Canon 300D vs Sony A7S II

The Canon EOS 300D (called Canon Rebel in some regions) and the Sony Alpha 7S II are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2003 and September 2015. The 300D is a DSLR, while the A7S II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (300D) and a full frame (A7S II) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 6.3 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 300D		Sony A7S II
Digital single lens reflex		Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses		Sony E mount lenses
6.3 MP, APS-C Sensor		12 MP, Full Frame Sensor
no Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-1,600		ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 409,600)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
1.8 LCD, 118k dots		3.0 LCD, 1229k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
2.5 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge		370 shots per battery charge
142 x 99 x 72 mm, 649 g		127 x 96 x 60 mm, 627 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 300D and the Sony Alpha 7S II? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon 300D and the Sony A7S II are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7S II is notably smaller (13 percent) than the Canon 300D. Moreover, the A7S II is slightly lighter (3 percent) than the 300D. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7S II is splash and dust-proof, while the 300D does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (300D) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7S II). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A7S II, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the 300D gets 400 shots out of its BP-511 battery, while the A7S II can take 370 images on a single charge of its NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the A7S II can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life 1	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch 2	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Canon 300D	5.6 in	3.9 in	2.8 in	22.9 oz	400	n	Aug 2003	899
	Sony A7S II	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.4 in	22.1 oz	370	Y	Sep 2015	2,999
	Canon 77D	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	19.0 oz	600	n	Feb 2017	899
	Canon G1 X Mark II	4.6 in	2.9 in	2.6 in	19.5 oz	240	n	Feb 2014	799
	Canon 700D	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.5 oz	440	n	Mar 2013	649
	Canon 650D	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.3 oz	440	n	Jun 2012	849
	Canon G1 X	4.6 in	3.2 in	2.6 in	18.8 oz	250	n	Jan 2012	799
	Canon 400D	5.0 in	3.3 in	2.6 in	19.6 oz	370	n	Aug 2006	799
	Canon 350D	5.0 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	19.0 oz	400	n	Feb 2005	899
	Canon 20D	5.7 in	4.2 in	2.8 in	27.2 oz	700	n	Aug 2004	1,499
	Canon 10D	5.9 in	4.2 in	3.0 in	30.0 oz	500	n	Feb 2003	1,999
	Nikon D70	5.5 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	24.0 oz	400	n	Jan 2004	999
	Sony A7S III	5.0 in	3.8 in	3.2 in	24.7 oz	600	Y	Jul 2020	3,499
	Sony A99 II	5.6 in	4.1 in	3.0 in	29.9 oz	490	Y	Sep 2016	3,199
	Sony A7R II	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.4 in	22.0 oz	290	Y	Jun 2015	3,199
	Sony A7 II	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.4 in	21.1 oz	350	Y	Nov 2014	1,999
	Sony A7S	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	17.2 oz	380	Y	Apr 2014	2,499
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. (1) Number of images that can be taken on a full battery charge according to the CIPA-standard; (2) Official announcement.

Camera Model
Canon 300D
Sony A7S II
Canon 77D
Canon G1 X Mark II
Canon 700D
Canon 650D
Canon G1 X
Canon 400D
Canon 350D
Canon 20D
Canon 10D
Nikon D70
Sony A7S III
Sony A99 II
Sony A7R II
Sony A7 II
Sony A7S

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The 300D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 70 percent) than the A7S II, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 300D features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7S II a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7S II is 147 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 12MP, the A7S II offers a higher resolution than the 300D (6.3MP), but the A7S II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 8.40μm versus 7.38μm for the 300D) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A7S II is a much more recent model (by 12 years) than the 300D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7S II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7S II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.2 x 14.2 inches or 53.8 x 36 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.1 x 28.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.1 x 9.4 inches or 35.9 x 24 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 300D are 15.4 x 10.2 inches or 39 x 26 cm for good quality, 12.3 x 8.2 inches or 31.2 x 20.8 cm for very good quality, and 10.2 x 6.8 inches or 26 x 17.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 300D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha 7S II are ISO 100 to ISO 102400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-409600.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7S II offers substantially better image quality than the 300D (overall score 30 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.6 bits higher color depth, 2.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

	Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
	Canon 300D	APS-C	6.3	3072	2048	none	21.0	10.8	544	55
	Sony A7S II	Full Frame	12.0	4240	2832	4K/30p	23.6	13.3	2993	85
	Canon 77D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.3	971	78
	Canon G1 X Mark II	1.5-inch	13.0	4160	3120	1080/30p	21.5	10.8	581	58
	Canon 700D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	681	61
	Canon 650D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	722	62
	Canon G1 X	1.5-inch	14.2	4352	3264	1080/24p	21.7	10.8	644	60
	Canon 400D	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.1	11.0	664	62
	Canon 350D	APS-C	8.0	3456	2304	none	21.8	10.8	637	60
	Canon 20D	APS-C	8.2	3504	2336	none	21.9	11.0	721	62
	Canon 10D	APS-C	6.3	3072	2048	none	21.1	10.9	571	57
	Nikon D70	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	20.4	10.3	529	50
	Sony A7S III	Full Frame	12.0	4240	2832	4K/120p	..	..	..	..
	Sony A99 II	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	4K/30p	25.4	13.4	2317	92
	Sony A7R II	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	4K/30p	26.0	13.9	3434	98
	Sony A7 II	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.9	13.6	2449	90
	Sony A7S	Full Frame	12.0	4240	2832	1080/60p	23.9	13.2	3702	87

Camera Model
Canon 300D
Sony A7S II
Canon 77D
Canon G1 X Mark II
Canon 700D
Canon 650D
Canon G1 X
Canon 400D
Canon 350D
Canon 20D
Canon 10D
Nikon D70
Sony A7S III
Sony A99 II
Sony A7R II
Sony A7 II
Sony A7S

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The A7S II indeed provides for movie recording, while the 300D does not. The highest resolution format that the A7S II can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7S II has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), while the 300D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the A7S II offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 300D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the A7S II has a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.55x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 300D and Sony A7S II along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

	Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
	Canon 300D	optical	n	1.8	118	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5	Y	n
	Sony A7S II	2400	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y
	Canon 77D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
	Canon G1 X Mark II	optional	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	5.2	Y	Y
	Canon 700D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
	Canon 650D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
	Canon G1 X	optical	n	3.0	922	Swivel	n	1/4000s	1.9	Y	Y
	Canon 400D	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Canon 350D	optical	n	1.8	115	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Canon 20D	optical	Y	1.8	118	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0	Y	n
	Canon 10D	optical	Y	1.8	118	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Nikon D70	optical	n	1.8	130	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.0	Y	n
	Sony A7S III	9440	n	3.0	1440	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
	Sony A99 II	2400	Y	3.0	1229	full-flex	n	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
	Sony A7R II	2400	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y
	Sony A7 II	2400	n	3.0	1230	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y
	Sony A7S	2400	n	3.0	921	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n

Camera Model
Canon 300D
Sony A7S II
Canon 77D
Canon G1 X Mark II
Canon 700D
Canon 650D
Canon G1 X
Canon 400D
Canon 350D
Canon 20D
Canon 10D
Nikon D70
Sony A7S III
Sony A99 II
Sony A7R II
Sony A7 II
Sony A7S

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The 300D has one, while the A7S II does not. While the built-in flash of the 300D is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7S II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The 300D writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the A7S II uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 300D and Sony Alpha 7S II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

	Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
	Canon 300D	Y	-	-	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
	Sony A7S II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon 77D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
	Canon G1 X Mark II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon 700D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon 650D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon G1 X	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon 400D	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon 350D	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon 20D	Y	-	-	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
	Canon 10D	Y	-	-	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
	Nikon D70	Y	-	-	-	-	-	1.0	-	-	-
	Sony A7S III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
	Sony A99 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
	Sony A7R II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Sony A7 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Sony A7S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

Camera Model
Canon 300D
Sony A7S II
Canon 77D
Canon G1 X Mark II
Canon 700D
Canon 650D
Canon G1 X
Canon 400D
Canon 350D
Canon 20D
Canon 10D
Nikon D70
Sony A7S III
Sony A99 II
Sony A7R II
Sony A7 II
Sony A7S

It is notable that the A7S II offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 300D does not provide wifi capability.

Both the 300D and the A7S II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The 300D was replaced by the Canon 350D, while the A7S II was followed by the Sony A7S III. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Sony websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 300D or the Sony A7S II – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 300D:

• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (70 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2003).

Advantages of the Sony Alpha 7S II:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (12 vs 6.3MP), which boosts linear resolution by 38%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (30 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.6 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.5 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.5 stops ISO advantage).
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.55x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 118k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 2.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More compact: Is smaller (127x96mm vs 142x99mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.1).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More modern: Reflects 12 years of technical progress since the 300D launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7S II is the clear winner of the contest (24 : 4 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 300D and the Sony A7S II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 300D or the A7S II. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	camera   labs	dp review	ephoto   zine	imaging resource	photography   blog	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Canon 300D	..	+ +	..	o	..	Aug 2003	899
	Sony A7S II	+	..	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Sep 2015	2,999
	Canon 77D	..	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899
	Canon G1 X Mark II	+	77/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	799
	Canon 700D	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2013	649
	Canon 650D	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849
	Canon G1 X	+	76/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	799
	Canon 400D	+ +	+ +	o	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2006	799
	Canon 350D	80/100	+ +	o	o	..	Feb 2005	899
	Canon 20D	..	+ +	..	o	..	Aug 2004	1,499
	Canon 10D	..	+ +	..	o	..	Feb 2003	1,999
	Nikon D70	..	+ +	..	o	..	Jan 2004	999
	Sony A7S III	+ +	..	4.5/5	..	5/5	Jul 2020	3,499
	Sony A99 II	..	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	3,199
	Sony A7R II	+ +	90/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jun 2015	3,199
	Sony A7 II	+	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Nov 2014	1,999
	Sony A7S	..	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2014	2,499
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Camera Model
Canon 300D
Sony A7S II
Canon 77D
Canon G1 X Mark II
Canon 700D
Canon 650D
Canon G1 X
Canon 400D
Canon 350D
Canon 20D
Canon 10D
Nikon D70
Sony A7S III
Sony A99 II
Sony A7R II
Sony A7 II
Sony A7S

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Canon 300D vs Sony A7S II

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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