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Sony A7 IV vs A7 III: Which one is the best for you?
You may have already noticed that many photographers have decided to switch to mirrorless cameras. Since mirrorless cameras became a thing, it has been hard to ignore Sony. They have been killing it, especially with their full-frame cameras. If you are thinking about a Sony mirrorless camera, I am sure you noticed the Sony A7 IV and the Sony A7 III.
With each new release, I wonder if I need to upgrade or if my current camera is still capable. And which one offers the best balance between price and performance? Let’s look at what we love and what we don’t love about them. I hope it’s going to help you find an answer to your questions.
Why should I choose a Sony mirrorless camera?
Let’s find out why people fall in love with Sony mirrorless cameras. Their full-frame range, especially the Alpha series known for its outstanding image quality. Also for compact design, and super fast autofocus. Sony cameras are designed to fit a wide range of photography styles. Whether you are shooting landscapes, portraits, or wildlife, there’s a camera for you.
Things are a little more complicated since the A7 IV was released. If you are thinking of upgrading from an older model, the decision can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back; I’m here to help you make a decision.
Sony A7 IV vs A7 III: What is new and what is different?
How do they compare? Of course, the A7 IV is the latest on the market. But the real question is which one suits you best. We will compare the following aspects: resolution, autofocus, video performance, and price. I hope you’ll have a better understanding.
Resolution and image quality:
Sony A7 IV comes with a powerful 33MP sensor, which is an impressive jump from its older brother A7 III’s 24MP. This allows for more flexibility and more detail. You can zoom in and crop your images and still have a good quality photograph. And it offers a good balance, sharpness, crucial for commercial work, but not too much to end up with huge RAW files.
Sony A7 III has a 24MP sensor, good enough for most shooting scenarios. It has an excellent resolution for everyday photography. But it feels a little underwhelming compared to the A7 IV and A7.
Autofocus and speed.
Sony A7 IV has only 759 AF points, but there is nothing to worry about. It’s fast, accurate, and serves you well even in sports photography. The eye autofocus and real-time tracking are excellent, and it is still reliable and intuitive.
Sony A7 III, of course, has lower AF points: 693, but it gets the job done. Reliable performance, despite the fact that it is not as fancy as the A7 IV. The downside is that it struggles a bit in low-light environments.
Video capabilities.
Sony A7 IV is a strong contender for videography. 4K 60fps and 10-bit colour depth are more than enough for many videographers. It is a high quality and versatile camera. It is a good fit if you want a camera that can handle photography and videography smoothly.
Sony A7 III is showing its weaknesses, with 4K 30fps and 8-bit colour. But still capable of delivering favorable results. Sony A7 III feels limited in performance compared to its newer brother.
About the camera price: Is the sony A7 IV worthy of its high price tag?
The price is a major factor in deciding which camera you should buy. The Sony A7 IV costs approximately £2,100. And is stuffed with enough features that serve most photographers for several years. It’s an affordable option without compromising quality or performance.
Sony A7 III is available on Amazon for £1,500. It’s budget friendly, but compared to A7 IV, it feels a little bit dated.
Which one is right for your needs?
We clarified the differences between the A7 IV and A7 III. Now let’s find out which one is a better choice for your needs.
Who should buy Sony A7 IV?
For those professionals who want performance and are serious about their work, the Sony A7 IV is a great choice, and it is a versatile camera. The A7 IV is packed with premium features. It is accurate, reliable, and intuitive.
Who should buy Sony A7 III?
Sony A7 III is an affordable choice. The newcomers who are looking for a full frame camera, despite it being quite old. If you don’t need the latest video performance, then the Sony A7 III is wonderful without breaking the bank.
If you are interested in a more performant camera, please see our article about the Sony A7R V. In there we describe the pros and cons, which can be helpful and give you a broader view.
For more specification, please visit the official Sony website.