Sony A7 III vs A7 IV: Which Should You Choose?
The Sony A7 III and A7 IV represent two generations of Sony’s most popular full-frame mirrorless camera. As a camera store that’s helped countless photographers navigate these choices, we’ll guide you through the key differences to help you make an informed decision for your photography needs.
🎯 Quick Answer: Choose the A7 IV if you need the advanced 33MP resolution, improved autofocus with AI subject detection, and 4K 60p video capabilities. Pick the A7 III if you want a proven hybrid performer at a better value, with its capable 24MP sensor and professional feature set still holding strong for both photo and video work.
Table of Contents
Understanding The Differences Of The A7 III & A7 IV Cameras
When choosing between the A7 III and A7 IV, you’re selecting between two professional-grade hybrid cameras that have each defined their respective generations. Both models feature impressive autofocus capabilities, strong video features, and in-body image stabilization in a compact form factor.
Key Differences at a Glance:
A7 IV:
- 33MP BSI CMOS sensor
- Advanced AI-based autofocus
- 4K 60p video (Super 35 crop)
- Latest BIONZ XR processor
- Advanced streaming capabilities
- Focus breathing compensation
- Creative Looks presets
- 10-bit 4:2:2 video internal recording
A7 III:
- 24MP BSI CMOS sensor
- Traditional autofocus system
- 4K 30p video
- BIONZ X processor
- Basic streaming options
- Standard picture profiles
- 8-bit internal recording
Perfect For:
A7 IV → Hybrid shooters, content creators, professional video work, high-resolution photography
A7 III → Event photography, weddings, portraits, general professional work
💡 Pro Tip: While the A7 IV offers more resolution and advanced features, the A7 III’s 24MP sensor still delivers excellent image quality that continues to satisfy professional photographers worldwide.
What They Share:
- Full-frame sensor design
- In-body image stabilization
- Dust and moisture resistance
- Dual card slots
- Advanced Eye AF system
- 10fps continuous shooting
- Professional-grade build quality
💬 Why Trust Us? At Campkins Cameras, we’ve helped countless photographers choose between these cameras and use them in real-world situations. Our insights come from hands-on experience and direct feedback from professional photographers.
Explore our full range of Sony cameras →
Core Specifications & Key Features
Understanding the technical differences between these cameras helps inform which might better suit your needs. Let’s break down the key specifications and explore their real-world impact.
Key Specifications Compared
| Feature | Sony A7 IV | Sony A7 III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 33MP BSI CMOS | 24MP BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | BIONZ XR | BIONZ X |
| ISO Range | 100-51,200 (exp. 50-204,800) | 100-51,200 (exp. 50-204,800) |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K 60p (Super 35) / 30p (FF) | 4K 30p |
| EVF Resolution | 3.69M dots | 2.36M dots |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Vari-angle Touch (1.04M dots) | 3.0″ Tilt Touch (922k dots) |
| Max Frame Rate | 10 fps mechanical | 10 fps mechanical |
| Buffer (Uncompressed RAW) | 828 frames | 89 frames |
| Card Slots | 1x CFexpress Type A/SD + 1x SD | 2x SD (1x UHS-II) |
| IBIS Rating | 5.5 stops | 5.0 stops |
| Weather Sealing | Enhanced | Yes |
Understanding the Real-World Impact
Speed & Performance:
A7 IV Advantages:
- Faster buffer clearing with CFexpress
- More sophisticated AI subject tracking
- Improved processing speed
- Better EVF resolution
- Advanced streaming capabilities
A7 III Capabilities:
- Reliable continuous shooting
- Proven autofocus system
- Consistent performance
- Dependable tracking
- Standard streaming options
💡 Pro Tip: The A7 IV’s larger buffer and CFexpress card support make it particularly valuable for photographers who shoot long sequences, such as at sports events or wildlife photography.
Real-World Performance Impact
High-Speed Applications (A7 IV Advantage)
- Sports photography
- Wildlife action
- Fast-moving subjects
- Event coverage
- Streaming content
Studio Applications (Both Excel)
- Portrait sessions
- Product photography
- Commercial work
- Still life
- Landscape photography
💡 Pro Tip: When deciding between these cameras, consider your typical shooting scenarios. While both cameras offer excellent performance, the A7 IV’s enhanced processing and improved EVF may justify the investment for professional work.
For a deeper look at how these cameras perform in specific shooting scenarios, explore our detailed guides on Sony cameras for wildlife photography and best Sony cameras for sports.
Key Features & Performance
Let’s dive into how these cameras perform in real-world shooting scenarios, examining their key features and capabilities in detail.
Video Features
Sony A7 IV Video Features:
- 4K 60p in Super 35mm crop
- 4K 30p full-frame oversampled
- 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
- S-Cinetone color profile
- Focus breathing compensation
- Digital audio interface
- Live streaming capabilities
- Heat management design
Sony A7 III Video Features:
- 4K 30p with 1.2x crop
- 4K 24p full-frame
- 8-bit internal recording
- S-Log2/3 profiles
- Basic live streaming
- Standard heat management
- Clean HDMI output
💡 Pro Tip: The A7 IV’s 10-bit color depth and S-Cinetone profile make it significantly more capable for professional video production, especially for those needing to match with Sony’s Cinema Line cameras. Learn more about Sony’s video capabilities in our guide to the best Sony cameras for video.
Shared Professional Features
- In-body image stabilization
- Dust and moisture resistance
- Dual memory card slots
- USB-C connectivity
- Headphone and microphone ports
- Full-frame sensor benefits
- Face and Eye AF capability
- Touch screen functionality
Autofocus Capabilities
A7 IV Advantages:
- Advanced AI-based subject recognition
- Human, animal, and bird Eye AF
- More accurate eye detection
- Vehicle tracking
- Better low-light focusing
- Real-time tracking
- Advanced subject tracking
- Custom AF adjustments
A7 III Features:
- Real-time Eye AF
- Animal Eye AF
- Face detection
- Subject tracking
- Zone focusing
- Flexible spot focusing
- Lock-on AF
- AF joystick control
💡 Pro Tip: The A7 IV’s enhanced AI recognition system particularly benefits wedding photographers and event photographers, automatically adjusting tracking sensitivity based on the scene.
Continuous Shooting
High-Speed Performance:
- A7 IV: 10 fps mechanical & electronic
- A7 III: 10 fps mechanical & electronic
Buffer Performance:
- A7 IV: 828 compressed RAW images
- A7 III: 89 compressed RAW images
Real-World Performance
A7 IV Excels At:
- Professional video production
- High-resolution photography
- Advanced tracking scenarios
- Streaming content creation
- Mixed lighting situations
A7 III Shines In:
- Event photography
- General professional work
- Portrait sessions
- Street photography
- Travel photography
💬 Professional Insight: Content creators particularly appreciate the A7 IV’s improved video features and streaming capabilities, while event photographers continue to rely on the A7 III’s proven performance and value proposition.
For more specific insights on how these cameras perform in different photography genres, check out our guides on Sony cameras for portrait photography and best Sony cameras for travel.
Image Quality
Let’s explore how these cameras differ in image quality, examining their respective strengths in various shooting scenarios.
Resolution Comparison
A7 IV Resolution Benefits (33MP)
- Higher resolution for detailed shots
- More cropping flexibility
- Improved detail retention
- Better large print capability
- Enhanced dynamic range
- Latest color science
- Reduced false color
- Creative Look presets
A7 III Resolution Features (24MP)
- Proven sensor performance
- Excellent low light capability
- Strong dynamic range
- Natural color reproduction
- Lower storage requirements
- Faster processing
- Standard picture profiles
💡 Pro Tip: While the A7 IV offers higher resolution, the A7 III’s 24MP sensor still provides ample detail for most professional applications, including wedding photography and portrait work.
Low Light Performance
Real-World ISO Performance:
A7 IV advantages:
- Improved noise algorithms
- Better shadow recovery
- Enhanced detail retention
- Cleaner images at high ISO
- Advanced noise reduction
- Better color accuracy in low light
A7 III capabilities:
- Strong noise control
- Reliable high ISO output
- Good shadow recovery
- Consistent color accuracy
- Proven low-light autofocus
- Dependable results
Practical Image Quality Applications
A7 IV Excels In:
- Studio portraiture
- Commercial work
- Landscape detail
- Architecture
- Product photography
A7 III Shines In:
- Event coverage
- Wedding photography
- Photojournalism
- Street photography
- Travel photography
💡 Pro Tip: The A7 IV’s newer processor and higher resolution sensor can provide more detailed images in good light, but the A7 III’s lower resolution sensor often performs better in challenging lighting conditions, particularly at higher ISOs.
For detailed examples of these cameras in action, visit our guides on Sony cameras for portrait photography and Sony lenses for landscape photography.
Image Quality
Let’s explore how these cameras differ in image quality, examining their respective strengths in various shooting scenarios.
Resolution Comparison
A7 IV Resolution Benefits (33MP)
- Higher resolution for detailed shots
- More cropping flexibility
- Improved detail retention
- Better large print capability
- Enhanced dynamic range
- Latest color science
- Reduced false color
- Creative Look presets
A7 III Resolution Features (24MP)
- Proven sensor performance
- Excellent low light capability
- Strong dynamic range
- Natural color reproduction
- Lower storage requirements
- Faster processing
- Standard picture profiles
💡 Pro Tip: While the A7 IV offers higher resolution, the A7 III’s 24MP sensor still provides ample detail for most professional applications, including wedding photography and portrait work.
Low Light Performance
Real-World ISO Performance:
A7 IV advantages:
- Improved noise algorithms
- Better shadow recovery
- Enhanced detail retention
- Cleaner images at high ISO
- Advanced noise reduction
- Better color accuracy in low light
A7 III capabilities:
- Strong noise control
- Reliable high ISO output
- Good shadow recovery
- Consistent color accuracy
- Proven low-light autofocus
- Dependable results
Practical Image Quality Applications
A7 IV Excels In:
- Studio portraiture
- Commercial work
- Landscape detail
- Architecture
- Product photography
A7 III Shines In:
- Event coverage
- Wedding photography
- Photojournalism
- Street photography
- Travel photography
💡 Pro Tip: The A7 IV’s newer processor and higher resolution sensor can provide more detailed images in good light, but the A7 III’s lower resolution sensor often performs better in challenging lighting conditions, particularly at higher ISOs.
For detailed examples of these cameras in action, visit our guides on Sony cameras for portrait photography and Sony lenses for landscape photography.
Build & Design
Let’s examine the physical differences and similarities between these two professional cameras.
Control Layout
Key Physical Differences:
A7 IV Features:
- 3.0-inch fully articulating screen
- Higher resolution EVF (3.69M dots)
- Dedicated streaming settings
- Improved grip design
- Enhanced weather sealing
- Exposure compensation lock
- Refined button layout
- Still/Video/S&Q mode dial
A7 III Features:
- 3.0-inch tilting screen
- 2.36M dot EVF
- Standard mode dial
- Original grip design
- Weather sealing
- Classic button layout
- Customizable controls
Weather Sealing
Both cameras feature professional-grade weather sealing:
- Dust and moisture-resistant construction
- Sealed buttons and dials
- Protected card and battery doors
- Robust port covers
- Magnesium alloy chassis
💡 Pro Tip: The A7 IV’s improved grip design and fully articulating screen make it particularly comfortable for long shooting sessions and vlogging, while the A7 III’s classic design remains ergonomically sound for professional work.
Handling Characteristics:
Button Layout & Customization:
- Extensive button customization
- AF-ON button
- Multi-controller joystick
- Custom function buttons
- Quick control dial
Size & Weight Comparison:
- A7 IV: 658g (body only)
- A7 III: 650g (body only)
Shared Build Quality Features:
- Robust construction
- Comfortable grip
- Durable shutter mechanism
- Professional lens mount
- Multiple custom buttons
- Joystick controller
💬 Professional Insight: The A7 IV’s fully articulating screen and improved controls make it more versatile for hybrid shooters and content creators, while the A7 III’s traditional design continues to satisfy photographers focused primarily on stills.
For a closer look at how these cameras handle in different professional scenarios, check out our complete guide to Sony professional cameras.
Storage & Power
Understanding storage requirements and power management is crucial for professional work. Let’s examine how these cameras handle memory cards and battery life.
Memory Card Systems
A7 IV Card Configuration:
- Slot 1: CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II
- Slot 2: SD UHS-II
- Required CFexpress for highest video bitrates
- High-speed buffer clearing
- Relay recording capability
- Simultaneous backup
A7 III Card Configuration:
- Dual SD card slots
- Slot 1: UHS-II compatible
- Slot 2: UHS-I compatible
- Standard buffer clearing
- Relay recording
- Simultaneous backup
File Sizes & Storage Needs
A7 IV File Sizes:
- Uncompressed RAW: ~65MB
- Compressed RAW: ~35MB
- JPEG Large: ~15MB
- 4K 60p video: ~600MB/minute
- 4K 30p video: ~500MB/minute
A7 III File Sizes:
- Uncompressed RAW: ~47MB
- Compressed RAW: ~24MB
- JPEG Large: ~12MB
- 4K 30p video: ~400MB/minute
💡 Pro Tip: While CFexpress Type A cards offer the best performance for the A7 IV’s advanced video modes, standard SD cards remain perfectly capable for most still photography needs. Check our guide for beginners for more storage tips.
