Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2018 | 2020 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
27/02/2018 | 28/07/2020 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 127 x 96 x 74 mm | 129 x 97 x 81 mm |
| Camera weight | 650 g | 699 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 12.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 4240 x 2832 |
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. |
23.8 x 35.6 | 23.8 x 35.6 |
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. |
10 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. |
Bionz X | Bionz XR |
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 | 8030200 |
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. |
512003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
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 | 4030200 |
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. |
2048003003280000 | 4096003003280000 |
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. |
800080032000 | 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. |
6930300 | 7590300 |
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 | 235929609900000 | 944000009900000 |
| 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. |
4K | 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. |
3840 x 2160 | 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. |
30 fps | 120 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. |
XAVC S, AVCHD | XAVC S, XAVC HS |
| 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. |
9216001150001500000 | 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 / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress Type A |
| 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. |
750 shots1505000 | 600 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✓ |
The Sony a7 III outperforms the Sony a7S III with a score of 81 compared to 74. Both cameras share similarities as mirrorless models, announced in 2018 and 2020, respectively. The a7 III takes the lead with a lighter weight of 650g (1.43lbs) and smaller dimensions of 127 x 96 x 74mm, making it more portable. Additionally, it has a lower launch price of $2000, which is more budget-friendly than the a7S III’s $3499.
However, the a7S III has its advantages, such as a more recent release year, offering potentially updated technology. Ultimately, the Sony a7 III proves to be the better choice for those seeking a more affordable and compact option, while the a7S III may cater to those who prioritize newer models.
The Sony a7 III outperforms the Sony a7S III in optics with a score of 81/100 compared to the a7S III’s 69/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 10 fps shooting speed, a CMOS sensor, a full-frame sensor size, the Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.
The a7 III’s higher score stems from its superior 24.2-megapixel sensor, which offers more resolution than the 12.1-megapixel sensor found in the a7S III. This results in sharper, more detailed images. Additionally, the a7 III has a Bionz X processor and a DXOMARK sensor score of 96, indicating better overall image quality.
On the other hand, the a7S III has a Bionz XR processor, which is a newer and faster processor compared to the Bionz X in the a7 III. However, this advantage does not translate into a higher optics score, as the lower megapixel count and DXOMARK sensor score of 86 limit the a7S III’s overall image quality.
In terms of optics, the Sony a7 III is the clear winner with a higher resolution sensor and better DXOMARK sensor score, resulting in superior image quality. While the a7S III has a newer processor, it does not compensate for its lower megapixel count and DXOMARK sensor score. Therefore, photographers seeking the best optics should opt for the Sony a7 III.
Both cameras share certain specifications, such as a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160. Only the a7 III has built-in time-lapse functionality.
The a7S III’s superiority in video performance is primarily due to its higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the a7 III’s 30fps. This allows the a7S III to capture smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, making it a more versatile option for videographers. The higher frame rate also contributes to its better overall video score.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 III still offers decent video performance with its 4K resolution and 30fps frame rate. While it may not be as advanced as the a7S III in this aspect, it remains a capable camera for those who do not require the higher frame rate for their video projects.
The Sony a7S III emerges as the winner in the features comparison, scoring 83/100, while the Sony a7 III follows closely with a score of 81/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, the presence of a touchscreen and flip screen, and the absence of GPS. Additionally, both cameras come equipped with WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities.
The Sony a7S III stands out with its higher screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, compared to the Sony a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This difference provides the a7S III with a sharper and clearer display, allowing for better image preview and easier menu navigation.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 III, despite its slightly lower feature score, remains a strong contender. It boasts similar core features as the a7S III, making it a viable choice for photographers and videographers who prioritize other factors, such as price or specific lens compatibility.
In comparing the Sony a7 III and the Sony a7S III, both cameras offer impressive features, with the a7S III taking a slight lead due to its superior screen resolution. However, the a7 III remains a valuable option for those who require a high-quality camera without needing the added advantage of the a7S III’s screen resolution. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on individual preferences and specific requirements for each user.
The Sony a7S III and Sony a7 III perform well in storage and battery. Both cameras have two memory card slots and utilize the NP-FZ100 battery type. They share compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.
The a7S III excels in storage options, accepting UHS-II compatible SD cards and CFexpress Type A cards, offering faster read and write speeds. Both models have USB charging, providing more convenience and flexibility for users.
On the other hand, the a7 III boasts a longer battery life of 750 shots, compared to the a7S III’s 600 shots. This advantage may be significant for photographers who prioritize shooting time over storage options.
Considering these factors, the Sony a7S III is superior in terms of storage capabilities and charging options, while the Sony a7 III offers greater battery life. Users should weigh their priorities when choosing between these two cameras.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 III or the Sony a7S III: