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Canon EOS R5 Mark II vs Sony a7 IV

Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Best Pro All-Rounder
Sony a7 IV
Best Overall
Price
$4,299–$4,500
$1,998–$2,700
Summary
Tom's Guide calls it the best full-frame mirrorless camera outright, and it's hard to argue — 45MP sensor, blazing AI-powered autofocus, and 8K video in a body that's surprisingly approachable for a pro-level camera.
The sweet spot of resolution, autofocus, and value in the full-frame mirrorless world. At ~$2,000 it punches well above its price with a 33MP sensor, class-leading AF, and strong hybrid photo/video performance.
Pros
  • 45MP full-frame sensor delivers exceptional resolution for landscapes and portraits
  • AI-powered Dual Pixel CMOS AF II is among the fastest and most accurate available
  • 8K RAW video recording — a rarity at this price tier
  • Tom's Guide calls it 'perhaps the easiest pro-level camera I've had the pleasure of testing'
  • 33MP full-frame sensor with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance
  • Best-in-class real-time eye/subject tracking autofocus
  • Strong hybrid shooter: 4K video with 10-bit color and solid IBIS
  • Massive Sony E-mount lens ecosystem with decades of glass to choose from
Cons
  • Body alone costs ~$4,300, making it a serious financial commitment
  • RF lens ecosystem, while excellent, has fewer affordable third-party options than Sony E-mount
  • 8K video generates enormous file sizes requiring fast, high-capacity storage
  • 4K video is cropped at 60fps — not ideal for dedicated videographers
  • Body-only price around $2,000 is a significant investment
  • Menu system can feel overwhelming for newcomers to Sony
Our take
The R5 Mark II is what happens when Canon gets everything right at once. It's the camera pros reach for when they can't afford to miss a shot and need the files to hold up at any size.
If you're buying one full-frame mirrorless camera and don't want to think about it again for years, the a7 IV is the answer — it's the camera Reddit and expert reviewers keep circling back to as the sensible default.
Buy
The verdict

Get the Canon EOS R5 Mark II if you want pro all-rounder performance. Get the Sony a7 IV if you value overall more. Both are excellent choices in full frame mirrorless cameras.