Camera Comparison
Sony a7R III vs Sony a7R IV
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Sony a7R IV if…
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 61MP resolves noticeably more than 42.4MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -3 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Sony a7R III launched at $3,199, $300 under the Sony a7R IV — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 61MP on the Sony a7R IV vs 42.4MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7R III or the Sony a7R IV better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Sony a7R IV?
Choose the Sony a7R IV if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 61MP resolves noticeably more than 42.4MP and gives more cropping latitude. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -3 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7R III and the Sony a7R IV?
Price: the Sony a7R III launched at $3,199, $300 under the Sony a7R IV — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ X |
| Effective Resolution | 42.4 MP | 61 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 32000 | 100 – 32000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 102400 | 50 – 102400 |
| 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 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | 29 min |
| Log Profiles | S-Log3 / HLG | S-Log3 / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 399 | 567 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -2 EV | -3 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 3.69M dots | 5.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.44M dots | 1.44M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| 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 3.1 Gen 1 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD (1x UHS-II) | 2x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $3,199 | $3,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×95.6×73.7 mm | 128.9×96.4×77.5 mm |
| Weight | 657g (1.45 lb) | 665g (1.47 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 650 shots | 530 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 800 shots | 670 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 |
