Sony
Alpha 7
The original full-frame mirrorless that started the E-mount revolution — 24MP in a compact body.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Oct 2013
Sony
Alpha 7S III
12MP low-light video specialist with 4K 120p, 16-bit RAW HDMI, and excellent autofocus.
$3,499
Launch priceReleased Sep 2020
Alpha 7S III is 6.9 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
Alpha 7
Wins
Alpha 7S III
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7S III has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 25,600)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,360,000)
- AAlpha 7 has higher Resolution (24.3 MP vs 12.1 MP)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareAlpha 7
127 × 94 × 48 mm
474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 7S III
129 × 97 × 81 mm
699 g (1.54 lb / 24.66 oz)
Alpha 7 is 2mm narrower, 3mm shorter, and 33mm thinner than Alpha 7S III.
Alpha 7 is 225 g lighter than Alpha 7S III.
Depth (front-to-back): 48mm Alpha 7 · 81mm Alpha 7S III
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
Alpha 7S III
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7
✓ 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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 94.4, 48.2
Resolution
24.3 MP vs 12.1 MP — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Alpha 7 supports it
Burst (electronic)
15 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Weight
474 g vs 699 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 5.5 stops — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 600 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7S III
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 128.9, 96.9, 80.8
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 759
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 7
Pros
- ✓Historic first FF mirrorless
- ✓Compact for era
- ✓24MP full-frame
- ✓Affordable used
Cons
- –Slow AF by modern standards
- –No IBIS
- –Superseded many times
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
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S III at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 7
Sony Alpha 7S III
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Alpha 7 or Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7 scores 8.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Alpha 7S III — 15fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7 is 24.3 MP and Alpha 7S III is 12.1 MP, so the Alpha 7 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S III have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 7S III has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 or the Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7 reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 7S III reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7 weighs 474 g and Alpha 7S III weighs 699 g, so the Alpha 7 is 225 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S III record 4K video?
Alpha 7: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7S III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S III weather sealed?
Alpha 7: Yes. Alpha 7S III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 and 600 shots for the Alpha 7S III, giving the Alpha 7 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 launched at $1,699 and Alpha 7S III at $3,499. The Alpha 7 is $1,800 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 7 vs Alpha 7S III vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.