CameraReview

Canon EOS 80D vs Sony a7 III — Which Is Better?

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

Canon EOS 80D
Canon
Canon EOS 80D
DSLR · 24.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
64
SCORE
$528.99
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7 III
Sony
Sony a7 III
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
81
SCORE
$1,419
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Best Price →
General
Brand CanonSony
Model EOS 80Da7 III
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20162018
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
18/02/201627/02/2018
Camera type DSLRMirrorless
Camera size 139 x 105 x 79 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm
Camera weight 730 g650 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 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.
15 x 22.523.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CFull 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.
7 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 EF-SSony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 6Bionz 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.
160003003280000512003003280000
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.
100302005030200
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.
2560030032800002048003003280000
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.
800080032000800080032000
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.
MOV, MP4XAVC 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.
960 shots1505000750 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 80D with a score of 80/100 compared to 64/100. Both cameras were announced in February, with the Canon EOS 80D in 2016 and the Sony a7 III in 2018. They share similarities in launch price, with the Canon EOS 80D priced at $1200 and the Sony a7 III at $2000.

The Sony a7 III excels with its mirrorless design, making it lighter at 650g and more compact at 127 x 96 x 74mm. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 80D, a DSLR, weighs 730g and measures 139 x 105 x 79mm. Despite its heavier build, the Canon EOS 80D may offer some advantages in specific shooting situations.

Considering the specifications, the Sony a7 III is a better choice for those seeking a lighter and more compact camera, while the Canon EOS 80D may still be a suitable option for certain users.

Canon EOS 80D vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 80D in optics with a score of 81/100 compared to the Canon’s 63/100. Both cameras have 24.2 Megapixels, CMOS sensor type, and similar lens mounts, with the Canon having an EF-S mount and the Sony featuring an FE mount.

The Sony a7 III has superior aspects, such as a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, compared to the Canon’s 7. The a7 III also has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor (96) than the EOS 80D (79), indicating better image quality. Furthermore, the Sony a7 III has a larger full-frame sensor size, offering improved low-light performance and dynamic range compared to the Canon’s APS-C sensor. Additionally, the Sony camera has built-in image stabilization, ensuring sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when using telephoto lenses.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 80D has a few advantages over the Sony a7 III. Its Digic 6 processor is specifically designed for Canon cameras and optimizes image quality and processing speed. The Canon EF-S lens mount also provides access to a vast range of lenses, although the Sony FE mount also offers a growing selection of high-quality lenses.

Considering the various aspects of both cameras, the Sony a7 III is a superior choice for those seeking better image quality, faster shooting speeds, and built-in image stabilization. However, the Canon EOS 80D remains a viable option for those who prefer Canon’s lens ecosystem and processor technology. Ultimately, the decision between these two cameras depends on the user’s priorities and requirements.

Canon EOS 80D vs Sony a7 III Video Performance

The Canon EOS 80D outperforms the Sony a7 III in video capabilities, scoring 70/100 compared to Sony’s 56/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including Full HD video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Canon EOS 80D has a higher maximum video frame rate, while the Sony a7 III boasts a larger maximum video dimension.

The Canon EOS 80D’s superiority lies in its maximum video frame rate of 60fps, providing smoother and more detailed motion capture compared to the Sony a7 III’s 30fps. This makes the Canon EOS 80D more suitable for fast-paced action or sports videography. Additionally, the Canon EOS 80D has built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing for creative and dynamic video production without the need for external software or accessories.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 III offers a higher maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, compared to the Canon EOS 80D’s Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. This higher resolution allows for more detailed and sharper video quality, which is beneficial for professional videographers or those who require high-quality footage.

In conclusion, the Canon EOS 80D’s higher video score is justified by its superior maximum video frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality, making it the better choice for fast-paced videography and creative projects. However, the Sony a7 III’s higher video resolution may appeal to those who prioritize video quality and detail. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific video requirements and preferences of the user.

Canon EOS 80D vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner in this comparison, with a feature score of 81/100, compared to the Canon EOS 80D’s score of 70/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capabilities, flip screens, WiFi connectivity, and a lack of GPS.

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 80D in a few aspects. Firstly, it offers Bluetooth connectivity, which the Canon EOS 80D lacks. This feature allows for seamless transfer of files and remote control of the camera. Secondly, the Sony a7 III has a slightly higher screen resolution at 921,600 dots, compared to the Canon EOS 80D’s 1,040,000 dots. This difference provides a sharper and clearer display for users.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 80D offers some advantages over the Sony a7 III, despite its lower feature score. The Canon EOS 80D has a higher screen resolution, which may provide a slightly better viewing experience when composing and reviewing images. However, this difference is relatively minor and may not significantly impact the overall user experience.

Taking all these factors into account, the Sony a7 III is the better camera in terms of features, with its higher score and additional Bluetooth connectivity. The Canon EOS 80D, while slightly behind in this comparison, still offers a solid range of features, making it a viable option for photographers who prioritize screen resolution.

Canon EOS 80D vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS 80D in storage and battery with a score of 68/100 compared to the Canon’s 43/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, with the Sony a7 III also compatible with Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. The Sony a7 III further surpasses the Canon EOS 80D by offering two memory card slots, doubling storage capacity and providing more flexibility.

In terms of battery life, the Canon EOS 80D surpasses the Sony a7 III, providing 960 shots compared to the Sony’s 750 shots. However, both cameras use different battery types, with the Canon utilizing an LP-E6N and the Sony using an NP-FZ100. Neither camera offers USB charging.

Considering the storage and battery aspects, the Sony a7 III stands out for its dual memory card slots and wider range of compatible memory cards, while the Canon EOS 80D takes the lead in battery life.

Canon EOS 80D vs Sony a7 III – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 80D 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 80D or the Sony a7 III: