Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
 86
SCORE
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 83
SCORE
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|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Model | a1 | a7R III |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2021 | 2017 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
26/01/2021 | 25/10/2017 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 129 x 97 x 81 mm | 127 x 96 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 737 g | 657 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
50.1 MP050 | 42.4 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
8640 x 5760 | 7952 x 5304 |
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 | 24 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full 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. |
30 fps045 | 10 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. |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
320003003280000 | 320003003280000 |
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. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
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. |
1024003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
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. |
3200080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
7590300 | 4250300 |
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. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 943718409900000 | 368640009900000 |
| 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. |
8K | 4K |
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. |
7680 x 4320 | 3840 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 fps | 30 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. |
LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 16bit), LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 24bit), LPCM 4ch(48 kHz 24bit), MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch | XAVC 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 | 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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
14400001150001500000 | 14400001150001500000 |
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,CFexpress Type A (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| 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 shots1505000 | 650 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✗ |
The Sony a1 emerges as the winner with a score of 86/100, while the Sony a7R III trails closely behind with a score of 83/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a1 measuring 129 x 97 x 81mm and the a7R III at 127 x 96 x 74mm. However, the a1 is slightly heavier at 737g compared to the a7R III’s 657g.
The a1’s higher score is due to its superior performance and advanced features, justifying its launch price of $6499. On the other hand, the a7R III, released in 2017, offers a more affordable option at $3200 without sacrificing too much in terms of quality.
Taking all factors into consideration, the Sony a1 is the better camera, but the Sony a7R III remains a strong competitor, especially for those on a tighter budget.
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a7R III in video capabilities, boasting a higher video score of 86/100 compared to the a7R III’s 56/100. Both cameras share the lack of built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the differences between the two models become apparent when examining the specifications related to video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate.
The Sony a1 offers a significantly higher maximum video resolution of 8K, compared to the a7R III’s 4K resolution. This results in the a1 providing video dimensions of 7680 x 4320, while the a7R III only delivers 3840 x 2160. The increased resolution and dimensions contribute to the a1’s superior video quality and detail.
Additionally, the a1 boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, far surpassing the a7R III’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows the a1 to capture smoother, more detailed slow-motion footage, making it a more versatile choice for videographers seeking advanced capabilities.
Although the a7R III has a lower video score, it still provides respectable 4K video resolution, making it suitable for many videographers who do not require the extreme detail and frame rate offered by the a1. However, it is clear that the Sony a1 outshines the a7R III in video capabilities.
Considering the differences in video scores, resolution, dimensions, and frame rate, the Sony a1 is the superior choice for videographers seeking advanced capabilities and exceptional video quality. While the Sony a7R III remains a viable option for those who do not need the top-tier features provided by the a1, it cannot compete with the a1’s impressive performance in video capture.
The Sony a1 and Sony a7R III both have a feature score of 83/100, indicating that they share many common specifications. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 1440000 dots, a touchscreen, a flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Neither camera has GPS.
The Sony a1 excels in some areas compared to the Sony a7R III. Its advanced features provide a better user experience and more functionality for photographers. The a1 has a higher resolution and faster processing speed, allowing for quicker photo capture and more detail in images. Additionally, the a1 has better autofocus performance, making it easier to capture fast-moving subjects.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R III also has its advantages. It is generally more affordable than the Sony a1, making it a more accessible option for photographers on a budget. Furthermore, the a7R III has a longer battery life, allowing for extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent battery replacements. This can be a significant advantage for photographers who spend long periods of time in the field.
In comparing the Sony a1 and Sony a7R III, it is clear that both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. The Sony a1 offers better performance and advanced features, while the Sony a7R III provides a more affordable option with longer battery life. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual photographer’s needs, preferences, and budget.
The Sony a1 outperforms the Sony a7R III in storage and battery with a score of 73/100 compared to 65/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and use the NP-FZ100 battery type. The Sony a1 accepts SD and CFexpress Type A cards, while the Sony a7R III is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
The Sony a1’s advantage lies in its compatibility with CFexpress Type A cards, which offer faster read and write speeds. Additionally, the Sony a1 supports USB charging, providing more charging flexibility. However, the Sony a7R III boasts a slightly longer battery life of 650 shots compared to the Sony a1’s 530 shots.
Despite the longer battery life of the Sony a7R III, the Sony a1’s superior storage options and USB charging capability make it the better choice for storage and battery performance.
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 a7R III:
