Sony a7III vs a7IV – Which One Is Best & Why?

The Sony a7iii vs a7iv comparison reveals significant upgrades in the newer model. With improved autofocus, higher resolution, and enhanced video capabilities, the a7iv stands out as a versatile hybrid shooter. While the a7iii remains a capable camera, the a7iv’s advancements make it a compelling choice for photographers and videographers seeking cutting-edge features.

Sony a7iii vs a7iv

Sony a7iii vs a7iv Side by Side Comparison

FeatureSony a7iiiSony a7iv
Sensor24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS33MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
ProcessorBIONZ XBIONZ XR
ISO Range100-51,200 (exp. 50-204,800)100-51,200 (exp. 50-204,800)
Autofocus Points693 phase-detection points759 phase-detection points
AF Coverage93% of image area94% of image area
Continuous Shooting10 fps10 fps
EVF Resolution2.36M dots3.68M dots
LCD ScreenTilting, 921K dotsFully articulating, 1.03M dots
4K Video4K30p, 8-bit4K60p (1.5x crop), 10-bit
Video Color Sampling4:2:0 8-bit4:2:2 10-bit
Card SlotsDual (1x UHS-II, 1x UHS-I)Dual (2x UHS-II)
Battery Life (CIPA)610 shots580 shots
Weight650g659g
Weather SealingYesYes (improved)
PriceCheck Sony a7iii PriceCheck Sony a7iv Price

Why Do I Recommend Sony a7iv

While both cameras are exceptional, the Sony a7iv brings several compelling upgrades to the table. Here’s why I recommend the a7iv:

  • Higher resolution sensor: The a7iv boasts a 33MP sensor, offering more detail and flexibility in post-processing compared to the a7iii’s 24MP sensor.
  • Improved autofocus system: With 759 phase-detection points covering 94% of the image area, the a7iv’s autofocus is faster and more accurate, especially for tracking moving subjects.
  • Enhanced video capabilities: The a7iv supports 4K60p video recording (with a 1.5x crop) and 10-bit 4:2:2 color, providing superior video quality and more flexibility in color grading.
  • Better EVF and LCD: The a7iv features a higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3.68M dots vs 2.36M dots) and a fully articulating LCD screen, improving both composition and versatility.
  • Upgraded processor: The BIONZ XR processor in the a7iv delivers faster performance and improved image processing compared to the a7iii’s BIONZ X processor.
  • Dual UHS-II card slots: Both slots in the a7iv support high-speed UHS-II cards, allowing for faster write speeds and more flexible backup options.
  • Improved ergonomics: The a7iv features a redesigned grip and button layout, enhancing overall handling and usability.
  • Better weather sealing: While both cameras are weather-sealed, the a7iv offers improved protection against the elements.
  • Focus breathing compensation: This new feature in the a7iv helps maintain a consistent field of view when focusing, particularly useful for video work.
  • Creative Look presets: The a7iv introduces new creative looks for both stills and video, offering more in-camera creative options.

 Sony a7iii vs a7iv Common Strengths

While the a7iv brings numerous improvements, both cameras share several strengths that have made the Alpha series so popular:

StrengthSony a7iiiSony a7iv
Image QualityExcellentExcellent
Low Light PerformanceVery GoodVery Good
Autofocus AccuracyHighHigh
In-Body Stabilization5-axis, 5.0 stops5-axis, 5.5 stops
Build QualityRobustRobust
Battery LifeLong-lastingLong-lasting
Lens CompatibilityWide range of E-mount lensesWide range of E-mount lenses
Customization OptionsExtensiveExtensive
Video FeaturesAdvancedAdvanced
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi and BluetoothWi-Fi and Bluetooth
PriceCheck Sony a7iii PriceCheck Sony a7iv Price

Choose the a7iii if:

  • You’re on a tighter budget and find a good deal on the a7iii.
  • Your primary focus is still photography, and 24MP resolution meets your needs.
  • You don’t require advanced video features like 4K60p or 10-bit recording.
  • You’re satisfied with the autofocus performance of the a7iii.

Choose the a7iv if:

  • You want the latest technology and are willing to invest in future-proofing your gear.
  • You frequently crop your images or make large prints, benefiting from the higher resolution.
  • Video is a significant part of your work, and you need advanced features like 10-bit recording.
  • You shoot in challenging situations that would benefit from the improved autofocus system.
  • The fully articulating screen would enhance your shooting experience.
  • You value the improved ergonomics and handling of the newer model.

What can both do?

Both the Sony a7iii and a7iv are highly capable cameras that share many features. Here’s a list of capabilities common to both models:

  • Full-frame sensor with excellent image quality
  • In-body image stabilization (IBIS) for steadier shots
  • Fast and accurate autofocus system
  • Eye AF for humans and animals
  • 4K video recording
  • S-Log and HLG picture profiles for video
  • Dual card slots for backup and overflow
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Weather-sealed body for durability
  • Silent shooting mode
  • USB-C port for charging and data transfer
  • Microphone and headphone jacks
  • Clean HDMI output for external recording
  • Customizable buttons and menus
  • Interval shooting for time-lapse creation
  • Focus peaking and zebra exposure warnings
  • Anti-flicker shooting in artificial light
  • Pixel Shift Multi Shooting for high-resolution images
  • Touch screen functionality
  • Remote control via smartphone app

Now that we’ve covered the key comparisons and shared strengths, let’s delve deeper into the implications of these differences and how they might affect your photography or videography.

Image Quality and Resolution: The jump from 24MP in the a7iii to 33MP in the a7iv is significant. While 24MP is sufficient for most applications, the extra resolution of the a7iv provides more flexibility for cropping and large prints. The newer sensor in the a7iv also brings improvements in color science and dynamic range, resulting in slightly better overall image quality.

Autofocus Performance: Both cameras offer excellent autofocus capabilities, but the a7iv takes it a step further. The increased number of AF points and improved algorithms make the a7iv even more reliable for tracking fast-moving subjects. This is particularly beneficial for sports, wildlife, and event photography where split-second focus accuracy is crucial.

Video Capabilities: The a7iv’s video features represent a substantial upgrade. The ability to shoot 4K60p (albeit with a 1.5x crop) and record 10-bit 4:2:2 color internally puts it in a different league for videographers. These improvements allow for more flexibility in post-production color grading and slow-motion footage. The addition of focus breathing compensation is also a boon for video shooters who frequently change focus during takes.

Ergonomics and Usability: While the a7iii is no slouch in terms of handling, the a7iv’s redesigned grip and button layout offer improved ergonomics. The fully articulating screen on the a7iv is a game-changer for vloggers and those who frequently shoot at challenging angles. The higher resolution EVF also provides a clearer and more detailed view for composition and review.

Processing Power: The BIONZ XR processor in the a7iv not only contributes to faster overall performance but also enables some of the camera’s advanced features. This includes improved buffer capacity for continuous shooting and better noise reduction in high ISO images.

Storage and Backup: The dual UHS-II card slots in the a7iv offer more flexibility and faster write speeds compared to the mixed UHS-II/UHS-I setup in the a7iii. This is particularly beneficial when shooting high-bitrate video or long bursts of RAW photos.

Creative Options: The addition of Creative Look presets in the a7iv provides more in-camera creative options for both stills and video. While many photographers prefer to do their creative work in post-processing, these presets can be a time-saver and inspiration source, especially for those who need to deliver images quickly.

Making the Decision: When deciding between the Sony a7iii vs a7iv, consider your specific needs and budget:

FAQS About the Sony a7iii vs a7iv

How does the a7iv’s higher resolution affect diffraction compared to the a7iii?

The a7iv’s 33MP sensor may show diffraction slightly earlier than the a7iii’s 24MP sensor, typically becoming noticeable around f/11 instead of f/13. However, the difference is minimal and often outweighed by the resolution advantage.

Can the a7iv’s Creative Look presets be applied to RAW files in post-processing?

No, Creative Look presets are only applied to JPEGs and videos in-camera. RAW files remain unaffected, allowing for full flexibility in post-processing.

Does the a7iv’s improved weather sealing affect lens compatibility with older E-mount lenses?

The a7iv’s enhanced weather sealing doesn’t affect lens compatibility. All E-mount lenses remain fully compatible, though using weather-sealed lenses will maximize the camera’s weather resistance.

How does the a7iv’s new processor impact continuous eye-AF tracking in low light compared to the a7iii?

The a7iv’s BIONZ XR processor improves low-light eye-AF tracking, maintaining accuracy in dimmer conditions where the a7iii might struggle. This difference is particularly noticeable in situations below EV-2.

Can the a7iv’s focus breathing compensation be used with third-party lenses?

Focus breathing compensation on the a7iv is primarily designed for Sony lenses. While it may work to some extent with third-party lenses, full compatibility and effectiveness aren’t guaranteed.

Does the a7iv’s higher resolution sensor affect its ability to handle longitudinal chromatic aberration compared to the a7iii?

The a7iv’s higher resolution can make longitudinal chromatic aberration slightly more noticeable. However, its improved processing often compensates for this, resulting in similar or better overall performance compared to the a7iii.

How does the a7iv’s dual UHS-II card slot setup impact battery life compared to the a7iii’s mixed slot configuration?

The a7iv’s dual UHS-II slots can slightly increase power consumption, contributing to its marginally lower CIPA-rated battery life (580 shots vs 610). However, real-world difference is often negligible.

Can the a7iv’s improved AF system better handle subjects wearing patterned clothing compared to the a7iii?

Yes, the a7iv’s more advanced AF system and improved processing power allow it to maintain focus on subjects with patterned clothing more consistently than the a7iii, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

How does the a7iv’s higher resolution impact noise levels in astrophotography compared to the a7iii?

At the pixel level, the a7iv may show slightly more noise in astrophotography. However, when images are viewed at the same size, the difference is minimal, and the a7iv’s higher resolution can capture more stellar detail.

Does the a7iv’s new heat dissipation design allow for longer continuous 4K60p recording times in warm environments compared to the a7iii’s 4K30p?

The a7iv’s improved heat dissipation allows for longer 4K60p recording times compared to the a7iii’s 4K30p in warm environments. However, exact times can vary based on ambient temperature and specific shooting conditions.

Conclusion

The Sony a7iii vs a7iv comparison reveals that while both cameras are excellent choices, the a7iv brings significant upgrades to the table. Its improved sensor, advanced autofocus system, enhanced video capabilities, and refined ergonomics make it a more versatile and future-proof option.

However, the a7iii remains a highly capable camera that can still meet the needs of many photographers and videographers. Its lower price point also makes it an attractive option for those on a budget or looking to enter the full-frame mirrorless world.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific requirements, shooting style, and budget. Both cameras continue Sony’s tradition of producing high-quality, feature-rich mirrorless cameras that can handle a wide range of photographic and videographic challenges.

Whichever model you choose, you’ll be getting a camera that can capture stunning images and videos, backed by Sony’s excellent lens ecosystem and continuous firmware improvements. The key is to assess your needs carefully and choose the camera that will best help you achieve your creative vision.