Sony
Alpha 7 III
Classic 24MP hybrid that defined the modern full-frame value proposition.
$1,999
Released Feb 2018
Sony
Alpha 7S III
12MP low-light video specialist with 4K 120p, 16-bit RAW HDMI, and excellent autofocus.
$3,499
Released Sep 2020
Alpha 7S III is 2.5 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 7 III
Wins
Alpha 7S III
5 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7S III has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 100 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,359,296)
- AAlpha 7 III has higher Resolution (24.2 MP vs 12.1 MP)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 51,200)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Alpha 7 III
127 × 96 × 74 mm
650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)
Alpha 7S III
129 × 97 × 81 mm
699 g (1.54 lb / 24.66 oz)
Alpha 7 III is 2mm narrower, 1mm shorter, and 7mm thinner than Alpha 7S III.
Alpha 7 III is 49 g lighter than Alpha 7S III.
Depth (front-to-back): 74mm Alpha 7 III · 81mm Alpha 7S III
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7 III
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Alpha 7S III
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7 III
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7S 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
Alpha 7 III
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 95.6, 73.7
Resolution
24.2 MP vs 12.1 MP — higher is better
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Battery life (CIPA)
710 shots vs 600 shots — higher is better
Weight
650 g vs 699 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7S III
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 128.9, 96.9, 80.8
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 100 Mbps — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 2,359,296 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.265
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 51,200 — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 7S III supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 10 fps
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 10 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 7 III
Pros
- ✓Proven reliability
- ✓Great battery life
- ✓Strong value used
- ✓Dual card slots
Cons
- –Older AF vs newer bodies
- –4K 30p only
- –No 10-bit internal
Alpha 7S III
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class low light
- ✓4K 120p
- ✓Full-size HDMI
- ✓Strong IBIS
Cons
- –12MP stills limit
- –Older generation now
- –No 8K
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Alpha 7 III or Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7S III scores 8.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for Alpha 7 III — 4K recording.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7 III is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7S III is 12.1 MP, so the Alpha 7 III captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7S III have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 III has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7S III has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 III or the Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7 III reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 7S III reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7 III weighs 650 g and Alpha 7S III weighs 699 g, so the Alpha 7 III is 49 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7S III record 4K video?
Alpha 7 III: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7S III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 7 III and Alpha 7S III weather sealed?
Alpha 7 III: Yes. Alpha 7S III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 710 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 III and 600 shots for the Alpha 7S III, giving the Alpha 7 III the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 III launched at $1,999 and Alpha 7S III at $3,499. The Alpha 7 III is $1,500 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.