Sony a7RIV vs a7RIII: Overview | 4K

Sony a7RIV vs a7RIII: Overview | Photographer Dustin Abbott shares a detailed overview of what has stayed the same, what has changed, and what should have changed from the Sony a7RIII to the a7RIV. | Visit the image gallery: bit.ly/a7RIVig | Purchase the Sony a7RIV @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/2nUgnno | Amazon amzn.to/2oGpVD1 | Amazon Canada amzn.to/2mY8UDW | Amazon UK amzn.to/2n9GWF3 | Amazon Germany amzn.to/2nXhene | Ebay bit.ly/a7RIVda
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Keywords: Sony a7R IV, Sony a7riv, Sony a7r4, Sony a7RIV, Sony A7r IV Review, a7riv review, Sony, A7R IV, a7r 4, Review, 61MP, Hands On, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Handling, Battery Life, Canon EOS R, Sony a7rIII, Video Test, Sigma 14-25mm F2.8 DN, Tamron 17-28mm F2.8, Sigma 35mm F1.2, Focus, Burst Rate, Tracking, Sports, Portraits, Resolution, High ISO, Image Quality, Sample Images, Photography, 201p, Ergonomics, Sigma MC-11, Metabones, Vello, Sony a9

[@hallamphoto]

I picked an A7RIV and Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 last week and have been shooting a lot of night/milky way images with the pair. This is my first Sony camera and first mirrorless body. Coming from 13 years of Canon DSLR experience I am extremely pleased with the image quality and auto focus. As far as the people who are saying the resolution and image size is useless... Well they're probably right. It's useless for them. I make a living from selling prints at art shows and the huge files and massive print capabilities of this camera are welcome in my book! Thanks for all your great content and in depth reviews!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There are definitely people that need high resolution...but even they don't necessarily need it for every shot. I want the high resolution, but I also want the ability to dial it down when needed.

[@hallamphoto]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes. A small and medium RAW option like Canon has would be excellent. You can sorta achieve that with aps-c mode but it's unfortunate to have the X1.5 crop in every situation. I wonder if small and medium RAW options could be added with firmware or if there is a hardware limitation for some reason?

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

@@hallamphoto I've been writing image processing software for 20+ years and I can tell you it's definitely a software issue. Why? Because first, the resize is fast in software, but also, even if it were slow, it would not be a problem because it wouldn't slow down the shooting process, as the resizing only needs to happen when clearing the buffer, so, after the shots, so the only possible drawback would be a slightly reduced card writing speed, but in reality, it would clear the buffer even faster because the slightly wasted time spent on resizing the raw would be met with a massive file size reduction, which would help the buffer clear a lot faster.

[@martingranger40]

Very comprehensive comparison - thank you for taking the time to make it - well done.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@petripuurunen2491]

Excellent review! First real one with information about differencies on ergonomics and daily use.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad to help out.

[@john23232]

I look forward for the next videos on this subject :-) I'm very interested about your results for Samyang lenses, I'm a bit scared about the jump on the resolution and if they can keep up, and about their AF with this new Sony. Thanks for doing those videos ! The content is always matured enough to be relevant.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I wouldn't worry too much about Samyang. If a lens is sharp, it isn't going to get soft on a higher res body (the a7RIII that I've tested those on are already high-rez)

[@davecurtis8833]

Great comparison review. The best Ive seen yet. I like the way you take the effort to reply to peoples comments. This is another positive point of difference for your channel. I like the A7R4 up tick in ergonomics and EVF however most of the time I dont require 61MP and this limitation not to add a MP reduction may stop me from upgrading from the A7R3.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is why I think it is imperative that Sony figure out the MRAW option.

[@DrTarekahmad]

As always very thorough and extensive comparison. A real photographer that doesn't just read the spec sheet. I upgraded from the rII to the rIII and i think i will wait for the next generation and get more lenses instead.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the feedback. The RIII continues to be an excellent camera.

[@k20a2009]

Some of the best reviews DA!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@rustamhaydarov5403]

Nice overview, thanks a lot!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@daltonrandall4348]

This was the best comparison between these two cameras I have found. Bravo.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

thank you. Glad it helped.

[@pippycrystal5786]

I’ve had no regret so far selling my a7r3 for the a7r4. Those shots though at 9:09 reminded me how good that milvus 135 is; was so good on the canon 5d mark 4 back when I was using canon. Thanks Dustin.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a beautiful match for the high resolution of the R4.

[@naturealbums]

This is one I'm very interested in for wildlife Mark Smiths recent coverage on the A7R4 has got me totally obsessed with getting it asap, you've done a great job of covering the necessary things look forward to the next episode before I put my order in. I'm really happy the MC11 works well as I got a load of Canon lenses I won't depart from. Thanks love you're in depth unbiased approach.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad its helping!

[@lomarvgc1580]

I would wait and see what the a74 would do unless you need the mp

[@MichaelAlanNYC]

The R4 apparently has more noise than the R3, and my R3 clearly has more noise than my 6500 at the same ISO. For bird photography, often with a canopy, the ISO was already a challenge with the R3. So even if the AF is now ideal, I fear the R4 will disappoint since it's reported more noisy at 1600

[@Apollohistory11]

Excellent run-down on the A7RIII vs VI - thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@kevinturner7618]

Great comparison and content - thank you. I sold my A7R III and A6400 and ordered A7R IV and a A7 III. I shoot birds mainly and between these 2 bodies, I have the resolution when the light allows and a great low light camera for when I need it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a nice combo. The only downside will be that you'll see a huge difference between the viewfinders.

[@kevinturner7618]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes - that's a downside but I'll be able to live with it. I was hoping Sony would do a pro/prosumer crop body like the A9, but A7R IV seems to be the current best option for crop at 26MP. I was not a fan of the ergonomics of the A6XXX cameras for what I do, even though I did add an aftermarket grip.

[@Shadow81989]

The continued lack of touch functionality in the menus just kills Sony for me. It's the small things... Canon has had it for ages, Nikon has it for a few years already, just Sony refuses to change their software to accept (the already available!) touch input for anything useful. I simply don't understand why you would dumb down your cameras by not making use of the built-in touch screen. You can take great pictures with any high end camera, but the workflow is where the biggest differences between the companies are. So as to not make this a Sony-bash: They do have some great features, these are just mostly things that I personally don't use. You said it completely right: Sony is good at innovation, but sometimes they just don't address obvious problems that the competition solved ages ago.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Well, you know that I already agree with you, though to me the Sony strengths are enough to get my business.

[@MonroesArtStudio]

I like fully flippable screens like Canon does now. It's a big issue for me as I use it a lot. It's keeping me fenced thinking about losing that

[@klackon1]

Thanks Dustin. I picked mine up yesterday having part exchanged my A9 and A7III for it. Took it out today in some rare sunshine for some wildlife photography. My initial thoughts are that it is the almost perfect camera for me (I don't do video). The 61MP and 26MP look terrific through the viewfinder (my new PC won't arrive until next week and my current PC can't handle the files). Though I would like a touch screen to match my old Olympus EM1 mark II, all in all, I am very pleased with my A7RIV and part exchanging my A9 and A7III for one was the right move for me.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's quite the move. I'm glad you like it.

[@saintmovies7735]

Dustin Abbott Yeah that sure is....I would not have taken that route....love my A9 and A7III (and now A7IV); but as long as he’s happy - that’s what matters

[@klackon1]

@@saintmovies7735. It took me 6 weeks to decide: I came to realise that less than 10% of my bird images are of birds in flight and less than 1% are of really fast Swallows and Martins dipping into a stream. Less than 1% of my dragonfly images are in flight. So, I decided to take detail over speed. I was still able to capture a dragonfly in flight today with my A7RIV, along with a Jay that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. My A7III was used solely for macro and my A7RIV will provide for better resolution. I don't require the better low light performance as I use flash.

[@saintmovies7735]

pete draper Makes sense for your purposes....just steep. For me all three have a role in my workflow. The A7III and A9 are my main cameras for wedding and most events. The A7IV replaced my Canon 5DSR for the studio, landscape, and other more deliberately slow paced photography where the extra pixels come in handy

[@longdoo1]

I waiting for real high resolution sensor full frame for many years. It should be useful for my macro photography. Thanks Dustin for your conclusions.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It should be great for that.

[@mikezupancic2182]

Very comprehensive review so far. Was wondering if you might be able to test it with "sports" (running) for AF performance? With the 10FPS and their claim of A9 like AF the entire time I am looking at adding it as a compliment to my Canon 1Dx with the MC-11 adapter. .

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm planning to. I'll compare it to the a7RIII and (hopefully) my a9 which should arrived this week.

[@bnr32vs]

Great overview. Trying to decide on this or the S1R... Thoughts?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

None, really, as I'm not familiar with the S1R.

[@gitithadani]

I bought the R4 & sold the R2 & will sell the a6500. I bought it for the new sensor-processor & viewfinder & am loving it. It is not just the extra megapixels its the subtle extra resolution-detail thatI am getting from all my lenses - both native & vintage. For manual work the viewfinder gives that extra for last minute precision. Basically the large sensor has the ability to give a lens tele field of views. JPG is also capable of a lot of post processing & the JPG in camera processing has improved. Its a very versatile complete camera

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't spent much time with JPEGs yet, but I'll explore that.

