Sony A7 IV vs Sony A7R III – We are comparing these two cameras since the price factor of both is up to some extent. So, let’s talk about the Major core differences between the two.
Keep in mind the specification we are using here is of the latest Sony A7R IIIA Camera.
Compared to its predecessor the a7R III, the most significant improvement of the a7R IIIA is the rear LCD resolution, which jumps from 1,440,000 to 2,359,296 dots. The USB port has also been upgraded from a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C Port to a faster USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Port. Beside these two improvements, the a7R III and a7R IIIA are equal in specifications and performance.
Sony A7 IV
Sony A7R III
Lens Mount
Sony E
Sony E
Sensor Type
35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
35.9 x 24 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 34.1 Megapixel
Effective: 33 Megapixel
Actual: 43.6 Megapixel
Effective: 42.4 Megapixel (7952 x 5304)
Crop Factor
None
None
Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
3:2, 16:9
Image File Format
JPEG, Raw, HEIF
JPEG, Raw
Bit Depth
14-Bit
14-Bit
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis + Gyro Based IS
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Image Quality:
Sony A7R III Features a BSI 42.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor that works with the BIONZ X image processor to offer high-resolution stills and video while minimizing noise and improving speed.
The newly developed 33MP Exmor R full-frame sensor features a back-illuminated design that promotes high clarity, low noise, and vivid color rendering. Paired up with a more advanced BIONZ XR Image processor.
ISO Rating
100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800
100 to 32000 (Extended: 50 to 102400)
Sony A7R III additional advantage: Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, this mode shifts the sensor while making four consecutive exposures in order to acquire approximately 169.6MP
Verdict (Image Processor): For Studio Shooters: Sony A7R III – features a super high-resolution sensor, but needs more light to deliver ultimate details compared to A7 IV. If you are a wedding photographer, casual style shooter or Hybrid shooter the Sony A7 IV is made for you.
Sony A7 IV
Sony A7R III
ISO Sensitivity
Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800)
Auto, 100 to 32000 (Extended: 50 to 102400)
Shutter Speed
1/8000 to 30 Second
Bulb Mode
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode
Bulb Mode
Up to 10 fps at 33 MP for up to 828 Frames (Raw) / Unlimited Frames (JPEG)
Up to 10 fps at 42.4 MP for up to 76 Frames (Raw) / 76 Frames (JPEG)
Up to 8 fps at 42.4 MP for up to 76 Frames (Raw) / 76 Frames (JPEG)
Up to 6 fps at 42.4 MP for up to 76 Frames (Raw) / 76 Frames (JPEG)
Up to 3 fps at 42.4 MP for up to 76 Frames (Raw) / 76 Frames (JPEG)
Interval Recording
Yes
2/5/10-Second Delay
Self-Timer
2/5/10-Second Delay
Autofocus
The New BIKONZ XR image processor features a new AF Algo for advanced tracking system. Let’s have a look at the screen coverage and number of AF points we are getting in both camera.
Sony A7 IV @ 10 FPS (33 MP) JPGs or Lossy Compressed RAW.
Sony A7R III @ 10 FPS (42 MP) JPG or Uncompressed RAW
Buffer Size
Sony A7 IV Can Record up to 1,000 files (JPGs, or lossless compressed RAW).
Sony A7 III Can Record up to 76 JPGs, 76 RAW (compressed) or 30 RAW (uncompressed).
Sony A7 IV
Sony A7R III
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
Autofocus Points
Phase Detection: 759 Contrast Detection: 425
Phase Detection: 399
Contrast Detection: 425
Autofocus Sensitivity
-4 to +20 EV
-2 to +20 EV
Verdict (Autofocus): Sony A7 IV features a more advanced tracking system than the Sony A7R III camera. As well as more buffer, the best camera in-between these two is for sure the Sony A7 IV.
Faster Image Processor and Slower Speed, Why Sony?
Sony A7R III uses an older image processor Bionz X, despite that the A7R III camera is able to process a 42MP Sensor @ 10 FPS Uncompressed RAW. But, at the same time, the Sony A7 IV Camera uses a Bionz XR image processor with faster processing speed but the A7 IV speed is limited to 10FPS with lossless compressed RAW.
Sony A7 IV
Sony A7R III
Recording Modes
H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/50p/59.94p [50 to 200 Mb/s] H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/50p/59.94p [30 to 150 Mb/s] H.264/XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [240 to 600 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [89 to 222 Mb/s] XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [100 to 200 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [50 Mb/s] XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [60 to 150 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [16 to 100 Mb/s]
XAVC S
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [100 Mb/s]
HD (1280 x 720) at 100p/119.88p [50 Mb/s] AVCHD
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/59.94p [28 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/50i/59.94i [17 to 24 Mb/s] MP4
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/59.94p [28 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 25p/29.97p [16 Mb/s]
HD (1280 x 720) at 25p/29.97p [6 Mb/s]
External Recording Modes
4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50p/59.94p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i 4:2:0 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50p/59.94p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i
4:2:2 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/50i/50p/59.94i/59.94p
The A7 IV can record 4K up to 30p with no sensor crop and full pixel readout (7K Downsampled to create standard 4K 30p, 24p Video) without pixel binning (in other words, at the best quality possible).
Cropping at 4k 60p Sony A7 IV, when you will use the 50 and 60p mode in the Sony A7 IV camera, you have to face a 1.5x crop on the sensor (aka Super35/APS-C mode)
S-Cinetone can be used to deliver distinct colors and healthy-looking skin tone rendering that matches the FX9 and FX6 cameras, along with the a1 and a7S III, and is based on technology from the professional Cinema Line cameras, such as the VENICE. This color profile offers natural mid-tones, soft colors, and especially well-controlled highlights.
Gryo Based IBIS in Sony A7 IV – the A7 IV has gyro stabilization and would store metadata for the gyro which can be edited later.
Enhanced Vlogging AF Modes – Sony also added the product focusing mode, face exposure to upscale your full-frame Vlogging experience.
Sony A7R III 4k Full Sensor readout uses Pixel Binning / Lime Skipping
In full-frame mode, while recording 4k Videos at 24p and 30p, the Sony A7R III camera does line-skipping due to limited processing power. You also have a crop mode in 4K standard Video recording mode to get more details.
10 Bit Internal
You Can also record 1 hour in 4K 60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 with Sony A7 IV
No such option hin Sony A7R III
Verdict Video: Sony A7R III look weak in Video core specification and settings.
Sony A7 IV
Sony A7R III
Viewfinder Type
Electronic (OLED)
Electronic
Viewfinder Size
0.5″
0.5″
Viewfinder Resolution
3,680,000 Dot
3,686,400 Dot
Viewfinder Eye Point
23 mm
23 mm
Viewfinder Coverage
100%
100%
Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 0.78x
Approx. 0.78x
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +3
-4 to +3
The various-angle display screen is really very impressive and makes it a perfect camera for vloggers.
Full-size HDMI A port and multi-interface hot-shoe in Sony A7 IV offers a more reliable connection when working with external recorders and sony’s own accessories.
Sony A7 IV
Sony A7R III
Media/Memory Card Slot
Slot 1: CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II)
Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
HDMI A (Full Size), USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0), 3.5mm Microphone, 3.5mm Headphone
3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI D (Micro), USB Type-C (USB 3.0), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0)
Wireless
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
No
No
Size and weight
Sony A7 IV
Sony A7R III
Battery
1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 520 Shots)
1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 530 Shots)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.2 x 3.8 x 3.1″ / 131.3 x 96.4 x 79.8 mm
5 x 3.76 x 2.9″ / 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm
Weight
1.4 lb / 658 g (Body with Battery and Memory)
1.45 lb / 657 g
Final Verdict: Sony A7 IV Camera is very impressive with its core specification and is recommended for Hybrid shooters of all type, if you work in a studio only and does product and model photography then A7R III is more recommended to you.
Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III, the Sony A7R IV camera features major upgrade in the core specification of the camera. Let’s have a detailed look how Sony A7R IV camera is improved from inside to out.
1. Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III Sensor
Lens Mount
Sony E
Sony E
Camera Format
Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)
Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)
Pixels
Actual: 62.5 Megapixel
Effective: 61 Megapixel
Actual: 43.6 Megapixel
Effective: 42.4 Megapixel
Maximum Resolution
9504 x 6336
7952 x 5304
Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
3:2, 16:9
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
35.7 x 23.8 mm
35.9 x 24 mm
Image File Format
JPEG, RAW
JPEG, RAW
Bit Depth
14-Bit
14-Bit
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
2. 1.5X More Resolution
Sony A7R IV camera us using a brand new sensor, the sensor resolution is approx 1.5X more than of Sony A7R III. With 61 MP BSI CMOS sensor Sony A7R IV camera will show more details when compared to Sony A7R III.
3. 1.5X Faster Image Processor
Not only sensor the image processor of the camera is now 1.5X more faster compared to the image processer used in Sony A7R III. And due to that we will sure see some noticeable improvement in the image quality of the new camera.
4. ISO Range 50-102400
Sony engineers did a remarkable job to maintain the low-light performance of the camera. Despite of increase in the resolution (We all know as the resolution increases the photodiodes sizes gradually decreases resulting poor low light performance ) Sony A7R IV camera is able to deliver same ISO range as we have in the Sony A7R III.
5. Jpeg Image Quality Comparison
As you can clearly see the image of Sony A7R IV camera (left) have more details compared to Sony A7R III (in right).
6. Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III – Exposure
ISO Sensitivity
Auto, 100 to 32000 (Extended: 50 to 102400)
Auto, 100 to 32000 (Extended: 50 to 102400)
Shutter Speed
Mechanical Shutter
1/8000 to 30 Second
Bulb Mode
1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode
Bulb Mode
Up to 10 fps at 61 MP for up to 68 Exposures (JPEG)
Up to 10 fps at 42.4 MP for up to 76 Exposures (Raw)
Interval Recording
Yes
2/5/10-Second Delay
Self Timer
2/5/10-Second Delay
7. Buffer is also increased
Buffer of the camera is also improved upto 1.5X according to the Sony. Now despite of larger file size, the new bigger buffer can store upto 68 consecutive shots in a single burst.
8. Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III – Video
Recording Modes
XAVC S
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/24p/59.94p/100p/120p [16 to 100 Mb/s] AVCHD
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/ 59.94i [17 to 24 Mb/s]
XAVC S
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/ 59.94p/ 100p/120p [100 Mb/s]
HD (1280 x 720) at 100p/120p [50 Mb/s] AVCHD
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/ 59.94p [28 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/50i/59.94i [17 to 24 Mb/s]
External Recording Modes
4:2:2 8-Bit
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/ .97p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50i/50p/59.94i/ 59.94p
4:2:2 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/50i/50p/59.94i/59.94p
We do have slight improvement in the external video recording mode of the Sony A7R IV camera, now you can record DCI 4K video in Sony A7R IV camera which was limited to UHD 4K in Sony A7R III.
The Sony a7R IV can capture full-frame 4K oversampled from 6K, that clearly means no pixel binning and you are getting maximum image quality possible. However, Sony A7R III also uses the same process to create 4K video.
So, we don’t have any major difference in the Video quality of both the camera despite of enjoying a major specs upgrade in the still part of A7R IV.
9. Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III – AutoFocus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
Autofocus Points
Phase Detection: 567
Contrast Detection: 425
Phase Detection: 399
Contrast Detection: 425
Autofocus Sensitivity
-3 to +20 EV
-2 to +20 EV
The Autofocus sensitivity of the camera increased upto 1 stop and at the same time the Focus point are also increased upto 567, which enables more better AF coverage than Sony A7R III. The AF points of the camera cover up more than 75% of the viewable area of the screen.
10. Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III – Viewfinder and Monitor
Viewfinder Type
Electronic (OLED)
Electronic
Viewfinder Size
0.5″
0.5″
Viewfinder Resolution
5,760,000 Dot
3,686,400 Dot
Viewfinder Eye Point
23 mm
23 mm
Viewfinder Coverage
100%
100%
Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 0.78x
Approx. 0.78x
Diopter Adjustment
-4.0 to +3.0
-4.0 to +3.0
Monitor Size
3″
3″
Monitor Resolution
1,440,000 Dot
1,440,000 Dot
Monitor Type
Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Viewfinder resolution of the screen is dramatically improved, the Sony A7R IV camera now features class leading viewfinder.
