Sony a1 vs a7 III Comparison
Sony a1
Sony a7 III
Price | |||
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a1 | a7 III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2021 | 2018 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 26, 2021 | February 27, 2018 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a1 takes the lead with a score of 86/100, while the Sony a7 III follows closely with a score of 80/100. Both cameras are mirrorless, with the a1 being released in 2021 and the a7 III in 2018. They share similar dimensions, but the a1 is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 129 x 97 x 81mm and weighing 737g, compared to the a7 III at 127 x 96 x 74mm and 650g.
The Sony a1 outperforms the a7 III with its higher score, reflecting its advanced features and capabilities. However, the a7 III has the advantage of a significantly lower launch price of $2000, compared to the a1’s hefty $6499 price tag.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a1 is the superior camera in terms of performance and features, while the Sony a7 III offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the user’s priorities and budget.
Sony a1 vs a7 III Overview and Optics
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a7 III in optics with a score of 89/100 compared to 81/100. Both cameras share several key specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. Despite these similarities, the Sony a1 exceeds the Sony a7 III in specific areas, contributing to its higher score.
The Sony a1’s superiority is evident in its 50.1-megapixel resolution, far surpassing the Sony a7 III’s 24.2 megapixels. This higher resolution allows the a1 to capture more detail and produce sharper images. Additionally, the a1 boasts a faster shooting speed of 30 frames per second (fps) compared to the a7 III’s 10 fps. This faster speed enables the a1 to excel in capturing fast-moving subjects and action scenes.
Furthermore, the Sony a1 is equipped with a dual Bionz XR processor, while the a7 III uses a single Bionz X processor. This difference in processing power results in the a1’s improved performance and speed. The a1 also has a slightly higher DXOMARK sensor score of 98, compared to the a7 III’s 96, indicating marginally better image quality.
The Sony a7 III, however, has its advantages. Its lower resolution and slower shooting speed contribute to a more affordable price point compared to the a1. For photographers on a budget or those who do not require the highest resolution and speed, the a7 III remains a viable and high-quality option.
Considering these factors, the Sony a1 emerges as the superior camera in terms of optics, with its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and improved processing power. The Sony a7 III remains a strong contender for those prioritizing affordability without sacrificing quality.
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Optics
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Sony a1
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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. | 50.1 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. | 8640 x 5760 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. | 24 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. | 30 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. | Sony FE | Sony FE | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Dual Bionz XR | 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 (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 32,000 | 51,200 | |
Minimum 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. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum 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. | 102400 | 204800 | |
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/ 32000 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. | 759 | 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 | 9,437,184 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
Sony a1 vs a7 III Video Performance
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a7 III in video capabilities, with a score of 86/100 compared to the a7 III’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common video features, such as the lack of built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the differences in video specifications are significant, with the Sony a1 offering superior performance in several aspects.
The Sony a1’s maximum video resolution is 8K, providing 7680 x 4320 pixels, which is four times higher than the Sony a7 III’s 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This higher resolution allows the Sony a1 to capture more detail and produce sharper video footage. Additionally, the Sony a1 boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, enabling users to create smooth slow-motion videos. In contrast, the Sony a7 III’s maximum frame rate is limited to 30fps, which restricts its slow-motion capabilities.
Despite its lower video score, the Sony a7 III still has its merits. Its 4K resolution is suitable for most video applications, including content creation and professional work. Additionally, the camera’s 30fps frame rate is sufficient for capturing smooth video footage in everyday situations.
When comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a1 and Sony a7 III, the a1 holds a clear advantage with its higher video resolution and frame rate. The a1’s features make it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts who require top-quality video performance. On the other hand, the Sony a7 III’s video specifications are still adequate for many users, and it remains a solid option for those who do not need the advanced video capabilities offered by the a1.
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Video
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Sony a1
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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. |  8K |  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. | 7680 x 4320 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. | LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 16bit), LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 24bit), LPCM 4ch(48 kHz 24bit), MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch | XAVC S, AVCHD |
Sony a1 vs a7 III Features and Benefits
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a7 III with a feature score of 83/100 compared to 81/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capabilities, flip screen, GPS absence, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Sony a1 excels in screen resolution, boasting 1,440,000 dots compared to the Sony a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed display, enhancing user experience when composing shots and reviewing images.
Although the Sony a1 leads in feature score and screen resolution, the Sony a7 III still offers strong competition. Both cameras possess a touchscreen and flip screen, enabling users to easily navigate menus and compose shots from various angles. Additionally, both lack GPS but offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring users can transfer images and control the cameras remotely.
Despite the Sony a1’s superior feature score and screen resolution, the Sony a7 III remains a viable option for photographers. Its features are comparable to the Sony a1, and it may provide better value for those with a tighter budget or specific needs.
Ultimately, the Sony a1 holds an advantage in features and screen resolution, while the Sony a7 III remains competitive with its similarities in other specifications. Photographers should carefully consider their personal requirements and budget when choosing between these two cameras.
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Features
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Sony a1
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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. | 1,440,000 dots | 921,600 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Sony a1 vs a7 III Storage and Battery
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a7 III in storage and battery with a score of 73/100 compared to 68/100. Both cameras share two memory card slots and utilize the NP-FZ100 battery type. The a1 accepts SD and CFexpress Type A cards, with UHS-II compatibility, while the a7 III takes SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.
The superior storage capabilities of the Sony a1 contribute to its higher score. The use of CFexpress Type A cards and UHS-II compatibility offer faster read and write speeds, enhancing overall performance. Additionally, the a1 has USB charging, providing more flexibility and convenience for users.
Despite its lower score, the Sony a7 III excels in battery life with 750 shots, significantly more than the a1’s 530 shots. This advantage may appeal to photographers who prioritize longer shooting sessions without needing to recharge or swap batteries.
Considering these factors, the Sony a1 offers better storage options and USB charging, while the Sony a7 III provides longer battery life. Users should weigh these differences according to their specific needs and preferences when choosing between the two cameras.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony a7 III
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Memory Card | SD,CFexpress Type A (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 530 shots | 750 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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Photography Genre
Graded from the first-hand experience of one of our writers |
Sony a1
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Sony a7 III
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Beginner Friendly | 
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Portrait | 
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Landscape | 
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Sports and Action | 
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Street | 
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Value for Money | 
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a1
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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.' | 25.9 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.' | 14.5 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' | 3163 | 3722 |
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Scores
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Sony a1
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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 |
Sony a1 vs a7 III – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a1 or the Sony a7 III:
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User Scores
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Sony a1
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Sony a7 III
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