Sony a7S III vs a7S Comparison
Sony a7S III
Sony a7S
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7S III | a7S | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | July 28, 2020 | April 06, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
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Camera Weight |
The Sony a7S III outperforms the Sony a7S with a score of 74/100 compared to 55/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share some similar specs, such as camera type and manufacturer. However, the a7S III has several advantages, including a more recent release in 2020 and a higher overall score. This makes it a better camera than the a7S, which was released in 2014.
The a7S III is also larger, measuring 129 x 97 x 81mm and weighing 699g, which may contribute to its improved performance. On the other hand, the Sony a7S is smaller and lighter at 127 x 94 x 48mm and 489g, making it more portable and easier to carry around. Additionally, the a7S is more affordable with a launch price of $2499 compared to the a7S III’s $3499 price tag.
Taking all factors into account, the Sony a7S III is the superior camera due to its higher score and more recent release, while the Sony a7S offers a more budget-friendly option with a smaller size and lighter weight.
Sony a7S III vs a7S Overview and Optics
The Sony a7S III triumphs over the Sony a7S with a 9-point lead in our optics score, achieving 69/100 compared to the a7S’s 60/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and Sony FE lens mount compatibility.
The a7S III outperforms its predecessor in several areas. Its upgraded Bionz XR processor enhances image processing capabilities, resulting in improved image quality and faster performance. The a7S III also boasts a shooting speed of 10 frames per second, doubling the a7S’s 5 frames per second. This faster shooting speed allows for capturing fast-moving subjects and better action photography. Additionally, the a7S III features built-in image stabilization, which the a7S lacks, providing steadier shots and improved low-light performance.
Despite its lower overall score, the Sony a7S has a marginally higher DXOMARK sensor score of 87, compared to the a7S III’s 86. This slight advantage implies that the a7S’s sensor performs slightly better in certain aspects, such as dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance. However, the difference is minimal and may not significantly impact real-world usage.
Considering the advancements in the Sony a7S III, it is the superior camera in terms of optics. The improved processor, faster shooting speed, and addition of image stabilization make it a better choice for photographers seeking enhanced performance and image quality. While the a7S holds a minor advantage in its DXOMARK sensor score, the a7S III’s overall improvements outweigh this small benefit, making it the clear winner in this comparison.
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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 35.6 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 | 25 | |
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 | 2,400,000 dots |
Sony a7S III vs a7S Video Performance
The Sony a7S III outperforms the Sony a7S in video capabilities with a score of 77/100 compared to the a7S’s 56/100. Both cameras share some video specifications, such as the absence of built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the a7S III surpasses its predecessor in several key aspects, making it the superior choice for video recording.
The a7S III boasts a maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160) while the a7S only offers Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. This significant difference in resolution results in the a7S III producing sharper, more detailed videos than the a7S. Additionally, the a7S III is capable of a higher maximum video frame rate at 120fps, compared to the a7S’s 60fps. This allows the a7S III to capture smoother, more professional-looking footage, especially in fast-paced scenes or slow-motion shots.
The Sony a7S does not have any notable advantages over the a7S III in terms of video capabilities. Its lower resolution and frame rate make it less suitable for serious videographers or those seeking the highest possible video quality.
Given the clear differences in video specifications, the Sony a7S III is the superior camera for video recording. Its 4K resolution and 120fps frame rate provide users with high-quality, versatile footage, while the older a7S falls short in these areas. The lack of built-in time-lapse functionality in both models may be a drawback for some users, but the a7S III’s other advantages make it the better choice for those prioritizing video capabilities.
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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 |  Full HD | |
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 | 1920 x 1080 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 | 60 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 | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Sony a7S III vs a7S Features and Benefits
The Sony a7S III emerges as the clear winner in features, scoring 83/100, while the Sony a7S scores 54/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, the absence of GPS, and the inclusion of WIFI connectivity. However, the Sony a7S III outperforms the Sony a7S in several aspects.
The a7S III boasts a higher screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, compared to the a7S’s 921,000 dots. This difference results in a sharper and clearer display, allowing for better image review and menu navigation. Additionally, the a7S III has a touchscreen, while the a7S does not. This feature enhances user experience by enabling quicker adjustments and easier navigation. Furthermore, the a7S III includes Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating seamless pairing with smartphones and other devices.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S does have a flip screen, much like the a7S III. This shared feature allows for versatile shooting angles and improved composition. However, the a7S lacks any other notable advantages over the a7S III, making it a less competitive option.
Considering these points, the Sony a7S III is the superior camera in terms of features. Its higher screen resolution, touchscreen capability, and Bluetooth connectivity contribute to its higher score and overall better performance. While the Sony a7S shares some specifications with the a7S III, it falls short in offering additional advantages, making the a7S III the better choice for those seeking advanced 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 | 921,000 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. |  | | |
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Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Sony a7S III vs a7S Storage and Battery
The Sony a7S III outperforms the Sony a7S in storage and battery, with a score of 76/100 compared to 21/100. Both cameras share compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the a7S III offers two memory card slots and supports faster UHS-II cards and CFexpress Type A cards, while the a7S has a single slot and accepts Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.
The a7S III also boasts a superior battery life of 600 shots, using the NP-FZ100 battery type. In contrast, the a7S achieves 380 shots with the NP-FW50 battery. Additionally, the a7S III provides USB charging, which the a7S lacks.
Though the a7S has fewer advantages in this comparison, its single memory card slot and compatibility with Memory Stick Duo cards may be sufficient for some users. Nevertheless, the a7S III clearly excels in storage and battery capabilities, offering greater flexibility and longer shooting times for photographers and videographers.
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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 | 380 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 | 23.9 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 | 13.2 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 | 3702 |
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Scores
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Alternatives to the Sony a7S III and a7S
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:
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User Scores
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Sony a7S III
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Sony a7S
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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