When the Sony a7III was launched in 2018, this full-frame mirrorless camera was well-received by critics and photographers for its excellent image quality, autofocus performance, and value for money. It quickly became one of the most popular cameras because it suits various photography genres, including portraiture, landscape, travel, and wildlife. It is also a fantastic choice for videographers, as it can shoot 4K video at up to 30fps. Why would anyone pay more for the 2021 version, the Sony a7IV? Let’s determine the differences between these two cameras and see if it’s worth the extra money.
Specifications and Features between Sony a7III and Sony a7IV
| Features | Sony a7III | Sony a7IV |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 25.3 Megapixel Effective: 24.2 Megapixel (6000 x 4000) | Actual: 34.1 Megapixel Effective: 33 Megapixel |
| Image Sensor | 35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
| ISO Sensitivity Range | Photo 100 to 51,200 in Manual Mode (Extended: 50 to 204,800) 100 to 12,800 in Auto Mode Video 100 to 51,200 in Manual Mode (Extended: 102,400) 100 to 12,800 in Auto Mode | Photo 100 to 51,200 in Manual Mode (Extended: 50 to 204,800) 100 to 12,800 in Auto Mode Video 100 to 51,200 in Manual Mode (Extended: 100 to 102,400) 100 to 51,200 in Auto Mode |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 10 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 89 Frames (Raw) / 177 Frames (JPEG) Up to 8 fps at 24.2 MP Up to 6 fps at 24.2 MP Up to 3 fps at 24.2 MP | Up to 10 fps at 33 MP for up to 1000 Frames (Raw) / 1000 Frames (JPEG) Up to 8 fps at 33 MP Up to 6 fps at 33 MP Up to 3 fps at 33 MP |
| Internal Recording Modes | H.264/XAVC S UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [60 to 100 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080p at 1/2/3/4/6/8/12/15/23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps [16 to 100 Mb/s] AVCHD/H.264 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps [17 to 24 Mb/s] | H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94 fps [50 to 200 Mb/s] H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94 fps [30 to 150 Mb/s] H.264/XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [240 to 600 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [89 to 222 Mb/s] XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [100 to 200 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s] XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [60 to 150 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100 fps [16 to 100 Mb/s] |
| External Recording Modes | 4:2:2 8-Bit via HDMI UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/50/59.94 fps 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps | 4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/50/59.94 fps 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps 4:2:0 8-Bit via HDMI UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/50/59.94 fps 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid (UHS-I) | Slot 1: CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II) Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.1, NFC | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Display Type | Tilting Touchscreen LCD | Free-Angle Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Image Sensor | 35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 Seconds 1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode | 1/8000 to 30 Seconds 1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Battery Type | 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 610 Shots) | 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 520 Shots) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5 x 3.8 x 2.9″ / 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm | 5.2 x 3.8 x 3.1″ / 131.3 x 96.4 x 79.8 mm |
| Weight | 1.43 lb / 650 g | 1.4 lb / 658 g (With Battery, Recording Media) |
Sony a7III
Autofocus
When capturing the perfect shot, sharp focus is your greatest ally. The Sony a7III excels in this regard, thanks to its advanced auto-focus system. With 693 phase-detection points, this camera guarantees razor-sharp results. Even when your subject is on the move, the tracking software effortlessly follows and swiftly adjusts the focus to ensure pristine images. The a7III’s continuous shooting capabilities, up to 10 frames per second, add another layer of performance to help action and sports photographers capture the perfect shot.
What sets the a7III apart from many other mirrorless cameras is its ability to maintain focus even in challenging scenarios with minimal contrast between the subject and the background. Its 425-point contrast detection software makes this possible, ensuring your images remain crisp and well-defined. Another standout feature of the Sony a7III is its extraordinary ‘eye autofocus’ software. It effortlessly detects and tracks your subject’s eyes, even when they’re in motion. This feature ensures your portraits and wildlife photos are always in focus, adding a professional touch to your work.
Sensor & Processor
At the core of this camera lies a back-illuminated 24.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, designed to work in tandem with the BIONZ X image processor. This duo delivers high-resolution stills and video, all while minimizing noise and enhancing speed. The back-illuminated design plays a pivotal role in improving data transmission speed, making it capable of producing 14-bit, high-resolution stills with a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 5,1200 — and this is expandable from ISO 50 to a remarkable 204,800.
For videographers, the a7III is extremely impressive. It allows for internal UHD 4K video recording with a wide dynamic range using the entire width of the full-frame sensor. The BIONZ X processor, in collaboration with a high-speed front-end LSI chip, offers faster processing times and the ability to capture a 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivity values. With the ability to shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and 1080p video at up to 120 frames per second, it offers versatility in capturing high-quality video content.
Image Stabilization
The Sony a7III packs a 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization system. It expertly compensates for various types of camera shake that may occur during handheld shooting, whether for stills or video. This technology allows you to confidently use any lens without worrying about blur from camera movement. It corrects for pitch and yaw adjustments for long focal lengths, while macro and high-magnification shots benefit from horizontal and vertical shift compensation.
Electronic Viewfinder & Screen
The XGA OLED electronic viewfinder boasts a 2.36m-dot resolution and 0.78x magnification, providing bright and detailed viewing. In addition to the EVF, a 3.0″ 922k-dot rear LCD screen is also available, designed with a touch panel for intuitive operation and focusing control. The screen’s tilting capability, up to 107° upward and 41° downward, enhances flexibility when shooting from high and low angles.
Body Construction
The a7III’s metal chassis assures rigidity, durability, and stability while remaining lightweight. The lens mount has been enhanced to support heavy lenses better, but a larger grip would be appreciated. While the camera is dust and moisture-resistant, it’s essential to note that it is not fully weatherproof. Therefore, avoiding heavy rain or snow is best, but it can handle light rain, snow, or dusty conditions.
Weighing in at 650 grams and with dimensions of 127 x 96 x 74 mm, the Sony a7III impresses with its compact design and solid magnesium alloy body construction. It’s a dream come true for photographers who appreciate both quality and technical superiority packed into a relatively small package. Compared to a traditional DSLR, the a7III’s reduction in size and weight is nothing short of astonishing. If you’re a photographer who always wants to have a camera at your side while travelling, this mirrorless marvel’s small size and low weight offer a significant advantage.
Connectivity
The a7III has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to share your imagery instantly with mobile devices. You can post your photos on social media, send them via email, or store them in the cloud effortlessly. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, enabling the one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices. It even allows live-view image display on the mobile device’s screen and remote camera control.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, you’ll soon discover that the a7III is a masterpiece of innovation and technology that empowers you to capture extraordinary moments in everyday life.
Image Samples Credit for pexels
Sony a7 III (ILCEM3K/B) Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens with 3-Inch LCD, Black
Sony a7IV
Heavily based on the Sony a7III, the upgraded model kept the best parts of its predecessor while adding many impressive improvements, making it one of the most sought-after cameras for photographers and videographers alike. Here are some of the changes to the latest model.
Auto Focus
The a7IV introduces a groundbreaking autofocus system underpinned by deep learning. This system offers speed and accuracy that significantly outperforms the a7III’s autofocus system. Its ability to track subjects effectively, even when moving rapidly or partially obscured, is incredible. But it’s not just photographers who benefit from this advanced autofocus system. Videographers also reap the rewards, as maintaining sharp focus while shooting handheld becomes a breeze. The a7IV has better video capabilities than the a7III. The a7IV can shoot 4K video at up to 60fps, while the a7III can only shoot 4K video at up to 30fps. The a7IV also has better codecs and color profiles, making it a better choice for videographers.
Sensor & Processor
The main difference between the two cameras is the sensor. The a7III has a 24.2-megapixel sensor, while the a7IV has a 33-megapixel sensor. This means that the a7IV can capture more detail and has improved image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Complementing the sensor is the new BIONZ XR image processor. This processor is twice as fast as the BIONZ X processor in the a7III. This boost in processing power opens up a world of possibilities, including improved autofocus performance and superior video capabilities.
Memory Slots
Although the Sony a7III has dual SD memory card slots to offer flexibility in file saving and handling, in the Sony a7IV, one of those slots can take Sony’s CFexpress type A cards. These memory cards are significantly faster than SD cards so that the A7 IV can record video at higher bitrates and resolutions.
Weather Sealed
Moreover, the a7IV includes better weather sealing than its predecessor, the a7III. Sony has taken several measures to enhance the camera’s protection against dust, moisture, and other environmental hazards. They’ve added more gaskets to seal up openings in the camera body, used a more durable material for the weather seal around the lens mount, and improved the weather sealing around the viewfinder and LCD screen. These upgrades make the a7IV a reliable choice for photographers who work in varying weather conditions, providing peace of mind when faced with dust, humidity, or light rain.
Other Improvements
Another issue addressed in the a7IV is the grip, which had been a concern in the a7III. This change significantly improves ergonomics and the overall feel of the camera, ensuring a more comfortable and secure hold. The a7IV also has many other advantages over the a7III, including a fully articulating touchscreen LCD screen and a higher-resolution electronic viewfinder. The only area in which this model has reduced capacity compared to the previous version is battery life. Perhaps due to the extra resolution of the electronic viewfinder and live-view screen, along with the extra power required from the processor, the a7IV’s battery only copes with approximately 520 shots (from the viewfinder) as opposed to the a7III’s ability to capture about 610 photos.
Summary for Sony a7IV
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate content creator, the a7IV offers better image quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities than other cameras at a similar price point. It empowers you to create stunning images and videos that leave a lasting impression.
Image Samples Credit for pexels
Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
Which One Should You Buy?
If you are primarily a photographer and don’t need the best possible video performance, then the a7III is still a great choice. If you are a hybrid shooter who needs both good photo and video performance, then the a7IV is the better choice. It has a higher resolution sensor, faster processor, and improved autofocus, all of which are important for video. If you are a professional videographer who needs the best possible video performance, then the Sony a7IV is the only choice. It can shoot 4K video at up to 60fps and has other important characteristics that benefit professional video production. However, if you are on a tighter budget or don’t need all of the extra features of the a7IV, then the a7III is still an excellent camera.
