Sony A7 Iv vs A7 Iii: Which Full-Frame Camera Reigns?
Choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming, especially with the constant evolution of technology. If you’re considering a full-frame mirrorless camera, you’ve likely come across the Sony Alpha series. But how do you decide between the popular Sony a7 IV and its predecessor, the a7 III?
This comparison aims to break down the key differences and similarities between these two impressive cameras. We’ll delve into their specifications, performance, and features to help you determine which one best suits your photography needs. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, understanding these nuances is crucial.
The Sony a7 IV brings several upgrades to the table, but the a7 III remains a formidable contender. We’ll explore their image quality, autofocus capabilities, video features, and overall user experience. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clearer picture of which camera deserves a place in your gear bag.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Sony a7 IV | a7 III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 33MP | 24MP |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Autofocus System | Fast Hybrid AF | Fast Hybrid AF |
| Video Resolution | 4K 60p | 4K 30p |
| Video Recording Limit | Unlimited | 30 minutes |
| ISO Range | 100-51200 (Expandable to 50-204800) | 100-51200 (Expandable to 50-204800) |
| Viewfinder | 3.69 million dot EVF | 2.36 million dot EVF |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch Vari-angle touchscreen | 3.0-inch Tilting touchscreen |
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 10 fps |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis In-Body | 5-axis In-Body |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x CFexpress Type A / SD | 2x SD |
| Weight (Body Only) | 658g | 650g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sensor & Image Processing
- Sony A7 Iv: Features a 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor and the latest BIONZ XR processing engine, offering improved image quality, dynamic range, and faster processing speeds. This results in sharper images and better low-light performance. However, the higher megapixel count can lead to larger file sizes.
- A7 Iii: Equipped with a 24.2MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor and the BIONZ X image processor, it delivers excellent image quality and dynamic range for its class. It’s known for its strong low-light performance and versatile capabilities, but it lags behind the a7 IV in resolution.
- Winner: a7 IV
Autofocus System
- Sony A7 Iv: Boasts a significantly improved autofocus system with 759 phase-detection points covering approximately 92% of the sensor area. It offers real-time tracking for both humans and animals, resulting in incredibly accurate and fast focus acquisition.
- A7 Iii: Utilizes a 693-point phase-detection autofocus system, which is still very capable and reliable. It offers real-time eye AF for humans and animals, but its tracking performance isn’t quite as advanced as the a7 IV.
- Winner: a7 IV
Video Capabilities
- Sony A7 Iv: Records 4K video up to 60fps with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, offering more flexibility in post-production. It also includes features like S-Cinetone and a fully articulating LCD screen, catering to videographers.
- A7 Iii: Shoots 4K video up to 30fps with 8-bit 4:2:0 internal recording, still providing good quality but with less flexibility in editing. The screen is tiltable, but not fully articulating.
- Winner: a7 IV
Viewfinder & LCD Screen
- Sony A7 Iv: Features a higher-resolution 3.69 million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a fully articulating touchscreen LCD, enhancing the viewing and shooting experience. The fully articulating screen is more versatile for video and vlogging.
- A7 Iii: Has a 2.36 million-dot EVF and a tilting touchscreen LCD, which is still functional but not as versatile as the a7 IV’s articulating screen.
- Winner: a7 IV
Continuous Shooting Speed
- Sony A7 Iv: Offers continuous shooting at up to 10fps with a mechanical shutter and a slightly lower rate with the electronic shutter, providing fast burst shooting capabilities. Buffer performance is also improved.
- A7 Iii: Shoots at up to 10fps with continuous autofocus and autoexposure, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. The buffer isn’t as large as the a7 IV.
- Winner: Tie
Memory Card Slots
- Sony A7 Iv: Includes dual card slots, one supporting CFexpress Type A and UHS-II SD cards, and the other supporting UHS-II SD cards. This provides flexibility and faster write speeds.
- A7 Iii: Features dual SD card slots, both supporting UHS-II, offering reliable storage options.
- Winner: a7 IV
Battery Life
- Sony A7 Iv: Uses the NP-FZ100 battery, providing solid battery life for stills and video. Battery life is slightly improved over the a7 III.
- A7 Iii: Also uses the NP-FZ100 battery, which provides good battery life.
- Winner: Tie
Body Design & Ergonomics
- Sony A7 Iv: Features a slightly updated body design with a more pronounced grip for better handling. It has a top dial for switching between stills, video, and S&Q modes.
- A7 Iii: Maintains a familiar body design with a comfortable grip.
- Winner: a7 IV
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Resolution | Sony a7 IV |
| Video Features | Sony a7 IV |
| Autofocus Performance | Sony a7 IV |
| Viewfinder | Sony a7 IV |
| LCD Screen | Sony a7 IV |
| Value | a7 III |
What They Have in Common
- Full-Frame Sensor: Both cameras utilize a full-frame sensor, providing excellent image quality, shallow depth of field, and superior low-light performance.
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization: Both the a7 IV and a7 III feature 5-axis in-body image stabilization, helping to reduce camera shake and allowing for sharper images and smoother videos.
- Fast Hybrid Autofocus: Both cameras employ Sony’s renowned Fast Hybrid autofocus system, combining phase-detection and contrast-detection AF for quick and accurate focusing in various shooting scenarios.
- 4K Video Recording: Both cameras are capable of recording 4K video, offering high-quality footage suitable for both professional and amateur videographers.
- Weather Sealing: Both cameras offer weather sealing, protecting them from dust and moisture, making them suitable for use in challenging environments.
