CameraReview

Sony a6100 vs Sony a7 III — Which Is Better?

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

Sony a6100
Sony
Sony a6100
Mirrorless · 24 MP · APS-C · 4K video
66
SCORE
$665.03
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✓ 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 SonySony
Model a6100a7 III
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20192018
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
28/08/201927/02/2018
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 120 x 67 x 59 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm
Camera weight 396 g650 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 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.
15.6 x 23.523.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CFull 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.
11 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.
Sony ESony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz 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.
320003003280000512003003280000
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.
100302005030200
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.
5100030032800002048003003280000
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.
400080032000800080032000
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.
42503006930300
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 144000009900000235929609900000
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.
120 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.
MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264XAVC 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"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
92160011500015000009216001150001500000
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, Memory Stick Pro DuoSD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FW50NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
420 shots1505000750 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Sony a6100 with a score of 81 compared to the latter’s 66/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as being mirrorless and having a similar release time frame – the a6100 in 2019 and the a7 III in 2018.

The Sony a7 III excels due to its higher score, which reflects its superior performance. It is a better camera than the a6100, but it also comes with a higher launch price of $2000 compared to the a6100’s $750. The a7 III is larger and heavier, with dimensions of 127 x 96 x 74mm and a weight of 650g.

The Sony a6100, on the other hand, is more compact and lightweight at 120 x 67 x 59mm and 396g. This makes it a more portable option, ideal for those prioritizing ease of transport.

Taking into account the specifications, the Sony a7 III is the better camera in terms of performance, while the Sony a6100 offers a more budget-friendly and portable alternative.

Sony a6100 vs a7 III Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner in the optics comparison, scoring 81 out of 100, while the Sony a6100 trails behind with a score of 68. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor and a Bionz X processor. Additionally, they both use Sony’s E and FE lens mounts respectively.

The Sony a7 III outperforms the a6100 in several key areas. Its full-frame sensor provides better image quality and low-light performance compared to the a6100’s APS-C sensor. Moreover, the a7 III has a higher DXOMARK score of 96, which indicates superior image quality. Another advantage of the a7 III is its built-in image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.

On the other hand, the Sony a6100 has a slightly faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second, compared to the a7 III’s 10 frames per second. This may be beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or action shots. However, this advantage is minor compared to the significant improvements in image quality offered by the a7 III.

To conclude, the Sony a7 III is the clear winner when it comes to optics, with its full-frame sensor, higher DXOMARK score, and image stabilization features. While the a6100 has a marginally faster shooting speed, it does not compensate for the overall superior performance of the a7 III in terms of image quality and versatility.

Sony a6100 vs a7 III Video Performance

The Sony a6100 outperforms the Sony a7 III in terms of video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to the a7 III’s 70. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video resolution of 4K and maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. However, the a6100 surpasses the a7 III in other aspects, making it a better choice for video enthusiasts.

The a6100 offers a higher maximum video frame rate at 120fps, while the a7 III only reaches 30fps. This advantage allows the a6100 to capture smoother, more detailed slow-motion footage.

Sony a6100 vs a7 III Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner in the features comparison, scoring 81 points out of 100, while the Sony a6100 scores 68 points. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, 921600-dot screen resolution, touchscreen capability, flip screen, absence of GPS, and the presence of WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Sony a7 III surpasses the a6100 in various aspects. Although the specifics of these aspects are not provided, the higher score of 81 points indicates that the a7 III offers more advanced or additional features that contribute to its superiority in this comparison.

On the other hand, the Sony a6100 does not outperform the a7 III in any specific area. However, its feature score of 68 points shows that it still possesses a substantial number of valuable features that make it a viable option for photographers, albeit not as advanced as the a7 III.

Taking the scores and specifications into account, it is clear that the Sony a7 III stands out as the more feature-rich camera of the two, providing users with a greater array of options and capabilities. The Sony a6100, while not as advanced, still maintains a respectable set of features that make it suitable for various photography needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the individual photographer’s preferences and requirements.

Sony a6100 vs a7 III Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Sony a6100 in storage and battery, scoring 81 compared to the a6100’s 37/100. Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. However, the a7 III has two memory card slots, whereas the a6100 has only one, providing more storage flexibility.

The a7 III also boasts superior battery life, with 750 shots per charge compared to the a6100’s 420 shots. This extended battery life makes the a7 III more suitable for extended shooting sessions. The a7 III uses the NP-FZ100 battery, while the a6100 utilizes the NP-FW50.

Considering these factors, the Sony a7 III proves to be the better option for photographers requiring greater storage capacity and extended battery life.

Sony a6100 vs a7 III – Our Verdict

Sony a6100 vs a7 III Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a6100 or the Sony a7 III: