CameraReview

Nikon D810 vs Sony a7R III — Which Is Better?

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

Nikon D810
Nikon
Nikon D810
DSLR · 36.3 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
72
SCORE
$1,708.23
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7R III
Sony
Sony a7R III
Mirrorless · 42.4 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
83
SCORE
$1,749
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General
Brand NikonSony
Model D810a7R III
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20142017
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
26/06/201425/10/2017
Camera type DSLRMirrorless
Camera size 146 x 123 x 82 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm
Camera weight 980 g657 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
36.3 MP05042.4 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7360 x 49127952 x 5304
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 35.924 x 35.9
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.
5 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.
Nikon F FXSony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Expeed 4Bionz 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.
643020010030200
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.
320003003280000320003003280000
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.
32302005030200
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.
5120030032800001024003003280000
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.
5103004250300
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 (tunnel)Electronic
Viewfinder dots N/A368640009900000
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.
MOVXAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4
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.
1229000115000150000014400001150001500000
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, Compact Flash, UDMASD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type EN-EL15NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1200 shots1505000650 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R III emerges as the winner with a score of 83/100, outperforming the Nikon D810, which scored 72/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as their announcement year and similar launch prices of $3200 and $3300, respectively.

The Sony a7R III excels with its mirrorless design, which contributes to its lighter weight of 657g and compact size of 127 x 96 x 74mm. On the other hand, the Nikon D810 is a DSLR camera, weighing 980g and measuring 146 x 123 x 82mm. While the Nikon D810 does not surpass the Sony a7R III in these aspects, it remains a reliable camera with a decent score.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R III proves to be the superior option due to its higher score and compact design, while the Nikon D810 still offers quality performance as a DSLR camera.

Nikon D810 vs Sony a7R III Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R III outperforms the Nikon D810 in optics, scoring 84 out of 100 compared to the D810’s 76. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a full-frame CMOS sensor, but there are notable differences that contribute to the Sony’s superior performance.

The Sony a7R III boasts a higher megapixel count at 42.4, compared to the Nikon D810’s 36.3, enabling it to capture more detail in images. Additionally, the a7R III has a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, doubling the D810’s 5 frames per second. This allows the Sony camera to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. The a7R III also has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 100, compared to the D810’s 97, indicating better overall image quality.

One advantage the Nikon D810 has over the Sony a7R III is its Nikon F FX lens mount, which provides access to a wider range of lenses compared to the Sony FE mount. However, the Sony a7R III features image stabilization, which the Nikon D810 lacks. This helps reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness, particularly in low-light situations.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R III emerges as the superior choice for optics due to its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, better sensor score, and image stabilization. The Nikon D810’s main advantage lies in its lens compatibility, but this is not enough to surpass the Sony’s overall performance in this category.

Nikon D810 vs Sony a7R III Video Performance

The Nikon D810 emerges as the winner in video capabilities with a score of 70/100, while the Sony a7R III scores 56/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as the presence of built-in time-lapse functionality in the Nikon D810 and the absence of it in the Sony a7R III. However, there are significant differences that contribute to their respective scores.

The Nikon D810 outperforms the Sony a7R III with its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the 30fps offered by the Sony a7R III. This higher frame rate allows for smoother video playback and better slow-motion effects, making the Nikon D810 more suitable for professional video work.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R III boasts a higher maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160), compared to the Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution offered by the Nikon D810. This means that the Sony a7R III provides greater detail and clarity in its video output, which may be preferred by some users.

Despite the higher video resolution of the Sony a7R III, the Nikon D810’s superior video frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality make it a more versatile option for videographers. The Sony a7R III’s advantage in video resolution may not be as significant for users who prioritize smooth motion and time-lapse capabilities in their video work.

Taking all these factors into account, the Nikon D810 proves to be the better choice for video capabilities due to its higher score, which reflects its higher maximum video frame rate and the presence of built-in time-lapse functionality. The Sony a7R III, while offering higher video resolution, falls short in other aspects that contribute to overall video performance.

Nikon D810 vs Sony a7R III Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R III emerges as the winner in the features comparison, with a score of 83/100, while the Nikon D810 scores 59/100. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as having a WIFI connection and no GPS. However, the Sony a7R III outperforms the Nikon D810 in several aspects, making it the superior choice in terms of features.

The Sony a7R III has a touchscreen, which the Nikon D810 lacks. This feature makes it easier for users to navigate menus and select focus points. Additionally, the Sony a7R III has a flip screen, enabling users to take photos and videos from various angles and positions. The Nikon D810 does not have this functionality. Furthermore, the Sony a7R III has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless and convenient sharing and transfer of files.

In terms of screen size and resolution, the Nikon D810 has a slightly larger screen at 3.2 inches compared to the Sony a7R III’s 3 inches. However, the Sony a7R III has a higher screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, providing a clearer and sharper display than the Nikon D810’s 1,229,000 dots.

Despite the Nikon D810’s larger screen, the Sony a7R III’s superior features such as touchscreen, flip screen, and Bluetooth connectivity make it the better choice. The Nikon D810’s only advantage is its slightly larger screen, which does not outweigh the benefits of the Sony a7R III’s other features.

Based on this comparison, the Sony a7R III is the clear winner in terms of features, providing users with a more versatile and user-friendly experience. The Nikon D810 falls short in several areas, making it less appealing for those seeking a camera with advanced features.

Nikon D810 vs Sony a7R III Storage and Battery

The Nikon D810 surpasses the Sony a7R III in storage and battery, scoring 79/100 compared to Sony’s 65/100. Both cameras share two memory card slots and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. However, the Nikon D810 also supports Compact Flash and UDMA cards, offering more storage options.

The D810’s battery life is superior, providing 1200 shots per charge, while the a7R III manages only 650 shots. The Nikon uses an EN-EL15 battery, and the Sony relies on an NP-FZ100. Neither camera offers USB charging.

Although the Nikon D810 excels in storage compatibility and battery life, the Sony a7R III has the advantage of UHS-II compatibility for faster data transfer. This distinction may be beneficial for photographers prioritizing speed.

Considering storage and battery performance, the Nikon D810 is the stronger choice overall, with longer battery life and broader memory card compatibility. The Sony a7R III lags behind but offers faster data transfer rates with UHS-II support.

Nikon D810 vs Sony a7R III – Our Verdict

Nikon D810 vs Sony a7R III Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D810 or the Sony a7R III: