CameraReview

Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 III — Which Is Better?

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

Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Canon
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
DSLR · 26.2 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
71
SCORE
$1,008.99
best of 7 retailers
Best Price →
✓ WINNER
Sony a7 III
Sony
Sony a7 III
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
81
SCORE
$1,419
best of 11 retailers
Best Price →
General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20172018
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
29/06/201727/02/2018
Camera type DSLRMirrorless
Camera size 144 x 111 x 75 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm
Camera weight 453 g650 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
26.2 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6240 x 41606000 x 4000
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 35.923.8 x 35.6
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.
6.5 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 7Bionz 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.
3:23:2
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.
400003003280000512003003280000
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.
10240030032800002048003003280000
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.
400080032000800080032000
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.
4503006930300
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/A235929609900000
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.
Full HD4K
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.
1920 x 10803840 x 2160
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.
60 fps30 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.
MP4, MOVXAVC S, AVCHD
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 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"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
104000011500015000009216001150001500000
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 SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E6NNP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1200 shots1505000750 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 6D Mark II with a score of 81 compared to 71. Both cameras were released in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and share the same launch price of $2000. They also have similar camera sizes, with the Canon being slightly larger and lighter at 144 x 111 x 75mm and 453g, while the Sony measures 127 x 96 x 74mm and weighs 650g.

The Sony a7 III’s higher score highlights its superior performance as a mirrorless camera. Its compact size and additional features make it a better choice for most users. However, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is not without its merits as a DSLR, offering a lighter weight which could be beneficial in certain situations.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 III is the clear winner in this comparison due to its overall performance and features. However, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II remains a viable option for those who prefer a lighter DSLR camera.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 6D Mark II in optics with a score of 81/100 compared to the Canon’s 69/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and a lens mount specific to their respective brands (Canon EF and Sony FE).

The Sony a7 III excels with its higher shooting speed of 10 frames per second (fps) compared to the Canon’s 6.5 fps. This faster shooting speed allows the Sony a7 III to capture better action shots and fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the Sony a7 III has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 96, compared to the Canon’s 85. This means the Sony a7 III delivers better image quality and low-light performance. Furthermore, the Sony a7 III features image stabilization, which helps reduce the impact of camera shake, resulting in sharper images.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers a slightly higher megapixel count at 26.2 compared to the Sony’s 24.2. This difference in megapixels provides the Canon with a marginal advantage in capturing more detail and higher resolution images. However, this advantage is not significant enough to outweigh the benefits offered by the Sony a7 III in other optical aspects.

In comparing the optics of these two cameras, it is evident that the Sony a7 III is the superior choice due to its faster shooting speed, higher DXOMARK sensor score, and the added benefit of image stabilization. While the Canon EOS 6D Mark II has a slight edge in megapixels, the overall optical performance of the Sony a7 III makes it the better camera for most photographers.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Video Performance

The Sony a7 III edges out the Canon EOS 6D Mark II in video capabilities with a higher score. Both cameras share some common video specifications, such as a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, there are notable differences in their video capabilities that contribute to the a7 III’s slight advantage.

Both models have a built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a useful feature for capturing stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. This feature can be particularly beneficial for photographers who enjoy capturing the passage of time in their videos, such as the movement of clouds or the setting sun.

The Sony a7 III excels in terms of video resolution, offering 4K video recording with maximum dimensions of 3840 x 2160. This is a significant advantage over the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, which only offers Full HD video recording with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080. The higher resolution provided by the Sony a7 III allows for more detailed and visually impressive videos.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II wins the features comparison with a score of 83/100, while the Sony a7 III follows closely with 81/100. Both cameras share several common specifications: 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capability, flip screen, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II outperforms the Sony a7 III in screen resolution and GPS functionality. It boasts a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, providing a sharper and more detailed display compared to the Sony a7 III’s 921,600 dots. Additionally, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II has GPS, allowing for geotagging of photos and easy tracking of shooting locations. This feature is absent in the Sony a7 III, which may disappoint users who prioritize location-based data.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 III’s lower feature score does not necessarily indicate inferiority. Both cameras excel in their respective areas, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the user’s preferences and priorities. While the Canon EOS 6D Mark II has a slight advantage in screen resolution and GPS, these may not be critical factors for some photographers.

Considering the close scores and shared features, both the Canon EOS 6D Mark II and the Sony a7 III are excellent choices for photographers seeking a high-quality camera with an array of useful features. The decision between the two should be based on individual needs and preferences, with the Canon offering higher screen resolution and GPS, while the Sony a7 III remains a strong contender despite its slightly lower feature score.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 6D Mark II in storage and battery with a score of 81, compared to the Canon’s 45/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, but the Sony a7 III offers an additional memory card slot and compatibility with Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. This gives the Sony a7 III an advantage in storage flexibility and capacity. It also offers USB charging.

In terms of battery life, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II surpasses the Sony a7 III with 1200 shots per charge, while the Sony a7 III provides 750 shots. The Canon uses the LP-E6N battery type, while the Sony utilizes the NP-FZ100.

Despite the lower score, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II excels in battery life, offering photographers extended shooting time. However, the Sony a7 III’s superior storage options and additional memory card slot make it the overall winner in this category.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 III – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 6D 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 6D Mark II or the Sony a7 III: