Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Released May 2023
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Q3 is 1.6 years newer.
Wins
Q3
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
1 categories tied
Check current prices
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TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Burst (mechanical) (10 fps vs 4 fps)
- AQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- AQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 51,200)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
Q3 is 1mm narrower and 16mm shorter than Alpha 7 IV but it is also 12mm thicker.
Q3 is 85 g heavier than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Sensor size, to scale
Q3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q3: mount data unavailable
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Q3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 51,200 — higher is better
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 33 MP — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,686,400 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
15 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds ProRes
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Burst (mechanical)
10 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
AA filter
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
In-body stabilization
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Q3
Pros
- ✓60MP full-frame
- ✓Summilux 28mm lens
- ✓Built like a tank
- ✓Unique aesthetic
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
- –No interchangeable system
Alpha 7 IV
Pros
- ✓33MP — more detail for cropping and print
- ✓10-bit 4K 60p (Super35 crop) / 4K 30p full-frame
- ✓Full-size HDMI port
- ✓759 phase-detect AF points
Cons
- –4K 60p requires Super35 crop
- –10fps burst lags behind R6 II at 40fps
- –Complex menu system
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for vlogging, Q3 or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 8.0/10 versus 3.0/10 for Q3 — Fully articulating screen — see yourself while filming.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 and Alpha 7 IV?
Q3 is 60.3 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q3 and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
Q3 does not have IBIS, while alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 or the Alpha 7 IV?
Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 and Alpha 7 IV?
Q3 weighs 743 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the Alpha 7 IV is 85 g lighter.
Do the Q3 and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q3 and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
Q3: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Q3 and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the Alpha 7 IV the edge.
How much does each cost?
Q3 launched at $5,995 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The Alpha 7 IV is $3,496 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica and Sony press materials.