Sony A7 IV vs A7 III Buying Guide
Image Quality and Sensor Performance
The Sony a7 IV boasts a newer, higher-resolution 33MP full-frame sensor compared to the a7 III’s 24.2MP sensor. This translates to more detailed images and greater cropping flexibility with the a7 IV. The a7 IV also features an updated image processor, resulting in improved noise performance, particularly at higher ISO settings. While the a7 III still delivers excellent image quality, the a7 IV offers a noticeable step up, especially for photographers who prioritize detail and the ability to crop extensively.
Autofocus Capabilities
The a7 IV benefits from Sony’s latest autofocus technology, incorporating Real-time Tracking and improved Eye AF for both humans and animals. This advanced system allows for more reliable and accurate subject tracking, resulting in sharper images and videos. The a7 III’s autofocus is already impressive, with fast and accurate performance, but the a7 IV elevates it with more sophisticated subject recognition and faster processing. This is a significant advantage for action and wildlife photography.
Video Recording Features
For videographers, the a7 IV offers substantial upgrades. It can record 4K video at up to 60fps with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, providing greater flexibility in post-production. The a7 III, on the other hand, is limited to 4K at 30fps with 8-bit internal recording. The a7 IV also includes features like S-Cinetone color profiles for cinematic looks and improved rolling shutter performance. The a7 IV is the clear winner for video.
Ergonomics and Build Quality
Both cameras share a similar robust build quality, but the a7 IV features some ergonomic improvements. It has a larger, more comfortable grip and a fully articulating LCD screen, offering greater versatility for shooting at various angles. The a7 IV also introduces a new menu system and a dedicated dial for switching between photo, video, and S&Q modes. While the a7 III is well-built, the a7 IV refines the user experience.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The a7 IV uses the newer NP-FZ100 battery, which provides excellent battery life. Both cameras offer good battery life, but the a7 IV’s improved efficiency provides slightly longer shooting times. Both cameras have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, but the a7 IV’s connectivity is enhanced, offering faster data transfer speeds and improved remote control capabilities. Both cameras have USB-C for charging and data transfer.
Price and Value for Money
The Sony a7 IV is typically more expensive than the a7 III, reflecting its newer technology and enhanced features. The a7 III, however, remains a strong value proposition, especially if you prioritize still photography and have a tighter budget. The a7 III’s price has decreased since the a7 IV’s release making it an attractive option for photographers looking for a full-frame camera at a competitive price. Consider your budget and specific needs when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Sony a7 IV If…
- You need significantly improved video capabilities, including 4K 60p recording and unlimited recording times.
- You prioritize higher resolution stills for cropping or larger prints.
- You want a more advanced autofocus system with real-time tracking for both stills and video.
- You desire a fully articulating touchscreen for more flexible shooting angles.
Buy a7 III If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want to save money.
- Your primary focus is on stills photography, and the a7 III’s image quality is sufficient for your needs.
- You don’t need the advanced video features of the a7 IV.
- You already own a lot of accessories for the a7 III.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Sony a7 IV and the a7 III?
The a7 IV has a higher resolution sensor (33MP vs. 24.2MP), improved autofocus, enhanced video capabilities (4K 60p, 10-bit), a fully articulating screen, and a more user-friendly menu system. The a7 III offers excellent image quality and performance at a more affordable price point, making it a great value for still photographers and videographers.
Which camera is better for video recording?
The Sony a7 IV is significantly better for video. It offers 4K 60p recording, 10-bit internal recording, S-Cinetone color profiles, and improved rolling shutter performance. The a7 III is limited to 4K 30p with 8-bit internal recording. The a7 IV’s advanced video features provide greater flexibility and higher quality video footage.
Does the a7 IV have better autofocus than the a7 III?
Yes, the a7 IV has a more advanced autofocus system. It features Real-time Tracking and improved Eye AF for both humans and animals. The a7 IV’s autofocus is faster and more accurate, providing more reliable subject tracking for stills and video. The a7 III still has a very capable AF system.
Is the a7 IV worth the extra cost?
Whether the a7 IV is worth the extra cost depends on your needs. If you prioritize image detail, advanced video features, and the latest autofocus technology, the a7 IV is a worthwhile investment. If you’re primarily a still photographer on a budget, the a7 III provides excellent value.
What is the battery life like on both cameras?
Both cameras use the same NP-FZ100 battery, offering excellent battery life. The a7 IV may have slightly better battery efficiency due to its newer processor. Both cameras can easily handle a full day of shooting. Consider carrying extra batteries for extended shoots or video recording.
Which camera is better for low-light photography?
Both cameras perform well in low light, thanks to their full-frame sensors. The a7 IV, with its newer sensor and image processor, may offer slightly better noise performance at higher ISOs. However, the difference is not substantial. Both cameras can capture stunning images in challenging lighting conditions.
Are the lenses compatible between the two cameras?
Yes, both the Sony a7 IV and the a7 III use the Sony E-mount, making them compatible with the same lenses. You can use a wide range of Sony E-mount lenses on both cameras. This includes lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron, and others.
Final Verdict
The Sony a7 IV represents a significant upgrade over the a7 III, offering improved image quality, cutting-edge autofocus, and vastly superior video capabilities. While the a7 III remains an excellent full-frame camera, the a7 IV’s advancements in almost every area make it the more compelling choice for most users, particularly those interested in video or who desire the latest technology. The a7 III is still a great option, especially for budget-conscious photographers.
Winner: Sony a7 IV