Sony a7S III vs a7S II Comparison
Sony a7S III
Sony a7S II
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7S III | a7S II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2015 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | July 28, 2020 | September 11, 2015 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
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The Sony a7S III outperforms the Sony a7S II with a score of 74/100 compared to 60/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a7S III measuring 129 x 97 x 81mm and the a7S II at 127 x 96 x 60mm. The a7S III, released in 2020, boasts more advanced features than its 2015 predecessor, justifying its higher launch price of $3499 compared to the a7S II’s $3000.
The a7S III’s superiority lies in its improved performance and technology. However, the a7S II has a slight advantage in its lighter weight, at 627g compared to the a7S III’s 699g. This difference may appeal to those prioritizing portability.
Considering the 14-point score difference and advancements in technology, the Sony a7S III is the clear winner for those seeking a more powerful camera. The Sony a7S II remains a viable option for those prioritizing a lighter camera and lower price.
Sony a7S III vs a7S II Overview and Optics
The Sony a7S III outperforms the Sony a7S II with a score of 69/100 in optics compared to the latter’s 66/100. Both cameras share several features, including 12.1 and 12.2 megapixels, CMOS sensors, full-frame sensor sizes, Sony FE lens mounts, and image stabilization.
The Sony a7S III excels due to its improved shooting speed of 10 fps, compared to the a7S II’s 5 fps. This allows for capturing fast-moving subjects and action scenes more effectively. Additionally, the a7S III is equipped with a more advanced Bionz XR processor, enhancing image processing and overall performance. Its DXOMARK sensor score also surpasses that of the a7S II at 86 versus 85, implying better image quality.
The Sony a7S II, despite its lower score, has a slight advantage in megapixels at 12.2, which may contribute to marginally better image resolution. However, this difference is minimal and unlikely to impact overall image quality significantly.
In comparing optics, the Sony a7S III clearly outshines its predecessor due to its faster shooting speed, superior processor, and marginally better DXOMARK sensor score. While the Sony a7S II has a negligible advantage in megapixels, it does not outweigh the benefits provided by the a7S III’s improvements. As a result, the Sony a7S III is the better choice for those seeking enhanced performance in optics.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.1 MP | 12.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4240 x 2832 px | 4240 x 2832 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 | 23.8 x 35.8 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 | 5 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 XR | 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. | 80 | 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. | 102,400 | 102,400 | |
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. | 40 | 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. | 409600 | 409600 | |
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. | 759 | 169 | |
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 | 9,440,000 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
Sony a7S III vs a7S II Video Performance
The Sony a7S III outperforms the Sony a7S II in video capabilities, with a video score of 77/100 compared to the a7S II’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160. Neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.
The a7S III’s higher video score is primarily due to its significantly better maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the a7S II’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother and more detailed videos, particularly in fast-moving scenes or when capturing slow-motion footage. This improvement in frame rate makes the a7S III a more versatile and powerful camera for videography.
The a7S II, on the other hand, does not offer any advantages over the a7S III in terms of video capabilities. Its video score is lower, and its maximum frame rate is significantly less than that of the a7S III. The only similarity between the two cameras in this regard is their shared max video resolution and dimensions, as well as the lack of built-in time-lapse functionality.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7S III is the clear winner when it comes to video capabilities. Its superior maximum frame rate of 120fps provides a significant advantage over the a7S II’s 30fps, making it a more versatile and powerful option for videographers. The a7S II, while still offering 4K video resolution, falls short in comparison due to its lower video score and limited frame rate.
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Video
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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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. | 120 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, XAVC HS | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
Sony a7S III vs a7S II Features and Benefits
The Sony a7S III outperforms the Sony a7S II with a feature score of 83/100, compared to the latter’s 57/100. Both cameras share several key specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen capability, lack of GPS, and WiFi connectivity.
The Sony a7S III has a higher screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, compared to the a7S II’s 1,228,800 dots, providing a clearer and more detailed display. Additionally, the a7S III features a touchscreen, allowing for easier navigation and control, while the a7S II lacks this functionality. The a7S III also boasts Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless pairing with compatible devices for easy file transfer and remote control, a feature absent in the a7S II.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S II does not have any notable advantages over the a7S III in terms of features. Both cameras share many specifications, with the a7S III simply improving upon certain aspects, such as screen resolution and connectivity options.
Taking these points into consideration, it becomes evident that the Sony a7S III is the superior camera in terms of features. Its higher screen resolution, touchscreen functionality, and Bluetooth connectivity set it apart from the a7S II, making it the better choice for photographers and videographers seeking a more advanced and user-friendly option. The a7S II, while still a reliable camera, falls short in these aspects and may not provide the same level of convenience and functionality as its successor.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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. | 1,440,000 dots | 1,228,800 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 a7S III vs a7S II Storage and Battery
The Sony a7S III outperforms the Sony a7S II in storage and battery with a score of 76/100, compared to the a7S II’s 21/100. Both cameras share the ability to use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, but the a7S III has two memory card slots and is compatible with UHS-II and CFexpress Type A cards. The a7S II only has one memory card slot and compatibility with Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards.
The a7S III’s battery life is superior, offering 600 shots with the NP-FZ100 battery, while the a7S II provides 370 shots using the NP-FW50 battery. Additionally, the a7S III supports USB charging, which the a7S II lacks.
Though the a7S II falls short in storage and battery, it may still be adequate for casual users who do not require extended battery life or additional memory card support.
Considering the significant advantages in storage and battery life, the Sony a7S III is the clear winner in this comparison. The additional memory card slot, compatibility with faster cards, and improved battery life make it a more reliable choice for professional and serious photographers.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress Type A | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 600 shots | 370 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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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.' | 23.7 bits | 23.6 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.' | 13.9 EVs | 13.3 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' | 2520 | 2993 |
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Scores
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Alternatives to the Sony a7S III and a7S II
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 a7S II:
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User Scores
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B&H photo video |
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