Sony Alpha A7R III vs Sony Alpha A7R IV
Sony Alpha A7R III has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the Alpha A7R IV is better for landscapes, wildlife.
Choose the Alpha A7R III for
- a lighter body (657g vs 665g)
- a lower price (from £674)
Choose the Alpha A7R IV for
- more resolution (61MP vs 42MP)
- a newer design (2019)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A7R III | Alpha A7R IV |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 42MP | Full frame, 61MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | Sony FE (full frame) |
| Released | 2017 | 2019 |
| Burst | 10 fps | 10 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 32,000 | 32,000 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 657 g | 665 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Sony NP-FZ100 |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £674–849 | £999–1,269 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 105 (82 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | Alpha A7R IV |
| Wildlife & animals | Alpha A7R IV |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the Sony E / FE mount, so lenses move between them. They share the same battery (Sony NP-FZ100).
Alpha A7R III compatible lenses → · Alpha A7R IV compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A7R III better than the Sony Alpha A7R IV?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A7R III offers a lighter body (657g vs 665g), a lower price (from £674); the Alpha A7R IV offers more resolution (61MP vs 42MP), a newer design (2019).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A7R III or the Alpha A7R IV?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 30p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A7R III or the Alpha A7R IV?
The Alpha A7R III costs No longer sold new new and from £674 used at MPB; the Alpha A7R IV costs No longer sold new new and from £999 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A7R III lenses on the Alpha A7R IV?
Yes. Both use the Sony E / FE mount.