Sony A7R IV · Body only
full-frame · 2019
Sony A7 III
full-frame · 2018
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony A7R IV · Body only lands at 88 and Sony A7 III at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Sony A7R IV · Body only if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Sony A7 III if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhoto
TieCompared on the photo sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Ergonomics
TieCompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Autofocus
Sony A7 IIICompared on the autofocus sub-score
Sony A7 III leads on autofocus (86 vs 84).
Value for money
Sony A7 IIISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony A7 III more score per dollar ($1,998 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony A7R IV · Body only | Sony A7 III |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Release year | 2019 | 2018 |
Sony A7R IV · Body only
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Sony A7 III
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Sony A7R IV · Body only vs Sony A7 III
Which is better, Sony A7R IV · Body only or Sony A7 III? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony A7R IV · Body only worth the price? +
At $3,499, Sony A7R IV · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in photo.
Is Sony A7 III worth the price? +
At $1,998, Sony A7 III delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in photo.
Does Sony A7R IV · Body only or Sony A7 III 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 A7R IV · Body only or Sony A7 III? +
Sony A7 III — leads on autofocus (86 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.
Which is the better value, Sony A7R IV · Body only or Sony A7 III? +
Sony A7 III — more score per dollar ($1,998 vs $3,499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.