CameraReview

Sony a7S III vs Sony a7R V — Which Is Better?

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

Sony a7S III
Sony
Sony a7S III
Mirrorless · 12.1 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
74
SCORE
$3,399.76
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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 a7S IIIa7R V
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20202022
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
28/07/202026/10/2022
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 129 x 97 x 81 mm131 x 97 x 82 mm
Camera weight 699 g723 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
12.1 MP05061 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4240 x 28329504 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 XRBionz 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.
803020010030200
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.
1024003003280000320003003280000
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.
40302005030200
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.
40960030032800001024003003280000
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.
75903006930300
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 944000009900000944000009900000
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.
120 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, XAVC HSMPEG-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.
1440000115000150000021000001150001500000
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 (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress Type ASD / 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.
600 shots1505000530 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R V outperforms the Sony a7S III with a score of 85/100 compared to 74/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a7R V being slightly larger and heavier. Launched in 2022, the a7R V is newer and more expensive at $3,999 compared to the a7S III’s 2020 release and $3,499 price tag.

The higher score of the a7R V highlights its superior performance and features. However, the a7S III still has its merits, particularly for those seeking a lighter camera at a lower cost.

When choosing between these two cameras, buyers should consider their specific needs and budget. The a7R V offers a better overall experience, while the a7S III provides a more affordable option with similar specs.

Sony a7S III vs a7R V Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R V outperforms the Sony a7S III in optics with a score of 85/100 compared to 69/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 10 fps shooting speed, CMOS sensor type, Bionz XR processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.

The a7R V’s superiority is evident in its higher DXOMARK sensor score of 94 and an impressive 61 megapixels, which contribute to the camera’s overall better performance. These features enable the a7R V to capture more detail and provide better image quality, making it an ideal choice for photographers who prioritize high-resolution images.

On the other hand, the a7S III has a lower DXOMARK sensor score of 86 and only 12.1 megapixels. However, this camera’s strength lies in its low-light performance and video capabilities. The a7S III is better suited for videographers and photographers who often work in challenging lighting conditions, as it can capture high-quality footage with less noise.

When comparing the optics of these two cameras, the Sony a7R V excels in capturing high-resolution images with better detail and overall image quality. The Sony a7S III, while inferior in terms of resolution, offers better performance in low light situations and is more suitable for video work. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the user’s specific needs and priorities in photography or videography.

Sony a7S III vs a7R V Video Performance

The Sony a7R V triumphs over the Sony a7S III in video capabilities with a significant difference of 23 points in their scores, earning 100/100 for the a7R V and 77/100 for the a7S III. Both cameras share certain specs, including a maximum video frame rate of 120fps. However, the a7R V outperforms the a7S III in other aspects, making it the superior choice for videographers.

The a7R V boasts an impressive 8K maximum video resolution, while the a7S III offers a 4K maximum resolution. This difference results in the a7R V producing videos with four times the pixel count of the a7S III, delivering stunning detail and clarity. Additionally, the a7R V features built-in time-lapse functionality, which the a7S III lacks. This enables the a7R V to capture stunning time-lapse sequences without the need for external accessories or software.

While the a7S III may not match the a7R V in video resolution and time-lapse functionality, it still provides high-quality 4K video capabilities. For many users, 4K resolution may be sufficient for their needs, and the a7S III remains a strong contender in the market for those not requiring 8K video or time-lapse features.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R V clearly excels in video performance compared to the Sony a7S III, making it the ideal choice for videographers seeking the highest resolution and built-in time-lapse capabilities. However, the a7S III remains a viable option for users who are content with 4K video and do not prioritize time-lapse functionality.

Sony a7S III vs a7R V Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R V outperforms the Sony a7S III in features with a score of 87/100 compared to the latter’s 83/100. Both cameras have several specifications in common, including a touchscreen, flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities. Neither camera offers GPS functionality.

The Sony a7R V boasts a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, compared to the 3-inch screen of the Sony a7S III. Additionally, the a7R V has a higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots, providing clearer and more detailed image previews than the a7S III’s 1,440,000 dots. These differences contribute to the a7R V’s superior feature score.

On the other hand, the Sony a7S III still offers a competitive set of features, despite its lower score. With a touchscreen, flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth, the a7S III is a solid option for photographers seeking a high-quality camera. The differences in screen size and resolution may not be significant enough to deter some users from choosing the a7S III over the a7R V.

Considering the features of both cameras, the Sony a7R V stands out as the better option due to its larger screen size and higher screen resolution. However, the Sony a7S III remains a viable choice for photographers who prioritize other factors in their camera selection and are not significantly swayed by the differences in screen specifications. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual preferences and requirements of the photographer.

Sony a7S III vs a7R V Storage and Battery

The Sony a7S III wins the storage and battery comparison with a score of 76/100, while the Sony a7R V scores slightly lower at 73/100. Both cameras share some storage and battery specifications, such as having two memory card slots, accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC and CFexpress Type A cards, using the NP-FZ100 battery type, and offering USB charging capabilities.

The a7S III outperforms the a7R V in battery life, providing 600 shots compared to the a7R V’s 530 shots. This advantage allows users to capture more images before needing to recharge or replace the battery. Additionally, the a7S III’s memory card slots are UHS-II compatible, enabling faster data transfer speeds for improved performance.

On the other hand, the a7R V does not offer any specific advantages in storage and battery over the a7S III. The lower score of 73/100 reflects the shorter battery life and lack of UHS-II compatibility.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7S III proves to be the superior choice for storage and battery performance. Users can benefit from its longer battery life and faster memory card compatibility, making it a more reliable and efficient camera in this aspect.

Alternatives to the Sony a7S III and a7R V

Sony a7S 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 a7S III or the Sony a7R V: