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Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera image
58%

Sony a7 III

Sony A7 III camera
Winner!
81%
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
vs
Sony a7 III
Price
Brand
Canon
Sony
Model
EOS 5D Mark II
a7 III
Released
2008
2018
Announcement Date
September 17, 2008
February 27, 2018
Camera Type
DSLR
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony a7 III comes out as the winner with a score of 81, outperforming the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which scored 58/100. Both cameras were launched with a similar price range, Canon at $2199 and Sony at $2000. They also share similar dimensions, with Canon measuring 152 x 114 x 75mm and Sony measuring 127 x 96 x 74mm.

The Sony a7 III is the better option due to its higher score, which it earned by being a more advanced camera. It’s a mirrorless camera, which makes it lighter at 650g compared to Canon’s DSLR, which weighs 850g.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has its advantages, such as being a DSLR, which some photographers prefer due to their familiarity with the system. However, the Sony a7 III’s higher score and more recent release date make it the more appealing choice for most photographers.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in optics, with a score of 81/100 compared to the Canon’s 59/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a full-frame CMOS sensor and utilizing a proprietary lens mount (Sony FE for the a7 III and Canon EF for the 5D Mark II).

The Sony a7 III has several advantages over the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. With 24.2 megapixels, it offers a higher resolution than the 21-megapixel 5D Mark II, resulting in more detailed images. The a7 III also boasts a faster shooting speed at 10 frames per second, compared to the 3.9 frames per second of the 5D Mark II. This makes the Sony more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. In terms of image quality, the a7 III’s sensor has a DXOMARK score of 96, significantly better than the 5D Mark II’s score of 79. Furthermore, the a7 III features image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and blur, while the 5D Mark II lacks this feature.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II still has some merits. Its Digic 4 processor, although older, has proven to be reliable and efficient. However, the Sony a7 III’s Bionz X processor is more advanced, providing faster processing and better performance.

Taking all factors into account, the Sony a7 III’s superior optics make it a better choice for photographers seeking higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and better image quality. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II, while a reliable camera, falls short in these aspects compared to the a7 III.

Optics
Optics
59%
81%
Megapixels
21 MP
24.2 MP
Image Resolution
5616 x 3744 px
6000 x 4000 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
24 x 36 mm
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
3.9 fps
10 fps
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Sony FE
Image Processor
Digic 4
Bionz X
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
6,400
51,200
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
50
50
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
25600
204800
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
9
693
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentaprism)
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
N/A
2,359,296 dots

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Video Performance

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in video capabilities, with a video score of 70 to the Canon’s 43. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video frame rate of 30fps.

The Sony a7 III holds an advantage with its 4K video resolution, offering a maximum video dimension of 3840 x 2160. This is significantly higher than the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which only supports Full HD video with a maximum dimension of 1920 x 1080. The higher resolution of the Sony a7 III allows for more detailed and sharper video quality, making it a better choice for videographers seeking optimal video performance.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II still provides decent video quality in Full HD resolution. For users who do not require 4K resolution, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II could be a suitable option. However, it is worth noting that the Sony a7 III’s higher video score is primarily due to its superior video resolution and built-in timelapse function.

Taking these specifications into account, the Sony a7 III is the better camera for video capabilities. Its 4K video resolution provides a significant advantage over the Canon EOS 5D Mark II’s Full HD resolution. While the Canon EOS 5D Mark II might suffice for users who are not after 4K video, the Sony a7 III stands out as the superior choice for those seeking top-notch video performance.

Video
Video
43%
56%
Video
Max Video Resolution
Full HD
4K
Max Video Dimensions
1920 x 1080 px
3840 x 2160 px
Max Video Frame Rate
30 p
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MOV
XAVC S, AVCHD

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II with a feature score of 81/100 compared to 54/100. Both cameras share some similarities, including a 3-inch screen size, screen resolutions of 921,600 and 920,000 dots respectively, and WIFI capabilities. However, the Sony a7 III excels in several areas, making it the better camera in terms of features.

The Sony a7 III boasts a touchscreen, a flip screen, and Bluetooth connectivity, which the Canon EOS 5D Mark II lacks. These features improve the user experience, making it easier to navigate menus, capture images from different angles, and connect to other devices.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II has no significant advantages over the Sony a7 III in terms of features. The slight difference in screen resolution is negligible and does not impact the overall user experience or image quality.

In comparing the features, the Sony a7 III is clearly the superior camera, offering a touchscreen, flip screen, and Bluetooth capabilities that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II does not have. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II falls short in these areas, making it a less desirable choice for those seeking a camera with advanced features.

Features
Features
54%
81%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
TFT LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
920,000 dots
921,600 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
71%
81%
Memory Card
Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
LP-E6
NP-FZ100
Battery Life
850 shots
750 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
79%
96%
Portrait (Color Depth)
23.7 bits
25.1 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
11.9 EVs
14.7 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
1815
3722
Scores
Main Features
N/A
84%
Extra Features
N/A
72%
Construction and Durability
N/A
67%
Handling and Ergonomics
N/A
67%
Value for Money
N/A
110%
Total Score
N/A
81%

Alternatives to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Sony a7 III

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Sony a7 III 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 5D Mark II or the Sony a7 III:

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