Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 III Comparison
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Sony a7 III
Price | |||
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS 5D Mark IV | a7 III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2018 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 25, 2016 | February 27, 2018 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR |  Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner with a score of 81, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV trails behind with a 75/100. Both cameras were released in 2016 and 2018, respectively, with the 5D Mark IV being a DSLR and the a7 III a mirrorless camera. They share similarities in their announcement dates, release years, and camera sizes.
The Sony a7 III excels with a lower launch price of $2000 and a lighter weight of 650g. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV boasts a larger camera size at 151 x 116 x 76mm and a heavier weight of 890g. Although the 5D Mark IV is bigger and heavier, it might offer a better grip and sturdiness for some photographers.
Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a7 III stands out as a more affordable and lightweight option, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV caters to those who prefer a larger and more robust camera.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner in the optics comparison with a score of 81/100, outperforming the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s score of 76/100. Both cameras share some common features: they are equipped with CMOS sensors, full-frame sensor sizes, and similar processors (Bionz X for Sony and Digic 6+ for Canon).
The Sony a7 III outshines the Canon 5D Mark IV in several aspects. It has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 96 compared to Canon’s 91, indicating better overall image quality. Additionally, the Sony a7 III offers a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, compared to Canon’s 7, allowing for better action and sports photography. A crucial advantage of the Sony a7 III is its built-in image stabilization, which the Canon 5D Mark IV lacks. This feature helps reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low light conditions or with longer lenses.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a higher megapixel count of 30.4 compared to Sony’s 24.2, which provides more detail and better cropping flexibility in images. Moreover, the Canon 5D Mark IV uses the Canon EF lens mount, which has a vast selection of lenses available.
In terms of optics, the Sony a7 III is the superior choice due to its higher sensor score, faster shooting speed, and built-in image stabilization. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV also has its merits with a higher megapixel count and a wide range of compatible lenses. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on the user’s priorities and preferences in photography.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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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. | 30.4 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. | 6720 x 4480 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. | 7 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 6+ | 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. | 32,000 | 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. | 102400 | 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. | 61 | 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 IV vs Sony a7 III Video Performance
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV emerges as the winner in video capabilities with a score of 91/100, while the Sony a7 III scores 70. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the ability to record 4K video. However, there are notable differences that highlight the strengths of each camera.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV boasts a higher maximum video resolution, with dimensions of 4096 x 2160, compared to the Sony a7 III, which has a maximum video resolution of 3840 x 2160. Additionally, the Canon 5D Mark IV has a superior maximum video frame rate of 120fps, significantly higher than the Sony a7 III’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother slow-motion playback, providing more creative options for videographers.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 III still delivers quality 4K video, albeit at a lower resolution and frame rate. While it lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, this can be overcome with external accessories or software. Despite its lower score, the Sony a7 III remains a capable camera for video recording.
Considering these points, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV excels in video capabilities, offering higher resolution, better frame rates, and built-in time-lapse functionality. The Sony a7 III, while not as powerful, still provides quality 4K video recording. Videographers may choose the Canon 5D Mark IV for its superior video features, while those who prioritize other factors may still find the Sony a7 III suitable for their needs.
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Video
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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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. |  4K | 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. | 4096 x 2160 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. | 120 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, MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner with a feature score of 81/100 compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s 74/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as touchscreen functionality and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, the Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in several aspects.
The Sony a7 III has a flip screen, providing more flexibility for shooting at different angles. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity, which the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV lacks. Despite having a slightly smaller screen size (3 inches) compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (3.2 inches), the Sony a7 III’s superior features contribute to its higher score.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a higher screen resolution (1,620,000 dots) than the Sony a7 III (921,600 dots), which results in a clearer and sharper display. Additionally, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV includes GPS functionality, allowing for geotagging of photos, a feature not available in the Sony a7 III.
In comparing these two cameras, the Sony a7 III’s flip screen and Bluetooth connectivity give it an edge over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s higher screen resolution and GPS functionality may appeal to photographers who prioritize image clarity and location information. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
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Features
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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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 |  3.2" |  3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,620,000 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 IV vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery
Both Canon EOS 5D Mark IV edges and the Sony a7 III have two memory card slots. The 5D Mark IV accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) and Compact Flash cards, while the a7 III takes SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. Only the a7 III supports USB charging
The 5D Mark IV has a longer battery life of 900 shots, using the LP-E6N battery type. In contrast, the a7 III offers 750 shots with its NP-FZ100 battery. This difference gives the Canon camera an advantage in extended shooting sessions.
However, the Sony a7 III provides more versatility in memory card options, accommodating Memory Stick Duo cards in addition to SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. This could be beneficial for users with existing Memory Stick Duo cards.
Considering these factors, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a slight edge in storage and battery performance due to its longer battery life. The Sony a7 III offers more memory card compatibility but falls short in battery life compared to its competitor.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Sony a7 III
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6N | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 900 shots | 750 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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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.' | 24.8 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.' | 13.6 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' | 2995 | 3722 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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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 IV 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 IV or the Sony a7 III:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Sony a7 III
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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