Canon EOS 6D vs Sony a7 III Comparison
Canon EOS 6D
Sony a7 III
Price | |||
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS 6D | a7 III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 | 2018 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 17, 2012 | February 27, 2018 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR |  Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7 III outshines the Canon EOS 6D with a score of 81 compared to 59/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as their launch prices, with the Canon EOS 6D at $2099 and the Sony a7 III at $2000. Additionally, their sizes are relatively similar with only a slight difference in dimensions.
The Sony a7 III has the advantage of being a mirrorless camera, offering a more compact and lightweight design. It weighs only 650g (1.43lbs), compared to the Canon EOS 6D’s 770g (1.70lbs). This makes the Sony a7 III more portable and convenient for photographers on the go.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 6D is a DSLR, which may appeal to some photographers who prefer the traditional design and optical viewfinder. However, its announcement and release in 2012 make it an older model, which could be a drawback compared to the more recent Sony a7 III released in 2018.
Taking all these factors into account, the Sony a7 III emerges as the superior choice due to its higher score, lighter weight, and more recent release. While the Canon EOS 6D may still appeal to some, the Sony a7 III offers greater advantages for most photographers.
Canon EOS 6D vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 III triumphs over the Canon EOS 6D in optics, boasting a score of 81/100 as opposed to the 6D’s 61/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and distinct lens mounts – Canon EF for the 6D and Sony FE for the a7 III.
The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 6D in several aspects. Firstly, it has a higher megapixel count of 24.2, which results in more detailed images compared to the 6D’s 20.2 megapixels. The a7 III also has a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, double the 6D’s 4.5, allowing for better capture of fast-moving subjects. Furthermore, the a7 III’s image stabilization feature is a significant advantage, ensuring sharper images in challenging shooting conditions. Its superior DXOMARK sensor score of 96, compared to the 6D’s 82, solidifies the a7 III’s better overall image quality.
However, the Canon EOS 6D is not without its merits. Its Digic 5+ processor is well-regarded for producing excellent color reproduction and noise reduction. While it may not surpass the a7 III’s Bionz X processor, it still delivers quality results.
Taking all factors into account, the Sony a7 III emerges as the superior choice for optics, with its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, image stabilization, and better sensor score. While the Canon EOS 6D provides decent image quality and performance, it falls short of competing with the a7 III’s more advanced features and capabilities.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 6D
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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. | 20.2 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. | 5472 x 3648 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. | 4.5 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 5+ | 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. | 25,600 | 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/ 4000 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. | 11 | 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 6D vs Sony a7 III Video Performance
The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 6D in video capabilities with a score of 70 to 43. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, the Sony a7 III surpasses the Canon EOS 6D in other aspects, making it the superior choice for video recording.
The most significant advantage of the Sony a7 III is its 4K video resolution, with maximum dimensions of 3840 x 2160. In contrast, the Canon EOS 6D only offers Full HD video resolution, limited to 1920 x 1080 dimensions. The higher video resolution of the Sony a7 III allows for more detailed and sharper footage, which is particularly beneficial for professional videographers and content creators.
However, the Canon EOS 6D still has its merits despite the lower video score. For casual users or those primarily focused on photography, the Full HD video resolution may be sufficient for their needs. Additionally, both cameras have the same maximum video frame rate, ensuring that they can capture smooth motion in their videos.
Comparing the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 6D and the Sony a7 III, it is clear that the Sony a7 III is the better choice for those prioritizing video quality and resolution. The 4K resolution significantly enhances the detail and sharpness of the footage, making it more suitable for professional use. However, the Canon EOS 6D may still be adequate for those who do not require the highest video quality and are more focused on photography.
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Video
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Canon EOS 6D
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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 6D vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 III triumphs over the Canon EOS 6D in features, earning a score of 81/100 compared to the latter’s 57/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size and WiFi connectivity. However, the Sony a7 III outshines the Canon EOS 6D in several aspects.
The Sony a7 III boasts a touchscreen, which the Canon EOS 6D lacks. This feature allows for easier navigation and control, providing a more user-friendly experience. Additionally, the Sony a7 III has a flip screen, which enables photographers to capture images from various angles and positions, increasing versatility. The Sony a7 III also offers Bluetooth connectivity, enhancing its compatibility with other devices and allowing for seamless file transfers.
Despite the lower score, the Canon EOS 6D has its advantages. It features a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, compared to the Sony a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This results in a clearer and sharper display, aiding photographers in previewing their images with better detail. Furthermore, the Canon EOS 6D is equipped with GPS, enabling users to geotag their photos and track their shooting locations, a feature absent in the Sony a7 III.
Taking these points into consideration, it is evident that the Sony a7 III excels in terms of features, offering a touchscreen, flip screen, and Bluetooth connectivity. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 6D provides a higher screen resolution and GPS functionality. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on the individual photographer’s needs and preferences.
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Features
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Canon EOS 6D
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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. | 1,040,000 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 6D vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery
The Sony a7 III wins in the storage and battery category with a score of 81, while the Canon EOS 6D scores 45/100. Both cameras have common specifications, such as accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.
The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 6D with two memory card slots, providing more storage options and flexibility. It also accepts Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards, offering additional compatibility. However, the Canon EOS 6D has a longer battery life, lasting 1090 shots compared to the Sony a7 III’s 750 shots. This advantage makes the Canon EOS 6D more suited for extended shooting sessions without needing to replace the battery.
Even though the Canon EOS 6D has better battery life, the Sony a7 III’s overall storage and battery capabilities prove superior due to its additional memory card slot and wider card compatibility.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 6D
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Sony a7 III
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | 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. | 1,090 shots | 750 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 6D
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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.' | 22.2 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.' | 11.5 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' | 813 | 3722 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 6D
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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 |
Canon EOS 6D vs Sony a7 III – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 6D or the Sony a7 III:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 6D
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Sony a7 III
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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