Decision tools · Compare
A7R IV vs A7S III
Quick take: The A7R IV has the highest resolution at 61MP; the A7R IV is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Sony
A7S III 2020
Best for Professional video & low-light filmmaking
£3389
new today at Clifton Cameras
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
A7R IV — Landscape, Studio, Commercial: 61MP in a mirrorless body — the resolution benchmark.
A7S III — Professional Video & Low-Light Filmmaking: If video is your primary discipline, the A7S III is the camera. 4K/120p at 10-bit in a weather-sealed body with a 9.44M dot EVF is an extraordinary package. The 12MP sensor isn't limiting for video — and it's usable at ISO 409,600 in a pinch.
Who should buy what
A7R IV (2019)
is the right camera for you if…
- Landscape photographers who print large
- Studio shooters needing maximum detail
A7S III (2020)
is the right camera for you if…
- Filmmakers and videographers who need 4K/120p at 10-bit
- Event videographers who shoot in dark venues regularly
- Documentary filmmakers who need reliable AF and weather sealing
- Hybrid shooters where video is primary and stills are secondary
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | A7R IVSony · 2019 | A7S IIISony · 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,199Best | £3,389 |
| Sensor | Full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS 35mm | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS (12-bit, back-illuminated) |
| Resolution | 61.0MPBest | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K 30fps | 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | 567-point phase-detect, real-time tracking | Phase-detect, 759 points, real-time Eye AF (human & animal), subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | 5.5-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 10fps mechanical |
| Battery Life | 670 shots (CIPA)Best | ~600 shots (CIPA) / ~70min continuous 4K recording |
| Weight | 665g (body only)Best | 699g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 128.9 × 96.4 × 77.5mm | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.78× 5.76M-dot | OLED EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification — best EVF Sony has made |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.44M-dot | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.44M dots |
| Mount | Sony E-Mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II (both slots) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5GHz, Bluetooth 4.1, USB-C 3.2 | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
A7R IV
A7S III
Portrait
8.1/10
7.5/10
Street
6.2/10
6.2/10
Travel
6.4/10
6.2/10
Wedding & Events
7.8/10
7.5/10
Filmmaking
6.4/10
8.2/10
Documentary
6.9/10
7.7/10
Sports & Action
7.4/10
7.4/10
Landscape
7.9/10
5.5/10
Wildlife
7.7/10
7.5/10
Casual
4.8/10
4.9/10
Food
7.4/10
6.8/10
Macro
6.5/10
5.8/10
Architecture
8.1/10
5.5/10
Astrophotography
6.9/10
7.8/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.1/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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