Sony A7 IV vs Sony A7S III – Which One Should You Buy?

When Sony released the A7 IV and A7S III, it left many creators wondering: which one is truly better?

Both cameras share a similar design and mount, but they target slightly different audiences — the A7 IV for hybrid shooters and the A7S III for serious video professionals.

If you’re trying to decide between them, this in-depth comparison will help you figure out which one fits your needs best.

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⚙️ Key Specifications

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📸 Image Quality

The Sony A7 IV takes the lead when it comes to resolution and detail.

Its 33-megapixel sensor captures significantly more information, making it ideal for:

• Landscape photographers

• Portrait shooters

• Anyone who needs to crop or print large images

The A7S III, on the other hand, offers only 12 megapixels, but those pixels are larger and more sensitive.

That means:

• Cleaner images in low light

• Exceptional dynamic range

• Virtually no visible noise even at ISO 12800+

👉 Verdict:

• For stills → A7 IV wins

• For low-light work → A7S III wins easily

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🎥 Video Performance

This is where the A7S III truly shines.

It can record 4K at up to 120 fps with 10-bit 4:2:2 color, delivering incredibly smooth slow motion and cinematic depth.

The A7 IV isn’t far behind — it shoots 4K 60p (with a small 1.5x crop) and includes Sony’s latest color science and S-Cinetone profile.

However, the A7S III has clear advantages for professionals:

• No overheating in long takes

• Better rolling shutter control

• More robust codecs (All-Intra up to 600 Mbps)

👉 Verdict:
🎬 If video is your priority → A7S III
📸 If you shoot photo and video equally → A7 IV

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⚡ Autofocus and Performance

Both cameras feature Sony’s 759-point hybrid AF system with Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals.

In practice, they’re almost identical in speed and accuracy — lightning-fast and reliable.

Where the A7S III has a small edge is video autofocus tracking.

Its system is tuned to maintain smooth transitions during focus pulls and subject tracking in 4K 120p.

The A7 IV autofocus sometimes hesitates slightly when switching subjects in video mode, but it’s still excellent for most creators.

👉 Verdict: Draw — both are top-tier.

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🔋 Handling and Design

The two cameras share nearly identical bodies:

• Deep, comfortable grip

• Full articulating screen

• Dual card slots (CFexpress A + SD)

• High-quality magnesium alloy build

But there are subtle differences:

• A7S III: better viewfinder (9.44M dots), more tactile video controls.

• A7 IV: slightly lighter, new photo/video/S&Q switch, and improved menus.

👉 Verdict:

If you prefer a hybrid setup → A7 IV feels more balanced.
If you mainly shoot video → A7S III feels purpose-built.

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🌙 Low-Light and Dynamic Range

The A7S III dominates in low light.

Its 12MP sensor with dual native ISO delivers clean results up to ISO 12800 and even 25600 — perfect for night shoots, events, or astrophotography.

The A7 IV still performs well but shows more visible noise beyond ISO 6400.

👉 Verdict: A7S III wins for low-light performance, hands down.

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💰 Price and Value

As of 2025:

• Sony A7 IV sells for around $2,500 USD

• Sony A7S III costs roughly $3,500 USD

That’s a $1,000 difference, which is significant.

Unless you absolutely need 4K 120p and the best low-light performance, the A7 IV delivers more versatility for less money.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Sony A7S III — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

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

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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🏁 Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?

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Final Thoughts:

Both cameras are phenomenal tools, but they serve different masters.

The Sony A7 IV is a true hybrid powerhouse, ideal for 90% of creators who want high-quality photos and great video.

The A7S III, meanwhile, is a specialist — designed for serious filmmakers who push their gear to the limit.

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📷 In Short