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Sony a7 III vs a7R III Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a7 III

Sony A7 III camera
81%

Sony a7R III

Sony a7R III camera image
Winner!
83%
Sony a7 III
vs
Sony a7R III
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
a7 III
a7R III
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2018
2017
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
February 27, 2018
October 25, 2017
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

Sony a7 III vs Sony a7R III Overview

The Sony A7 III and the Sony A7R III are both exceptional cameras. They have similarities. But there are some major differences we need to consider. And you will see what they are in this Sony A7 III vs A7R III battle.

Sony is the master of the full frame mirrorless camera. And in this article, we’re comparing two of their heavyweights in that division. On first glance, it’s the Sony A7 R III that comes out on top.

Image
83%
Sony a7R III
Good, high-resolution Sony with image stabilization and high-ISO performance at a third of the price of the top model. 
Badge

Sony a7R III Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Excellent image resolution
  • Wide ISO range with 50 ISO setting
  • Sophisticated and reliable AF system
  • Dual card slot for more capacity
  • Great silent shooting mode for sensitive situations
Cons
  • No video until image buffer is clear
  • Long and complicated menu system
  • Slow 10 fps maximum burst
  • 4K video is not as smooth compared to newer camera models

There’s a big price difference, so we need to determine if the Sony A7R III is worth the extra cost compared to the A7 III.

Sony a7 III Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Quick and accurate 693-point AF
  • Wide ISO range with a low 50 setting
  • Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
  • Records stunning 4K video and has live stream capabilities
Cons
  • Noise reduction can remove details
  • Front heavy with big lenses
  • Menu system is difficult to get used to
  • No built-in time-lapse function

Body and Handling

Just looking at the camera bodies, I wouldn’t blame you for getting these two cameras confused. Apart from the model label, there’s very little to tell them apart.

The Sony A7 III and A7R III have the same body dimensions. And the Sony A7R III is only 0.02 lb (9 g) heavier than its rival. Sony has found a design formula that works, and they’ve run with it.

Sony A7R III on a white backdrop
© Claudio Schwarz

Both cameras have ergonomic bodies that feel comfortable in your hand. They are compact without being too small. And all the buttons and controls are well-positioned and easy to reach.

The build quality is excellent for both mirrorless cameras. It’s what we’ve come to expect from Sony Alpha cameras. And the weather sealing on both gives you more opportunities for outdoor shooting at any time of day!

Optics

You can’t judge a book by the cover, so now we’ll look at the optics specifications for the Sony A7 II and Sony A7R III. This is where we start to see some major differences.

Sony A7 III on a table in a room
© GMax Studios

Image Sensor and Resolution

The Sony A7 III and A7R III have an Exmor CMOS backside illuminated sensor. They are both full frame sensors. But despite the immediate similarities, there’s a big difference in performance.

The A7 III’s sensor has an image resolution of 6000 x 4000 px. But the Sony A7R III tops that with an image resolution of 7952 x 5304 px.

And there’s another big difference when we look at megapixel count. The Sony A7 III has a 24.2 MP sensor. While that’s not bad, it is a low number for a full frame mirrorless camera these days.

The Sony A7R III sits at the other end of the spectrum with a sensor resolution of 42.4 MP. That’s nearly double the number of megapixels of similarly sized camera sensors. You’ll notice the improved image quality at a glance. And images from the A7R III look incredible when enlarged and printed. It’s professional-standard image making.

ISO and Low-Light Performance

The Sony A7 III may not have the raw power of a high MP count, but it does outperform the Sony A7R III in low-light photography. It has a wider ISO range and impressive dynamic range.

The Sony A7 III has a native ISO sensitivity of 100 to 51,200. But this can be expanded for increased low and high ISO performance. You can take the bottom level down to 50 ISO, giving you incredible detail and color. And you can expand the top end to 204,800. That’s an impressive sensitivity range.

The Sony A7R III isn’t far behind. The native ISO settings are 100 to 32,000. And the bottom can be taken down to 50 ISO like the Sony A7 III. The top is expandable to 102,400 ISO. That’s a decent ISO range but falls just short of the A7 III.

Lens Mounts

The Sony A7 III and A7R III both use Sony FE lenses. That’s definitely good news. Sony has plenty of lenses in their FE series. And they’re all of excellent quality. Whether you want to shoot portraits, landscapes, or street photography, you’ll find a fantastic FE lens to meet your expectations.

Optics
Optics
81%
84%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP
42.4 MP
Image Resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 4000 px
7952 x 5304 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.
23.8 x 35.6 mm
24 x 35.9 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.
10 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.
Bionz X
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.
51,200
32,000
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.
204800
102400
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/ 8000 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.
693
425
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
2,359,296 dots
3,686,400 dots

Sony a7 III vs a7R III Video Performance

When we switch to video mode, there’s not much difference between the Sony A7 III and Sony A7R III. They both shoot 4K video that looks fantastic. But there are some differences that put the Sony A7 III just ahead.

Video Quality and Frame Rates

The 4K footage of the Sony A7R III is fabulous at first glance. It’s shot at 30 fps and looks super smooth. But there is a problem. The A7R III uses “pixel binning” when shooting 4K at 30 fps. Pixel binning is when the camera groups pixels together, essentially giving you a lower resolution.

Switching to Super35 video mode is the best solution. It crops the video, but the quality is full resolution. Once you’re accustomed to the crop factor, you’ll have professional video footage with a better dynamic range.

