Sony A7R IV vs Sony A550

Let's look more closely at the Sony A7R IV vs Sony A550, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are offered by Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the A7R IV (61MP) and A550 (14MP) and the A7R IV (Full frame) and A550 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The A7R IV was launched 9 years later than the A550 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony A7R IV being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short highlight of how the A7R IV matches up vs the A550 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha A7R IV and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The complete galleries are provided at Sony A7R IV Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Sony A7R IV has got outside dimensions of 129mm x 96mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.1") along with a weight of 665 grams (1.47 lbs) while the Sony A550 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony A7R IV vs Sony A550 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the A7R IV and the A550.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A7R IV and A550 is 62 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the A7R IV and A550.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The A7R IV due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony A7R IV will give you more detail utilizing its extra 47MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The younger A7R IV will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.