Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 81
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 84
SCORE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2018 | 2019 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
27/02/2018 | 16/07/2019 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 127 x 96 x 74 mm | 129 x 96 x 78 mm |
| Camera weight | 650 g | 665 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 61.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 9504 x 6336 |
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 | 23.8 x 35.7 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
10 fps045 | 10 fps045 |
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 FE |
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 X |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. |
512003003280000 | 320003003280000 |
Min 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. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
Max 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. |
2048003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max 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. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
6930300 | 4250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘ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 dots | 235929609900000 | 576000009900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
4K | 4K |
Max video format ⓘ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 | 3840 x 2160 |
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 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse 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 | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9216001150001500000 | 14400001150001500000 |
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 ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| 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 shots1505000 | 670 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✓ |
The Sony a7R IV emerges as the winner with a score of 84, while the Sony a7 III trails behind with 81. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions and weight, with the a7R IV being slightly larger and heavier. They were released in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The a7R IV outperforms the a7 III with its higher score, which can be attributed to its superior specifications. However, the a7 III still has some advantages, such as its lower launch price of $2000 compared to the a7R IV’s $3500.
Taking everything into account, the Sony a7R IV is the better camera due to its higher score and enhanced features. Nevertheless, the Sony a7 III may be a more suitable choice for those on a tighter budget who still want a high-quality mirrorless camera.
The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7 III in optics with a score of 85/100, a difference of 4 points compared to the a7 III’s 81/100.
Both cameras share several optical specifications, including a shooting speed of 10 frames per second, a CMOS sensor type, the Bionz X processor, a full-frame sensor size, a Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. These common features provide a solid foundation for both cameras in terms of optics.
The a7R IV has a superior DXOMARK sensor score of 99, compared to the a7 III’s 96. This higher score signifies better overall image quality and performance. Additionally, the a7R IV boasts a remarkable 61.2 megapixels, which contributes to its higher score and allows for greater detail and larger prints than the a7 III’s 24.2 megapixels.
The Sony a7 III, while having a lower score, still offers excellent optics with its 24.2-megapixel sensor. This camera provides ample resolution for most photographers and situations, and its lower megapixel count can result in faster processing and smaller file sizes. This may be beneficial for those who prioritize speed and storage efficiency.
Considering these factors, the Sony a7R IV is the superior choice for photographers seeking the highest possible image quality and detail. However, the Sony a7 III remains a strong contender for those who require more than adequate optics at a potentially lower price point. Both cameras provide exceptional performance, but the a7R IV stands out as the winner in the optics category.
The Sony a7R IV and Sony a7 III are extremely closely matched in video capabilities. Both cameras share some common specifications in the video department, such as 4K maximum video resolution, 3840 x 2160 maximum video dimensions, and a 30fps maximum video frame rate.
Both models feature built-in time-lapse functionality. This allows for the creation of stunning time-lapse videos without the need for external software or equipment, making it more convenient for videographers who frequently use this technique.
Both cameras share the same maximum video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate, making them equally suitable for various video applications.
The Sony a7R IV emerges as the winner with a feature score of 83/100, compared to the Sony a7 III’s 81/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen functionality, flip screen, and the absence of GPS. They also come equipped with WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities.
The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7 III in screen resolution, boasting 1,440,000 dots compared to the Sony a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This higher resolution provides a sharper and clearer display, enhancing the user experience and making it easier to review and compose images.
While the Sony a7 III has a lower feature score, it still offers a solid set of specifications that are suitable for various photography needs. Its 3-inch touchscreen and flip screen provide flexibility for shooting at different angles, while its WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity facilitate easy file transfers and remote control of the camera.
Considering the points mentioned, the Sony a7R IV proves to be the superior camera in terms of features, particularly with its higher screen resolution. This advantage makes it more suitable for photographers who prioritize image clarity and display quality. On the other hand, the Sony a7 III remains a strong contender with its similar set of features and may be more appealing to those who want a capable camera without the need for the highest screen resolution.
Both cameras share several specifications, such as having two memory card slots, accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and utilizing the NP-FZ100 battery type.
The a7 III has a longer battery life, offering 750 shots compared to the a7R IV’s 670 shots. This advantage may be beneficial for photographers who prioritize longer shooting times without recharging.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 III or the Sony a7R IV:
