Sony A7 III vs Sony A7 IV – Which One Is Better?

When comparing the Sony A7 III and the Sony A7 IV, you’re looking at two full-frame mirrorless cameras from the same line—both capable, but aimed at slightly different users.

The A7 III is a proven all-rounder, while the A7 IV brings newer features and modern upgrades.

Below is a detailed breakdown to help you decide which one may suit you best.

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⚙️ Overview – Reliable Full-Frame Performer vs Newer Full-Frame Hybrid

Sony A7 III (released in April 2018)
A full-frame mirrorless camera celebrated for its strong stills image quality, very good video capability, robust autofocus and mature lens ecosystem.

Sony A7 IV (released in October 2021)
A full-frame mirrorless camera updated with a higher-resolution sensor (33MP), improved autofocus/tracking, more modern video/hybrid features, and updated controls and interface.

In short:

• A7 III = Excellent if you want full-frame performance and value, with a mature system and proven reliability.

• A7 IV = Better if you want more resolution, enhanced hybrid features, video-friendly upgrades, and are willing to pay more or accept a slightly larger kit.

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📸 Key Specification Highlights

Here are a few of the key differences worth noting:

Specification	Sony A7 III	Sony A7 IV
Release date	April 2018	December 2021
Camera type	Mirrorless	Mirrorless
Sensor format	Full Frame (35.6 × 23.8 mm)	Full Frame (35.9 × 23.9 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS	BSI-CMOS
Resolution	24.2 MP	33.0 MP
Image processor	BIONZ X	BIONZ XR
ISO range	100–51,200 (expandable to 204,800)	100–51,200 (expandable to 204,800)
Autofocus system	693-point phase-detection AF	759-point phase-detection AF with AI subject recognition
Continuous shooting	Up to 10 fps	Up to 10 fps
Video recording	4K up to 30p (8-bit, 4:2:0 internal)	4K up to 60p (10-bit, 4:2:2 internal)
Viewfinder	2.36M-dot OLED EVF	3.69M-dot OLED EVF
LCD screen	3.0″ tilting screen, 922k dots	3.0″ fully articulating touchscreen, 1.03M dots
In-body image stabilization (IBIS)	Yes, 5-axis	Yes, 5-axis
Memory card slots	2× SD (1× UHS-II, 1× UHS-I)	2× slots (SD UHS-II / CFexpress Type A combo)
Battery life (CIPA)	Approx. 710 shots	Approx. 580 shots
Weight (with battery & card)	Approx. 650 g	Approx. 658 g
Launch price (body only)	Approx. USD 2,000 (check on Amazon)	Approx. USD 2,500 (check on Amazon)

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🧱 Build, Handling & Portability

The A7 III offers a body and system that has been widely used and tested—reliable ergonomics, good controls, and excellent support. Because it’s been on the market, lots of accessories and lenses are well-supported.

The A7 IV introduces newer design elements: improved viewing screen, updated EVF, more modern menu interface, perhaps better ergonomics for hybrid creation (video + stills). The trade-off: slightly higher cost and slightly larger/more complex feature set.

Verdict:

• Choose A7 III if you value simplicity, proven reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Choose A7 IV if you value the latest upgrades, hybrid workflows, and plan to use the camera for video + stills more heavily.

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🎯 Autofocus & Performance

Autofocus in both is strong, but the A7 IV has a modest edge due to newer AF architecture, improved tracking, and more advanced video-hybrid support. The A7 III remains excellent and still meets most photographers’ needs very well.

Verdict:

• For heavy action, video subjects, and relying on the latest AF/tracking → A7 IV.

• For photography-heavy work, with less need for cutting-edge AF video features → A7 III is still very strong.

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🎥 Video & Hybrid Capabilities

If you shoot both stills and video, and want advanced video features (oversampled 4K, newer codecs, better screen/interface), the A7 IV is the more future-proof option. The A7 III provides very good video and stills balance, but with slightly fewer bells and whistles for video creators.

Verdict:

• Video hybrid creators → A7 IV.

• Stills-focused photographers who occasionally shoot video → A7 III is highly capable.

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🧠 Image Quality (Stills)

With the A7 IV’s higher resolution (33 MP) you get more detail, more cropping flexibility and a slight edge for large prints or heavy cropping. The A7 III’s 24 MP still produces excellent full-frame quality and likely will satisfy most users.

Verdict:

• If resolution and cropping matter a lot → A7 IV has advantage.

• If you’re comfortable with 24 MP and value lower file sizes, lighter processing → A7 III is fine.

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🔋 Ecosystem & Future-Proofing

Both share Sony E-Mount full-frame lenses, so lens compatibility is good for both. Because A7 III has been around longer, the lens ecosystem is very mature. The A7 IV is more future-oriented, so if you plan to keep your gear for many years and invest deeply, the newer camera might give you more headroom.

Verdict:

• For maximum lens support and cost-effective setup now → A7 III.

• For longer-term investment, future-proofing and staying at the cutting edge → A7 IV.

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💰 Price & Value

Given its older release, you may find the A7 III at better deals and still great performance. The A7 IV has a higher price tag but brings upgraded features.

Verdict:

• For value-conscious buyers → A7 III.

• For buyers wanting newer tech and willing to invest more → A7 IV.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Sony A7 IV — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Sony A7 III — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

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🏁 Final Verdict — Sony A7 III vs Sony A7 IV

✅ In Short:

Choose the Sony A7 III if you want a reliable, proven full-frame body with excellent all-round performance, and you’re comfortable with slightly older generation features.

Choose the Sony A7 IV if you want the latest upgrades, better resolution, improved hybrid capabilities (video + stills), and are planning for long-term use with investment in features.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Both cameras are excellent—there is no “bad” choice here. The right one depends on how you shoot, what features matter most, and what your budget and future plans are.

• If you shoot a lot, travel, carry your camera often, or just want strong stills + occasional video → the A7 III is still a very strong choice.

• If you’re creating content that demands modern video features, higher resolution, and want to maximise future-proofing → the A7 IV is the better step.

Reflect on your workflow, lens collection (or planned purchases), what type of content you produce, and how long you plan to keep the body—then select the camera that aligns best with you.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Sony A7 IV — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Sony A7 III — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

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