Sony
Alpha 7R II
Historic 42MP mirrorless that proved high-resolution full-frame could work.
$3,199
Launch priceReleased Jun 2015
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 8.6 years newer.
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Wins
Alpha 7R II
Wins
Alpha 9 III
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 7R II has higher Burst (mechanical) (5 fps vs 0 fps)
- BAlpha 9 III has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 5 fps)
- 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)
- BAlpha 9 III has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,359,296)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Alpha 7R II
127 × 96 × 60 mm
625 g (1.38 lb / 22.05 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 9 III
136 × 97 × 83 mm
703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
Alpha 7R II is 9mm narrower, 1mm shorter, and 23mm thinner than Alpha 9 III.
Alpha 7R II is 78 g lighter than Alpha 9 III.
Depth (front-to-back): 60mm Alpha 7R II · 83mm Alpha 9 III
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7R II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Alpha 9 III
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7R II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
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
Alpha 7R II
Burst (mechanical)
5 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 95.7, 60.3
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
ISO min (native)
100 vs 250 — lower is better
Codecs
Adds AVCHD, MP4
Resolution
42.4 MP vs 24.6 MP — higher is better
Weight
625 g vs 703 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 9 III
AF low-light limit
-5 EV vs -2 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Animal, Bird, Insect…
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
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 7R II
Pros
- ✓42MP milestone
- ✓5-axis IBIS
- ✓Historic importance
Cons
- –Very dated AF
- –Old video
- –Superseded many times
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 Alpha 7R II and Alpha 9 III at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 7R II
Sony Alpha 9 III
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Alpha 7R II or Alpha 9 III?
Alpha 9 III scores 9.5/10 versus 1.5/10 for Alpha 7R II — 120fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7R II and Alpha 9 III?
Alpha 7R II is 42.4 MP and Alpha 9 III is 24.6 MP, so the Alpha 7R II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7R II and Alpha 9 III have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7R II has 4.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 9 III has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7R II or the Alpha 9 III?
Alpha 7R II reaches 5 fps electronic. Alpha 9 III reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7R II and Alpha 9 III?
Alpha 7R II weighs 625 g and Alpha 9 III weighs 703 g, so the Alpha 7R II is 78 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7R II and Alpha 9 III record 4K video?
Alpha 7R II: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 9 III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 7R II and Alpha 9 III weather sealed?
Alpha 7R II: Yes. Alpha 9 III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 290 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7R II and 400 shots for the Alpha 9 III, giving the Alpha 9 III the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7R II launched at $3,199 and Alpha 9 III at $5,999. The Alpha 7R II is $2,800 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.