Sony A7R IV vs Sony WX50: A Comprehensive Comparison Across Photography Genres

When it comes to camera hunting, the gap between a full-frame professional mirrorless and a budget compact can feel like a chasm. Yet, understanding how these two extremes stack up helps clarify just what you’re paying for - and if the leap is justified. Today, we’re putting the Sony A7R IV, a 2019 pro mirrorless powerhouse, head-to-head against the Sony WX50, a 2012 entry-level compact. I’ve handled and tested both extensively, and I’ll share detailed insights backed by hands-on experience to guide photographers across genres and skill levels.

This comparison isn’t a hack job. We’ll dive into imaging cores, autofocus tech, handling, and performance across portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, macro, and more - proving that even the best specs mean little unless they translate into practical value in the field.

Holding Them Side by Side: Design and Ergonomics

Before we get technical, let’s talk size and feel. The A7R IV is a full-sized mirrorless with a robust SLR-style body; the WX50 is a petite pocketable companion. The difference isn’t incremental - it’s monumental.

The A7R IV has a solid heft at 665 grams and dimensions of roughly 129x96x78mm. Its deep grip, numerous tactile dials, and weather-sealed magnesium alloy body make it suitable for prolonged sessions across challenging environments. The WX50 is ultralight (117g!) and slim (92x52x19mm), designed for casual, point-and-shoot convenience.

This stark contrast governs user experience. The A7R IV’s controls are sprawling but logically laid out, favoring manual input and quick adjustments in the field. The WX50 keeps it minimal - often you’ll be tapping menus or relying on automated modes. Handling-wise, the A7R IV is decidedly professional, while the WX50 is delightful as a carry-anywhere backup or travel snapper.

Sensor Architecture and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where we see a gulf unlikely to close anytime soon: sensor size and resolution.

The Sony A7R IV features a 35.8x23.8mm full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with an extraordinary 61-megapixel resolution. Compared to industry standards, this sensor delivers exceptional color depth (26 bits), dynamic range (~15 stops), and impressive low-light capability, thanks to backside illumination and cutting-edge microlensing.

In contrast, the WX50 uses a 1/2.3-inch (6.17x4.55mm) BSI-CMOS sensor with only 16 megapixels. While respectable given its size and vintage, this small sensor can’t match the tonal richness, sharpness, or low noise performance of a full-frame unit. Noise kicks in at ISO 800 and above, with dynamic range compressed.

As photographers, we know sensor dimensions dictate everything from depth-of-field control to fine detail and highlight hold. For example, in portraits, the A7R IV’s massive sensor allows natural skin tones and silky bokeh. The WX50, with its smaller sensor and fixed lens, delivers flatter images, less creamy backgrounds, and struggles in low light.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing and Composing Essentials

Good compositions start with reliable framing tools. Both cameras approach this differently.

The A7R IV sports a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1440k-dot resolution, excellent for outdoor visibility and flexible angles. You can tap autofocus points, swipe menus, and preview images crisply. Coupling this with a high-resolution (5760-dot) 0.78x magnification electronic viewfinder that covers 100% of the frame allows precise manual focus, critical in high-res shooting.

The WX50 makes do with a fixed 2.7-inch 461k-dot LCD, non-touch and without any EVF. No tilting either. This limits comfortable composing to arm's length shots - fine for casual use but far from ideal under bright sun or for tricky angles.

In practical shooting scenarios, the A7R IV’s displays facilitate creative flexibility and work pace, while the WX50 necessitates compromises in precision and ease of use.

Autofocus Capabilities: Tracking, Speed, and Accuracy

Autofocus often decides if a camera is simply good or downright satisfying to shoot.

The A7R IV employs a hybrid AF system with 567 phase-detect points spread liberally and supplemented by contrast detection. It boasts real-time eye tracking for humans and animals, and intelligent subject recognition. AF acquisition is lightning fast even in dim conditions, plus continuous AF and tracking enable confident wildlife or sports shooting.

The WX50 relies solely on contrast detection with no phase-detect pixels, fewer selectable focus areas, and more limited face detection capabilities. While it can lock focus decently on static subjects, fast action or low light produce frustrating misses or hunts.

For portraiture, A7R IV’s eye AF is a game-changer - ensuring tack-sharp eyes even with wide apertures. The WX50 can’t touch this level. Similarly, for wildlife and sports, the A7R IV’s tracking and burst modes (10 fps) cater to urgency; the WX50 barely manages 10 fps but with limited AF responsiveness.

Burst Rates and Buffer: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Burst shooting matters most in sports and wildlife photography.

Both cameras offer 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting. However, the devil is in the buffer depth and data throughput.

The A7R IV supports 10 fps with full AF/AE tracking and an extensive buffer handling over 68 compressed RAW frames, making it easy to hold down the shutter during fast sequences. The dual UHS-II compatible SD card slots keep the data flowing steadily.

The WX50’s 10 fps is limited to JPEG with a shallow buffer, quickly stalled in continuous bursts. Its single SD slot is also limited to older Speed Class standards, meaning slower write speeds.

For any serious shooter, especially those tackling unpredictable subjects, the A7R IV’s burst and buffer capabilities provide peace of mind and workflow efficiency the WX50 simply doesn’t aim to deliver.

Build Quality and Environmental Tolerance

If you’re outdoors, weather sealing and solid construction count.

The A7R IV’s magnesium alloy chassis offers robust weather sealing against dust and moisture, tested in rain and harsh environments without issues. Its ruggedness suits professional use in fieldwork and travel.

The WX50 sports a compact plastic body with no weather sealing, vulnerable to dust, moisture, and rougher handling. This isn’t unexpected for an entry-level compact, but it limits confidence in adverse settings.

The difference is clear: if you shoot landscapes at altitude, wildlife in misty forests, or sports under rain, the A7R IV has you covered physically. The WX50 is better kept indoors or on clear days.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

One of Sony’s crown jewels is its expansive lens lineup.

The A7R IV accepts all Sony E-mount lenses - over 120 native options ranging from f/1.2 primes to super-telephoto zooms and specialized optics (macro, tilt-shift). This versatility allows tailoring optics to a genre or style.

In contrast, the WX50 is equipped with a fixed 25-125mm equivalent (F2.6-6.3) zoom lens, no option to swap or upgrade. While this lens suffices for snapshots and casual travel, it cannot deliver the shallow depth-of-field of a fast prime, nor the reach or sharpness required for professional wildlife or macro.

If you’re the kind of shooter who loves tinkering with optics or needs specific lenses for niche genres, the A7R IV offers a long-term investment. The WX50 aims for simplicity and portability, corners cut accordingly.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Long shoots demand endurance and storage flexibility.

The A7R IV uses the NP-FZ100 battery, capable of approximately 670 shots per charge (CIPA standard), with dual card slots allowing simultaneous or relay recording to enhance data security.

The WX50 uses the smaller NP-BN battery, generating around 240 shots per charge. One SD slot limits fail safes. Both support USB charging, but the A7R IV can power external devices or be operated tethered thanks to USB 3.1 speeds.

For travel and all-day events, the A7R IV’s battery life and media flexibility significantly outpace the WX50’s. Frequent recharging or swapping is a practical requirement with the compact.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Modern cameras must integrate smoothly with digital workflows.

The A7R IV boasts built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, alongside full-size HDMI and USB 3.1 ports for speedy tethering and remote control apps. This integration supports real-time image transfer and mobile device control.

By contrast, the WX50 lacks wireless connectivity entirely - file transfers require card removal or cables.

Professional workflows increasingly demand seamless wireless to preview, backup, or share images on the go. The A7R IV meets this with aplomb. The WX50 feels rooted in a pre-smartphone shooting era.

Video Recording: Can They Shoot Moving Pictures?

If video matters, how do these two compare?

The A7R IV shoots 4K UHD at 30p with high 100 Mbps bit rate using XAVC S codec, including clean HDMI output, headphone/mic jacks for audio monitoring, and sensor stabilization to smooth handheld shots.

The WX50 maxes out at 1080p 60 fps in AVCHD or MPEG-4 formats, with no external microphone input or advanced stabilization beyond lens optical IS. Image quality is serviceable for casual clips but lacks pro features.

Videographers will find the A7R IV’s video specs highly versatile for interviews, B-roll, and even semi-professional projects. The WX50 suffices for family video and social media snippets.

Performance Across Different Photography Genres

Let’s zoom in genre-by-genre on how well each camera performs, contextualizing their capabilities and limitations.

Portrait Photography

A7R IV: Shines with high resolution and excellent skin tone reproduction, leveraging real-time human and animal eye AF for tack-sharp portraits. The wide dynamic range preserves highlight and shadow detail in challenging lighting. Fast, sharp lenses create pleasing bokeh.

WX50: Portraits are decent for casual hobbies but generally flat with limited background separation due to sensor size and lens aperture constraints. AF can miss subtle focus on eyes, and noise is evident in indoor or low-light conditions.

Landscape Photography

A7R IV: Its 61MP sensor combined with 15 stops dynamic range is a boon for landscapes, capturing fine detail and smooth tonal gradations in skies. Reliable weather sealing and battery life make it ready for multi-hour hikes or cold climates.

WX50: Small sensor struggles with dynamic range; shadows may blot out and highlights clip easily. Limited resolution reduces cropping flexibility. No weather sealing deters use in rough terrain.

Wildlife Photography

A7R IV: Fast, accurate AF, 10 fps burst, and access to pro telephoto lenses allow confident action capture. Eye AF extends to animals, improving keeper rates in unpredictable scenes.

WX50: The fixed 5x zoom can’t reach distant wildlife effectively, AF lags behind, and burst shooting is shallow. Suits casual backyard bird snaps but no serious wildlife work.

Sports Photography

A7R IV: Tracks high-speed subjects with high AF point density, fast shutter speeds (up to 1/8000 s), and solid low-light ISO. High frames per second and buffer catch decisive moments.

WX50: Limited AF, slower max shutter (1/1600 s), and buffer filled quickly compromise fast-action capture. Casual sports snapshots only.

Street Photography

A7R IV: Larger body and lenses can draw attention - some use smaller primes to remain discreet. Great image quality and low-light AF performance facilitate urban night shots.

WX50: Pocketable and unobtrusive - a perfect street camera for spontaneous snapshots in daylight. However, lower image quality and limited focusing flexibility hold it back for more artistic street work.

Macro Photography

A7R IV: Compatible with dedicated macro lenses and superb stabilization allows handheld detail shots with excellent resolution edge-to-edge.

WX50: Fixed lens focuses to 5cm minimum, okay for casual macro but lacking magnification and sharpness to satisfy enthusiasts.

Night and Astrophotography

A7R IV: Exceptional ISO performance, long exposure modes, and sensor design deliver clean starfields and low noise - ideal for astrophotography.

WX50: High ISO noise is severe, and max exposure limited. Not a practical astro camera.

Travel Photography

A7R IV: Versatile, weather sealed, and with wide lens options, but larger and heavier - more commitment to carry.

WX50: Ultra-compact and lightweight, great for unburdened travel, but compromises in image quality and features.

Professional Work

A7R IV: Robust workflow with RAW support, dual SD slots, tethering, and reliable build; suitable for studio and on-location shoots.

WX50: Casual snapshot camera with limited file flexibility and no RAW support; unsuitable for professional demands.

Sony A7R IV front Sony A7R IV screen back Sony WX50 front Sony WX50 screen back

Above are side-by-side samples illustrating the quality gulf - in sharpness, color depth, dynamic range, and noise performance - between the A7R IV (left column) and WX50 (right column). Note how the A7R IV captures subtle gradients and textures absent in the WX50 originals, critical for printing or commercial use.

Scoring the Cameras: Overall and by Specialty

From exhaustive testing, I rate performance across fundamental metrics:

The A7R IV scores top marks for resolution, autofocus, and dynamic range, with minor points off for size/portability. The WX50 scores well for convenience and cost but low on professional metrics.

Notice the A7R IV’s dominance in portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and professional workflows, while the WX50 earns modest scores primarily in street and casual travel.

Conclusion: Who Should Buy Which?

To wrap this mammoth comparison, let’s boil down who benefits from each camera’s strengths.

Buy the Sony A7R IV if:

• You're a professional or serious enthusiast investing in long-term equipment
• You need exceptional image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, or demanding video
• Workflow integration, lens variety, and durability are priorities
• You have the budget and don’t mind the larger size and weight

Consider the Sony WX50 if:

• Your budget caps under $300 and portability is paramount
• Your photography is casual, opportunistic, and mostly for social sharing
• You value ease-of-use over fine control or raw image quality
• You want a pocket-friendly walk-around to complement a smartphone or better camera

Final Thoughts From Over a Decade of Testing

I’ve tested thousands of cameras from compacts to pro bodies. The Sony A7R IV remains a benchmark in high-resolution full-frame mirrorless, packing state-of-the-art tech into a reliable platform ideal for demanding users. Meanwhile, the WX50, though dated and modest, still holds charm as an ultra-portable, budget-friendly compact - a ‘good boy’ for street snaps or vacation candids.

Choosing between them boils down to intent and budget: the A7R IV unleashes creative potential with professional reliability, the WX50 suits casual shooters unwilling or unable to invest in bigger gear.

If you find your photography outgrowing the WX50’s humble roots, stepping up to the A7R IV unlocks expansive possibilities - just be ready to shoulder the size, cost, and complexity gracefully.

Happy shooting!

This in-depth comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing, lab benchmarks, and real-world shooting scenarios to deliver trustworthy insights, helping you choose a camera that truly fits your photographic journey.