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Sony a7 III vs a7R IV Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a7 III

Sony A7 III camera
81%

Sony a7R IV

sony a7r iv
Winner!
84%
Sony a7 III
vs
Sony a7R IV
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
a7 III
a7R IV
Released
2018
2019
Announcement Date
February 27, 2018
July 16, 2019
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

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.

Sony a7 III vs a7R IV Overview and Optics

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.

Optics
Optics
81%
85%
Megapixels
24.2 MP
61.2 MP
Image Resolution
6000 x 4000 px
9504 x 6336 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
23.8 x 35.6 mm
23.8 x 35.7 mm
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
10 fps
10 fps
Lens Mount
Sony FE
Sony FE
Image Processor
Bionz X
Bionz X
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200
32,000
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
50
50
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
204800
102400
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
693
425
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
2,359,296 dots
5,760,000 dots

Sony a7 III vs a7R IV Video Performance

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.

Video
Video
56%
70%
Video
Max Video Resolution
4K
4K
Max Video Dimensions
3840 x 2160 px
3840 x 2160 px
Max Video Frame Rate
30 p
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
XAVC S, AVCHD
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4

Sony a7 III vs a7R IV Features and Benefits

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.

Features
Features
81%
83%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
921,600 dots
1,440,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Sony a7 III vs a7R IV Storage and Battery

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.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
81%
79%
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
750 shots
670 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
96%
99%
Portrait (Color Depth)
25.1 bits
26 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
14.7 EVs
14.8 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
3722
3344
Scores
Main Features
84%
N/A
Extra Features
72%
N/A
Construction and Durability
67%
N/A
Handling and Ergonomics
67%
N/A
Value for Money
110%
N/A
Total Score
81%
N/A

Alternatives to the Sony a7 III and a7R IV

Sony a7 III vs a7R IV Comparison image.

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:

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