SONY A6700 vs SONY A7IV — which is actually better?

THAT ICELANDIC GUY.
10 Nov 202309:20

TLDRIn the comparison between the Sony A6700 and the Sony A7IV, the A6700 is highlighted for its compact size and 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, coupled with advanced AI-powered autofocus and the ability to shoot 4K at 120 frames per second, albeit with a crop. The A7IV, on the other hand, is noted for its larger, bulkier design with a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor, offering a wider ISO range, higher maximum shutter speed, and two memory card slots. Both cameras share features such as 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, advanced picture profiles, and 5-axis image stabilization, with the A7IV having a slight edge in stabilization and dynamic range. The A7IV is priced higher, and the choice between the two depends on the user's preference for sensor size, budget, and specific feature requirements.

Takeaways

  • 📷 **Size and Sensor**: The Sony A6700 is more compact with a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the Sony A7IV is bulkier with a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor.
  • 🔍 **Autofocus**: The A6700 features a new AI-powered autofocus, similar to the A7R5, which is fast and accurate. The A7IV also has good autofocus but can shoot at higher frame rates.
  • 🎥 **Frame Rates**: The A7IV can film at up to 60 frames per second, but with a crop, whereas the A6700 offers 4K at 120 frames per second, albeit with a significant crop.
  • 📸 **Additional Features**: The A6700 has innovative features like Auto Framing mode, while the A7IV has a wider ISO range and more RAW file setting options.
  • 💾 **Memory Card Slots**: The A7IV has two memory card slots and supports fast CF Express cards, which the A6700 lacks.
  • 📡 **Viewfinder and Grip**: The A7IV has a larger viewfinder and grip, which some users may find more comfortable.
  • 🌌 **Low Light Performance**: The A7IV performs better in low light conditions due to its full-frame sensor.
  • 📹 **Common Features**: Both cameras can film 10-bit 4:2:2 footage, have advanced picture profiles, a webcam mode, breathing compensation, and 5-axis image stabilization.
  • 🔋 **Battery**: Both cameras share the same large battery, providing substantial power.
  • 💰 **Price**: At the time of recording, the A7IV is priced at around $2,500 for the body, while the A6700 is priced at approximately $1,400 for the body.
  • 📉 **Dynamic Range and Noise**: The A7IV has a slightly better dynamic range and is less noisy compared to the A6700.
  • 📚 **Footage Downsampling**: The A7IV records in 7K and downsamples to 4K, potentially offering a sharper image compared to the A6700's 6K downsampling to 4K.

Q & A

  • What are the primary differences between the Sony A6700 and the Sony A7IV?

    -The Sony A6700 is smaller and more compact with a 26-megapixel back-illuminated APS-C sensor, while the Sony A7IV is larger and bulkier with a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor. The A6700 features an AI-powered autofocus and can shoot 4K at 120 frames per second, albeit with a crop. The A7IV offers a wider ISO range, additional RAW file settings, a higher maximum shutter speed, two memory card slots, and better low-light performance.

  • Which camera has a better autofocus system according to the transcript?

    -The Sony A6700 has a new AI-powered autofocus system that is fast and accurate, similar to the one found in the A7R5. However, the Sony A7IV also has a good autofocus system, and it can shoot at higher frame rates, making it slightly better in this aspect.

  • What is the frame rate difference when filming in 4K between the Sony A6700 and the Sony A7IV?

    -The Sony A6700 can film 4K at up to 120 frames per second, but with a crop. The Sony A7IV can film at a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second without a crop, but for higher frame rates like 120 frames per second, it also crops the sensor.

  • What additional features does the Sony A7IV have that the Sony A6700 does not?

    -The Sony A7IV has a wider ISO range, additional options for RAW file settings, a higher maximum shutter speed, two memory card slots, and it supports CF Express cards for faster data transfer. It also has a larger viewfinder and grip, which some users may find more comfortable.

  • Which camera is better for low-light photography?

    -The Sony A7IV is better for low-light photography due to its better low-light performance and full-frame sensor, which generally perform better in such conditions.

  • What is the price difference between the Sony A6700 and the Sony A7IV at the time of recording?

    -At the time of recording, the Sony A7IV costs around $2,500 for just the body, while the Sony A6700 costs around $1,400 for just the body.

  • What common features do both the Sony A6700 and the Sony A7IV share?

    -Both cameras can film 10-bit 4:2:2 footage with up to 600 MB/s using the All-I compression, have advanced picture profiles such as S-Log 3, a webcam mode, breathing compensation for video, variable shutter, and 5-axis image stabilization.

  • What is the stabilization performance difference between the Sony A6700 and the Sony A7IV?

    -The Sony A7IV has slightly better image stabilization with 5.5 stops, compared to the 5.0 stops of stabilization on the Sony A6700.

  • What is the significance of the Sony A7IV being able to film 7K footage that is down-sampled to 4K?

    -Filming in 7K and then down-sampling to 4K can result in a sharper image due to the oversampling process, which can provide more detail and better image quality.

  • Can you use both full-frame and APS-C lenses on the Sony A6700 and the Sony A7IV?

    -Yes, both cameras are equipped with Sony E-mount, allowing the use of both full-frame and APS-C lenses. However, using APS-C lenses on a full-frame camera may require switching to crop mode to avoid a mismatch in the field of view.

  • What should a potential buyer consider when choosing between the Sony A6700 and the Sony A7IV?

    -A buyer should consider their budget, the importance of camera size and weight, the need for low-light performance, the desired video capabilities, and the type of photography or videography they primarily engage in.

  • How does the Sony A6700's 4K 120 frames per second footage compare to the Sony A7IV in terms of usability?

    -While the A6700 can film 4K at 120 frames per second, it does so with a significant crop. This might be suitable for some types of video work but could be limiting for others, especially where a wider field of view is required.

Outlines

00:00

📷 Camera Comparison: Sony a6700 vs Sony a74

This paragraph introduces a comparison between the Sony a6700 and Sony a74 hybrid cameras. The discussion focuses on their differences in size, sensor, and features. The a6700 is described as smaller and more compact with a 26-megapixel sensor, while the a74 is larger and features a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor. The a6700 is highlighted for its new AI-powered autofocus and ability to film at 4K 120 frames per second, albeit with a crop. In contrast, the a74 can film at 60 frames per second without cropping but offers a higher 4K frame rate with a crop. The a74 also has additional features like a wider ISO range, more raw file options, a higher maximum shutter speed with electronic shutter, two memory card slots, and a larger viewfinder and grip.

05:01

🎥 Shared Features and Price Considerations

The second paragraph delves into the common features of both cameras, such as the ability to film 10-bit 4:2:2 footage, advanced picture profiles, a webcam mode, breathing compensation, variable shutter, and 5-axis image stabilization. The a74 has a slight edge with 5.5 stops of stabilization compared to the a6700's 5.0 stops. Both cameras have a large battery, but there's a significant price difference, with the a74 costing around $2,500 and the a6700 around $1,400 for the body only. The narrator also shares personal insights after additional time with the cameras, noting the a74's better dynamic range and lower noise levels, its 7K down-sampled footage for sharper images, and the full-frame advantage for depth of field. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the choice between the two cameras depends on the user's priorities, such as picture quality, budget, or video-making capabilities.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Sony a6700

The Sony a6700 is a compact and smaller hybrid camera equipped with a 26-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor sensor. It is highlighted in the video for its new and impressive features, particularly its AI-powered autofocus system, which is fast and accurate. This camera is also noted for its ability to film at 4K 120 frames per second, although this comes with a crop factor. It is presented as a more budget-friendly option compared to the Sony a7IV.

💡Sony a7IV

The Sony a7IV is a larger and bulkier camera with a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor. It is distinguished by its wider ISO range, additional RAW file settings, and a higher maximum shutter speed when using an electronic shutter. The a7IV also offers two memory card slots and is compatible with the fast CF Express cards. It is capable of filming at 60 frames per second without cropping the sensor, but its 4K frame rate is higher at 120 frames per second with a crop.