[@peterlemke3468]

Well delivered overview thanks Dustin. Two things l noted about the a7RIV. Firstly the number of available aspect ratios in camera has gone from 2 to 4. About time and big tick Sony. Secondly why does this high MP camera only have SD UHS ll card slots? The large file sizes and buffer really demand something better such as XQD, CFexpress etc.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I see your latter point, though at this point having both slots UHS-II compatible is progress.

[@doubledee88]

Excellent camera review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@Canadapt]

My link to my phone for GPS on my A7III used to be 'intermittent' as you noted but of late it has been perfect. Perhaps a firmware update improved it or an app update, in any case, it is a welcome improvement.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It has improved, though you do need to occasionally close and restart the app as it doesn't always automatically pick up.

[@grsamael]

Thank you Dustin, always subjective and true! Cant wait for your sensor performance conclusions, but from the RAW images i saw so far, noise is quite obvious even at 100 ISO. Curious if downsampling to a "mere" 42MP produces same results as the MkIII for example.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm surprised that I don't see more of an advantage with downsampled images, actually, but I don't.

[@bhupinderkumar9106]

I second you observation, there is lot of hype but my A7RIII is much better in terms of noise

[@AndySomething]

I just ordered the A7iii last night. The A7iv is a great looking camera but I dont think I will upgrade again until there is global shutter in the sony bodies.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The a7III is a great value

[@longdoo1]

Interesting comments, yes global shutter for mk5.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Global shutters are coming, but for lower resolutions first. That will be the last step necessary to have a 100% electronic camera.

[@BoredErica]

My guess is they will fix the menu in some future version and that will be one of the selling points, like the grip here. I don't really understand people who criticize the a7r4 because the resolution is to high. Isn't that the entire point of the a7r series? Ability to downsize is something else entirely.

[@AndySomething]

After watching Tony Northrup's recent video on how many megapixals you need for printing, I dont think 60mp is overkill at all.

[@joselara4392]

@@AndySomething same thing I thought after watching that.

[@hedydd2]

Wedding photographers need not spend the extra money over an A7III. It has more than good enough resolution for this purpose and excellent low light performance as well.

[@saintmovies7735]

Huw Williams I partially agree. My A9 and A7III are my workhorses for Weddings, but I plan to bring along the A7IV on the occasion I can’t get close enough for the shot - those mpix paired with my 70-200 will give me the reach....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Saint - I think what you are saying is the one exception to the rule. The ability to deeply crop when you don't have a lens to do the job is the one area where a wedding photographer could benefit. But having an MRAW or SRAW option would make the camera so much more useful for wedding photographers.

[@SB-hj9ue]

Dustin, are you using the same custom color settings you developed with the a7riii model with this camera as well? The colors on the rIV appear to be slightly cooler to me straight out of the camera. I was just wondering if your awesome settings are needed or applicable with this latest model too. Thanks a lot!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't worked at any serious profiling yet, as it has been too soon. Everything you see in the image galleries will be with presets developed for the a7RIII. What I'm finding so far is that the a7RIV delivers a little better light sensitivity (a slightly brighter image) but not much difference in color that I can tell...but I will go more seriously at that.

[@dans.8198]

Great overview ! But what about the menu system ? Did they make it any more rational ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's pretty much identical to 3rd gen bodies from what I can tell.

[@micr75i]

Great review, look forward to the next parts. Regarding the "Small RAW" missing feature: I agree that it would be useful but you can also use Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) to create a reduced resolution DNG file. Not as practical but it's an option in some cases.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You can do just about anything in post; that is no substitute for reducing file sizes in camera to more practical resolution. The problem for Sony is that Canon and Nikon have allowed shooters to do this for a very long time.

[@micr75i]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks a lot! On the subject of RAW files, could you find out whether shooting Compressed Raw in Burst mode still results in 12 bits files instead of the standard 14 bits files? I am pretty sure this is the case on the A7R3 but information about this are hard to find.

[@VelvetBulldozer]

Hello Dustin. Do you have any high ISO comparison between the two cams. Thanks you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's part of the Sensor Wars episode that will be coming tomorrow.

[@frankwolff2903]

Dustin, you mentioned indoor reviews that a major drawback to 61 meg files is that there's no other sizes available through the camera. Is this a feature that could be implemented through software updates or does it need to be a hardware update (A7R 4.5). Thanks, Frank W.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't actually know the answer to that. I suspect that it might be possible to do it via firmware, but then again, I fully expected Sony to implement such a change in the RIII by firmware at some point. They might get some pressure if the new Canon R5 arrives with higher resolution and an MRAW option.

[@actionphotopassion5082]

I'm glad to see that Sony has finally decided to use the same door system for memory cards as the one they have on their FF A-mount bodies. Probably the rear screen for the next iteration

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It just makes so much sense

[@PeterPapoulakos]

For adapting canon lenses would you recommend the mc-11 over the metabones v.5. I intend to eventually buy native Sony if I end up sticking the the system but not quite ready to sell of all my canon gear.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've been most please with the MC-11 of all adapters. I feel like Sigma has been really proactive in updating it and that it delivers the best broad performance (some lenses work better with specific adapters, but the MC-11 is the best all-round option)

[@PeterPapoulakos]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks!

