Sony a7 IV vs Sony a1

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a7 IV and Sony a1. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Sony a7 IV

Sony a1

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.

These two camera models were both released 2021.

Camera	Released
Sony a7 IV	2021
Sony a1	2021

Type of camera

Both these cameras are Mirrorless cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony Full Frame") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Sony a7 IV	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Sony a1	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)

Resolution

Sony a7 IV has a 33 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a1 has 50 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Sony a7 IV	33 MP 32741376 pixels 7008 x 4672
Sony a1	50 MP 49766400 pixels 8640 x 5760

Sony a1 has a 52 % larger resolution than Sony a7 IV. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Sony a7 IV has a larger ISO-range than Sony a1. Sony a7 IV has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Sony a1 has 100 to 32000.

Camera	ISO Range
Sony a7 IV	100-51200
Sony a1	100-32000

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a7 IV
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a1

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a7 IV can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds and Sony a1 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Sony a7 IV	10
Sony a1	30

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Sony a7 IV and Sony a1 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Sony a1 weighs 737 gr (equal to 1.62 lb) which is 12% heavier than Sony a7 IV and its 659 gr (or 1.45 lb).

Camera	Weight
Sony a7 IV	659 gr 1.45 lb
Sony a1	737 gr 1.62 lb