Sony a7R III vs Sony a7R IV
Comparison
Sony a7R III
Sony a7R IV
Price | from $2,498Shop 3 Offers 
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7R III | a7R IV | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2017 | 2019 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 25, 2017 | July 16, 2019 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
Sony a7R III vs a7R IV Overview
Sony has quickly become the master of the full-frame mirrorless camera. Here, we compare two of their heavyweights in that division. So, is the Sony a7R III vs a7R IV a better camera for you?
The Sony A7R III vs a7R IV battle runs pretty close. Both models are exceptional cameras. They have similarities. But there are some major differences we need to consider. At first glance, we see the newer a7R IV is leading the way on points. But, it also comes with a significantly higher price tag. Are the ugraded specs worth the extra cash?
As you may have guessed from the names, these models are closely related. They have much of the same hardware and features. The a7R IV is the upgraded version, released almost 2 years after the a7R III.
When it comes to size and weight, the cameras are almost identical. The a7R IV is very slightly bigger in physical dimensions. The older a7R III is a tiny bit lighter. However, these differences are so slight that they are barely noticeable and should not impact the performance of either camera. They both remain relatively lightweight and compact mirrorless cameras.
Sony a7R III vs a7R IV Optics
When it comes to optics, both cameras perform very well. They both have a Full Frame sensor. But the Sony a7R IV is ahead on resolution. It boasts a whopping 61.MP sensor with 9504 x 6336 px resolution. However, that doesn’t totally leave the older model in the dust. The a7R III 42.4 MP Full Frame sensor with 7952 x 5304 px resolution still holds its own weight in comparison to many new cameras. Both models have a frame rate of 10 fps which is quite adequate.
They both have a Sony FE lens mount, giving you access to all the Sony FE-mount lenses in their catalog.
Both cameras have a similar and highly adequate ISO and shutter speed range. If you often shoot in low light, you won’t be disappointed.
Both cameras have a built-in image stabilization system.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 42.4 MP | 61.2 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. | 7952 x 5304 px | 9504 x 6336 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. | 24 x 35.9 mm | 23.8 x 35.7 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 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 | |
Minimum ISO Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32,000 | 102,400 | |
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. | 425 | 425 | |
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 | 3,686,400 dots | 5,760,000 dots |
Sony a7R III vs a7R IV Video Performance
When judging the Sony a7R III vs a7R IV, we’re looking at two very similar cameras when we switch to video mode. They both have 4K video recording with a 30 fps frame rate.
However, the newer Sony a7R III also has a built-in timelapse feature which is great for creative photographers.
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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 | 30 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 Ver. 2.0, MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Features and Benefits Comparison
Both the Sony a7R III and a7R IV have adequate features for most kinds of photographers. Both cameras have hot shoe connections for external flashes, opening up more possibilities for additional lighting.
Neither offers GPS, but both have Bluetooth and WiFi connections.
Both cameras are weather sealed which means extra protection for those who like to shoot outdoors or in dusty conditions.
They have identical screen sizes and resolutions, which is relatively high. Both have touchscreen features.
When it comes to storage and battery, the newer a7R IV takes the lead again. It offers slightly more shots per charge as well as USB charging. Both cameras have dual memory slots. This can be a great backup for photographers on the go.
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Features
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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. | 1,440,000 dots | 1,440,000 dots | |
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. |  | |
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (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. | 650 shots | 670 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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Photography Genre
Graded from the first-hand experience of one of our writers |
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Beginner Friendly | 
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Portrait | 
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Landscape | 
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Sports and Action | 
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Street | 
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Value for Money | 
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DXO Mark 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.' | 26 bits | 26 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 | 14.8 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' | 3523 | 3344 |
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Scores
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Sony a7R III vs a7R IV - Which One?
So, Sony a7R III vs a7R IV? Both cameras will serve you very well. The A7R IV is a better camera but at a higher price. If you are willing to spend the extra cash, the a7R IV is what most photographers would choose. However, if you want to go for the more budget-friendly a7R III, you will still get a powerful camera.
Sony A7R III vs A7R IV Alternatives
Still not ready to make a decision? Check out our other popular camera comparisons for inspiration:
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User Scores
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Sony a7R III
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Sony a7R IV
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B&H photo video |
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