[@theredlemon]

Is there a firmware update for the sony yet? Or are you using Version 1.0 ? Just got my AR7 IV and i don't know if there is an update...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't see any firmware available.

[@GioFar]

Great insight, there is something I've been wondering and cannot find anywhere, if I shoot in crop mode with a full frame lens, how the lens distortion work on program such as lightroom and capture one? Does it take into consideration the fact that you are using just a part of the lens or I will still use the full distortion map?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a good question. I think the answer must be that the software adjusts, as I've not seen any issue with this.

[@GioFar]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for the answer, I actually totally forgot that I have the crop mode on my a7III, probably because it's too low-res for my work, I just tried to take a shot from a tripod in normal mode and one crop mode, then in lightroom cropped down to make them the same, the one shoot in crop mode actually has a different correction applied, but still look way better than without correcting, and pulling the distortion slider back around 60/65 instead of full 100, they are quite the same.

[@ImadogGarcia]

Do you still have the a7r1? It would really be interesting to compare the first an fourth generation ;)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I never did use the first gen a7R

[@sosomelodies659]

Perhaps the option to shoot at less resolution and smaller RAW files can be resolved through a firmware update.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm hoping that is the case, but I also expressed the same hope when I did the a7RIII review...and it's never happened.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I think it's already in Sony's TODO list, but not at the top, and if people keep talking about it, I think they'll prioritize that feature. They also didn't fix the grey focus box for a long time, right? So it appeared that they would never do it, except that they did. It took a long time, but recently literally everyone was complaining about it, so it became a top priority for them.

[@xyxysun5056]

come on, don't even...

[@peterlemke3468]

@@DustinAbbottTWI As you stated it's unbelievable that a S and M Raw option isn't available in camera. This would have made the camera in my eyes much more appealing and versatile to potential buyers.

[@ju2705s]

After 2 Years they dont implemented it but you can shoot in apsc mode. Why Sony will not make their customers happy - I do now

[@jen43072]

Maybe a stupid question... if I save my settings on my a7riv, can I use those on a memory card if I rent an a7riii body for a wedding as a second body? Wouldn't need two bodies with 61 mp... but not sure the settings would transfer. Thanks for any insight.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not aware of being able to do that. Probably the easiest thing is to go through the menus quickly side by side and tweak them.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Seems like a great camera overall, and your negative points are spot on, to me the biggest fail is the lack of smaller raw outputs, and that's the reason I'm not even considering this camera. Exactly as you said, I would love to shoot 61mp sometimes, but not always, in many situations I don't want more than 30mp. I don't mind the menus though because I customize the camera, but I understand it's a weakness for many people.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's about right.

[@dagee234]

Dustin, if one is looking thru the VF and panning quickly, is there much difference in the amount of smearing or lag showing up in the viewfinder? thnx

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The RIV will be better if you have the refresh rate turned up.

[@AnhNguyen-iq7fs]

Is the new hot shoes compatible with third party on camera flashes such as Godox V1?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes they are.

[@patricknicolas1138]

On this Sony A7r III 3 an important thing is missing which is the color inversion or negative. Very useful for reproducing color or black and white negatives. Many photographers have these negatives in stock and could digitize them. I hope this message reaches Mr. Sony's ears.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Send them an email...you never know!

[@Xetenor]

Seems like the video is stuck at 360p resolution instead of the usual 4k we see? *edit* Looks like video is fine now. Thanks for the great video Dustin! I can't wait to see you shoot with the new sigma 35 1.2 and 14-24 and others. You made some really great points on the differences and what changed/should have changed. I am a happy A7R iii owner now and can finally shoot with the same stuff you do :)

[@tebitan3780]

youtube needs some time, i get it in 4k now

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I usually upload further in advance, but I had to upload today to fit in this video because my scheduled video needed some additions from the company I'm working with for it. KZbin takes a while to render.

[@Xetenor]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Darn youtube! :) Thanks for all you do Dustin. Appreciate the response.

[@ianbrown704]

Had mine for a week now and I agree its a great camera that could have wiped the floor if they had just gone that bit further, but thats marketing for you. Great vlog as always

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yep. I think what frustrates me are that the remaining flaws seem so...fixable.

[@SamuelSylf]

love it, after watching a picture reel of fitness expo taken by a7r4 on my chan

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it helps

[@surrogatemarker]

I believe there is no longer a length limit for video on the A7riv meaning you can now record beyond 29 min and 59 seconds per video clip

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be a nice step.

