CameraReview

Sony a7 III vs Sony a7R V — Which Is Better?

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

Sony a7 III
Sony
Sony a7 III
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
81
SCORE
$1,419
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7R V
Sony
Sony a7R V
Mirrorless · 61 MP · Full Frame · 8K video
85
SCORE
$3,298
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General
Brand SonySony
Model a7 IIIa7R V
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20182022
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
27/02/201826/10/2022
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 127 x 96 x 74 mm131 x 97 x 82 mm
Camera weight 650 g723 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP05061 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40009504 x 6336
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.
23.8 x 35.635.7 x 23.8
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull 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 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 FESony 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 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.
3:23:2
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.
512003003280000320003003280000
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.
50302005030200
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.
20480030032800001024003003280000
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.
800080032000800080032000
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.
69303006930300
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 235929609900000944000009900000
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.
4K8K
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 21607680 x 4320
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 fps120 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, AVCHDMPEG-4, MOV, H.264, H.265, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I
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"3.2"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
921600115000150000021000001150001500000
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 DuoSD / SDHC / SDXC, CFexpress Type A
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FZ100NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
750 shots1505000530 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R V outperforms the Sony a7 III with a score of 85 compared to 81. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similarities in size and weight, with the a7 III being slightly smaller and lighter. The a7R V, released in 2022, has advantages over the a7 III, which was launched in 2018. Its higher score reflects its superior performance and features.

However, the Sony a7 III has its merits, such as a lower launch price of $2000 compared to the a7R V’s $3999. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for those seeking a reliable camera without breaking the bank.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R V is the better camera for those seeking top-notch performance and features, while the Sony a7 III offers a more affordable option with solid capabilities.

Sony a7 III vs a7R V Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R V emerges as the winner in optics, scoring 85/100 compared to the Sony a7 III’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, 10 fps shooting speed, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.

The a7R V outshines the a7 III with its higher megapixel count of 61, offering more detail and resolution in images. This advantage is particularly beneficial for photographers who require large prints or extensive cropping. Additionally, the a7R V features the Bionz XR processor, which is an upgrade from the a7 III’s Bionz X processor. This improvement results in better overall performance and faster image processing.

On the other hand, the a7 III holds a slight edge in sensor quality, as evidenced by its DXOMARK score of 96, compared to the a7R V’s 94. This difference may translate to better dynamic range and low-light performance. However, the gap is minimal and may not be significant for most users.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R V is the superior camera in terms of optics, thanks to its higher megapixel count and upgraded processor. However, the Sony a7 III remains a strong contender, especially for those who prioritize sensor quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on individual needs and preferences, with both models offering impressive performance and features.

Sony a7 III vs a7R V Video Performance

The Sony a7R V emerges as the superior camera in terms of video capabilities, boasting a video score of 100/100 compared to the Sony a7 III’s 70. This significant difference in scores reflects the varying strengths of each camera’s video features.

Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K video resolution and a maximum video dimension of 3840 x 2160. However, the a7R V pulls ahead with its extraordinary 8K video resolution and a maximum video dimension of 7680 x 4320. This means that the a7R V can capture videos with much higher detail and clarity.

Another notable advantage of the a7R V is its higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the a7 III’s 30fps. This allows the a7R V to capture smoother and more realistic motion, making it ideal for shooting fast-paced action or creating slow-motion footage.

While the a7 III may not outperform the a7R V in terms of video capabilities, it still offers decent 4K video quality and a respectable 30fps frame rate. These features make it a suitable choice for casual videographers or those on a tighter budget.

Considering the significant differences in video scores and the superior features of the a7R V, it is clear that this camera is the better option for those seeking advanced video capabilities. However, the a7 III remains a viable choice for users who prioritize affordability and still desire quality 4K video.

Sony a7 III vs a7R V Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R V emerges as the winner in this comparison with a feature score of 87/100, surpassing the Sony a7 III’s score of 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a touchscreen, flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities. However, neither camera offers GPS functionality.

The a7R V boasts a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the a7 III’s 3-inch screen. The a7R V also has a significantly higher screen resolution, with 2,100,000 dots compared to the a7 III’s 921,600 dots. These differences contribute to the a7R V’s superior feature score and provide users with a better viewing experience when composing and reviewing images.

The a7 III, despite its lower feature score, still offers some advantages. It shares the same touchscreen, flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities as the a7R V, ensuring that users will not miss out on any essential features. Additionally, its 3-inch screen size may be more suitable for photographers who prefer a more compact camera.

When considering each camera’s features, the a7R V stands out as the better option due to its larger screen size and higher screen resolution. These improvements provide a more enjoyable user experience when capturing and reviewing images. On the other hand, the a7 III remains a solid choice for those who prefer a more compact camera with essential features. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Sony a7 III vs a7R V Storage and Battery

The Sony a7R V and the Sony a7 III have two memory card slots and use the same NP-FZ100 battery type. The memory cards accepted by the a7 III are SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo, while the a7R V accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC and CFexpress Type A cards.

The a7 III offers longer battery life, with 750 shots per charge compared to the a7R V’s 530 shots. This makes the a7 III more suitable for extended shooting sessions without access to power outlets.

Although the a7R V has a higher score for storage and battery, the a7 III’s longer battery life may appeal to some users. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras depends on individual preferences and shooting requirements.

Sony a7 III vs a7R V – Our Verdict

Sony a7 III vs a7R V Comparison image.

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 a7R V: