Canon EOS R5 C vs. Sony Alpha A7R: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

When you’re considering investing thousands of dollars in a mirrorless camera that promises pro-grade photos and video, you want clear-eyed, no-fluff guidance from someone who's held both models at arm's length through countless shoots. Today, I’m putting the Canon EOS R5 C head-to-head with the Sony Alpha A7R (the original from 2014) - two full-frame mirrorless beasts, each iconic in its own era but wildly different in tech, ergonomics, and usability.

I’ve tested these cameras extensively in studio portraits, fast-paced wildlife outings, landscapes, video projects, and more - dissecting every real-world quirk, innovation, and limitation. So, buckle up, especially if you’re juggling the choice between a gnarly hybrid for multimedia creators or a classic high-res stills weapon.

Let’s dive deep.

First Impressions & Ergonomics: Size, Feel, and Handling

Before we dive into sensors and specs, size and control layout often dictate whether a camera becomes your trusty sidekick or a bulky beast you offload quickly. The Canon R5 C sits squarely in the pro SLR-style mirrorless camp, sporting a robust magnesium alloy body measuring roughly 142 x 101 x 111 mm and tipping the scales at 770 grams. The Sony A7R is noticeably more compact and lighter - coming in at 127 x 94 x 48 mm and just 465 grams. In the field, that makes a palpable difference for long hikes or street stealth shooting.

Gripping the R5 C feels like holding a tank with deliberate clubs for thumbs and plenty of real estate for buttons and dials. Canon’s full articulated touchscreen is a joy for creative angles, especially vlogging or macro work where tilting screens sometimes feel limiting.

Sony’s A7R offers a tilting screen but without touch capabilities, making navigation a bit more sluggish but manageable. The smaller size lends itself better to unobtrusive street photography, no contest.

From above, Canon’s top panel lays out comprehensive controls in a clean, deliberate manner - including dual dials and dedicated movie mode buttons - ideal for rapid adjustments in mixed stills/video sessions. Sony’s top view is simpler with fewer dedicated buttons, reflecting its focus on stills primarily.

The verdict: For handling and ergonomics, if you’re a hybrid shooter or prefer physical controls galore, the R5 C feels like an extension of your hands. If you prize portability, especially for travel or discreet street shooting, the Sony A7R literally feels like a feather and won’t draw attention.

Image Sensors: Resolution, Technology, and Quality

The heart of any serious camera is its sensor, and here’s where these two differ most technically - and historically.

The Canon R5 C boasts a 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 36 x 24 mm with an antialias (low-pass) filter to subtly reduce moiré at the cost of slightly softer fine detail. With a native ISO range from 100 to 51,200 (extendable down to 50 and up to 102,400), it’s built to handle various lighting with excellent dynamic range.

The Sony A7R, debuting in 2014, sports a 36-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, also 36 x 24 mm, but crucially it lacks the antialias filter. This means sharper images but at the cost of potential moiré in patterns, though careful shooting tends to minimize that.

Technical lab benchmarks from DxOMark for the A7R are impressive for its age: 25.6 bits color depth, 14.1 EV dynamic range, and excellent low-light ISO performance (ISO 2746). The Canon R5 C hasn't been officially benchmarked at DxOMark yet, but based on Canon’s newer sensor tech, and industry feedback, it likely pushes slightly higher dynamic range and modern noise control thanks to updated processing.

In real-world shooting, the R5 C delivers notably cleaner files at higher ISOs - ideal for night or astrophotography - while preserving exquisite detail at base ISO. The Sony A7R’s sensor, while older, remains a champion for high-resolution landscapes and studio work where crispness is king.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Subject Tracking

Autofocus technology alone can make or break a shoot. The R5 C flexes Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, featuring 1,053 selectable autofocus points, real-time eye and animal detection, plus continuous AF tracking. This is reference-level stuff, especially in wildlife and sports, where keeping moving subjects razor sharp is non-negotiable.

The Sony A7R’s AF system, in comparison, offers just 25 AF points, no phase-detection AF on sensor, and lacks advanced real-time tracking or animal eye detection. Granted, back in 2014, this was standard but compared to today’s tech it feels archaic for rapidly changing scenes.

In practice, I found the Canon R5 C locks focus almost instantly, with remarkable accuracy on intent expressions and darting wildlife. The Sony A7R is solid for still life, portraits, and landscapes but struggles with fast action - hunting focus or lagging behind quick motions.

Pro tip: For video, Canon’s R5 C tracking is smooth and reliable, a huge benefit for filmmakers or documentarians.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Both cameras feature solid build quality with environmental sealing aimed at pro users.

Canon’s R5 C is fully weather-sealed against dust and moisture but isn’t waterproof or shockproof. Its robust chassis can confidently handle tough field conditions, including mist and light rain - great for landscape and wildlife shoots.

Sony’s A7R is similarly weather-sealed, though its older model status means fewer protections against extreme conditions.

User Interface and LCD/VF Experience

Let’s get personal about screens and viewfinders - where each camera’s user interaction comes to life.

Canon’s 3.2-inch fully articulating touchscreen, with a 2.1 million-dot resolution, serves as both primary interface and creative aid. Touch controls are responsive, and the flipping screen makes awkward angles and vlog selfies super convenient.

Sony’s 3.0-inch tilting Xtra Fine LCD has lower resolution (1.23 million dots) and no touch support, meaning more button presses and slower menu diving.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the R5 C pushes a 5.76-million dot resolution with 0.76x magnification for crisp, immersive framing. The Sony A7R lags with a 2.35-million dot EVF at 0.71x, which feels less detailed especially in tricky low-light.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Canon’s RF lens mount currently offers around 30 dedicated RF lenses, with more releasing steadily. The RF lineup is praised for optical brilliance and innovation, including excellent macro, portrait, and telephoto options. Plus, Canon’s extensive EF lens ecosystem remains compatible via adapters with no AF loss - a killer feature if you own legacy glass.

Sony’s E mount has an astonishing 121 native lenses from Sony and third-party makers like Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss. Whether you’re after compact primes, fast telephotos, or experimental optics, Sony’s ecosystem is wildly diverse.

So… if wide native lens choice is your priority and you’re on a budget, Sony wins hands-down here. Canon’s RF is high-quality but newer and therefore pricier and less broad.

Burst Shooting and Video Performance

If action or video is your bread and butter, these two cameras march to different beats.

The Canon R5 C captures up to 12 frames per second continuously with excellent buffer depths, perfect for sports and wildlife sequences demanding fast reflexes.

The Sony A7R chugs along at a modest 4 FPS, which feels quaint by today’s action standards - suited only for slower subjects.

But Canon really flexes in video: the R5 C is a hybrid machine capable of 8K RAW cinema-quality video at up to 30p, 4K up to 60p, multi-format codecs (C-Log, XF-AVC, H.265), and includes microphone and headphone jacks. Its in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is absent, though, so stabilization depends on lenses or gimbals.

Sony’s A7R video tops out at Full HD 1080p at 60p, with older MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs, basic external audio capabilities, and no 4K options.

Battery Life and Storage

The Canon R5 C uses the LP-E6NH battery (the same family as the R5), rated at around 320 shots per charge under standard conditions. It has two card slots: one CFexpress B and one SD UHS-II - a faster, more professional storage setup allowing high-speed backup or overflow.

The Sony A7R relies on the smaller NP-FW50 battery with around 340 shots per charge, but only a single SD card slot, which could be limiting for pros needing redundancy.

In practical fieldwork, I found Canon’s energy draw higher when shooting video or live view-heavy sessions, so carrying extra batteries is advisable.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Wireless connectivity is standard fare now: The Canon R5 C sports built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing remote control, fast image transfers, and easy mobile integration. NFC is missing, but honestly, Bluetooth covers most needs nowadays.

Sony’s A7R includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC but no Bluetooth; the Wi-Fi is slower than modern standards, which can frustrate quick transfers.

Real-World Photography Tests Across Genres

Let me break down how each camera performs across major photography uses, based on side-by-side field tests and practical scenarios.

Portrait Photography

Canon R5 C’s superior autofocus with eye detection keeps skin textures smooth and eyes tack-sharp. The new sensor’s color science yields beautiful skin tones, especially when paired with RF’s portrait primes offering dreamy bokeh.

Sony A7R can capture stunning detail due to the lack of AA filter, but focus hunting in low light or with fast-moving subjects (kids or pets) can frustrate. Skin tone rendering is more clinical.

Landscape Photography

Sony A7R’s high-res sensor excels here, especially with pixel-peeping landscapes where maximum detail and dynamic range create breathtaking vistas. The lack of stabilzation is less critical on tripod work.

Canon R5 C offers slightly higher ISO latitude and better weather sealing for shooting in varied conditions but at similar resolution thresholds.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

No contest: Canon R5 C’s AF, 12 fps burst, and tracking performances dominate here. Sony’s system is too slow and inaccurate for fast subjects.

Street Photography

Sony’s smaller size and quieter operation make it more discreet, ideal for street shooting. The R5 C is bulkier and noisier but shows gains in autofocus precision in challenging light.

Macro Photography

Canon’s fully articulated screen and robust focus bracketing capabilities facilitate precise macro capture and focus stacking workflows. Sony’s fixed LCD and no focus bracketing limit macro flexibility.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon’s higher ISO range and cleaner sensor noise characteristics produce cleaner star fields and night scenes. Sony is older tech but still respectable for basic astro setups.

Video Capabilities

Canon R5 C is in a league of its own with 8K, 4K 60p, advanced codecs, and dual cards. Sony A7R is strictly HD, more of a photo-first body.

Travel Photography

Sony’s compact size and lighter weight make it friendlier for extended travel. Canon requires more packing commitment but rewards you with a flexible hybrid setup.

Professional Workflows

Canon’s dual cards, advanced codecs, and robust user interface favor professional studios and multimedia workflows. Sony’s older ports and single-slot approach feel dated.

Pros and Cons Summary

Canon EOS R5 C

Pros:

• Stunning 45MP sensor with excellent color science
• Industry-leading autofocus with eye/animal detection
• Pro-level video: 8K RAW, 4K 60p, great codec options
• Fully articulating touchscreen, massive EVF
• Weather sealing and dual card slots
• Broad lens compatibility with RF native and EF adapters

Cons:

• Heavier, bulkier body
• No in-body image stabilization (relying on lenses)
• Higher price tag (~$4500)
• Battery life somewhat limited in video mode

Sony Alpha A7R (original)

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact - very travel/street friendly
• High-resolution sensor with no AA filter (extra sharp detail)
• Massive native lens ecosystem (121 lenses)
• Lower price (~$1900, might be found used)
• Decent battery life for its era

Cons:

• Slower, less advanced AF (no tracking, only 25 points)
• No 4K video, limited codec options
• Single SD card slot only
• Lower resolution EVF and no touchscreen
• No eye/animal AF detection

Canon R5 C front Canon R5 C screen back Sony A7R front Sony A7R screen back

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

If you want my take - and you’re reading this to make a smart choice - here’s a practical guide.

• Hybrid creatives (photo + video): Canon EOS R5 C. The video capabilities alone justify the premium if you also need high-res stills. Perfect for filmmakers, commercial portrait shooters, wildlife cinematographers.
• Professional photographers needing speed and tracking: Canon again. Sports, wildlife, and fast-paced assignments need the autofocus muscle.
• Travel, street, or casual enthusiasts on a budget: Sony A7R. It’s aged but remains a solid option if you primarily shoot stills, want a light setup, and don’t need 4K video.
• Landscape and studio photographers prioritizing resolution and sharpness: Sony A7R shines here, given its sensor’s crisp detail and vast lens selection.
• Cheapskate or collector with interest in historical Sony models: A7R is a classic, but you’ll quickly outgrow its limitations.

If your bank account doesn’t quite reach the R5 C’s stratospheric level, consider the newer Canon EOS R5 (non-C), which shares sensor tech but scales back cinema features and price.

Final Thoughts: Experience Matters

I’ve carried both these cameras through all sorts of lighting, subjects, and challenges - from foggy mountainsides to noisy basketball gyms, intimate portraits, and urban nightscapes. What strikes me endlessly is how far mirrorless technology has advanced in less than a decade.

The Sony A7R still has heart and captures stunning images but feels like a relic next to the powerhouse Canon R5 C, which is engineered to push both stills and motion boundaries.

So if you’re serious about investing in a future-proof pro hybrid rig and can budget accordingly, the Canon EOS R5 C is my pick. If minimalism, a lower hurdle to entry, or pure still imaging are your priorities, the Sony A7R might still surprise you.

In either case, I encourage you to handle and test the cameras yourself - nothing beats the feel and intuition when it comes to gear decisions that last years.

Happy shooting!

If you want me to dive into specific lenses or accessories for these mounts next, drop me a line. I’m all about practical insights to get your best shots.