← All comparisons

Camera faceoff

a7 IV vs a7S III

Sony

Specs at a glance

Spec
Category
mirrorless
mirrorless
Sensor
Full-Frame CMOS
Full-Frame CMOS
Sensor Size
35.9 x 23.9 mm
35.6 x 23.8 mm
Megapixels
33
12.1
Mount
Sony E
Sony E
Max Resolution
4K UHD (3840x2160)
4K UHD (3840x2160)
Max Frame Rate
120fps @ 1080p
240fps @ 1080p
Codec
XAVC S-I, XAVC HS, XAVC S, H.265
XAVC S-I, XAVC HS, XAVC S, H.265, H.264
Dynamic Range
15 stops
15 stops
ISO Range
ISO 50–204800
ISO 40–409600
ND Filter
No
Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Autofocus
Phase-detect, 759 points
Phase-detect, 759 points
Log / Gamma
HDR-HLG, Sony S-Log 2, Sony S-Log 3
HDR-HLG, Sony S-Log 2, Sony S-Log 3
Battery
1x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Included)<br>• Approx. 520 Shots
1x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Included)<br>• Approx. 510 Shots
Weight
658g
614g
MSRP
$2,499
$3,499

Summary

Choose the a7S III for professional video production where extreme low-light performance and uncropped 4K 120p are paramount. Opt for the a7 IV if you need a versatile hybrid camera excelling in both high-resolution stills and capable video, with its advanced autofocus system.

Which would you pick?

Vote once per day — come back tomorrow to vote again.

vs

Highlights

a7 IV

  • Sensor & Image Science: 33MP full-frame sensor for high-resolution stills and detailed video.
  • Codecs & Formats: Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording for robust grading.
  • Tools & Usability: Advanced Real-time Tracking AF for reliable subject tracking in stills and video.

a7S III

  • Sensor & Image Science: 12.1MP sensor with exceptional low-light performance and 15 stops of dynamic range.
  • Codecs & Formats: Internal 4K 120p without crop and XAVC S-I for high-quality intra-frame recording.
  • I/O & Connectivity: Full-size HDMI port for reliable external monitor/recorder connections.

The trade-off

Choosing the a7 IV means giving up uncropped 4K 120p and the superior low-light capabilities of the a7S III. Choosing the a7S III means giving up the higher 33MP resolution for stills.

Best for…

Hybrid Photo/Video Shooters

Sony a7 IV

excellent balance of high-resolution stills and capable video.

Dedicated Low-Light Video

Sony a7S III

unmatched performance in challenging lighting conditions.

Professional Video Production

Sony a7S III

uncropped 4K 120p and robust internal codecs.

Event Photography/Videography

Sony a7 IV

versatile for both stills and video with reliable AF.

What to pair it with

Updated 2/25/2026