Insta360
X3
5.7K 360 camera with dual 1/2-inch 48MP sensors, 72MP photos, 4K single-lens mode, and IPX8 10m waterproofing.
$449
Released Sep 2022
Sony
Alpha 7R VI
66.8MP fully-stacked full-frame high-resolution body with 30fps bursts, 8K 30p, 4K 120p, and Sony's new BIONZ XR2 engine.
$4,499
Released Jun 2026
Alpha 7R VI is 3.8 years newer.
Wins
X3
Wins
Alpha 7R VI
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 0)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher ISO max (native) (32,000 vs 6,400)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- AX3 has lower Weight (180 g vs 713 g)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
X3
46 × 114 × 33 mm
180 g (0.40 lb / 6.35 oz)
Alpha 7R VI
133 × 97 × 83 mm
713 g (1.57 lb / 25.15 oz)
X3 is 87mm narrower and 50mm thinner than Alpha 7R VI but it is also 17mm taller.
X3 is 533 g lighter than Alpha 7R VI.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm X3 · 83mm Alpha 7R VI
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X3
46 × 114 mm
Alpha 7R VI
133 × 97 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
X3
46 × 33 mm
Alpha 7R VI
133 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7R VI
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X3: mount data unavailable
Alpha 7R VI
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
X3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 114, 33.1
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
180 g vs 713 g — lower is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only X3 supports it
Internal RAW video
Only X3 supports it
Weather sealing
Only X3 supports it
Resolution
72 MP vs 66.8 MP — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 600 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7R VI
AF points / zones
759 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 132.7, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SDXC UHS-II
ISO max (native)
32,000 vs 6,400 — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
150 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
- ✓Microphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support microphone jack (3.5mm)
- ✓Headphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support headphone jack (3.5mm)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
X3
Pros
- ✓72MP 360 photos
- ✓5.7K60 360 video
- ✓Great value used
- ✓10m waterproof
Cons
- –No 8K vs X4
- –Single-lens capped at 4K30
- –Older AI editing
Alpha 7R VI
Pros
- ✓66.8MP fully-stacked Exmor RS sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free electronic burst
- ✓8K 30p and 4K 120p video
- ✓8.5-stop in-body stabilization
- ✓9.44M-dot HDR OLED EVF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Large files demand fast cards and storage
- –8K workflow can be heavy
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, X3 or Alpha 7R VI?
Alpha 7R VI scores 8.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for X3 — 66.8MP — excellent for large prints and crops.
What's the resolution difference between the X3 and Alpha 7R VI?
X3 is 72 MP and Alpha 7R VI is 66.8 MP, so the X3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X3 and Alpha 7R VI have in-body image stabilization?
X3 does not have IBIS, while alpha 7R VI has in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the X3 or the Alpha 7R VI?
X3 reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 7R VI reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X3 and Alpha 7R VI?
X3 weighs 180 g and Alpha 7R VI weighs 713 g, so the X3 is 533 g lighter.
Do the X3 and Alpha 7R VI record 4K video?
X3: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7R VI: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the X3 and Alpha 7R VI weather sealed?
X3: Yes. Alpha 7R VI: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the X3 and 600 shots for the Alpha 7R VI, giving the X3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
X3 launched at $449 and Alpha 7R VI at $4,499. The X3 is $4,050 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Sony press materials.