[@tareqoverlanding7497]

I need a camera for product photography and outdoor product modeling too. I can afford the R4 but there are clean used R3. I plan to combine the body with the 55mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.4 zeiss. I think a7 iii is good enough, but i like to manipulate photos with lots of cropping while maintaining commercial grade quality. Which R should i get? Thank you!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Either the RIII or RIV will work for your purpose. Buying an RIII and a good lens for the price of the RIV might be the best bet for you if your budget is somewhat limited. The RIV is a great camera, though.

[@tareqoverlanding7497]

@@DustinAbbottTWI if i dont find a clean used R3 i will buy the R4. However, you think the 50mm 1.4 zeiss is the best for my application, or the more sharper 90mm 2.8, according to DxOMark? Product/Modeling image quality is top priority. Thank you,,

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Those are two very different focal lengths. Buy the lens that best suits your focal length needs, as they are both very sharp lenses.

[@skitlosen]

Hello, would you recommend any of these cameras to buy in 2022?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Both remain very competent cameras

[@martin9410]

I just got the a7riiia. Update screen. I didn't really want to deal with the 61MP all the time. Takes a lot of space. Plus, I read two different studies where the a7riii has better low light performance than the a7riv.

[@stevelink21]

Excellent comparison, Dustin. I have a question please...I have zero experience with Sony, and have been a Fujifilm-X shooter for about 8 years, first with an X-Pro1. My main interest is obtaining the sharpest, most detail-rich images as possible, given the constraints of time and funds. As a landscape and product STILLS X-T3 shooter (no video), Lately I feel like I've gotten the most out of the APS-C format, hence I have been debating on selling my Fuji kit (reluctantly), and moving into FF, specifically the Sony a7Rlll and lenses like the Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM, Sony FE 55 f/2.8, and the 90mm f/2.8 G Macro . Since I shoot 99% tripod-mounted, neither IBIS nor video interests me. So, my question is, for large print output (around 24"x 36" prints), how much of an improvement in terms of image sharpness, detail rendition, dynamic range, base ISO performance, etc., would I see over the already excellent X-T3 (combined with the ultra-sharp Fujinon XF80mm f/2.8 Macro lens), when using the a7Rlll and the Sony 90mm f/2.8 G Macro or Sony 16-35 f/4 tripod-mounted? Thank you, sir!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You will mostly notice that you can sharpen images up without running into noise as fast, more complexity in the colors, and more latitude in pulling down highlights. Fuji gets a lot out of APS-C, but I'm a FF guy.

[@stevelink21]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Very interesting, sir. Thank you. I think you've convinced me to go FF...now, the problem is, getting the most from my mint Fujifilm X-System to enabling funding of the Sony System. Thanks again, Dustin, and be safe!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're right on that point. I hate selling gear in trying to fund new purchases. You feel like you lose a lot. Fortunately photography gear holds its value fairly well.

[@allenjeng3506]

Would love to know if anyone experiences sensor dust issues with this new camera.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I have. Sony has not solved that problem yet.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Dustin, it looks like Canon, Nikon, and Sony have no integrated GPS receive on their mirrorless products. I loved it on my 5D Mark IV and on the Mark III and 1DX used the dedicated external receivers. So to be fair and even handed you might comment that none of the big 3 or even Fuji (don't know about M43) have it. It seems like only a few DSLRs have it as well. I have ended up using a BadElf GPS receiver I carry along. It has great battery life and as long as you keep its clock and the camera clock in sync I get by with it. Don't rely on my phone since the interface is poorly designed and does not sync well.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's true, though less expensive cameras (like the 6D) have had that option.

[@BoredErica]

Hmm, if you keep the a7r4 or have it around for testing lenses, then it's going to really push those lenses. On the other hand, it seems to make comparing the newly tested lenses to lenses tested on a7r3 harder. (After all, if you're going to bother testing really heavy but sharp lenses I suppose it makes sense to test it on a high resolution camera so we can really see the benefits.)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

To be fair, I personally think the "higher resolution sensors destroy lenses" thing to be overrated. The only difference is that aberrations occupy more pixels, so a lens that has strong aberrations won't perform well, but I've also found that apparent resolution from low resolution lenses often increases. I studied this thoroughly when reviewing the Canon 5DsR.

[@micr75i]

Mr Abbot it would be great if you could test the wireless tethering capabilities. I tried using them on the A7R3 and it didn't work well. I want to shoot Figure Skating while my partner sits on the PC and sells photos to the clients as I shoot them. Right now I am carrying over the SD card which is a bit of a last century thing to do :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'll see. There's so much to cover that I don't know if I can spend time with every feature.

[@sallybillman3593]

Do you know whether Sony can update the firmware to enable a photographer to decrease the raw files' size?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They've never done it yet. On the Alpha 1 they finally have a lossless compressed RAW, but it isn't as efficient as Canon's CRAW.

[@sallybillman3593]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks.

[@carmas54]

I like to see a comparison between this and the A9

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm hoping to have an a9 on hand for a comparison in my autofocus episode.

[@MrYoohootuber]

Completely agree. The A7R range more than ever needs smaller raw options. Forcing full res raw use is overkill for most users who only occasionally need that resolution. This is the biggest reason I’m not even contemplating an upgrade over the a7r3 as much as I would love to have the new improvements. Those files are already slow to handle.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Right. If they add the MRAW option they could attract a lot more upgraders who otherwise will sit this one out and say, "I don't need that much resolution".

[@rolandrickphotography]

I wait for the a7 IV (without R). It comes with a built in intervalometer. Do you have information on stars eating syndrome at long exposure? Doing night sky.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The RIV also has a built-in intervalometer. I haven't noticed the "star-eating" issue, but I think it was overrated to begin with. I've done a lot of great astro work with Sony cameras.

[@rolandrickphotography]

Dustin Abbott , thanks. So this Star eating thing seems to be kinda ranting hype. Thinking about switching to Sony. Mainly because of the eye/face detection AF, which is disappointing on Z6 and Z7 (latest firmware 2.1 installed). What is also incredibly pity, the optical quality of Z glass is jaw dropping, even of kit lens Z24-70mmF4S. But if AF does not focus on low light and/or focussing dots on models shirt instead of face and/or eyes, glass quality is obsolete by AF...🙈

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a shame.

[@rolandrickphotography]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes, specially because I am Nikon shooter since FM2n - still have it.

[@srikanthmadhaphotography9873]

Which one should I buy 7r3 (or) 7r4 please suggest me

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's not really possible without knowing your priorities. Both cameras have certain strengths. The RIII has a slightly more well-rounded sensor performance (taking into consideration low light performance) and offers an arguably more useful resolution figure for most photographers. The RIV has better ergonomics, better focus, and obviously higher resolution.

[@srikanthmadhaphotography9873]

Thank you

[@lsaideOK]

Whether you get it for your own use or not may be the best indication of how you feel about it. Give up the A7iii for it?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't own the a7III, so I won't be giving that up ;) No, I would be trading an a7RIII and an a6500 for the IV if I did the trade and then augmenting with an a9.

[@lsaideOK]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I still think that when you decide to buy something that is a pretty strong indication of just how highly you regard it. Do you still reveal the gear you own once a year?

[@timlane8061]

The inability to lower the file size is almost a deal breaker for me. It is nice to have basically a full frame and high end crop sensor on same camera.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think a lot of people are in the same boat. It seems silly of them to lose a lot of potential customers by not including what should be a basic feature.

[@joachimrichter4765]

Are raw files in aps-c mode also 61 MP?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No - that would be reduced to 26.2 MP, but you would no longer have the FF angle of view (as a workaround for reducing file size)

[@joachimrichter4765]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks!

[@andrewlee8667]

just felt like saying... When I wanted to go to a trusted source to compare the two cameras I thought of you... Not flashy but thorough... balanced and objective would be how I would describe your style. And from your images I know you know your way around a camera. I am a working pro with 20+ years of experience being paid to take images. Thanks for your hard work.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Andrew, I think this is a fair assessment, and I appreciate the nice feedback from a working pro.

[@andrewlee8667]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I found myself thinking that ... and realized I should drop that line. I am no glorious camera artist... just a news guy working at Canada's Parliament grinding out a living. I appreciate objectivity so thanks.

[@lomarvgc1580]

Sony just need to update their screens MAYBE better menus, MAYBE touch capability, MAYBE, a flip screen. It's all screen related

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be a big improvement.

[@KB-yk7ed]

We r talking about full frame right not APS-C??

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes

[@sveneezy2059]

I would still watch your videos even if you where reviewing potato chips. Thanks for the clarity once again. Now who's buying me a Sony?;

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, I'll remember that if I ever feeling like reviewing potato chips.

[@dmlchannel3262]

Received my A7RIV two weeks ago. I was surprised to determine Sony GM lenses actually DID capture noticeably sharper images than G lenses. I was hoping that was "hype" and that it wouldn't be the case. Sadly, it was true.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, we'll see. I'll be exploring that in more detail

[@alqersan]

I'm planning to get a sony lens between 24-70 GM or 24-105 G which prefers?

[@dmlchannel3262]

@@alqersan 24-70 GM.

[@HighFlyingPhotography]

I can't purchase this an R model until they allow to take smaller RAWs. I don't always need 40 or 60mp image but want it if I needed it. that needs to be an option,,, May RAW-s 24mp and RAM-M 42mp and Full RAW the 61mp

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That doesn't seem to be a feature they are going to add, unfortunately.

