Are you looking for a professional-grade mirrorless camera that can elevate your photography game? The Sony Alpha 7R III Vs Alpha 7 IV are two of the best options in the market. But which one is better suited for your needs? In this article, we’ll do a comprehensive comparison of the two cameras to help you make an informed decision.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are Sony Alpha 7R III and Alpha7 IV?
- How is the Design of Sony Alpha 7R III and Alpha7 IV?
- How is the Sensor in Sony Alpha 7R III and Alpha7 IV?
- How is the Autofocus Performance of Sony Alpha 7R III and Alpha7 IV?
- How is the Video Capability in Sony Alpha 7R III and Alpha7 IV?
- How is the Battery Life of Sony Alpha 7R III and Alpha7 IV?
- Which Camera to Buy?
| Sony Alpha 7R III | Sony Alpha 7 IV | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 5 x 3.87 x 3 inches | 10.6 x 6.5 x 6.7 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.45 Pounds | 2.1 Pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon |
About Sony Alpha 7R III and Alpha 7 IV
The Sony a7 IV is the latest iteration of Sony’s a7 full-frame mirrorless camera series. It boasts significant improvements in autofocus and interface design since the launch of its predecessor, the a7 III, in February 2018. The a7 IV features upgrades in every specification, from the sensor resolution and viewfinder to advanced video capture options. The camera’s new 33MP BSI-CMOS sensor marks a departure from the 24MP sensor used in the a7 III, as well as those found in competing Panasonic and Nikon models. Overall, the Sony a7 IV is the most advanced version of the a7 series to date.
The Sony Alpha 7R III is an older mirrorless digital camera designed for professional and advanced amateur photographers who demand high resolution and performance. The camera features a 42.4-megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor, 10 frames per second continuous shooting, 399-point phase-detection autofocus system, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, 4K video recording, and a range of other advanced features. The Sony Alpha 7R III is particularly well-suited for photographers who need a high-resolution camera for landscape, portrait, and studio photography. Read also: Sony Alpha 7R III Vs Sony Alpha A7 III here.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and handling, the Sony Alpha 7R III and 7 IV are quite similar. Both cameras feature a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, which makes them durable and resistant to the elements. Additionally, both cameras have a comfortable grip and intuitive button layout, making them easy to handle and control.
However, there are a few differences worth noting. The Sony Alpha 7 IV is slightly larger and heavier than the 7R III, which may be a factor for some photographers. Additionally, the 7 IV features an articulating rear screen instead of tilting on the 7R III. However, somehow the resolution is lower on this new camera and as for the weight, both are relatively light at around 650 grams with the battery.
Sensor and Image Quality
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a camera is its sensor and image quality. Both the Sony Alpha 7R III and 7 IV feature a full-frame sensor, which is larger than the APS-C sensor found in many other mirrorless cameras. This means that both cameras offer excellent image quality, with sharp details and accurate colors.
However, the Sony Alpha 7R III has a higher resolution sensor than the 7 IV, with a 44-megapixel sensor compared to the 33-megapixel sensor found in the latter. This means that the 7R III is capable of capturing more detail and producing larger prints than the 7R III. In real life, the new camera produces the same details and very similar color processing from Sony.
Autofocus System
Another important factor to consider is autofocus. Both the Sony Alpha 7R III and 7 IV feature Sony’s advanced autofocus system, which uses 399 phase-detection autofocus points and 425 contrast-detection autofocus points to provide fast and accurate autofocus. However, the Alpha 7 IV improves the autofocus by adding 759-autofocus points covering 94% of the sensor which also helps the performance in real life especially when hunting and sticking to the subject. Check our other comparison in: Sony Alpha 7S III VS 7R IV here.
Video Features
If you’re into videography, both cameras offer excellent video capabilities. They can shoot 4K video at up to 30fps and 1080p video at up to 120fps. They also have S-log and HLG profiles for maximum dynamic range and color grading flexibility. However, the 7 IV has a few advantages over the 7R III when it comes to video. It can shoot oversampled 4K video, resulting in sharper and more detailed footage. It also has real-time eye autofocus for video, making it easier to keep your subject in focus during video recording.
Battery Life
The Sony Alpha 7R III and 7 IV both use the same NP-FZ100 battery, with the 7R III having a slightly better battery life. It can shoot up to 650 shots per charge, while the 7 IV can shoot up to 530 shots per charge with the LCD screen and up to 670 shots per charge with the EVF.
Conclusion
The Sony Alpha 7 IV is a good choice for hybrid users, with a higher resolution sensor, updated image processing engine, and more advanced autofocus system. This camera is newer so you can expect the newest technology from Sony and for those who often record videos, the Alpha 7 IV already records 10-bit videos versus 8-bit on the older variant.