Sony a7 III vs a7 IV Comparison
Sony a7 III
Sony a7 IV
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7 III | a7 IV | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2018 | 2021 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 27, 2018 | October 21, 2021 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
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The Sony a7 IV outshines the Sony a7 III with a score of 84/100 compared to 80/100. Both cameras are mirrorless, released in 2018 and 2021 respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the a7 IV being slightly larger at 131 x 96 x 80mm and weighing 659g, while the a7 III measures 127 x 96 x 74mm and weighs 650g.
The a7 IV’s higher score is due to its improved features and performance, justifying its higher launch price of $2499 compared to the a7 III’s $2000. However, the a7 III still offers excellent value and solid specifications for its lower price.
Considering the scores and specifications, the Sony a7 IV is the better camera, but the a7 III remains a strong contender for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.
Sony a7 III vs a7 IV Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7 III in optics with a score of 85/100 compared to the a7 III’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 10 fps shooting speed, CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. Despite these similarities, there are distinct differences that contribute to the a7 IV’s higher score.
The a7 IV boasts a higher megapixel count of 33 compared to the a7 III’s 24.2 megapixels. This increase in resolution allows the a7 IV to capture more detail and produce sharper images, making it an ideal choice for photographers seeking improved image quality. Additionally, the a7 IV features a more advanced Bionz XR processor, which enhances overall performance and image processing capabilities.
The a7 III, on the other hand, still delivers excellent image quality with its 24.2-megapixel sensor. The DXOMARK score for the a7 III’s sensor is 96, which is only one point lower than the a7 IV’s score of 97. This difference is relatively minor, and the a7 III remains a strong contender in the realm of optics.
Considering the similarities and differences between the Sony a7 III and a7 IV, it is clear that the a7 IV holds a slight advantage in terms of optics. The increased megapixel count and more advanced processor contribute to its higher score and improved image quality. However, the a7 III is still a solid option for those seeking a full-frame mirrorless camera with excellent optics performance.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP | 33 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 7008 x 4672 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps | 10 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony FE | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz X | Bionz XR | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 51,200 | 51,200 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 204800 | 204400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 693 | 759 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,296 dots | 3,686,400 dots |
Sony a7 III vs a7 IV Video Performance
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7 III in video capabilities, scoring 91 out of 100 points compared to the a7 III’s score of 56 points. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video resolution of 4K and video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. However, the a7 IV surpasses the a7 III in several crucial aspects.
The most significant advantage of the Sony a7 IV over the a7 III is the maximum video frame rate, which is 120fps for the a7 IV and only 30fps for the a7 III. This higher frame rate results in smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, making the a7 IV the better choice for videographers who require this feature. Additionally, the a7 IV has built-in time-lapse functionality, providing users with more creative options when shooting video.
While the Sony a7 III does not offer any notable advantages in video capabilities compared to the a7 IV, it may still be suitable for those who do not require high frame rates or time-lapse functionality. The a7 III shares the same 4K video resolution and dimensions as the a7 IV, making it a viable option for videographers who prioritize video quality but do not need the advanced features of the a7 IV.
Comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a7 III and a7 IV, it is clear that the a7 IV is the superior camera. Its higher video score, faster frame rate, and time-lapse functionality make it a more versatile option for videographers seeking advanced features. The a7 III, while still offering 4K video resolution, lacks these additional capabilities, making it a less appealing choice for those prioritizing video performance.
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Video
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p | 120 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |   | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | XAVC S, AVCHD | MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265 |
Sony a7 III vs a7 IV Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 IV wins the feature comparison with a score of 83/100, while the Sony a7 III scores 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capabilities, flip screen, and the absence of GPS. Additionally, both models offer WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The winning Sony a7 IV surpasses the a7 III in screen resolution, boasting 1,040,000 dots compared to the a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image preview and playback experience for the user. The two-point difference in the feature score reflects this advantage of the a7 IV over its counterpart.
Despite the Sony a7 III’s lower score, it still holds its own as a reliable camera with its shared features, such as the flip screen and connectivity options. However, the a7 III does not outperform the a7 IV in any specific aspect based on the given specifications.
Taking into account the shared features and the a7 IV’s superior screen resolution, the Sony a7 IV emerges as the better option between the two cameras. The a7 III remains a decent choice for those who prioritize other aspects or are on a tighter budget. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the user’s preferences and needs.
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,600 dots | 1,040,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Sony a7 III vs a7 IV Storage and Battery
The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7 III in storage and battery with a score of 76/100 compared to 68/100. Both cameras share common features such as two memory card slots and the NP-FZ100 battery type.
The a7 IV surpasses the a7 III in storage capabilities by accepting CFexpress Type A and UHS-II compatible SD cards, offering faster read and write speeds. Moreover, the a7 IV has USB charging, allowing for convenient charging options and extended usage.
On the other hand, the a7 III has a longer battery life with 750 shots compared to the a7 IV’s 580 shots. However, this advantage may not fully compensate for the a7 IV’s superior storage and charging options.
Considering these factors, the Sony a7 IV proves to be a better choice in terms of storage and battery performance, while the a7 III offers a slightly longer battery life.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | CFexpress Type A, SD (UHS-II compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 750 shots | 580 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 25.1 bits | 25.4 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.7 EVs | 14.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 3722 | 3379 |
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Scores
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Sony a7 III vs a7 IV Alternatives
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User Scores
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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