Sony
Alpha 7C
Smallest full-frame E-mount body with A7 III performance in a travel-friendly package.
$1,799
Released Sep 2020
Sony
Alpha 7S III
12MP low-light video specialist with 4K 120p, 16-bit RAW HDMI, and excellent autofocus.
$3,499
Released Sep 2020
Released within a month of each other.
Wins
Alpha 7C
Wins
Alpha 7S III
4 categories tied
Check current prices
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TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7S III has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- 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 2,359,296)
- AAlpha 7C 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 7C
124 × 71 × 60 mm
509 g (1.12 lb / 17.95 oz)
Alpha 7S III
129 × 97 × 81 mm
699 g (1.54 lb / 24.66 oz)
Alpha 7C is 5mm narrower, 26mm shorter, and 21mm thinner than Alpha 7S III.
Alpha 7C is 190 g lighter than Alpha 7S III.
Depth (front-to-back): 60mm Alpha 7C · 81mm Alpha 7S III
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7C
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 7C
✓ 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 7C
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124, 71.1, 59.7
Resolution
24.2 MP vs 12.1 MP — higher is better
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Weight
509 g vs 699 g — lower is better
Battery life (CIPA)
740 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
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — 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
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
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 7C
Pros
- ✓Tiny full-frame
- ✓5-axis IBIS
- ✓24MP hybrid
- ✓Great for travel
Cons
- –Small grip
- –Single card slot
- –Superseded by A7C II
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 7C or Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7S III scores 8.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for Alpha 7C — 4K recording.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7C is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7S III is 12.1 MP, so the Alpha 7C captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S III have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7C 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 7C or the Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7C reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 7S III reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7C weighs 509 g and Alpha 7S III weighs 699 g, so the Alpha 7C is 190 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S III record 4K video?
Alpha 7C: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7S III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S III weather sealed?
Alpha 7C: Yes. Alpha 7S III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 740 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7C and 600 shots for the Alpha 7S III, giving the Alpha 7C the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7C launched at $1,799 and Alpha 7S III at $3,499. The Alpha 7C is $1,700 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.