like the Sony A7 IV vs Canon R5, Canon R5 vs R6, Canon R6 II vs R5 or the Sony A7 III vs Sony A7 IV.

Canon R6 vs Sony A7 IV Full Comparison Of Specifications

Feature	Canon EOS R6	Sony A7 IV
Anti-dust Shutter Mechanism	Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit	Yes
Focus Coverage (Horizontally and Vertically)	Approx. 100%	84% horizontal, 84% vertical
Number of Focus Points	1053 Zones (39×27)	759 phase-detection & 425 contrast-detection
Min Focus Sensitivity	EV -6.5	-3EV
Max ISO	102400; Expandable to 204800	51200 (pull 50, push up to 204800)
Sensor Pixel Area	20 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor	33 Megapixel Full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS
Colour Depth	14-bit	14-bit
Dynamic Range	15 Stops	15 stops
Low Light ISO	Approx. 640 (at ISO 51200)	-3EV
Pixel Shift High-Res Mode	Yes	No
Image Stabilisation	5-axis	5-axis
Face Detection Focus	Dual Pixel CMOS AF II	Yes
Max Resolution	6000 x 4000	7952 x 5304
Max Continuous Shooting	12 fps (Mechanical Shutter), 20 fps (Electronic Shutter)	10fps with AE/AF Tracking
AE Bracketing	±3 EV (1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable)	Yes
Shutter Life Expectancy	200,000 cycles	500,000 cycles
LCD Screen Size	3.0”	3”
LCD Resolution	2.1M dots	1.04 million dots
Adjustable LCD Screen	Tilting Touchscreen	Yes
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes
Top LCD	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	OLED Electronic Viewfinder	0.5in OLED
Viewfinder Resolution	3.69M dots	3.69 million dots
Viewfinder Magnification	0.76x	0.78x
Continuous Shooting	12fps (Mechanical Shutter), 20fps (Electronic Shutter)	Up to 10fps
Timelapse Recording	Yes	Yes
Focus Bracketing	Yes	Yes
IS Stop Effectivity	8-stops	5 to 6.5 stops
Flash Sync Port	Yes	No
Built-in Flash	No	No
External Flash Shoe	Yes	Yes
Wireless Connection	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	WiFi, Bluetooth
Bluetooth Connection	Yes	Yes
NFC Connection	Yes	Yes
Smartphone Remote	Yes	Yes
Webcam Function	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	Yes
Headphone Port	No	No
CFexpress Card Support	No	Yes (Type A)
UHS Card Support	Yes (SD UHS-II)	Yes (SD UHS-II)
Storage Slot	Dual SD Card Slots	Dual SD UHS-II slots
Weather Sealing	Yes	Yes
Anti-flicker	Yes	Yes
Eye Tracking Focus	Yes	Yes
Battery Life	Approx. 360 Shots	710 shots
Weight	Approx. 738g	658g (including battery & memory card)
Dimensions	Approx. 138.4 x 97.5 x 88.4mm	131.3 x 96.4 x 79.8 mm
Source	Full Canon EOS R6 Specifications	Full Sony A7 IV Specifications
Reviews	Canon EOS R6 Review	Sony A7IV Review

Canon R6 vs Sony A7 IV FAQ