11. Pixel shift (240 vs 168 MP)
The Sony A7R IV camera now features 240MP high resolution mode, the Sony A7R III was limited to 168 Megapixels only. With Sony A7R IV you will get super high resolution images and enormous amount of details compared to A7R III.
12. DSLR like Hand-grip
The handgrip of the Sony A7R IV camera is drastically improved handgrip compared to Sony A7R III, if you are DSLR user you will find Sony A7R IV camera more friendly to your hands compared to Sony A7R III.
13. physical size
Battery
1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 530 Shots)
1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 530 Shots)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.07 x 3.8 x 3.05″ / 128.9 x 96.4 x 77.5 mm
5 x 3.8 x 2.9″ / 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm
Weight
1.46 lb / 665 g
1.45 lb / 657 g
Conclusion
Sony A7R III camera arrived with major specs upgrade in still shooting part, you are getting better sensor, more AF point more improved image processor and bigger buffer compared to Sony A7R III. The video part of the camera more or less remains same. So, if you are looking for an upgrade from Sony A7R III, you should go for it if you are a still shooter.
Latest test report coming from Photons to Photos suggest that Sony A7R III camera have better dynamic range than of Panasonic S1R. While comparing the images of the two, reviewers found that Sony A7R III has an average of 1/2 stop advantage across the range compared to Panasonic S1R.
Dpreview team a in-depth comparison of all the three camera, the entire video if of 14min length so if ur in hurry. Just read the short conclusion first.
If you have less time read this
Best Image Quality – Sony A7R III Best Overall Camera – Sony A7R III Panasonic S1 /S1R – Best For Studiographers and Landscape Shooters AF is not good as Sony A7R III or Nikon Z7 If you are a Nikon Users with F Lenses, go with Nikon Z7. A excellent option with perfect balance of still and videography.
Finally, the first still High ISO test report of the Sony A7 III camera published by dpreview. Take a look at the high ISO test between Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Nikon D750 and Canon 5D Mark IV.
Sony A7 III vs Nikon D850 vs Sony A7R III vs Canon 5D Mark IV
As you can see the Sony A7R III is still a best choice for still work since you get a lot of details with high resolution sensor. Despite of having a weak filter inside the Sony A7 III camera the level of details isn’t similar to A7R III due to less resolution.
Nikon D850 is showing unusual color noise on BW image which is unacceptable. However the details are visible and moire is also very well controlled.
And finally we have the Canon 5D Mark IV camera. As we know that Canon cameras do have built-in OLPF and so we are not able to get the 100% details of a subject when compared to Camera without low-pass filter.
Sony A7 III Color noise test
As you can in this test I have kept ISO at 102400, practically I never use ISO above the 12800 in any FF DSLR / Mirrorless camera but to see the difference in test in first look results we have to set the ISO at a higher level.
As you can see clearly Sony A7R III and Nikon D850 color noise levels are well controlled compared to Sony A7 III . Despite of being a canon user for a long time, I have no hesitation is saying that Canon 5D Mk IV is suffering from a lot of color noise and loss of details.
Sony A7III is definitely one of the best camera ever announced by Sony. I do have some issue but despite if that you are getting a lot features in $2k camera.
Sony in general put whatever the best tech they have in upcoming camera. Same with the Sony A7 III, they have used the newly developed 24 MP BSI CMOS sensor and their Bionz X image processor.
Pro vlogger Max Yuryev tested out all Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A6500 and Panasonic GH5. And the result was amazing.
Sony A7 III First High ISO Test
We have recovered shadow details 25% to make easy for you to detect noise in the first look.
You can see the level of noise at ISO 12800 while all the three Sony cameras including the Sony A6500 showing excellent noise control and perfect color output.
Panasonic GH5 is not able to push ISO limit upto 25600, now one more surprise here. The Sony A7 III and Sony A6500 controlling noise better than the A7R3 camera.
WOW, Sony A7III at ISO 51200
Even at ISO 51200 the Sony A7III camera showing excellent output compared to the Sony A7R III which is limited to ISO 25600.
Pls watch this Video in a bigger monitor with a resolution higher than HD to notice the difference.
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