Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Sony
Alpha 7R III
42MP workhorse for landscape and studio before the A7R IV/V era.
$3,199
Released Oct 2017
Alpha 7 IV is 4 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
Wins
Alpha 7R III
9 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 120 frames)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 399)
- AAlpha 7 IV has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 32,000)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
Alpha 7R III
127 × 96 × 74 mm
657 g (1.45 lb / 23.18 oz)
Alpha 7 IV is 4mm wider, 1mm taller, and 6mm thicker than Alpha 7R III.
Alpha 7 IV is 1 g heavier than Alpha 7R III.
Depth (front-to-back): 80mm Alpha 7 IV · 74mm Alpha 7R III
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Alpha 7R III
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7R III
✓ 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 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 120 frames — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 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
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7R III
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 95.6, 73.7
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Resolution
42.4 MP vs 33 MP — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
650 shots vs 580 shots — higher is better
Weight
657 g vs 658 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 10 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
Alpha 7R III
Pros
- ✓42MP proven
- ✓10fps with AF
- ✓Dual slots
- ✓Great used value
Cons
- –Superseded
- –No 8K
- –Older AF
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Alpha 7 IV or Alpha 7R III?
Alpha 7 IV scores 8.0/10 versus 4.5/10 for Alpha 7R III — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R III?
Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP and Alpha 7R III is 42.4 MP, so the Alpha 7R III captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R III have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7R III has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 IV or the Alpha 7R III?
Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 7R III reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R III?
Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g and Alpha 7R III weighs 657 g, so the Alpha 7R III is 1 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R III record 4K video?
Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7R III: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 7R III weather sealed?
Alpha 7 IV: Yes. Alpha 7R III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 580 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 IV and 650 shots for the Alpha 7R III, giving the Alpha 7R III the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 IV launched at $2,499 and Alpha 7R III at $3,199. The Alpha 7 IV is $700 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.