Canon EOS R6 vs Sony a7 III
Comparison
Canon EOS R6
Sony a7 III
Price | from $1,998Shop 2 Offers 
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS R6 | a7 III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2018 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 27, 2020 | February 27, 2018 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
Canon R6 vs Sony a7 III Overview
The Canon EOS R6 and the Sony a7 III are both exceptional cameras. They have similarities. Both cameras are leading full frame mirrorless cameras. As you can see, the scores are head-to-head when it comes to specs alone. But there are some major differences we need to consider.
The Sony a7 III was released almost two years before the Canon mirrorless. That explains why it’s currently available at a significantly lower price. Don’t let the numbers fool you though, this camera still packs quite a punch.
The Sony model has a higher image resolution boasting a nice 24.4 MP Full Frame sensor with 6000 x 4000 px resolution. The Canon R6 does have a better frame rate at 20 fps compared to the Sonys 10 fps. The Canon model also has much higher autofocus points as well as a higher viewfinder resolution.
When it comes to ISO and shutter speed range both cameras are on par. They also both offer in-body stabilization for those who like to shoot handheld.
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Optics
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Canon EOS R6
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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. | 20.1 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. | 23.9 x 35.9 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. | 20 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 RF | 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 X | 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 Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 204,800 | 204,800 | |
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/ 8000 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. | 1,053 | 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. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3,690,000 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
Canon R6 vs Sony a7 III Video Specs
There are certainly no issues with the video capabilities of either the Canon R6 vs Sony a7 III. Both can shoot 4K HD video. The advantage of the R6 is that it offers built-in time-lapse recording and a higher frame rate.
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Video
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Canon EOS R6
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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. |  4K | 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. | 3840 x 2160 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. | 120 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. | MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD |
Features and Benefits Comparison
Both the Canon R6 and Sony a7 III have adequate features for most kinds of photographers. They both have hot shoe connections for external flashes, opening up more possibilities for additional lighting. It’s a good feature for indoor photographers.
Both cameras offer some form of weather sealing which is great for outdoor photographers.
When it comes to screen resolution, the Canon R6 is the better option. It has a screen resolution of 1.6m dots compared to the Sony’s 921k dots. It’s not a huge difference, but you’ll see an increase in definition on the Canon model.
Both camera models offer Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy file transfer and sharing.
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Features
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Canon EOS R6
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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 | 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. | 1,620,000 dots | 921,600 dots | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | |
Storage and Battery Comparison
When it comes to battery life, the Sony a7 III has a significantly longer battery life. The Sony gives you 750 shots from a fully charged battery. That’s more than twice the battery life of the Canon R6. Those extra shots can make a big difference when you’re out shooting.
However, it’s worth taking the official CIPA measurements with a pinch of salt. As with most things we consider in a camera comparison, it depends on how and what you do with the camera that matters.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS R6
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Sony a7 III
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Memory Card | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6NH | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 360 shots | 750 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS R6
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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.' | 24.2 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.' | 14.3 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' | 3394 | 3722 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS R6
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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 R6 vs Sony a7 III - Which is Better?
So, which camera should you choose? In the end, it really comes down to what you’re looking for in a camera. We hope this comparison of specs and features has helped make your decision easier.
Camera manufacturers have made it increasingly difficult to choose the right camera. With so many options on the market, and each model touting a bevy of features, it can be hard to know where to start. By comparing similar models and their specs, you can more easily identify which camera is best for your needs. If you are still not sure, we suggest you check out our other popular camera comparisons to get inspired:
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 vs GH5S
Keep in mind that what’s most important is finding a camera that feels comfortable in your hands and will allow you to capture the photos you envision. Happy shopping!
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User Scores
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Canon EOS R6
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Sony a7 III
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