Sony
Alpha 7R III
42MP workhorse for landscape and studio before the A7R IV/V era.
$3,199
Launch priceReleased Oct 2017
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 2.8 years newer.
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Wins
Alpha 7R III
Wins
Alpha 7S III
7 categories tied
Which would you choose?
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)
- AAlpha 7R III has higher Resolution (42.4 MP vs 12.1 MP)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 32,000)
- BAlpha 7S III has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 3,686,400)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareAlpha 7R III
127 × 96 × 74 mm
657 g (1.45 lb / 23.18 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 7R III is 2mm narrower, 1mm shorter, and 7mm thinner than Alpha 7S III.
Alpha 7R III is 42 g lighter than Alpha 7S III.
Depth (front-to-back): 74mm Alpha 7R III · 81mm Alpha 7S III
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7R III
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Alpha 7S III
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7R 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 7R III
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 95.6, 73.7
Resolution
42.4 MP vs 12.1 MP — higher is better
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Codecs
Adds AVCHD
Battery life (CIPA)
650 shots vs 600 shots — higher is better
Weight
657 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
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 32,000 — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 3,686,400 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.265
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 7R III
Pros
- ✓42MP proven
- ✓10fps with AF
- ✓Dual slots
- ✓Great used value
Cons
- –Superseded
- –No 8K
- –Older AF
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 7R III and Alpha 7S III at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 7R III
Sony Alpha 7S III
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Alpha 7R III or Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7S III scores 8.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for Alpha 7R III — 4K recording.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7R III and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7R III is 42.4 MP and Alpha 7S III is 12.1 MP, so the Alpha 7R III captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7R III and Alpha 7S III have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7R III has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 7S III has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7R III or the Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7R III reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 7S III reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7R III and Alpha 7S III?
Alpha 7R III weighs 657 g and Alpha 7S III weighs 699 g, so the Alpha 7R III is 42 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7R III and Alpha 7S III record 4K video?
Alpha 7R III: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7S III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 7R III and Alpha 7S III weather sealed?
Alpha 7R III: Yes. Alpha 7S III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 650 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7R III and 600 shots for the Alpha 7S III, giving the Alpha 7R III the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7R III launched at $3,199 and Alpha 7S III at $3,499. The Alpha 7R III is $300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 7R III vs Alpha 7S III vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.