Sony
Alpha 7 III
Classic 24MP hybrid that defined the modern full-frame value proposition.
$1,999
Released Feb 2018
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Alpha 7 IV is 3.7 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 7 III
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
8 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 89 frames)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 100 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher EVF resolution (3,686,400 vs 2,359,296)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Resolution (33 MP vs 24.2 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Alpha 7 III
127 × 96 × 74 mm
650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
Alpha 7 III is 4mm narrower, 1mm shorter, and 6mm thinner than Alpha 7 IV.
Alpha 7 III is 8 g lighter than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 74mm Alpha 7 III · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 III
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7 III
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
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
Alpha 7 III
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 95.6, 73.7
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Battery life (CIPA)
710 shots vs 580 shots — higher is better
Weight
650 g vs 658 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 89 frames — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 100 Mbps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.265
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 51,200
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 7 III
Pros
- ✓Proven reliability
- ✓Great battery life
- ✓Strong value used
- ✓Dual card slots
Cons
- –Older AF vs newer bodies
- –4K 30p only
- –No 10-bit internal
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 video, Alpha 7 III or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 7.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for Alpha 7 III — 4K recording.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 III is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the Alpha 7 IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 III has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 III or the Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 III reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 III weighs 650 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the Alpha 7 III is 8 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
Alpha 7 III: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
Alpha 7 III: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 710 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 III and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the Alpha 7 III the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 III launched at $1,999 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The Alpha 7 III is $500 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.