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Sony A7R III vs Nikon D4

The Sony Alpha A7R III and the Nikon D4 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2017 and January 2012. The A7R III is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D4 is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 42.2 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 16.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Sony A7R III
versus
Nikon D4
Sony A7R III   Nikon D4
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Sony E mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
42.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 16.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-32,000 (50 - 102,400) ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 204,800)
Electronic viewfinder (3686k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1440k dots 3.2" LCD – 921k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
650 shots per battery charge2600 shots per battery charge
127 x 96 x 74 mm, 650 g 160 x 157 x 91 mm, 1340 g
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Check A7R III offers at
ebay.com
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Check D4 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Alpha A7R III and the Nikon D4? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Sony A7R III and the Nikon D4. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Sony A7R III vs Nikon D4
Compare A7R III versus D4 top
Comparison A7R III or D4 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D4 is considerably larger (106 percent) than the Sony A7R III. Moreover, the D4 is substantially heavier (106 percent) than the A7R III. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Both cameras have similarly sized sensors, but DSLRs have a larger flange-to-focal plane distance than mirrorless cameras, which imposes contraints on the optical engineering process and generally leads to bigger and heavier lenses. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7R III) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D4). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Sony A7R III, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the A7R III gets 650 shots out of its Sony NP-FZ100 battery, while the D4 can take 2600 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL18 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D4 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the A7R III, Sony provides the VG-C3EM vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the A7R III can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A9 127 mm 96 mm 63 mm 673 g 650 Y Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The A7R III was launched at a markedly lower price (by 47 percent) than the D4, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Sony A7R III and Nikon D4 sensor measures

With 42.2MP, the A7R III offers a higher resolution than the D4 (16.2MP), but the A7R III has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.52μm versus 7.29μm for the D4). However, the A7R III is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 9 months) than the D4, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A7R III has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 39.8 x 26.5 inches or 101 x 67.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 31.8 x 21.2 inches or 80.8 x 53.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 26.5 x 17.7 inches or 67.3 x 44.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D4 are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7R III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the D4, the A7R III has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Sony Alpha A7R III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 32000, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D4 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the A7R III is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the D4 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

A7R III versus D4 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under review, the A7R III provides substantially higher image quality than the D4, with an overall score that is 11 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.3 bits higher color depth, 1.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
2.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
3.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
4.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
5.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
6.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
7.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
8.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
9.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
10.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
12.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
13.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
14.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
15.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
16.
 
Sony A9 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.913.3351792
17.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A7R III provides a higher video resolution than the D4. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the A7R III has an electronic viewfinder (3686k dots), while the D4 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the A7R III has a higher magnification than the one of the D4 (0.78x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Sony A7R III, the Nikon D4, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
4.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A93686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that differentiates the A7R III and the D4 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The A7R III reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the D4 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7R III is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A7R III and the Nikon D4 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The A7R III writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the D4 uses Compact Flash or XQD cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony Alpha A7R III and Nikon D4 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
2.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
3.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
5.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
12.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
13.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
16.
 
Sony A9Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
17.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the A7R III offers wifi support, while the D4 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the A7R III and the D4 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D4 was replaced by the Nikon D4S, while the A7R III was followed by the Sony A7R IV. Further information on the features and operation of the A7R III and D4 can be found, respectively, in the Sony A7R III Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D4 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Sony A7R III and the Nikon D4? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha A7R III:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (42.2 vs 16.2MP) with a 61% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (11 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.70x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (127x96mm vs 160x157mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 690g or 51 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (47 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 9 months of technical progress since the D4 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D4:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (2600 versus 650) out of a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in January 2012).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R III is the clear winner of the match-up (25 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

A7R III 25:07 D4

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A7R III and the Nikon D4 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the A7R III or the D4. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A95/5+ +4.8/589/1005/55/5 Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check A7R III offers at
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Check D4 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Sony A7R III vs Nikon D4

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Sony A7R III Nikon D4
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Sony E mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2017 January 2012
    Launch Price USD 3,199 USD 5,999
    Sensor Specs Sony A7R III Nikon D4
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 860.4 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 42.2 Megapixels 16.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7952 x 5304 pixels 4928 x 3280 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.52 μm 7.29 μm
    Pixel Density 4.90 MP/cm2 1.88 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 32,000 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X EXPEED 3
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 100 89
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.0 24.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.7 13.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3523 2965
    Screen Specs Sony A7R III Nikon D4
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3686k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1440k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Sony A7R III Nikon D4
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy500 000 actuations400 000 actuations
    Electronic ShutterYESno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards CF or XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Sony A7R III Nikon D4
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Sony A7R III Nikon D4
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sony NP-FZ100 Nikon EN-EL18
    Battery Life (CIPA)650 shots per charge2600 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 127 x 96 x 74 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9 in)
    160 x 157 x 91 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 650 g (22.9 oz) 1340 g (47.3 oz)
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    Check D4 offers at
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