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Home โ†’ Reviews โ†’ Cameras and Lenses โ†’ Sony A7 III Review

Sony A7 III Review

By Dvir Barkay 21 Comments
Last Updated On January 26, 2024

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Sony A7 III vs Sony A7 II and A7R III Comparison

The A7 III is not the only full-frame mirrorless camera in Sony’s lineup. Anyone considering this camera should take a look at the earlier A7 II as well as the more advanced A7R III. The table below compares the most important specifications of these three cameras:

Camera FeatureSony A7 IIISony A7 IISony A7R III
Sensor Resolution24.2 MP24.3 MP42.4 MP
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSCMOSBSI CMOS
Sensor Size35.6 x 23.8mm35.8 x 23.9mm35.9 x 24.0mm
Low-Pass FilterYesYesNo
In-Body Image StabilizationYes, 5-axisYes, 5-axisYes, 5-axis
Sensor Pixel Size5.9µ5.97µ4.35µ
Image Size6000 x 40006000 x 40007952 x 5304
Image ProcessorBIONZ XBIONZ XBIONZ X
Max Buffer Capacity (14-bit RAW)40 Images (Uncompressed)28 Images (Uncompressed)28 Images (Uncompressed)
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-51,200ISO 100-6400ISO 100-32,000
Boosted ISO SensitivityISO 50, ISO 102,400-204,800ISO 50, ISO 12,800-25,600ISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400
Dust Reduction / Sensor CleaningYesYesYes
ViewfinderElectronic / EVFElectronic / EVFElectronic / EVF
Viewfinder Type / ResolutionOLED / 2.36 Million dotsOLED / 2.4 Million dotsOLED / 3.69 Million dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%100%
Viewfinder Magnification0.78x0.71x0.78x
Built-in FlashNoNoNo
Flash Sync Speed1/2501/2501/250
Storage Media2x SD (1x UHS-I, 1x UHS-II)1x SD, UHS-12x SD (1x UHS-I, 1x UHS-II)
Continuous Shooting Speed10 FPS5 FPS10 FPS
Max Shutter Speed1/8000 to 30 sec1/8000 to 30 sec1/8000 to 30 sec
AE Bracketing Range±3 EV±3 EV±3 EV
Shutter Durability200,000 cycles200,000 cycles500,000 cycles
Electronic Front-Curtain ShutterYesYesYes
Autofocus SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF
Eye AFYesYes, only in single-servo AF modeYes
Number of AF Points693 points (phase-detection AF), 425 points (contrast-detection AF)35mm: 117 points, APS-C: 99 points (PDAF) / 25 points (CDAF)399 points (phase-detection AF), 425 points (contrast-detection AF)
Focus PeakingYesYesYes
Focus StackingNoNoNo
Video Maximum Resolution4K @ 24/25/30 FPS1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24/25/30/60p4K @ 24/25/30 FPS
1080p Video Max Frame Rate120 FPS60 FPS120 FPS
HDMI Out / LOG4:2:2 8-bit HDMI Output / Yes4:2:2 8-bit HDMI Output / Yes4:2:2 8-bit HDMI Output / Yes
Audio RecordingYesYesYes
Headphone JackYesYesYes
LCD Size3.0″3.0″3.0″
LCD TouchscreenYesNoYes
Articulating LCDYes, TiltingYes, TiltingYes, Tilting
LCD Resolution921,600 dots1,228,800 dots1,440,000 dots
Wi-Fi FunctionalityBuilt-inBuilt-inBult-in
BluetoothYesNoYes
BatteryNP-FZ100NP-FW50NP-FZ100
Battery Life610 shots (CIPA)350 shots (CIPA)530 shots (CIPA)
Weather Sealed BodyYes, PartialYes, PartialYes, Partial
USB Version3.03.03.0
Weight (including battery and cards)650 g556 g657 g
Dimensions126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7mm126.9 x 95.7 x 59.7mm126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7mm
MSRP Price$1,998 (check price)$1,398 (check price)$3,398 (check price)

Sony A7 III vs Canon EOS R Comparison

Compared to the Canon EOS R, the Sony A7 III comes out ahead in some important ways, such as the inclusion of in-body image stabilization and two SD card slots rather than one. The video features of the A7 III are also noticeably ahead. However, for long-time Canon users who already have a set of Canon lenses, the EOS R offers more compatibility with existing gear. Also look at our full article comparing the A7 III vs the EOS R (as well as the A7R III).

Camera FeatureSony A7 IIICanon EOS R
Mount Inner Diameter46.1mm54.0mm
Flange Distance18.0mm20.0mm
Sensor Resolution24.2 MP30.4 MP
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSCMOS
Sensor Size35.6 x 23.8mm36.0 x 24.0mm
Low-Pass FilterYesYes
In-Body Image StabilizationYes, 5-axisNo
Sensor Pixel Size5.9µ5.36µ
Image Size6000 x 40006,720 x 4,480
Image ProcessorBIONZ XDIGIC 8
Max Buffer Capacity (14-bit RAW)40 Images (Uncompressed)47 Images
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-51,200ISO 100-40,000
Boosted ISO SensitivityISO 50, ISO 102,400-204,800ISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400
Dust Reduction / Sensor CleaningYesYes
ViewfinderElectronic / EVFElectronic / EVF
Viewfinder Type / ResolutionOLED / 2.36 Million dotsOLED / 3.69 million dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%
Viewfinder Magnification0.78x0.76x
Built-in FlashNoNo
Flash Sync Speed1/2501/200
Storage Media2x SD (1x UHS-I, 1x UHS-II)1x SD (UHS-II)
Continuous Shooting Speed10 FPS8 FPS (no AF), 5 FPS with AF
Max Shutter Speed1/8000 to 30 sec1/8000 to 30 sec
AE Bracketing Range±3 EV±3 EV
Shutter Durability200,000 cycles150,000 cycles
Electronic Front-Curtain ShutterYesYes
Autofocus SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF
Eye AFYesYes, but not with continuous focus
Number of AF Points693 points (phase-detection AF), 425 points (contrast-detection AF)5655
Focus PeakingYesYes
Focus StackingNoNo
Video Maximum Resolution4K @ 24/25/30 FPS4K @ 24/25/30 FPS
1080p Video Max Frame Rate120 FPS60 FPS
4K Video Crop Factor1x1.74x
HDMI Out / LOG4:2:2 8-bit HDMI Output / Yes4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes
Audio RecordingYesYes
Headphone JackYesYes
LCD Size and Type3.0″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD3.2″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Articulating LCDYes, TiltingYes, Tilting and Front/Back
LCD Resolution921,600 dots2,100,000 dots
Wi-Fi FunctionalityBuilt-inBuilt-in
BluetoothYesYes
BatteryNP-FZ100LP-E6N
Battery Life610 shots (CIPA)350 shots (CIPA)
Weather Sealed BodyYes, PartialYes, Partial
USB Version3.03.1
Weight (including battery and cards)650 g660 g
Dimensions126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7mm135.8 x 98.3 x 67.7mm
MSRP Price$1,998 (check price)$2,299 (check price)

Sony A7 III vs Nikon Z6 Comparison

The Sony A7 III and Nikon Z6 share similar specifications overall. The winner depends on your needs. The A7 III offers two memory card slots and better battery life, as well as a more complete lens lineup and overall system. However, video shooters will find the Nikon to come out ahead in specifications overall. Photographers who currently shoot with Nikon will find that the Z6 offers much greater compatibility with their current lens set. See more in our specific A7 III vs Nikon Z6 comparison.

Camera FeatureSony A7 IIINikon Z6
Sensor Resolution24.2 million24.5 million
Low-Pass FilterYesYes
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSBSI CMOS
Sensor Size35.6 x 23.8 mm35.9 x 23.9 mm
Image Size6000 x 40006048 x 4024
Image ProcessorBIONZ XEXPEED 6
ViewfinderElectronic / EVFElectronic / EVF
Viewfinder Type / ResolutionXGA OLED / 2,359,296 dotsVGA OLED / 3,690,000 dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%
Viewfinder Magnification0.78x0.8x
Built-in FlashNoNo
Flash Sync Speed1/2501/200
Storage Media2x SD1x XQD
Continuous Shooting Speed10 FPS12 FPS (limited to 12-bit RAW and no Auto Exposure), 9 FPS (14-bit RAW but no AE), 5.5 FPS with AE
Max Shutter Speed1/8000 to 30 sec, Bulb1/8000 to 30 sec, Bulb, Time
Electronic Front-Curtain ShutterYesYes
Exposure Metering Sensor1200-ZoneTTL exposure metering using image sensor
Meter Detection Range-3 EV to 20 EV-4 EV to 17 EV
Base ISOISO 100ISO 100
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-51,200ISO 100-51,200
Boosted ISO SensitivityISO 50-204,800ISO 50-204,800
Autofocus SystemHybrid AF (phase-detection AF / contrast-dection AF)Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF / contrast-dection AF)
Focus Points693 points (phase-detection AF), 425 points (contrast-detection AF)273 points
Video CompressionAVCHD / MP4 Compression with 4:2:0 sampling, 8-bit via HDMI with 4:2:2 samplingAVCHD / MP4 Compression with 4:2:0 sampling, 10-bit via HDMI with 4:2:2 sampling
Video Maximum Resolution3840 x 2160 (4K) at 24/25/30 fps; 1920 x 1080 (1080p) at 120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps3840 x 2160 (4K) at 24/25/30 fps; 1920 x 1080 (1080p) at 120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps
Audio RecordingBuilt-in stereo microphone
External stereo microphone (optional)
Built-in stereo microphone
External stereo microphone (optional)
Articulating LCDYes, tiltingYes, tilting
LCD Size3.0″ diagonal LCD3.2″ diagonal LCD
TouchscreenYesYes
LCD Resolution921,600 dots2,100,000 dots
Built-in GPSNoNo
Wi-Fi FunctionalityBuilt-inBuilt-in
BatteryNP-FZ100 Rechargeable BatteryEN-EL 15b
Battery Life610 shots (viewfinder), 710 shots (rear LCD)310 shots
Weather Sealed BodyYes, Dust and Moisture ResistantYes, Dust and Moisture Resistant
USB Version3.03.1
Weight (with battery and memory card)650 g (23.0 ounces)675 g (23.8 oz)
Dimensions126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9″)134 x 100.5 x 67.5 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.7″)
MSRP Price$1998 as introduced (check price)$1997 as introduced (check price and pre-order status)

Table of Contents

  • Sony A7 III Overview & Specs
  • Autofocus
  • Image Quality
  • Comparisons
  • Summary
  • Reader Comments
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