Specs at a glance
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?
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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
a7 IV
Atomos Ninja 5.2" 4K HDMI Recording Monitor
Atomos
Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K HDMI Recording Monitor
Atomos
RODE VideoMic NTG Hybrid Analog/USB Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
RODE
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-II SDXC Memory Card
SanDisk
SmallRig "Rhinoceros" Full Cage for Sony a7 V, a7R V & a7 IV
SmallRig
SmallRig Advanced Cage Kit for Sony a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III
SmallRig
a7S III
Atomos Ninja 5.2" 4K HDMI Recording Monitor
Atomos
Libec Rec/Stop Remote Control for Atomos Recorders/LANC Equipment
Libec
Core SWX NANO Micro 147Wh Lithium-Ion Battery (V-Mount)
Core SWX
SmallRig NP-FZ100 Kit with 2 Batteries and 2-Bay USB Charger
SmallRig
Sennheiser EW 112P G4 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (A: 516 to 558 MHz)
Sennheiser
Sony ECM-B10 Compact Camera-Mount Digital Shotgun Microphone
Sony