[@kuansengwong5620]

Hi, I just recently came back from South Korea. It was around 2C and the Sony A7riii came lagged because it was too cold? Why Sony has this problem while Nikon DSLR D810 D850 has no such problem? Edit: I have visited Sony Malaysia. According to them, it is the design problem. I'm disappointed in buying Sony A7riii that there is no way they could solve this issue and I won't be able to take photos on ski trips, only in tropical seasons. Hi, has any suggestions or helpful tips regarding this Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm going to have to call this into question. I shoot all winter in Canada in temperatures down to -35C and I've not had a problem.

[@kuansengwong5620]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for your reply. I wonder why my camera can't withstand the temperature. According to Sony Malaysia,there is nothing wrong with the camera and says that is a design problem. Do you happen to have any tips or suggestions on how to keep the camera warm?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've got an episode called "Warm in Winter" that has some tips, though I typically don't do anything special to protect the camera. I do use the Sony Tough SD cards, so that might help.

[@kuansengwong5620]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you very much for your advice.

[@hedydd2]

I agree with most points but do find location information on my A7III to be very reliable. The only thing to remember is to open the Sony Image Edge app on the phone before a day's shooting and to check that it is still open and the pair are Bluetooth linked every few hours. There is an indicator for this on the rear screen, so checking is easy.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad you've had better success than me.

[@victorsantanaphoto]

Agreed with the Size RAW Files!!!! No all the time you want a full RAW MP File Size!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's true.

[@sniperv]

Thanks Dustin for bring up these points I’ve been complaining about for years. Not having selectable RAW sizes is something I’ve been complaining about for years since the A7Rii. I actually sold my A7Riii and just picked up a A7iii because of the file sizes. Love the 42mp for certain types of photography but don’t need it for most. It needs to be an option especially on a 60mp monster. The other big one for me are the Back LCD screen and EVF. They are terrible compared to the competition in both resolution and touch functionality. I’m glad they bumped up the resolution in the EVF but the rear screens still don’t compare to Canon and Nikon. It’s ridiculous that Sony lags in this area when they make TVs, computers, mobile phones and have access to that technology. I would totally get the A7Riv but these features are still lacking. I’ll wait for A9ii or A7iv and see if they improve. I’m actually considering the next EOS R Pro if it ever happens, really like the RF glass.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I agree that if they could nail these basics they would have easily the best cameras on the market...period. I'm a little shocked.

[@peterlemke3468]

Sometimes manufacturers don't give you features because they're stupid. Sometimes because the cameras are built to a budget. But most of the time they deliberately cripple their cameras so you will buy another one.

[@sniperv]

Peter Lemke yeah, but that “other” could be another competitors camera. Sort of risky in a market that has been in steady decline.

[@peterlemke3468]

@@sniperv Hopefully in this declining yet very competitive market things are changing and consumers will benefit. We now see manufacturers issuing firmware updates that aren't just bug fixes they include enhancements which is great. I typically skip one generation when buying. That way l get maximum bang for buck.

[@SachinSawe]

Did you upgrade to a7R4 from a7R3 ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't. I would have if there was a MRAW option. I'm very disappointed that Sony has persisted in not supporting that. I simply don't need 63Mpx 99% of the time.

[@SachinSawe]

Dustin Abbott I tried a7RIV and I too am annoyed but huge files with high iso I have to deal with especially that I want to use it for wildlife where 100% crop is my objective but then at that crop I spend too much time reducing noise in post. I have another question for you. I also noticed that my Canon especially 1DXII produces kuch cleaner files with less noise than Sonys... am I crazy or is it true? If I go by all dxo Numbers then a9 and A9ii should do better but my experience shows me that 1DX II has better performance as far as noise and clean files go. Appreciate your input and videos as always 🙏

[@rattoh]

If the a7riv had an option for smaller raw files (and not just crop mode) than this would be an instant buy for me.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Exactly.

[@lomarvgc1580]

If the a7r4 can do 61mp at 10 fps the a74 either will have an amazing buffer or will shoot faster

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed.

[@XLJagon]

Nah, they'll probably just add an EVF and LCD that don't suck and weather proof it better.

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

Agreed to the letter on the lamentable absence of the GPS, the semi-functional touchscreen, the lack of sRaw & mRaw formats. What I do beg to differ on - is the size of the camera / grip. And the added weight. I was very happy with My 1st-generation A7r's size and weight, and would disfavour a bigger, heavier camera. I sold the A7r for a few reasons, but size and weight weren't among them. I hope, Sony is listening. I won't buy an a7r -series camera, unless it has: - An integrated accurate and fast to lock onto satellites GPS chip. - mRaw & sRaw formats - support for a LOSSLESSLY COMPRESSED codec As Dustin pointed, the lack of a property to stitch Pixel Shift images together in-camera is a significant drawback, as well. Also, stop blowing up the size and weight of every new successor to the previous A7(r) model, Sony! The Panasonic S1 is a lovely camera as well, but I'll never buy one simply because it is enormous and a heavy anvil of a body. Don't go there, Sony!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s interesting feedback on the size/weight, as it isn’t one that I’ve often heard.

