• 35mm 849.7mm2
  • 61.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Sony A7R IV advantages over Panasonic S5

  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More pixels
    61.0 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Panasonic S5 advantages over Sony A7R IV

  • Less expensive
    $1498 vs $2998*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.76 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 360k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Outstanding image quality; Excellent high ISOs; Fast AF performance with Eye-AF tracking; 10fps bursts at full-resolution; Improved ergonomics; Dual UHS-II card slots; Higher-res EVF.

  • Expensive; No 4Kp60; Buffer clearing could be faster; Menus are still frustrating; Touchscreen underutilized; No built-in flash.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R III

Sony A7R IV
Sony A7R III
  • $3220
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More pixels
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5
Sony A7R III
  • $1365
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Canon R5

Sony A7R IV
Canon R5
  • $3220
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite
  • $3349
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5
Canon R5
  • $1365
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $3349
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels

Compared to Nikon Z7 II

Sony A7R IV
Nikon Z7 II
  • $3220
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • NFC
  • $2330
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5
Nikon Z7 II
  • $1365
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2330
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels

Compared to Sony A1

Sony A7R IV
Sony A1
  • $3220
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite
  • $6498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Longer video battery life
Panasonic S5
Sony A1
  • $1365
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $6498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • NFC

Compared to Sony A7R V

Sony A7R IV
Sony A7R V
  • $3220
  • 35mm
  • $3900
  • 35mm
  • Newer
Panasonic S5
Sony A7R V
  • $1365
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $3900
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect
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