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Sony A7R III vs A99

The Sony Alpha A7R III and the Sony Alpha SLT-A99 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2017 and September 2012. The A7R III is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the A99 is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The A7R III has a resolution of 42.2 megapixels, whereas the A99 provides 24 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Sony A7R III
versus
Sony A99
Sony A7R III   Sony A99
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Sony E mount lenses Sony A mount lenses
42.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-32,000 (50 - 102,400) ISO 100-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (3686k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1440k dots 3.0" LCD – 1229k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen)
10 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
650 shots per battery charge500 shots per battery charge
127 x 96 x 74 mm, 650 g 147 x 111 x 78 mm, 812 g
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Check A7R III offers at
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Check A99 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Alpha A7R III and the Sony Alpha SLT-A99? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Sony A7R III and the Sony A99. 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.

Size Sony A7R III vs Sony A99
Compare A7R III versus A99 top
Comparison A7R III or A99 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A99 is notably larger (34 percent) than the Sony A7R III. Moreover, the A99 is markedly heavier (25 percent) than the A7R III. 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 A7R III gets 650 shots out of its Sony NP-FZ100 battery, while the A99 can take 500 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FM500H power pack. The power pack in the A7R III can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along 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, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A99 147 mm 111 mm 78 mm 812 g 500 Y Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
4.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
8.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A9 127 mm 96 mm 63 mm 673 g 650 Y Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 Y Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A850 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A900 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 A99 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the A7R III, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the A99 is 1 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Sony A7R III and Sony A99 sensor measures

With 42.2MP, the A7R III offers a higher resolution than the A99 (24MP), but the A7R III has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.52μm versus 5.96μm for the A99). However, the A7R III is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 1 month) than the A99, 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 the A7R III has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 39.8 x 26.5 inches or 101 x 67.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 31.8 x 21.2 inches or 80.8 x 53.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 26.5 x 17.7 inches or 67.3 x 44.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A99 are 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7R III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the A99, 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 Sony Alpha A7R III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 32000, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha SLT-A99 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the A7R III is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the A99 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

A7R III versus A99 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 review, the A7R III provides substantially higher image quality than the A99, with an overall score that is 11 points higher. This advantage is based on 1 bits higher color depth, 0.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.2 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.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
2.
 
Sony A99 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.014.0155589
3.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
4.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
5.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
6.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
8.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
10.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
11.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
12.
 
Sony A9 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.913.3351792
13.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
14.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
15.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
16.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
17.
 
Sony A900 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.712.3143179

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, but the A7R III provides a higher video resolution than the A99. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the A99 is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the A7R III offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the A99 (3686k vs 2359k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Sony A7R III, the Sony A99, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Sony A992359 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 6.0/s n Y
3.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
4.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
6.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A93686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A772359 Y3.0 / 921 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A850optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A900optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The A7R III has a touchscreen, while the A99 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The A99 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the A7R III does not have a selfie-screen.

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 A7R III 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 Sony A7R III has 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the A7R III and the A99 write their files to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The A7R III supports UHS-II cards (on its first slot), while the A99 can use UHS-I cards.

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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 Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Alpha SLT-A99 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
2.
 
Sony A99Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
3.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
6.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
8.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
9.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
10.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Sony A9Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
13.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
14.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
15.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony A900Y- / ---mini2.0---

It is notable that the A7R III offers wifi support, while the A99 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

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

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the A99 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the A7R III and the A99 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A99 was replaced by the Sony A99, while the A7R III was followed by the Sony A7R IV. Further information on the features and operation of the A7R III and A99 can be found, respectively, in the Sony A7R III Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A99 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Sony A7R III or the Sony A99 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7R III:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (42.2 vs 24MP) with a 33% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (11 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (0.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.2 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3686k vs 2359k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.71x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k vs 1229k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (127x96mm vs 147x111mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 162g or 20 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (650 versus 500) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • 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.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 1 month of technical progress since the A99 launch.


Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha SLT-A99:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2012).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R III is the clear winner of the match-up (26 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

A7R III 26:07 A99

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A7R III and the Sony A99 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the A7R III or the A99 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

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 (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A995/5....84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
4.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
8.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A95/5+ +4.8/589/1005/55/5 Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A8503/5....75/100..4.5/5 Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A900..+ +..+ +4.5/55/5 Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, 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.

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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 make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Sony A7R III vs Sony A99

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Sony A7R III Sony A99
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Sony E mount lenses Sony A mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2017 September 2012
    Launch Price USD 3,199 USD 2,799
    Sensor Specs Sony A7R III Sony A99
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 35.8 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 852.04 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 42.2 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7952 x 5304 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.52 μm 5.96 μm
    Pixel Density 4.90 MP/cm2 2.82 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 32,000 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 50 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 100 89
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.0 25.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.7 14.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3523 1555
    Screen Specs Sony A7R III Sony A99
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3686k dots 2359k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1440k dots 1229k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Sony A7R III Sony A99
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy500 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic ShutterYESno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support Single UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Sony A7R III Sony A99
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Geotagging no internal GPS GPS built-in
    Body Specs Sony A7R III Sony A99
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sony NP-FZ100 Sony NP-FM500H
    Battery Life (CIPA)650 shots per charge500 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 127 x 96 x 74 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9 in)
    147 x 111 x 78 mm
    (5.8 x 4.4 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 650 g (22.9 oz) 812 g (28.6 oz)
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    Check A99 offers at
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