[@soniad3241]

My biggest disappointment with this camera is that it lacks automatic focus bracketing. This is a useful feature for macro photographers. I would have bought a Nikon mirrorless if I had known about this deficiency. Come on Sony bring out a software update please.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's not really a feature that I use, personally, but Nikon...really? There are some really glaring deficiencies on all the Z cameras thus far.

[@Kashyapine]

You ordered A9 and A9II got launched xD

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's okay. I took advantage of the fact that the price was reduced on the a9 because of the a9II coming, and I got it for about half of what the a9II will cost.

[@Stefan1968ful]

What a great camera for wildlife. I use the Sony A7R4 on a Sony 600mm 4.0 GM for my Wildlife work. So good to program the function ring of the lens as switch into crop mode. A 100% crop on the A7r4 delivers still a 27MP image - and this with a great Autofocus performance. Much, much better than on the A7R3 which was a bummer for Wildlife - not useable.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a valid point (and one I make in this video). It is actually one of the best uses of the super high resolution.

[@Stefan1968ful]

Dustin Abbott Yes, a great and fair video by the way. I was not really a Sony shooter before but the A7R4 changed my view on this completely. I think this camera at this price point will become really a challenge for Canon and Nikon now.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@@Stefan1968ful For sure.

[@baldwin142]

I would like to buy an A7

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

I will stick with the A7R3, the R4 is overkill. At the end of the day your converting your images to a 8 bit jpeg to share online and no one cares what you shot it with. Unless you are printing the side of a sky scraper you dont need that many megapixels and even then, a 24mp sensor will print a freeway billboard with ease.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That is the problem. Even as resolution goes ever higher, the mediums by which photographers share their work is often shrinking. It's a weird dichotomy. I am shocked on a daily basis that Instagram is popular among photographers. I hate it.

[@Pilot7826]

...and I just bought an A7R3, lol.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

...which is still a fantastic camera.

[@Pilot7826]

Dustin Abbott Thanks. Well, I have Gmaster lenses so I wanted to take advantage of those extra MPs. I do a lot of low light shooting too, but the RIV’s noise performance isn’t too great from what I’ve seen.

[@josephphotography4127]

i dont care about touch screens, i dont mind going thru the menus, the only thing i care about is performance especially auto focus perfornance in wich destroy any canon or nikon DSLR period

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Destroy is a strong word, and recent firmware updates to the EOS R that have further enhanced its capabilities suggest your statement just isn't true. That being said, the a7RIV seems to have excellent AF performance.

[@peterlemke3468]

About time we heard from a Sony fanboy. So body ergonomics don't count? The overall usability of the camera and pleasure of use don't matter?

[@Abercon25]

Dustin Abbott What other photo sharing platforms do you prefer? Thanks :-)

[@hansolo1935]

That 61 megapixel is the only reason I'm hesitant in buying the a7r IV.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Understood. I did the same.

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

The a7riv ergonomics still suck. I bought it and returned it. Didn't even hold as well as the canon eos rp

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting take. I guess it is all in what you are familiar with. I like Sony ergonomics fairly well, for the most part, though I'd like more grip and the lack of full touchscreen integration is garbage.

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

@@DustinAbbottTWI well I bought the sony and the eosrp at the same time. Sony for me the eosrp for the mrs. I think the sony is better in every way other than the menus and the way it holds in the hand. What blows my mind is that the a7riv is supposed to be bigger than the previous models lol because its just boxy and awful. Id take the sony electronics in a canon, best of both worlds

[@gabril7297]

Thank you for this comparison, Nicholas Cage❤️

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - I've gotten that a few times before.

[@gabril7297]

@@DustinAbbottTWI HAHAHAH

[@arthurmermelshtein1767]

Nice review. Still bitrate of 60 in 1080 and 100 in 4k? Really? from a new camera for 3.5k$? There are entry level mirrorless FF cameras that have much much better video quality then that... Surprised. P.S - That "touch" screen is simply embarrassing.

[@mikldude9376]

Agreed , the touch screen is not a high point .

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sony's footage looks pretty great, so I'm not overly stressed over the bitrate, but, as you can, I'm not impressed with the touchscreen never improving.

[@sunilchitolie6771]

Lowkey looks like Nicholas Cage

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've heard that a few times.

[@peterlemke3468]

Dustin's got a hell of a lot more hair lol.

[@saintmovies7735]

First In

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes you were.

[@Mani-yo1rq]

If there was an award for the MOST capable yet LEAST usable cameras Sony would win every year.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - that's probably true.