If you’re trying to decide between the Sony A7 III and Sony A7 IV, you’re not alone. These two full-frame mirrorless cameras have set the bar for hybrid shooters—offering powerful performance for both photography and video at a reasonable price.
But with the A7 IV being a newer, more expensive model, is it really worth the upgrade from the A7 III? In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and help you decide which camera best fits your needs in 2025.
Quick Overview: Sony A7 III vs A7 IV
| Feature | Sony A7 III | Sony A7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | March 2018 | October 2021 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 33MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ XR (8x faster) |
| Autofocus Points | 693 phase-detect | 759 phase-detect |
| Eye AF (Human/Animal) | Yes / No (via firmware) | Yes / Yes (Real-time) |
| ISO Range | 100–51,200 (expandable) | 100–51,200 (expandable) |
| Video | 4K 30fps (8-bit) | 4K 60fps (10-bit 4:2:2) |
| LCD Screen | Tilting, 922k dots | Fully articulating, 1.04M dots |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M dots | 3.68M dots |
| Dual Card Slots | 2x SD (UHS-II) | 1x CFexpress A + 1x SD |
| Price (as of 2025) | ~$1,700 | ~$2,400 |
Image Quality: Resolution & Sensor
The Sony A7 III features a 24.2MP sensor, which delivers excellent image quality and dynamic range, especially in low-light conditions. It’s been the gold standard for enthusiasts and professionals since its release.
The A7 IV, on the other hand, brings a 33MP BSI sensor, offering more resolution for cropping or large prints—without sacrificing much in terms of noise performance. While the difference between 24MP and 33MP isn’t massive, it does offer more flexibility, especially for landscape and studio photographers.
Verdict:
- A7 III: Still excellent for most shooters
- A7 IV: Better detail and future-proofing
Speed & Performance
The BIONZ XR processor in the Sony A7 IV is about 8x faster than the older BIONZ X in the A7 III. This improves:
- Startup time
- Buffer clearing
- Autofocus tracking
- Real-time Eye AF performance
The A7 IV also features lossless RAW compression, which gives you high-quality files at smaller sizes—something the A7 III lacks.
Verdict:
- A7 IV is faster, smoother, and more responsive across the board.
Video Capabilities: A Huge Leap Forward
If you’re a content creator or hybrid shooter, the Sony A7 IV is the clear winner.
| Feature | Sony A7 III | Sony A7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 4K 30fps | 4K 60fps (in Super35) |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit | 10-bit 4:2:2 |
| S-Log3 | Yes | Yes (better color depth) |
| H.265 / All-Intra | No | Yes |
| Focus Breathing Compensation | No | Yes |
| Fully Articulating Screen | No | Yes |
With 10-bit internal recording, the A7 IV delivers much more color grading flexibility, making it ideal for YouTubers, filmmakers, and vloggers. The fully-articulating screen is also a game-changer for video and self-recording.
Verdict:
- A7 IV wins by a mile for video features and flexibility.
Autofocus & Subject Tracking
Both cameras offer excellent autofocus, but the A7 IV pulls ahead thanks to Sony’s latest Real-Time Tracking and improved Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds, even during video.
- A7 III Eye AF: Humans only (via firmware update)
- A7 IV Eye AF: Humans + animals + birds, in both photo and video
You’ll especially notice the difference when tracking moving subjects or shooting wildlife.
Verdict:
- A7 IV is more reliable and intelligent in challenging AF scenarios
Battery Life & Usability
Both use the high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery, which gives great battery life (approx. 610 shots per charge). However, the A7 IV has better thermal management, so it’s less likely to overheat during long video shoots.
The A7 IV also introduces:
- Touch menu navigation
- New Quick Function (Fn) menu
- More customizable buttons
These improvements enhance the shooting experience significantly.
Connectivity
The A7 IV adds modern features like:
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 for faster tethering and file transfers
- Full HDMI port (vs. micro HDMI on A7 III)
- Live streaming support (UVC/UAC)
- Improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Great for professionals who want to stream directly from the camera or transfer large files quickly.
Should You Upgrade from the A7 III to the A7 IV?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| You Should Stick With A7 III If… | You Should Get A7 IV If… |
|---|---|
| You’re mostly a photographer | You shoot both photo and video |
| You’re on a tighter budget | You want the latest video features |
| You don’t need Eye AF for animals or birds | You shoot wildlife or sports |
| You already own supporting gear | You want CFexpress speed and future-proofing |
Final Thoughts: Sony A7 III vs Sony A7 IV
The Sony A7 IV is a powerful and well-rounded upgrade that improves nearly every aspect of the A7 III—from resolution and autofocus to video quality and usability. It’s especially ideal for hybrid creators who demand strong performance in both photo and video.
However, the Sony A7 III still remains a fantastic camera in 2025. If you can find it at a discount, it still delivers incredible value and image quality, especially for photographers.
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