The Sony A7 III doesn’t have the pixel binning problem. You get full quality in 4K. You can shoot full frame in 4K at 24 fps. But you will have to accept a frame crop of 1.2x if you want 30 fps.

Both cameras have the option to shoot at 120 fps. The max resolution is Full HD at this frame rate. But you can make excellent slow-motion videos. It’s a fantastic feature for sports and wildlife videos.

Audio Recording

Multimedia creators can produce brilliant media with these two cameras. Both full frame cameras have built-in stereo microphones for sound recording. They also have 3.5 mm jacks for external microphones if you need something more professional when recording video and sound.

Video
Video
56%
56%
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 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.
3840 x 2160 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.
30 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.
XAVC S, AVCHD
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4

Sony a7 III vs a7R III Features and Benefits

You expect a full frame camera from Sony to be packed with features. And both the Sony A7 III and A7R III are true to form. But which of the two has the better range of features?

Autofocus

The battle of autofocus systems is a hot one. The Sony A7R III has an excellent autofocus system. But the A7 III’s is even better.

The Sony A7R III uses a hybrid system, combining 399 phase detection points and 425 contrast detection points. It’s dual-pixel CMOS AF that detects and locks onto eyes for accurate subject tracking. It’s quick enough for sports photography.

That seems like a formidable Autofocus system. But the Sony A7 III still takes the top spot. It uses 693 phase detection points and 425 contrast detection points for incredible subject tracking. And it continues to work well in low light. That makes the A7 III a good option for sports, wildlife, and action photographers.

Burst Mode

I can’t say we’re impressed in the burst mode department. Neither Sony camera has a fast maximum continuous shooting speed. They both max out at 10 fps with their electronic shutter.

You do have full AF tracking at 10 fps for both cameras. But you only get a burst of 8 fps if you use the live view and electronic viewfinder.

The Sony A7 III has a limit of 177 JPEG images when shooting in burst mode. That translates to 89 compressed JPEGs or 40 uncompressed RAW files.

The Sony A7R III is more restrictive. You can shoot 79 JPEG and compressed RAW files. Or you can shoot 28 uncompressed RAW files. The smaller buffer memory is due to the higher image resolution of the A7R III.

Electronic Shutter

Both cameras feature an electronic and mechanical shutter. While switching from the mechanical to the electronic doesn’t increase the burst, you can shoot silently. That’s another handy camera feature for wildlife photographers.

Sony A7 III camera next to a backpack on a mountain
© Clay Banks

Image Stabilization

Both cameras have excellent image stabilization systems built in. They have a sensor-shift mechanism that gives 5-axis image stabilization. It reduces camera shake and motion blur, giving you 5.5 stops of compensation. It’s an excellent feature if you like to shoot handheld. And it allows you to shoot with a slower shutter speed.

LCD Screen

The Sony A7R III has a superior LCD screen compared to the A7 III. Both have 3-inch LCD touchscreens with full articulation. But the A7R III has a larger number of dots.

Both screens are bright and detailed so you can evaluate your shots. But the A7R III has 1.44 M dots compared to the A7 III’s 921 K dots. It’s more vibrant, giving you an accurate view of your photography work.

Connectivity

There’s nothing to separate the cameras in the connectivity department. They have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options. And you can fire the cameras remotely when synced to your smartphone.

Features
Features
81%
83%
Built-in 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 Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
921,600 dots
1,440,000 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 a7 III vs a7R III Storage and Battery

Dual SD Card Slots

Photographers at all levels will be happy to know the Sony A7 III and A7R III have dual memory card slots. This feature is a huge relief, especially if you shoot in video or burst mode.Inserting a memory card into a camera

Battery Life

Mirrorless cameras don’t have a good reputation for battery life. You’re often lucky to get 300 shots from a full frame mirrorless camera before it cuts out on you. But the Sony A7 III and Sony A7R III both buck that trend.

The Sony A7R III gives you a healthy 650 shots from a fully charged battery. And the Sony A7 III takes it to another level, giving you 750 shots.

It’s worth noting that you’ll see a drop in battery life when using the electronic viewfinder. Even so, it’s an impressive duration for a full frame mirrorless camera.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
81%
65%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
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.
750 shots
650 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
96%
100%
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.'
25.1 bits
26 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.'
14.7 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'
3722
3523
Scores
Main Features
84%
N/A
Extra Features
72%
N/A
Construction and Durability
67%
N/A
Handling and Ergonomics
67%
N/A
Value for Money
110%
N/A
Total Score
81%
N/A

Sony a7 III vs a7R III – Our Verdict

After looking at this Sony A7 III vs A7R III review, it’s still hard to say which is the better camera. The Sony A7 III and the A7R III both have their strengths.

Sony a7 III vs Sony a7R III comparison image

The Sony A7R III gives you raw power in the image department. The 42.4 MP sensor blows the A7 III rival out of the water. But the Sony A7 III hits back with superior ISO, video, and autofocus performance. The A7R III has a better screen. But the Sony A7 III has better battery life.

There’s also a big price difference. The Sony A7 III is the cheaper of the two. And it’s the more well-rounded machine. Ultimately, the Sony A7R III is only worth the extra cash if you need the high-resolution sensor for a specific purpose. Otherwise, your money is better spent on the Sony A7 III.

Image
81%
Sony a7 III
A well rounded Sony mirrorless camera at a great price. 
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Sony A7 III vs A7R III Alternatives

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