Sony A7 Iii vs A7 Iv: Which Full-Frame Camera Reigns?
Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you’re caught between two stellar options. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head showdown, pitting the Sony Alpha a7 III against its successor, the Sony Alpha a7 IV. Get ready to uncover which camera best suits your needs and budget.
The Sony a7 III has long been a favorite among photographers, known for its excellent image quality and impressive features at a competitive price. However, the a7 IV brings a host of upgrades, promising to elevate your photography and videography experience. This comparison will break down the key differences.
We will explore everything from image quality and autofocus performance to video capabilities and overall user experience. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, this comparison of the a7 III vs a7 IV will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision and choose the right camera for your creative journey.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | a7 iii | a7 iv |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.2MP | 33MP |
| Sensor Type | Full-Frame CMOS | Full-Frame CMOS |
| ISO Range | 100-51200 | 100-51200 |
| Autofocus Points | 693 | 759 |
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Resolution | 4K 30p | 4K 60p |
| Video Bitrate | 100 Mbps | 600 Mbps |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| LCD Screen | Tilting Touchscreen | Fully Articulating Touchscreen |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis IBIS | 5-axis IBIS |
| Memory Card Slots | Dual SD | Dual SD (CFexpress Type A compatible) |
| Weight (Body Only) | 650g | 658g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sensor & Image Processing
- A7 Iii: Features a 24.2MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor. It delivers excellent image quality with good low-light performance and dynamic range. However, its processing capabilities are slightly slower compared to newer models.
- A7 Iv: Boasts a 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor and a BIONZ XR processor. This results in significantly improved image quality, higher resolution, and faster processing speeds, leading to better overall performance.
- Winner: a7 iv
Autofocus System
- A7 Iii: Equipped with a 693-point phase-detection autofocus system. Offers reliable and accurate focusing performance, especially in good lighting conditions. Can struggle slightly with fast-moving subjects compared to the a7 IV.
- A7 Iv: Incorporates a more advanced 759-point phase-detection autofocus system with real-time tracking for both humans and animals. This delivers superior subject tracking, faster focusing, and better performance in challenging situations.
- Winner: a7 iv
Video Capabilities
- A7 Iii: Shoots 4K video up to 30fps with full pixel readout, offering good video quality. Limited in some advanced video features, such as 4K 60fps and 10-bit internal recording.
- A7 Iv: Offers significantly enhanced video capabilities, including 4K video up to 60fps, 10-bit internal recording, and S-Cinetone color profiles. Provides a more professional-grade video experience.
- Winner: a7 iv
Viewfinder & LCD Screen
- A7 Iii: Features a 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD. Provides a good viewing experience, but the EVF resolution is lower compared to the a7 IV.
- A7 Iv: Upgrades with a higher-resolution 3.69 million-dot EVF and a vari-angle touchscreen LCD. Offers a more detailed and flexible viewing experience, making it easier to compose shots from different angles.
- Winner: a7 iv
Continuous Shooting Speed
- A7 Iii: Offers continuous shooting at up to 10fps with autofocus and autoexposure. Good for capturing fast-moving action.
- A7 Iv: Also shoots at up to 10fps with autofocus and autoexposure. Performance is comparable to the a7iii.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- A7 Iii: Uses the NP-FZ100 battery, providing excellent battery life, allowing for many shots per charge.
- A7 Iv: Also uses the NP-FZ100 battery, providing excellent battery life, comparable to the a7iii.
- Winner: Tie
Body & Ergonomics
- A7 Iii: Similar body style to the a7 iv, with a comfortable grip.
- A7 Iv: Offers a slightly more refined body design, with improved ergonomics and a more intuitive menu system.
- Winner: a7 iv
Connectivity & Features
- A7 Iii: Includes Wi-Fi and NFC for easy file transfer and remote control.
- A7 Iv: Adds more advanced connectivity options, including faster Wi-Fi, USB-C, and improved livestreaming capabilities.
- Winner: a7 iv
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Resolution | a7 iv |
| Video Features | a7 iv |
| Autofocus | a7 iv |
| Overall Value | a7 iii |
| Low Light Performance | Tie |
| Ergonomics | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Full-Frame Sensor: Both cameras feature full-frame sensors, delivering excellent image quality and low-light performance.
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization: Both models incorporate 5-axis in-body image stabilization, reducing the effects of camera shake.
- Fast Autofocus: Both cameras boast incredibly fast and reliable autofocus systems, crucial for capturing sharp images.
- Real-Time Tracking: Both offer real-time tracking for both stills and video, ensuring your subjects remain in focus.
- Excellent Video Features: Both cameras provide 4K video recording capabilities, allowing users to capture high-quality footage.
- Ergonomic Design: Both cameras share a similar ergonomic design, providing a comfortable shooting experience.
A7 III Vs A7 IV Buying Guide
Image Quality and Sensor Performance
The Sony a7 III boasts a 24.2MP full-frame sensor, delivering excellent image quality with impressive dynamic range and low-light performance. Its BSI CMOS sensor excels in minimizing noise, crucial for shooting in challenging lighting conditions. The a7 IV, with its updated 33MP sensor, offers a noticeable resolution bump, providing greater detail and flexibility for cropping. This higher megapixel count is particularly beneficial for landscape, portrait, and wildlife photography where detail is paramount. However, the a7 III still holds its own, producing stunning images with professional-grade quality.
Autofocus Capabilities
Both cameras feature advanced autofocus systems, but the a7 IV takes a significant leap forward. The a7 III’s 693-point phase-detection AF system is already highly effective, offering fast and accurate focusing. The a7 IV, however, incorporates a more sophisticated system with real-time tracking for both humans and animals, and a wider coverage area. This improved tracking makes it easier to capture fast-moving subjects with precision. The a7 IV’s focus system is a game-changer for videographers as well, offering smooth and reliable focus transitions.
Video Recording Features
The a7 III offers impressive video capabilities, including 4K recording up to 30fps. Its video quality is excellent, with good dynamic range and color reproduction. The a7 IV elevates video performance significantly. It boasts 4K recording up to 60fps, 10-bit internal recording, and improved codecs. Its features like S-Cinetone color profile, and enhanced autofocus for video, make it a more versatile and professional-grade video camera. The a7 IV is a significant upgrade in terms of video features and specifications.
Ergonomics and Build Quality
Both cameras share a similar design aesthetic with weather-sealed bodies, ensuring durability and protection against the elements. The a7 III’s ergonomics are well-regarded, offering a comfortable grip and accessible controls. The a7 IV features a slightly redesigned body with a more prominent grip, a fully articulating screen, and a more intuitive menu system. These improvements enhance the overall user experience, making it easier to adjust settings and compose shots. The a7 IV’s upgraded build makes it more pleasant to use.
Connectivity and Features
Both cameras offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy file transfer and remote control. The a7 III has a single SD card slot, whereas the a7 IV has dual card slots, one supporting CFexpress Type A cards for faster write speeds, beneficial for 4K video recording. The a7 IV also has a more advanced menu system, a fully articulating screen, and a more intuitive interface. These improvements contribute to a more streamlined workflow and enhanced user experience for both photographers and videographers.
Price and Value
The a7 III, being the older model, is typically available at a lower price point, offering exceptional value for its performance. It remains a fantastic choice for photographers on a budget who still want a full-frame camera with excellent image quality. The a7 IV, being the newer model, comes at a higher price, reflecting its advanced features and improved performance. It represents a more significant investment but offers a more future-proofed camera, with improved video capabilities and a more refined feature set. The best choice depends on your budget and needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy a7 iii If…
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- You don’t need the highest resolution or most advanced video features.
- You prioritize value for money and excellent image quality.
- You’re upgrading from an older camera and want a significant improvement without breaking the bank.
Buy a7 iv If…
- You need the highest possible image resolution for cropping or large prints.
- You require advanced video features like 4K 60p or more advanced codecs.
- You want the latest autofocus advancements and subject tracking performance.
- You desire a fully articulating screen for more flexible shooting angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in image quality?
The a7 IV boasts a higher resolution 33MP sensor compared to the a7 III’s 24.2MP sensor. This results in more detailed images and greater flexibility for cropping. While the a7 III produces excellent images, the a7 IV’s higher resolution provides an edge, particularly for landscape and portrait photography where detail is crucial. Both cameras offer excellent dynamic range and low-light performance, but the a7 IV has a slight advantage due to its newer sensor technology.
How does the autofocus compare?
The a7 IV features a significantly upgraded autofocus system with real-time tracking for humans and animals, plus wider coverage. The a7 III’s AF is already highly capable, but the a7 IV’s system is faster, more accurate, and more reliable, especially for tracking moving subjects. This is particularly beneficial for action, wildlife, and videography. The a7 IV’s system offers a noticeable improvement in focusing performance.
What are the video recording capabilities?
The a7 III offers 4K recording up to 30fps. The a7 IV elevates video capabilities significantly, supporting 4K up to 60fps, 10-bit internal recording, and offers features like S-Cinetone. The a7 IV has superior video quality, codecs, and features, making it a more professional-grade video camera. The a7 IV is much better for serious video work.
Are there differences in the build quality and ergonomics?
Both cameras have weather-sealed bodies. The a7 IV has a slightly redesigned body with a more prominent grip and a fully articulating screen, improving ergonomics. The a7 IV’s menu system is also more intuitive. These improvements enhance the user experience. The a7 IV is more comfortable and easier to use than the a7 III.
What about connectivity and storage?
Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The a7 IV has dual card slots, including support for CFexpress Type A cards, enabling faster write speeds, which are useful for 4K video. The a7 III has a single SD card slot. The a7 IV has the edge due to the dual card slots and support for faster card formats, thus improving workflow.
Which camera is better for beginners?
While both cameras are capable, the a7 III offers a slightly simpler interface and is available at a lower price point, making it a more accessible option for beginners. The a7 IV has a more complex feature set, which could be overwhelming for new users. However, both cameras offer excellent performance and image quality, making them suitable for photographers of all skill levels.
Which camera is better value for the money?
The a7 III provides exceptional value, given its performance and lower price point. It remains a great choice for photographers on a budget. The a7 IV, while more expensive, offers advanced features and improved performance, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the latest technology and improved video capabilities. The value depends on individual needs and budget.
Final Verdict
The Sony a7 IV emerges as the superior camera, offering a significant leap in image quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities. While the a7 III remains a strong contender with excellent value, the a7 IV’s advanced features and improved performance make it the more compelling choice for serious photographers and videographers seeking the latest technology and enhanced capabilities. The a7 IV offers a more future-proofed camera experience.
Winner: Sony a7 IV