CameraReview

Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a7 III — Which Is Better?

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

Canon EOS M50
Canon
Canon EOS M50
Mirrorless · 24 MP · APS-C · 4K video
59
SCORE
$474.48
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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 M50a7 III
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20182018
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
26/02/201827/02/2018
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 116 x 88 x 59 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm
Camera weight 390 g650 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24 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.
14.9 x 22.323.8 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.
10 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-MSony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 8Bionz 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.
256003003280000512003003280000
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.
5120030032800002048003003280000
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.
14303006930300
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 236000009900000235929609900000
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.
4K4K
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.
3840 x 21603840 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.
120 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.
MPEG-4XAVC 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 TFT 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-E12NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
235 shots1505000750 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS M50 with a score of 80/100 compared to 59/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2018. They share similarities in general specifications, including announcement dates and camera type. However, the Sony a7 III excels with its higher score, which reflects its superior performance.

The Canon EOS M50 has a few advantages, such as a lower launch price of $779 and lighter weight at 390g. On the other hand, the Sony a7 III boasts a higher overall score, showcasing its better features and capabilities. Despite its higher launch price of $2000 and heavier weight at 650g, the Sony a7 III is the clear winner in this comparison.

Ultimately, the Sony a7 III’s higher score signifies its superior performance and features, making it the better choice for photographers seeking a top-quality mirrorless camera.

Canon EOS M50 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 M50, which scored 59/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 24-megapixel resolution, 10 fps shooting speed, and a CMOS sensor type. However, the Sony a7 III excels in certain aspects, making it the superior choice in terms of optics.

The Sony a7 III boasts a full-frame sensor, while the Canon EOS M50 has an APS-C sensor. This difference contributes to the Sony a7 III’s higher DXOMARK score of 96, compared to the Canon EOS M50’s score of 58. The full-frame sensor in the Sony a7 III allows for better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. Additionally, the Sony a7 III has image stabilization, which the Canon EOS M50 lacks, further enhancing its image quality and versatility.

The Canon EOS M50, on the other hand, features a Digic 8 processor and Canon EF-M lens mount. While these aspects may not be enough to surpass the Sony a7 III in terms of optics, they still contribute to the camera’s overall performance and compatibility with Canon lenses.

In the optics comparison, the Sony a7 III stands out as the clear winner, offering a full-frame sensor, higher DXOMARK score, and image stabilization. The Canon EOS M50, while not as strong in the optics department, maintains its value through its processor and lens mount compatibility. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on one’s specific needs and preferences, but the Sony a7 III proves to be the superior option for optics.

Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a7 III Video Performance

The Canon EOS M50 outperforms the Sony a7 III in video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to Sony’s 56/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as 4K max video resolution and max video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. However, the differences in their video features make the Canon EOS M50 a superior choice for videographers.

The Canon EOS M50 excels in its max video frame rate, offering 120fps, which is significantly higher than the Sony a7 III’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother slow-motion footage and greater flexibility in post-production. Additionally, the Canon EOS M50 has built-in time-lapse functionality, making it more convenient for capturing creative and dynamic time-lapse videos.

While the Sony a7 III falls short in these aspects, it still provides high-quality 4K video resolution and is suitable for videographers who do not require higher frame rates or built-in time-lapse functionality. Despite its lower video score, the Sony a7 III remains a reliable option for those focused on still photography and not seeking advanced video features.

Considering the differences in video capabilities, the Canon EOS M50 is the better choice for those prioritizing video performance, offering a higher frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality. The Sony a7 III, on the other hand, is suitable for photographers who do not require advanced video features but still want 4K video resolution.

Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS M50 in features, scoring 81/100 compared to the M50’s 70/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen, touchscreen functionality, flip screen, absence of GPS, and the presence of WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Sony a7 III surpasses the Canon EOS M50 in screen resolution, with 921,600 dots compared to the M50’s 1,040,000 dots. This higher resolution provides the a7 III with a clearer and sharper display, enhancing the user’s experience when composing and reviewing images.

Despite the higher feature score of the Sony a7 III, the Canon EOS M50 has its advantages. Its screen resolution is higher than the a7 III’s, providing a crisper and more detailed display for users. This can be particularly useful when reviewing images or videos on the camera’s screen.

In comparing the features of both cameras, it is evident that the Sony a7 III has an edge over the Canon EOS M50 due to its higher score. This is primarily due to the a7 III’s superior screen resolution. However, the M50 holds its own with a higher screen resolution, which can be an important factor for some users. Both cameras offer valuable features, and the choice between them may depend on the individual’s specific needs and preferences.

Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS M50 in storage and battery, scoring 68/100 compared to the M50’s 13/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, but the a7 III has the advantage of two memory card slots and compatibility with Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.

The a7 III’s superiority is further evident in its battery life, offering 750 shots per charge, while the M50 only provides 235 shots. Both cameras use different battery types, with the a7 III utilizing the NP-FZ100 and the M50 using the LP-E12. Neither camera supports USB charging.

Despite the M50’s shortcomings, it still offers a single memory card slot and a respectable battery life for casual photography. However, the Sony a7 III is the clear winner in terms of storage and battery capabilities, making it a more suitable choice for photographers who require extended shooting sessions and additional storage options.

Canon EOS M50 vs Sony a7 III – Our Verdict

Canon EOS M50 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 M50 or the Sony a7 III: