Sony A7R III vs A7R IV - What's the Difference? (Reviewed)

The Sony A7R III and A7R IV are two of the most popular cameras on the market. Both offer fantastic image quality and features, but which one is right for you?

In this article, we’ll compare the two cameras side-by-side and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Let’s take a look.

Table of Contents

Sony A7R III vs A7R IV – Comparing the Differences

Price

The Sony A7R III is the more affordable option of the two, with a retail price of around $2,799.

The Sony A7R IV, on the other hand, carries a retail price tag of $2,999.

This difference in price is largely due to the fact that the A7R IV is a newer model camera, and thus comes with some updated features and specs that justify the higher cost.

However, if you’re simply looking for a great camera without all the bells and whistles, the A7R III will be more than adequate for your needs and is likely the better value.

Image Quality

Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but there are some key differences worth noting.

The Sony A7R III has a 42.4 megapixel sensor, while the A7R IV ups the ante with a 61 megapixel sensor. This means that the A7R IV will capture more detail and allow you to make larger prints or crop your images more without losing quality.

However, the increased megapixel count also comes with some drawbacks.

First, files sizes will be much larger with the A7R IV, which can quickly fill up your memory card and slow down your computer when editing.

Secondly, the higher megapixel count can result in more noise in your images, particularly in low light situations.

So, if you need the absolute highest image quality possible and don’t mind dealing with larger file sizes, the A7R IV is the way to go. But, if you want a balance of image quality and file size, the A7R III is probably a better option.

Video Quality

The Sony A7R III and A7R IV are both great choices for photographers who also want to dabble in video.

Both cameras can record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, but the A7R IV has some distinct advantages when it comes to video quality.

First, the A7R IV uses full pixel readout without binning to record 4K video, which results in less aliasing and moiré artifacts.

Secondly, the A7R IV has 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which is not available on the A7R III. This can be a lifesaver when shooting video handheld, as it will help reduce camera shake and make your footage look much smoother.

So, if you’re looking for the best video quality possible from your camera, the A7R IV is the way to go. But, if 4K video isn’t a priority for you, the A7R III will still capture great-looking footage.

Autofocus

The Sony A7R III and A7R IV both feature excellent autofocus systems that are more than capable of keeping up with fast-moving subjects.

However, there are some key differences worth noting.

The A7R III has 399 phase detection autofocus points that cover 68% of the frame, while the A7R IV has 567 phase detection autofocus points that cover 93% of the frame. This means that the A7R IV will be better at tracking moving subjects that are off-center in the frame.

In addition, the A7R IV features real-time eye autofocus for both photos and video, which is a huge advantage if you shoot a lot of portraiture or video interviews.

So, if you need the absolute best autofocus performance possible, the A7R IV is the camera for you. But, if you don’t need the extra autofocus points or real-time eye autofocus, the A7R III will still serve you well.

Battery Life

One area where the Sony A7R III has a clear advantage over the A7R IV is battery life.

Despite having a higher resolution sensor, the A7R III can shoot for up to 650 shots per charge, while the A7R IV is rated for only 530 shots per charge.

So, if you’re looking for a camera that can go all day without needing a recharge, the A7R III is the way to go. But, if you don’t mind carrying an extra battery or two with you, the A7R IV will still get the job done.

Sensor size

Another key difference between the Sony A7R III and A7R IV is sensor size.

The A7R III has a full frame sensor, while the A7R IV has a slightly larger ” oversampled ” full frame sensor.

This means that the A7R IV will have a slightly shallower depth of field and potentially better low light performance. However, the differences are likely to be fairly small in real world use.

So, if you need the absolute best image quality possible, the A7R IV is the camera for you. But, if you’re looking for a balance of image quality and file size, the A7R III is probably a better option.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

When it comes to build quality and weather sealing, the Sony A7R III and A7R IV are very similar.

Both cameras are made from a magnesium alloy chassis that is both light and rugged, and both cameras are weather sealed to protect against dust and moisture.

The main difference is that the A7R IV features an updated lens mount that is compatible with Sony’s new FE lenses. So, if you’re looking for a camera that can take advantage of Sony’s latest optics, the A7R IV is the way to go. But, if you’re happy with your current lenses, the A7R III will still serve you well.

LCD Screen and Electronic Viewfinder

The Sony A7R III and A7R IV both have excellent LCD screens and electronic viewfinders.

The A7R III has a 3-inch tilting LCD screen with 1.44 million dots, while the A7R IV has a slightly larger 3.69 million dot touch-screen LCD that is also tiltable.

Both cameras have very good electronic viewfinders with 2.36 million dots, although the A7R IV’s viewfinder is ever so slightly larger.

So, if you’re looking for a camera with an excellent LCD screen and viewfinder, either the A7R III or A7R IV will serve you well. It really comes down to personal preference.

Continuous Shooting Speed

When it comes to continuous shooting speed, the Sony A7R III has a clear advantage over the A7R IV.

The A7R III can shoot at up to 10 frames per second with continuous autofocus, while the A7R IV is limited to 8 frames per second with continuous autofocus.

So, if you need the fastest possible shooting speed, the A7R III is the camera for you. But, if you don’t need the extra 2 frames per second, the A7R IV will still get the job done.

Video Quality

Both the Sony A7R III and A7R IV are excellent cameras for video, but there are some key differences worth mentioning.

The A7R III can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, while the A7R IV can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The A7R IV also has slightly better autofocus for video, as well as real-time eye autofocus.

So, if you’re looking for a camera that can shoot high quality 4K video, the A7R IV is the way to go. But, if you don’t need 4K 60fps video or the improved autofocus, the A7R III will still serve you well.

Memory Card Slots

One final key difference between the Sony A7R III and A7R IV is memory card slots.

The A7R III has two SD card slots, while the A7R IV has one SD card slot and one CFexpress Type A card slot.

So, if you need the faster speeds and larger capacities offered by CFexpress cards, the A7R IV is the camera for you. But, if you’re happy with SD cards, the A7R III will still serve you well.

Other Features

Some other notable differences between the Sony A7R III and A7R IV include:

The A7R IV has 567 phase detection autofocus points, while the A7R III has 399 phase detection autofocus points.
The A7R IV has a slightly longer battery life than the A7R III.
The A7R IV has an updated version of Sony’s Eye AF technology that is better at tracking moving subjects.
The A7R IV can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, while the A7R III is limited to 30 frames per second.
The A7R IV has a CFexpress Type A card slot in addition to an SD card slot, while the A7R III has two SD card slots.

So, if you need a camera with more autofocus points, better battery life, or updated Eye AF technology, the A7R IV is the camera for you.

But, if you don’t need those features, the A7R III will still serve you well.

Sony A7R III vs A7R IV – Which Should You Choose?

So, which camera is right for you?

If you need the absolute highest image quality and don’t mind dealing with larger file sizes, go with the A7R IV.

But, if you want a balance of image quality and file size, the A7R III is probably a better option.

If you prioritize video quality, go with the A7R IV. But, if 4K video isn’t a priority for you, the A7R III will still capture great-looking footage.

If you need the best autofocus performance possible, go with the A7R IV. But, if you don’t need the extra autofocus points and features, the A7R III will still get the job done.

Finally, if you need the faster speeds and larger capacities offered by CFexpress cards, go with the A7R IV. But, if you’re happy with SD cards, the A7R III will still serve you well.

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FAQs – Sony A7R III vs A7R IV

What is video quality like with the A7R III and A7R IV?

The Sony A7R III and A7R IV both capture excellent 4K video.

However, there are some key differences to be aware of.

The A7R III can record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, while the A7R IV can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second.

In addition, the A7R IV features real-time eye autofocus for video, which is a huge advantage if you shoot a lot of video interviews or vlogs.

So, if you need the absolute best video quality possible, the A7R IV is the camera for you. But, if 4K video isn’t a priority, the A7R III will still serve you well.

What are the differences in autofocus between the A7R III and A7R IV?

The Sony A7R III and A7R IV both feature excellent autofocus systems.

However, there are some key differences to be aware of.

The A7R IV has 567 phase detection autofocus points, while the A7R III has 399 phase detection autofocus points.

In addition, the A7R IV has an updated version of Sony’s Eye AF technology that is better at tracking moving subjects.

So, if you need the best possible autofocus performance, the A7R IV is the camera for you. But, if you don’t need the extra autofocus points and features, the A7R III will still get the job done.

What are the differences in memory cards between the A7R III and A7R IV?

The Sony A7R III and A7R IV have different types of memory card slots.

The A7R III has two SD card slots, while the A7R IV has one SD card slot and one CFexpress Type A card slot.

So, if you need the faster speeds and larger capacities offered by CFexpress cards, the A7R IV is the camera for you. But, if you’re happy with SD cards, the A7R III will still serve you well.

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Conclusion – Sony A7R III vs A7R IV

The Sony A7R III and A7R IV are both excellent cameras for stills and video.

However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

If you need the absolute highest image quality and don’t mind dealing with larger file sizes, go with the A7R IV.

But, if you want a balance of image quality and file size, the A7R III is probably a better option.

If you prioritize video quality, go with the A7R IV. But, if 4K video isn’t a priority for you, the A7R III will still capture great-looking footage.

If you need the best autofocus performance possible, go with the A7R IV. But, if you don’t need the extra autofocus points and features, the A7R III will still get the job done.

Finally, if you need the faster speeds and larger capacities offered by CFexpress cards, go with the A7R IV. But, if you’re happy with SD cards, the A7R III will still serve you well.

So, there you have it – a comparison of the Sony A7R III and A7R IV. Both cameras are excellent options for anyone looking for a high-end mirrorless camera. But, depending on your needs, one may be a better option for you than the other.

Sony A7R III vs A7R IV – What’s the Difference? (Reviewed)