Storage Requirements for Common Scenarios:
Full-Day Event (3000 images):
- A7 IV: 105GB (Compressed RAW)
- A7 III: 72GB (Compressed RAW)
1-Hour Video Session:
- A7 IV 4K 60p: 36GB
- A7 III 4K 30p: 24GB
Battery Life
Battery Performance (NP-FZ100):
A7 IV:
- Up to 580 shots (LCD)
- Up to 520 shots (EVF)
- Approximately 170 minutes video recording
- USB PD charging support
A7 III:
- Up to 710 shots (LCD)
- Up to 610 shots (EVF)
- Approximately 200 minutes video recording
- USB charging support
Power Management Features:
- USB-C charging capability
- Battery grip compatibility
- Eco mode options
- External power support
- Power saving settings
💡 Pro Tip: Both cameras support USB-C charging and can be powered while shooting. Consider a power bank for extended location shoots, particularly useful for travel photography.
For more information about professional camera accessories and power solutions, visit our Sony accessories catergory.
Who Should Choose Which Camera
Let’s break down which camera best suits different photography styles and professional needs.
The A7 IV Photographer
Best For:
- Professional hybrid shooters
- Content creators
- Professional videographers
- High-resolution needs
- Streaming content creators
- Advanced bird/wildlife photographers
- Commercial photographers
- Studio professionals
Key Advantages:
- Higher resolution sensor
- Advanced AI autofocus
- Better video capabilities
- Improved EVF
- Fully articulating screen
- Latest processing features
- 10-bit video recording
- Enhanced connectivity
The A7 III Photographer
Best For:
- Event photographers
- Wedding photographers
- Portrait photographers
- Street photographers
- Travel photographers
- Value-conscious professionals
- General photography needs
- Documentary work
Key Advantages:
- Proven performance
- Better battery life
- Lower file sizes
- More affordable price
- Excellent low-light performance
- Reliable autofocus
- Simpler workflow
- Established system
💡 Pro Tip: Consider your complete workflow when choosing. While the A7 IV offers newer technology, the A7 III’s more modest file sizes and proven performance may better suit photographers who prioritize efficiency over the latest features.
Photography Style Breakdown
Wedding Photography:
- Recommended: Either camera
- Why: Both offer excellent low-light performance and reliable autofocus
- Learn more about wedding photography options
Sports/Wildlife:
- Recommended: A7 IV
- Why: Better buffer, improved tracking, enhanced EVF
- Explore wildlife photography options
Portrait Photography:
- Recommended: Either camera
- Why: Both deliver excellent image quality and Eye AF
- See our portrait photography guide
Video Production:
- Recommended: A7 IV
- Why: 4K 60p, 10-bit recording, better heat management
- Check our video camera guide
Street/Travel:
- Recommended: A7 III
- Why: Lighter, better battery life, proven reliability
- View travel photography options
💬 Professional Insight: Many professional photographers find the A7 III continues to meet their needs perfectly, while content creators and hybrid shooters benefit significantly from the A7 IV’s enhanced video capabilities.
Final Verdict
Making Your Final Decision
Choose the A7 IV if you need:
- Higher 33MP resolution
- Advanced AI subject detection
- 4K 60p video capability
- 10-bit video recording
- Fully articulating screen
- Latest autofocus technology
- Professional streaming features
- CFexpress card support
Choose the A7 III if you want:
- Proven professional performance
- Better value proposition
- Excellent low-light capability
- Longer battery life
- Smaller file sizes
- Simpler workflow
- Reliable autofocus
- More affordable memory cards
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on specifications – consider your complete workflow, from shooting to delivery. While the A7 IV offers newer technology, the A7 III remains a highly capable professional tool at a more attractive price point.
Getting Support
Both cameras are supported by:
- Sony Professional Support
- Regular firmware updates
- Extensive E-mount lens lineup
- Third-party accessories
- Professional repair services
At Campkins Cameras, we provide ongoing support and guidance for both cameras, ensuring you get the most from your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camera handles low light better?
While both cameras perform well in low light, the A7 III’s lower resolution sensor can have a slight advantage in high ISO situations, though the A7 IV’s newer processor helps compensate.
Do both cameras use the same batteries?
Yes, both cameras use the NP-FZ100 battery, though the A7 III typically achieves longer battery life due to its lower resolution sensor and simpler processing demands.
Can I use my existing E-mount lenses?
Yes, both cameras are fully compatible with all Sony E-mount lenses, as well as third-party E-mount options. Check our lens guides for recommendations.
Which is better for wildlife photography?
The A7 IV has an edge for wildlife photography due to its improved autofocus, better EVF, and higher resolution for cropping. Learn more about wildlife photography options.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider renting both cameras for a weekend to test them in your typical shooting scenarios. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in making your final decision.
Both the Sony A7 III and A7 IV represent excellent choices in Sony’s full-frame mirrorless lineup. Your decision should be based on your specific photography needs, workflow requirements, and budget considerations rather than purely technical specifications.
Visit our store to explore both cameras in person →