Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Sony A7R III

The Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Sony Alpha A7R III are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2021 and October 2017. Both the GFX 100S and the A7R III are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a medium format (GFX 100S) and a full frame (A7R III) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 101.8 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 42.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm GFX 100S		Sony A7R III
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm G mount lenses		Sony E mount lenses
101.8 MP, Medium Format Sensor		42.2 MP, Full Frame Sensor
4K/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400)		ISO 100-32,000 (50 - 102,400)
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (3686k dots)
3.2 LCD, 2360k dots		3.0 LCD, 1440k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen		Tilting touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
460 shots per battery charge		650 shots per battery charge
150 x 104 x 87 mm, 900 g		127 x 96 x 74 mm, 650 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Sony Alpha A7R III? 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 Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Sony A7R III are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size 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 A7R III is notably smaller (22 percent) than the Fujifilm GFX 100S. Moreover, the A7R III is markedly lighter (28 percent) than the GFX 100S. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the GFX 100S gets 460 shots out of its NP-W235 battery, while the A7R III can take 650 images on a single charge of its NP-FZ100 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	150 mm	104 mm	87 mm	900 g	460	Y	Jan 2021	5,999
2.		Sony A7R III	127 mm	96 mm	74 mm	650 g	650	Y	Oct 2017	3,199
3.		Canon R5	138 mm	98 mm	88 mm	738 g	320	Y	Jul 2020	3,899
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	135 mm	93 mm	64 mm	607 g	500	Y	Feb 2020	1,699
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	126 mm	85 mm	65 mm	465 g	325	n	Oct 2020	999
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	156 mm	144 mm	75 mm	1320 g	800	Y	May 2019	9,999
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	161 mm	97 mm	66 mm	775 g	400	Y	Sep 2018	4,499
8.		Fujifilm XP130	110 mm	71 mm	28 mm	207 g	240	n	Jan 2018	229
9.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	148 mm	94 mm	91 mm	740 g	400	Y	Sep 2016	6,499
10.		Leica SL2-S	146 mm	107 mm	83 mm	931 g	510	Y	Dec 2020	4,895
11.		Leica SL2	146 mm	107 mm	42 mm	953 g	370	Y	Nov 2019	5,999
12.		Sony A1	129 mm	97 mm	81 mm	737 g	530	Y	Jan 2021	6,499
13.		Sony A7 III	127 mm	96 mm	74 mm	650 g	610	Y	Feb 2018	1,999
14.		Sony A9	127 mm	96 mm	63 mm	673 g	650	Y	Apr 2017	4,499
15.		Sony A99 II	143 mm	104 mm	76 mm	849 g	490	Y	Sep 2016	3,199
16.		Sony A7R II	127 mm	96 mm	60 mm	625 g	290	Y	Jun 2015	3,199
17.		Sony A7S II	127 mm	96 mm	60 mm	627 g	370	Y	Sep 2015	2,999
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The A7R III was launched at a markedly lower price (by 47 percent) than the GFX 100S, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the 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 Fujifilm GFX 100S features a medium format sensor and the Sony A7R III a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7R III is 40 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.79 and 1.0. The sensor in the GFX 100S has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A7R III offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 101.8MP, the GFX 100S offers a higher resolution than the A7R III (42.2MP), but the GFX 100S has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 4.52μm for the A7R III). However, the GFX 100S is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 3 months) than the A7R III, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm GFX 100S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GFX 100S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 58.2 x 43.7 inches or 147.9 x 110.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 46.6 x 34.9 inches or 118.3 x 88.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 38.8 x 29.1 inches or 98.6 x 74 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A7R III are 39.8 x 26.5 inches or 101 x 67.4 cm for good quality, 31.8 x 21.2 inches or 80.8 x 53.9 cm for very good quality, and 26.5 x 17.7 inches or 67.3 x 44.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the GFX 100S, the A7R III has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Fujifilm GFX 100S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7R III are ISO 100 to ISO 32000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	Medium Format	101.8	11648	8736	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
2.		Sony A7R III	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	4K/30p	26.0	14.7	3523	100
3.		Canon R5	Full Frame	44.8	8192	5464	8k/30p	25.3	14.6	3042	95
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	Medium Format	101.8	11648	8736	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
8.		Fujifilm XP130	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
9.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
10.		Leica SL2-S	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
11.		Leica SL2	Full Frame	46.7	8368	5584	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
12.		Sony A1	Full Frame	49.8	8640	5760	8k/30p	..	..	..	..
13.		Sony A7 III	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	14.7	3730	96
14.		Sony A9	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	24.9	13.3	3517	92
15.		Sony A99 II	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	4K/30p	25.4	13.4	2317	92
16.		Sony A7R II	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	4K/30p	26.0	13.9	3434	98
17.		Sony A7S II	Full Frame	12.0	4240	2832	4K/30p	23.6	13.3	2993	85

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the GFX 100S offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the A7R III (3690k vs 3686k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Fujifilm GFX 100S and Sony A7R III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	3690	Y	3.2	2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	Y
2.		Sony A7R III	3686	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
3.		Canon R5	5760	Y	3.2	2100	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	3690	n	3.0	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	15.0	n	Y
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	optional	Y	3.2	2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	Y
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	3690	n	3.2	2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
8.		Fujifilm XP130	none	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
9.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	optional	Y	3.2	2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
10.		Leica SL2-S	5760	Y	3.2	2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	20.0	n	Y
11.		Leica SL2	5760	Y	3.2	2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
12.		Sony A1	9437	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
13.		Sony A7 III	2359	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
14.		Sony A9	3686	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	20.0	n	Y
15.		Sony A99 II	2400	Y	3.0	1229	full-flex	n	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
16.		Sony A7R II	2400	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y
17.		Sony A7S II	2400	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y

One feature that is present on the GFX 100S, but is missing on the A7R III is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Sony A7R III both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The GFX 100S writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7R III uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. However, while the GFX 100S supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s) on both slots, the A7R III supports UHS-II only on its first slot and UHS-I (data transfer speed up to 104 MB/s) on the second one.

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 Fujifilm GFX 100S and Sony Alpha A7R III 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
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
2.		Sony A7R III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	Y	Y
3.		Canon R5	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	Y
8.		Fujifilm XP130	-	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
9.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
10.		Leica SL2-S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
11.		Leica SL2	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
12.		Sony A1	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.2	Y	-	Y
13.		Sony A7 III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	Y	Y
14.		Sony A9	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
15.		Sony A99 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
16.		Sony A7R II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony A7S II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

The GFX 100S is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Fujifilm. In contrast, the A7R III has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the A7R III was succeeded by the Sony A7R IV. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Sony websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Fujifilm GFX 100S better than the Sony A7R III or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm GFX 100S:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (101.8 vs 42.2MP) with a 52% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2360k vs 1440k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 3.1).
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 3 months of technical progress since the A7R III launch.

Advantages of the Sony Alpha A7R III:

• High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.77x).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More compact: Is smaller (127x96mm vs 150x104mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 250g or 28 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (650 versus 460) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (47 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2017).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GFX 100S comes out slightly ahead of the A7R III (11 : 10 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape 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 Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Sony A7R III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing 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 incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the GFX 100S or the A7R III perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2021	5,999
2.		Sony A7R III	..	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2017	3,199
3.		Canon R5	4.5/5	..	91/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2020	3,899
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	5/5	+ +	..	5/5	5/5	Feb 2020	1,699
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	5/5	..	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	999
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	4.5/5	+ +	90/100	5/5	4.5/5	May 2019	9,999
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	5/5	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2018	4,499
8.		Fujifilm XP130	..	o	..	3.5/5	4/5	Jan 2018	229
9.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	..	..	85/100	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	6,499
10.		Leica SL2-S	4/5	..	..	..	4.5/5	Dec 2020	4,895
11.		Leica SL2	4/5	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2019	5,999
12.		Sony A1	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2021	6,499
13.		Sony A7 III	..	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2018	1,999
14.		Sony A9	5/5	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	Apr 2017	4,499
15.		Sony A99 II	..	..	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	3,199
16.		Sony A7R II	5/5	+ +	90/100	5/5	5/5	Jun 2015	3,199
17.		Sony A7S II	5/5	+	..	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2015	2,999
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Sony A7R III

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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