CameraReview

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

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

Canon EOS R
Canon
Canon EOS R
Mirrorless · 30.3 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
80
SCORE
$1,799
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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
Brand CanonSony
Model EOS Ra7 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.
05/09/201827/02/2018
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 136 x 98 x 84 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm
Camera weight 485 g650 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
30.3 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6720 x 44806000 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 3623.8 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.
8 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 RFSony 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.
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.
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.
565503006930300
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 369000009900000235929609900000
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.
30 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.
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 3.2"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
210000011500015000009216001150001500000
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-II 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.
370 shots1505000750 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner with a score of 81, while the Canon EOS R trails behind at 74/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2018, with the Canon EOS R launching at $2300 and the Sony a7 III at $2000. They share similar dimensions, but the Canon EOS R is lighter, weighing 485g compared to the Sony a7 III’s 650g.

The Sony a7 III’s higher score reveals its superior performance in various aspects, such as image quality, autofocus, and battery life. On the other hand, the Canon EOS R’s lighter weight makes it more convenient for photographers who prefer a more portable option.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 III is the better choice for those seeking top-notch performance, while the Canon EOS R may suit those prioritizing portability.

Canon EOS R vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS R in optics with a score of 81/100 compared to Canon’s 73/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a CMOS sensor type, full-frame sensor size, and similar shooting speeds with the Canon EOS R at 8 and the Sony a7 III at 10. However, the differences in their performance lie in other features.

The Sony a7 III has a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 96, compared to the Canon EOS R’s 89, indicating better overall image quality. Additionally, the Sony a7 III possesses image stabilization, which the Canon EOS R lacks. This feature helps reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness, making the Sony a7 III more suitable for handheld photography and low-light situations.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS R has a higher megapixel count at 30.3 compared to the Sony a7 III’s 24.2. This allows the Canon EOS R to capture more detail in images and provides greater flexibility for cropping and printing large photos. However, a higher megapixel count does not always guarantee better image quality, as other factors like sensor performance and image processing also play a role.

The lens mount compatibility is another factor to consider. The Canon EOS R uses the Canon RF mount, while the Sony a7 III uses the Sony FE mount. This means that each camera can only utilize lenses specifically designed for their respective mounts unless an adapter is used.

In terms of optics, the Sony a7 III has a clear advantage over the Canon EOS R, mainly due to its higher sensor score and built-in image stabilization. The Canon EOS R, though, offers a higher megapixel count for capturing more detail. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on the user’s priorities and the type of photography they plan to pursue.

Canon EOS R vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS R outperforms the Sony a7 III in features, scoring 87/100 compared to Sony’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including touchscreen capability, flip screens, lack of GPS, and connectivity options such as WIFI and Bluetooth.

The Canon EOS R excels in its screen size and resolution. With a 3.2-inch screen and a resolution of 2,100,000 dots, it provides a larger and sharper display than the Sony a7 III’s 3-inch screen and 921,600-dot resolution. This advantage allows for improved image preview and menu navigation, enhancing the user experience.

While the Sony a7 III has a lower feature score, it still offers strong competition. Both cameras have touchscreens, flip screens, and similar connectivity options. The Sony a7 III has the same level of functionality as the Canon EOS R in these aspects, providing users with convenience and ease of use.

Considering the features of both cameras, the Canon EOS R holds a slight edge over the Sony a7 III due to its larger screen size and higher resolution. However, the Sony a7 III remains a solid choice as it matches the Canon EOS R in several key areas. Ultimately, the decision between the two cameras will depend on the individual user’s preferences and priorities, as both offer impressive performance and functionality.

Canon EOS R vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Canon EOS R in storage and battery with a score of 81 compared to Canon’s 35/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the Sony a7 III has two memory card slots and also supports Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards, while the Canon EOS R has only one memory card slot and is UHS-II compatible.

The Sony a7 III’s battery life is significantly longer, offering 750 shots per charge with its NP-FZ100 battery, compared to the Canon EOS R’s 370 shots using the LP-E6N battery. This advantage makes the Sony a7 III a better choice for extended shooting sessions or situations where charging opportunities are limited.

Canon EOS R vs Sony a7 III Alternatives

If you’re still not sure which camera to go for, here are some more popular comparisons to inspire you: