Looking to buy into Sony, need help

[Phil61]

Hi, 

I am a Fujifilm XT-4 user and I've had it with the focusing issues and I want to buy a Sony for the renown focusing. 

My question is kind of urgent since I'm looking at the Alpha 7 iii having a $300 rebate that expires on 10/13/24. If money was no object since I no longer shoot professionally I would go with the V.

Can I get feedback on the iii and the iiiA, is it's focusing stellar or did this model have issues? Also does this camera have image stabilization?

Is it worth more money for the iiiR?

Any urgent reply is appreciated!

Edited October 11 by Phil61
added

[Cameratose]

The A7 III kind of set the bar for AF. It's the reason I moved to Sony from M-4/3, although my move was so close to the A7 IV release that I ended up waiting. 

Sony has a tendency to improve AF with each new camera or iteration, so you'll get different response based on the user's experience. Suffice to say you won't have any issues with the A7 III, it's still a very popular camera and well-liked. 

Sony's IBIS is adequate. It does seem to get better with newer models. You're going to find that IBIS is better with smaller sensor cameras like APS-C and M-4/3. However, Sony and many of their third-party lens manufacturers also incorporate stabilization in the lens, and in many cases the two work together.  

Here's the DPR review for the A7 III. There are title links on the first page that will take you directly to the subjects you're asking about. 

Sony a7 III Review: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

Sony never released an A7 IIIa. They released and A7R IIIa and an A7R IVa, the 'R' designation means Resolution.  

[Phil61]

Thank you for your response. Now I'm looking at the iV. As you stated the AF technology gets better with every release.

[Phil61]

What about crop sensors. How does the Sony a6700 AF compare to the Alpha AF?

[Cameratose]

The A6700 is Sony's newest APS-C and has the newest AF technology for when it was released. Expect all of the normal differences between the two formats. 

One nice thing about Sony's full frame cameras is the ability to use them in 'Super 35' (APS-C) mode, if you prefer, with corresponding attributes such as lower MP, more reach, etc. You can also mount any E-mount lens on them, including APS-C lenses. The camera recognizes the lens and automatically switches to APS-C, or you can use FF lenses and switch it in-camera. While we refer to all of them as 'E' Mount, FF lenses are designated FE, while APS-C are designated E. You can also use FE lenses on an APS-C camera. 

Also, cameras newer than the A7R IV have Lossless Compressed RAW, which provides about 35-40% smaller storage space and no loss of image quality. 

Interesting point: The A6700 has virtually identical specs to the A7R V in crop mode. 

[Phil61]

Thanks for the help!