OM System
Tough TG-7
Rugged waterproof compact for adventure and macro.
$549
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Sony
Alpha 9 III
Global shutter sports flagship with 120fps and zero rolling shutter for pro action.
$5,999
Launch priceReleased Jan 2024
Alpha 9 III is 4 months newer.
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Wins
Tough TG-7
Wins
Alpha 9 III
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 9 III has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 25)
- BAlpha 9 III has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 20 fps)
- BAlpha 9 III has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 46 frames)
- BAlpha 9 III has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 9 III has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareTough TG-7
114 × 66 × 33 mm
249 g (0.55 lb / 8.78 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 9 III
136 × 97 × 83 mm
703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
Tough TG-7 is 22mm narrower, 31mm shorter, and 50mm thinner than Alpha 9 III.
Tough TG-7 is 454 g lighter than Alpha 9 III.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm Tough TG-7 · 83mm Alpha 9 III
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 9 III
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Tough TG-7: mount data unavailable
Alpha 9 III
✓ 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
Tough TG-7
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 113.9, 65.8, 32.7
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Weight
249 g vs 703 g — lower is better
ISO min (native)
100 vs 250 — lower is better
Codecs
Adds MOV
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 400 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 9 III
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
759 vs 25 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 20 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I…
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 46 frames — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Tough TG-7
Pros
- ✓Waterproof
- ✓Shockproof
- ✓Macro modes
Cons
- –Small sensor
- –Fixed lens
- –Limited low light
Alpha 9 III
Pros
- ✓Global shutter 120fps
- ✓Zero rolling shutter
- ✓Pro sports AF
- ✓Pre-capture buffer
Cons
- –24.6MP only
- –Premium price
- –Battery drain at max speed
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Tough TG-7 and Alpha 9 III at major authorized retailers.
OM System Tough TG-7
Sony Alpha 9 III
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, Tough TG-7 or Alpha 9 III?
Alpha 9 III scores 7.5/10 versus 1.0/10 for Tough TG-7 — 24.6MP — solid resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the Tough TG-7 and Alpha 9 III?
Tough TG-7 is 12 MP and Alpha 9 III is 24.6 MP, so the Alpha 9 III captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Tough TG-7 and Alpha 9 III have in-body image stabilization?
Tough TG-7 does not have IBIS, while Alpha 9 III has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Tough TG-7 or the Alpha 9 III?
Tough TG-7 reaches 20 fps electronic. Alpha 9 III reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Tough TG-7 and Alpha 9 III?
Tough TG-7 weighs 249 g and Alpha 9 III weighs 703 g, so the Tough TG-7 is 454 g lighter.
Do the Tough TG-7 and Alpha 9 III record 4K video?
Tough TG-7: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 9 III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Tough TG-7 and Alpha 9 III weather sealed?
Tough TG-7: Yes. Alpha 9 III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Tough TG-7 and 400 shots for the Alpha 9 III, giving the Tough TG-7 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Tough TG-7 launched at $549 and Alpha 9 III at $5,999. The Tough TG-7 is $5,450 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Tough TG-7 vs Alpha 9 III vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.