CameraReview

Sony a7R III vs Sony a7R IVA — Which Is Better?

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

Sony a7R III
Sony
Sony a7R III
Mirrorless · 42.4 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
83
SCORE
$1,749
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7R IVA
Sony
Sony a7R IVA
Mirrorless · 61 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
85
SCORE
$2,021.24
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General
Brand SonySony
Model a7R IIIa7R IVA
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20172021
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
25/10/201707/04/2021
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 127 x 96 x 74 mm129 x 96 x 78 mm
Camera weight 657 g665 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
42.4 MP05061 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7952 x 53049504 x 6336
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.
24 x 35.935.7 x 23.8
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 FESony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
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.
320003003280000320003003280000
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.
50302005030200
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.
10240030032800001024003003280000
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.
42503005670300
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 368640009900000576000009900000
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.
30 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.
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4MPEG-4, MOV, H.264
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 LCDTFT 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.
1440000115000150000023600001150001500000
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 (UHS-II compatible)SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
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.
650 shots1505000670 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Sony a7R III with a score of 85/100 compared to 83/100. Both cameras share the same mirrorless design, similar dimensions, and weights. The a7R III measures 127 x 96 x 74mm and weighs 657g, while the a7R IVA measures 129 x 96 x 78mm and weighs 665g.

The a7R IVA’s higher score reflects its improvements over the a7R III, such as its more recent release in 2021 and a launch price of $3500, which is $300 more than the a7R III’s 2017 launch price of $3200. This price difference indicates the a7R IVA’s advancements in technology and features.

However, the a7R III still holds its ground with a respectable score of 83 and a lower launch price, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking for a high-quality camera without breaking the bank.

When considering these two cameras, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of the a7R IVA’s enhanced features against the cost savings offered by the a7R III. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Sony a7R III vs a7R IVA Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R IVA emerges as the winner in our optics comparison, scoring 85/100, just one point higher than the Sony a7R III with a score of 84/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.

The a7R IVA has an advantage in terms of megapixels, boasting 61 compared to the a7R III’s 42.4. This difference allows the a7R IVA to capture more detail and produce higher resolution images. However, the a7R III has a slightly higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 100, compared to the a7R IVA’s 99. This means the a7R III’s sensor performs marginally better in terms of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

Both cameras have the same shooting speed of 10 frames per second, which is suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. Despite the a7R IVA’s higher megapixel count, it does not compromise on shooting speed, making it an excellent choice for various photography genres.

The a7R III has its merits, particularly the slightly higher sensor performance. However, this advantage may not be significant enough to sway photographers who value the higher resolution offered by the a7R IVA. The decision ultimately depends on the photographer’s priorities and preferences.

To sum up, the Sony a7R IVA wins in the optics comparison due to its higher megapixel count, without sacrificing shooting speed. While the Sony a7R III has a slightly higher sensor performance, the overall advantages of the a7R IVA make it the better choice for those seeking higher resolution images.

Sony a7R III vs a7R IVA Video Performance

The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Sony a7R III in video capabilities with a significantly higher score of 91 out of 100, compared to the a7R III’s score of 56. Both cameras share common specifications, such as a maximum video resolution of 4K and video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. However, the a7R IVA surpasses the a7R III in other aspects, making it a superior choice for video recording.

The a7R IVA boasts a higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which is four times greater than the 30fps offered by the a7R III. This advantage allows for smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, enhancing the overall video quality. Additionally, the a7R IVA has built-in time-lapse functionality, enabling users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for external accessories or software. These features contribute to the a7R IVA’s higher video score.

On the other hand, the a7R III does not offer any significant advantages in video capabilities over the a7R IVA. Its lower frame rate and lack of built-in time-lapse functionality make it less versatile for video recording purposes. The a7R III’s lower score reflects these limitations.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a7R IVA proves to be the better option for video recording due to its higher frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality. The a7R III, while still capable of producing high-quality 4K videos, falls short in comparison to the a7R IVA’s superior performance and features.

Sony a7R III vs a7R IVA Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R IVA emerges as the winner in the features category with a score of 85/100, while the Sony a7R III scores slightly lower at 83/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, the presence of touchscreen, flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities, and the absence of GPS.

The winning camera, the Sony a7R IVA, outperforms the Sony a7R III in screen resolution, which stands at 2,360,000 dots compared to the a7R III’s 1,440,000 dots. This higher screen resolution provides users with a clearer and sharper display, improving their overall shooting experience and making it easier to review images on the camera.

Despite its lower score, the Sony a7R III still offers solid features that make it a great choice for many photographers. The difference in feature scores between the two models is minimal, with only two points separating them. This suggests that the a7R III is still a strong contender in the market and can cater to the needs of various users.

When considering the features of both cameras, it is clear that the Sony a7R IVA has a slight advantage due to its superior screen resolution. However, the Sony a7R III remains a viable option for those who do not prioritize this aspect. Both cameras boast excellent features, making them suitable choices for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. It ultimately comes down to the individual’s preferences and requirements when choosing between these two high-quality cameras.

Sony a7R III vs a7R IVA Storage and Battery

The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Sony a7R III in storage and battery with a score of 79/100 compared to 65/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-II compatibility. They also share the same battery type, NP-FZ100.

The a7R IVA has a longer battery life of 670 shots, 20 more than the a7R III’s 650 shots. Additionally, the a7R IVA offers USB charging, which the a7R III lacks. These advantages make the a7R IVA more convenient for extended shooting sessions and easier to charge on the go.

The a7R III does not have any specific advantages in storage and battery over the a7R IVA. The only difference is its slightly shorter battery life and absence of USB charging.

Considering these factors, the Sony a7R IVA is the superior choice for storage and battery performance, offering a longer battery life and USB charging capabilities. This makes it a more practical option for photographers requiring extended shooting time and flexible charging options.

Sony a7R III vs a7R IVA – Our Verdict

Sony a7R III vs a7R IVA Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7R III or the Sony a7R IVA: