Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Comparison
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Sony a7 III
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS 5D Mark II | a7 III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2008 | 2018 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | 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 80/100, 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.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II
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Sony a7 III
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 21 MP | 24.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5616 x 3744 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
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 36 mm | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 3.9 fps | 10 fps | |
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 EF | Sony FE | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 4 | Bionz X | |
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. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 6,400 | 51,200 | |
Minimum 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. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum 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. | 25600 | 204800 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
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. | 9 | 693 | |
In-body Stabilization 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 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 56 to the Canon’s 43. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video frame rate of 30fps and the absence of built-in time-lapse functionality.
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.
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.
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Video
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II
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Sony a7 III
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |  4K | |
Max Video Dimensions 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. | 1920 x 1080 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
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. | 30 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse 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. | 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.
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Features
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II
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Sony a7 III
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 LCD | LCD | |
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" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 920,000 dots | 921,600 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II wins the storage and battery comparison with a score of 71/100, while the Sony a7 III scores 68/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots in common. The 5D Mark II accepts Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, and Microdrive cards, whereas the a7 III uses SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards.
The 5D Mark II has a longer battery life of 850 shots, compared to the a7 III’s 750 shots. It uses an LP-E6 battery type, while the a7 III uses an NP-FZ100 battery. Neither camera has USB charging.
Despite its slightly lower score, the Sony a7 III offers compatibility with more common memory card formats. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II provides a longer battery life, making it the better choice for extended shooting sessions.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II
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Sony a7 III
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Memory Card | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6 | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 850 shots | 750 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
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Sony a7 III
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.7 bits | 25.1 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 11.9 EVs | 14.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1815 | 3722 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II
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Sony a7 III
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Alternatives to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Sony a7 III
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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User Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II
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Sony a7 III
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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