💡Hybrid Camera

A hybrid camera is a type of digital camera that offers both photography and videography capabilities. In the context of the video, both the Sony a6700 and the Sony a7IV are described as hybrid cameras, indicating that they are versatile and can be used for both still images and video recording.

💡Autofocus

Autofocus refers to the camera's ability to automatically focus on the subject without manual adjustment. The video emphasizes the advanced autofocus system in the Sony a6700, which is powered by AI and is also present in the Sony a7IV, although the latter is described as having the latest and greatest autofocus technology.

💡Frame Rate

The frame rate in a video refers to the number of individual images (frames) that are captured or displayed per second. The video discusses the frame rates of the Sony a6700 and a7IV, with the a6700 capable of 4K at 120 frames per second (with a crop) and the a7IV at 60 frames per second without cropping.

💡ISO Range

The ISO range on a camera determines its sensitivity to light. A wider ISO range allows for better performance in low-light conditions. The Sony a7IV is noted to have a wider ISO range compared to the a6700, which is an advantage for photographers and videographers working in various lighting environments.

💡RAW File Settings

RAW file settings refer to the options available for shooting in RAW format, which captures more detail and provides greater flexibility in post-production. The Sony a7IV is mentioned to offer additional RAW file settings, suggesting it may be more suitable for professional photographers who require more control over their images.

💡Memory Card Slots

Memory card slots are the compartments in a camera where memory cards are inserted to store photos and videos. The Sony a7IV has two memory card slots, which is beneficial for backup or separating different types of media, such as photos and videos.

💡Electronic Shutter

An electronic shutter is a type of shutter that uses electronic means to control the sensor's exposure time. The video mentions that the Sony a6700 can achieve a higher maximum shutter speed when using the electronic shutter, which can be useful for fast-moving subjects.

💡5-Axis Image Stabilization

5-Axis Image Stabilization is a feature that helps to reduce blur caused by camera shake during hand-held shooting. Both the Sony a6700 and a7IV have this feature, but the a7IV offers slightly better stabilization with 5.5 stops compared to the a6700's 5.0 stops.

💡E-Mount Lenses

E-mount lenses are designed for Sony cameras with the E-mount, which allows for compatibility across different models. The video notes that both the full-frame and APS-C cameras from Sony use E-mount lenses, providing flexibility for users to use a variety of lenses on both the a6700 and a7IV.

Highlights

Sony A6700 is smaller and more compact with a 26 megapixel back-illuminated X-Trans sensor.

Sony A7IV is bulkier with a 33 megapixel full-frame sensor.

A6700 features a new AI-powered autofocus system, similar to the one found on the A7R5.

A7IV has a slightly better autofocus and can film at 60 frames per second, albeit with a crop.

A7IV offers a higher maximum shutter speed and two memory card slots.

A6700 introduces an auto framing mode and can film at 4K 120 frames per second, though with a crop.

A7IV has a wider ISO range and additional RAW file setting options.

Both cameras support 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and advanced picture profiles like S-Log 3.

A7IV provides 5.5 stops of image stabilization, while A6700 offers 5.0 stops.

A7IV can shoot 7K footage down-sampled to 4K, whereas A6700 shoots 6K down-sampled to 4K.

A7IV is better for achieving a shallow depth of field and bokeh effects due to its full-frame sensor.

A6700 has a higher continuous shooting rate at 11 frames per second compared to A7IV's 10 frames per second.

Both cameras are equipped with Sony's E-mount, allowing the use of full-frame and APS-C lenses.

A7IV is priced at around $2,500, while A6700 is priced at approximately $1,400 for the body only.

A7IV offers slightly better dynamic range and less noise in low-light conditions.

The choice between A6700 and A7IV depends on the user's preference for size, budget, and specific features.

A6700 is the newer model with some innovative features, making it an attractive option for those looking for the latest technology.

For video recording, A6700 might be more appealing due to its higher frame rate capabilities, despite the crop.

A7IV's larger body may offer a more comfortable grip and bigger viewfinder for some users.