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Sony A7 III — full-frame · 2018
Sony

Sony A7 III

full-frame · 2018

88
/ 100
From $1,998
VS
Sony A7R IV — full-frame · 2019
Sony

Sony A7R IV

full-frame · 2019

88
/ 100
From $3,499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony A7 III lands at 88 and Sony A7R IV at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Sony A7 III if…

  • ✓Current-gen AF system
  • ✓Proven lens ecosystem
  • ✓Strong video + stills balance

Pick Sony A7R IV if…

  • ✓Mature system, great used market
  • ✓Proven lens lineup
  • ✓Often on sale
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photo

Tie

Compared on the photo sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Autofocus

Sony A7 III

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony A7 III leads on autofocus (86 vs 84).

Value for money

Sony A7 III

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony A7 III more score per dollar ($1,998 vs $3,499).

Sony A7 III 88
vs
88 Sony A7R IV

Score breakdown

Sony A7 III
88
photo 88
video 84
autofocus 86
ergonomics 86
Sony A7R IV
88
photo 88
video 80
autofocus 84
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Sony A7 III versus Sony A7R IV — full spec comparison
Spec Sony A7 III Sony A7R IV
Format
full-frame
full-frame
Release year
2018
2019

Sony A7 III

Pros
  • +Current-gen AF system
  • +Proven lens ecosystem
  • +Strong video + stills balance
Cons
  • −Body price excludes lens
  • −Heavy for travel (flagship)
  • −Learning curve on menus

Sony A7R IV

Pros
  • +Mature system, great used market
  • +Proven lens lineup
  • +Often on sale
Cons
  • −Older AF system
  • −Heavier than modern mirrorless
  • −Firmware updates trailed off

FAQ: Sony A7 III vs Sony A7R IV

Which is better, Sony A7 III or Sony A7R IV? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony A7 III worth the price? +

At $1,998, Sony A7 III delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in photo.

Is Sony A7R IV worth the price? +

At $3,499, Sony A7R IV delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in photo.

Does Sony A7 III or Sony A7R IV last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for autofocus, Sony A7 III or Sony A7R IV? +

Sony A7 III — leads on autofocus (86 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.

Which is the better value, Sony A7 III or Sony A7R IV? +

Sony A7 III — more score per dollar ($1,998 vs $3,499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.