CameraReview

Sony a7 IV vs Sony a7S III — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

✓ WINNER
Sony a7 IV
Sony
Sony a7 IV
Mirrorless · 33 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
84
SCORE
$1,998
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Sony a7S III
Sony
Sony a7S III
Mirrorless · 12.1 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
74
SCORE
$3,399.76
best of 4 retailers
Best Price →
General
Brand SonySony
Model a7 IVa7S III
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20212020
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
21/10/202128/07/2020
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 131 x 96 x 80 mm129 x 97 x 81 mm
Camera weight 659 g699 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
33 MP05012.1 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7008 x 46724240 x 2832
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 35.623.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull 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 fps04510 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 ESony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XRBionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
100302008030200
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.
5120030032800001024003003280000
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.
50302004030200
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.
20440030032800004096003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
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.
800080032000800080032000
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.
75903007590300
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 368640009900000944000009900000
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.
4K4K
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 21603840 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.
120 fps120 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.
MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265XAVC S, XAVC HS
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 LCDLCD
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.
1040000115000150000014400001150001500000
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 CFexpress Type A, SD (UHS-II compatible)SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress Type A
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FZ100NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
580 shots1505000600 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7S III with a score of 84/100 compared to 74/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and have similar dimensions, with the a7 IV measuring 131 x 96 x 80mm and the a7S III at 129 x 97 x 81mm. They were released in 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The a7 IV has the edge due to its lighter weight of 659g compared to the a7S III’s 699g. Additionally, it boasts a lower launch price of $2499, making it more affordable than the a7S III’s $3499 price tag.

While the a7S III has a lower score, it still offers excellent performance and is a solid choice for those who prioritize a slightly more compact body.

In the end, the Sony a7 IV emerges as the better option, offering superior value and a lighter design without sacrificing quality. The Sony a7S III remains a viable alternative for those seeking a more compact camera.

Sony a7 IV vs a7S III Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7S III in optics, scoring 85/100 compared to the latter’s 69/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 10 fps shooting speed, CMOS sensor, Bionz XR processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.

The Sony a7 IV excels with its 33-megapixel sensor, providing higher resolution images compared to the a7S III’s 12.1-megapixel sensor. This difference allows for capturing more detail and enlarging photos without losing quality. Additionally, the a7 IV boasts a superior DXOMARK score of 97, indicating better overall image quality and performance than the a7S III’s score of 86.

Despite its lower score, the Sony a7S III has advantages in specific situations. Its 12.1-megapixel sensor offers larger individual pixels, leading to better low-light performance and less noise in high ISO settings. This makes the a7S III a strong contender for videographers and photographers working in challenging lighting conditions.

To conclude, the Sony a7 IV is the better choice for photographers seeking higher resolution and overall image quality. Its superior optics score and higher megapixel count make it ideal for capturing detailed images and enlarging photos without losing quality. On the other hand, the Sony a7S III is better suited for low-light situations and high ISO performance due to its larger individual pixels. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.

Sony a7 IV vs a7S III Video Performance

The Sony a7 IV outperforms the Sony a7S III in video capabilities with a video score of 91/100, compared to the latter’s 77/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K max video resolution, max video dimensions of 3840 x 2160, and a max video frame rate of 120fps. However, there are differences that make the Sony a7 IV the superior choice for videographers.

One significant advantage the Sony a7 IV has over the a7S III is the built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional software or accessories, making it a more convenient and user-friendly option for capturing dynamic scenes and events.

While the Sony a7S III does not possess any notable advantages over the a7 IV in terms of video capabilities, it still offers excellent performance with its shared specifications of 4K resolution and 120fps frame rate. This means that the a7S III can still deliver high-quality video results, but it lacks the added benefit of the built-in time-lapse feature found in the a7 IV.

Considering the differences in video scores and the presence of built-in time-lapse functionality, the Sony a7 IV is the clear winner in this comparison. Videographers who prioritize convenience and a more comprehensive feature set will find the a7 IV to be the better choice. On the other hand, those who are not concerned with time-lapse functionality can still achieve impressive video results with the Sony a7S III, but should be aware of its limitations compared to its counterpart.

Sony a7 IV vs a7S III Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 IV and the Sony a7S III both have a feature score of 83 out of 100, making them equally impressive in terms of features. They share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen, touchscreen functionality, a flip screen, no GPS, and connectivity options like WIFI and Bluetooth.

The Sony a7S III outperforms the a7 IV in screen resolution, with 1,440,000 dots compared to the a7 IV’s 1,040,000 dots. This higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed display for users when composing shots and reviewing images. Therefore, the a7S III offers an advantage in terms of display quality.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 IV does not surpass the a7S III in any significant features, as they share the same score and most specifications. However, this does not make the a7 IV a lesser camera; it simply means that both models are equally strong in terms of features. Potential buyers should consider other factors, such as price and specific use cases, when deciding between the two models.

Comparing the features of these two cameras reveals that they are evenly matched, with the a7S III having a slight edge in screen resolution. Both cameras are strong options for photographers and videographers, and the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and needs. Ultimately, the Sony a7 IV and the Sony a7S III are excellent cameras, each with its own strengths and competitive features.

Sony a7 IV vs a7S III Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 IV and Sony a7S III both score 76/100 for storage and battery, showing no clear winner in this category. They share common specifications, such as two memory card slots, compatibility with CFexpress Type A and SD (UHS-II) cards, and NP-FZ100 battery type. Additionally, both cameras offer USB charging capabilities.

However, the Sony a7S III has a slightly longer battery life of 600 shots, compared to the Sony a7 IV’s 580 shots. This advantage may be beneficial for extended shooting sessions. On the other hand, the Sony a7 IV’s storage options and battery life are still impressive and suitable for most photography needs.

Taking these factors into account, both cameras perform well in terms of storage and battery, with the a7S III having a slight edge in battery life. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras depends on individual preferences and specific requirements.

Sony a7 IV vs a7S III – Our Verdict

Sony a7 IV vs a7S III 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 IV or the Sony a7S III: