CameraReview

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III vs Sony a7R V — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III
Canon
Canon EOS 1D X Mark III
DSLR · 20.1 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
75
SCORE
$3,799
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Best Price →
✓ WINNER
Sony a7R V
Sony
Sony a7R V
Mirrorless · 61 MP · Full Frame · 8K video
85
SCORE
$3,298
best of 1 retailer
Best Price →
General
Brand CanonSony
Model EOS 1D X Mark IIIa7R V
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20202022
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
07/01/202026/10/2022
Camera type DSLRMirrorless
Camera size 158 x 168 x 83 mm131 x 97 x 82 mm
Camera weight 738 g723 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20.1 MP05061 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5472 x 36489504 x 6336
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
24 x 3635.7 x 23.8
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull Frame
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
20 fps04510 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EFSony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic XBionz XR
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
1024003003280000320003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
50302005030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
81920030032800001024003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000800080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
19103006930300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)Electronic
Viewfinder dots N/A944000009900000
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K8K
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
4096 x 21607680 x 4320
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
120 fps120 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, MOVMPEG-4, MOV, H.264, H.265, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type TFT LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3.2"3.2"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
2100000115000150000021000001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card CFexpress Type BSD / SDHC / SDXC, CFexpress Type A
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E19NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
2850 shots1505000530 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R V outperforms the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III with a score of 85/100 compared to 75/100. Both cameras were released in different years, with the Canon in 2020 and the Sony in 2022. They share similarities in size and weight, with the Canon measuring 158 x 168 x 83mm and weighing 1.63lbs, while the Sony measures 131 x 97 x 82mm and weighs 1.59lbs.

The Sony a7R V excels due to its mirrorless design, which contributes to its lighter weight and smaller size. It also offers a more affordable launch price of $3999 compared to the Canon’s $6500. However, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III is a solid DSLR with a professional build and reliable performance.

Considering the specifications, the Sony a7R V proves to be the better option for those seeking a compact and affordable camera with excellent performance. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III remains a good choice for professionals who prefer a DSLR with a robust build.

Canon 1D X Mark III vs Sony a7R V Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R V triumphs over the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III in the optics department with a score of 85/100 compared to Canon’s 74/100. Both cameras have similarities, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and compatibility with their respective lens mounts – Canon EF for the EOS 1D X Mark III and Sony FE for the a7R V.

The Sony a7R V outperforms the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III in several aspects. With 61 megapixels, the a7R V has triple the resolution of the 1D X Mark III, which has only 20.1 megapixels. This results in superior image quality and detail. The a7R V also has a higher DXOMARK score of 94, compared to the 1D X Mark III’s score of 91, indicating better overall sensor performance. Additionally, the Sony a7R V features image stabilization, which the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III lacks, making it more suitable for handheld shooting.

However, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III has its advantages. It boasts a faster shooting speed of 20 frames per second, compared to the Sony a7R V’s 10 frames per second. This makes the Canon camera more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports and wildlife photography.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a7R V emerges as the superior choice for photographers prioritizing image quality, sensor performance, and image stabilization. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III is better suited for those who require a faster shooting speed for action photography.

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III vs Sony a7R V Video Performance

The Sony a7R V outperforms the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III in video capabilities, scoring 100/100 compared to the Canon’s 91/100. Both cameras share some common video specifications, such as a maximum video frame rate of 120fps and built-in time-lapse functionality.

The Sony a7R V’s superior video quality is primarily due to its higher maximum video resolution of 8K and larger video dimensions of 7680 x 4320. This significant increase in resolution and dimensions allows the Sony a7R V to capture more detail and produce sharper, more vivid footage than the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III, which has a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 4096 x 2160.

While the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III falls short in comparison to the Sony a7R V in terms of video resolution and dimensions, it still offers professional-grade video quality with its 4K resolution. Additionally, its 91/100 video score shows that it is a reliable and capable camera for video recording.

Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a7R V is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities, providing users with exceptional 8K resolution and larger video dimensions. However, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III remains a strong contender for those looking for high-quality 4K video recording, offering solid performance and a respectable video score.

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III vs Sony a7R V Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R V outperforms the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III in features with a score of 87/100 as opposed to Canon’s 74/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3.2-inch screen size, 2,100,000-dot screen resolution, a touchscreen interface, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Sony a7R V excels in a few key areas. First, it has a flip screen, which provides added flexibility for shooting at different angles and is particularly useful for vlogging or capturing images from challenging perspectives. Second, the Sony a7R V includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless pairing with compatible devices for easy photo sharing and remote control functionality.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III offers an advantage in the form of built-in GPS. This feature enables photographers to geotag their images, which can be useful for organizing and cataloging photos based on location, or for professionals who need to provide precise location data for their work.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R V stands out as the superior camera in terms of features, thanks to its flip screen and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III may still appeal to those who prioritize geotagging capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III vs Sony a7R V Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 1D X Mark III triumphs over the Sony a7R V in storage and battery with a score of 87/100 compared to Sony’s 73/100. Both cameras share two memory card slots, but their accepted memory card types differ. The Canon accepts CFexpress Type B cards, while the Sony uses SD/SDHC/SDXC and CFexpress Type A cards.

Canon’s superior battery life sets it apart, offering an impressive 2850 shots per charge with its LP-E19 battery. In contrast, the Sony a7R V provides a significantly lower 530 shots using the NP-FZ100 battery. However, the Sony a7R V compensates with its USB charging capability, which the Canon lacks.

Ultimately, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III leads in storage and battery performance, boasting a longer battery life. The Sony a7R V falls short in battery life but gains an advantage with its USB charging feature.

Canon 1D X Mark III vs Sony a7R V – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III vs Sony a7R V Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III or the Sony a7R V: