Sony a7 III vs Sony a7 IV
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7 IV (2021) moves ahead on resolution (33MP vs 24.2MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). The Sony a7 III is still the value pick at $1,999 ($2,499 for the Sony a7 IV). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7 III gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Sony a7 III if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,999, about $500 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Choose the Sony a7 IV if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap).
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 33MP resolves noticeably more than 24.2MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Sony a7 IV is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the Sony a7 III launched at $1,999, $500 under the Sony a7 IV — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Card slots: the Sony a7 III has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Resolution: 33MP on the Sony a7 IV vs 24.2MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7 III or the Sony a7 IV better?
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7 IV (2021) moves ahead on resolution (33MP vs 24.2MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). The Sony a7 III is still the value pick at $1,999 ($2,499 for the Sony a7 IV). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7 III gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Sony a7 III?
Choose the Sony a7 III if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,999, about $500 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Who should choose the Sony a7 IV?
Choose the Sony a7 IV if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap). Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 33MP resolves noticeably more than 24.2MP and gives more cropping latitude. Choose it if you vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7 III and the Sony a7 IV?
Video: the Sony a7 IV is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ XR |
| Effective Resolution | 24.2 MP | 33 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | No limit |
| Log Profiles | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 693 | 759 |
| Contrast Detect Points | 425 | 425 |
| Low Light AF | -3 EV | -4 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 3.69M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 0.92M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD (1x UHS-II) | 1x CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II + 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | $2,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×95.6×73.7 mm | 131.3×96.4×79.8 mm |
| Weight | 650g (1.43 lb) | 658g (1.45 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 610 shots | 520 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 710 shots | 580 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 |
