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Sony A7S II vs Canon 5D Mark III

The Sony Alpha 7S II and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2015 and March 2012. The A7S II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the 5D Mark III is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 22.1 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Sony A7S II
versus
Canon 5D Mark III
Sony A7S II   Canon 5D Mark III
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Sony E mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
12 MP – Full Frame sensor 22.1 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 409,600) ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 102,400)
Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1229k dots 3.2" LCD – 1040k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
370 shots per battery charge950 shots per battery charge
127 x 96 x 60 mm, 627 g 152 x 116 x 76 mm, 950 g
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Check A7S II offers at
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Check 5D Mark III offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Alpha 7S II and the Canon EOS 5D Mark 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Sony A7S II and the Canon 5D Mark III are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Sony A7S II vs Canon 5D Mark III
Compare A7S II versus 5D Mark III top
Comparison A7S II or 5D Mark III rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 5D Mark III is considerably larger (45 percent) than the Sony A7S II. Moreover, the 5D Mark III is substantially heavier (52 percent) than the A7S II. 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. Both cameras have similarly sized sensors, but DSLRs have a larger flange-to-focal plane distance than mirrorless cameras, which imposes contraints on the optical engineering process and generally leads to bigger and heavier lenses. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7S II) and the Canon EF Lens Catalog (5D Mark III). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Sony A7S II, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the A7S II gets 370 shots out of its Sony NP-FW50 battery, while the 5D Mark III can take 950 images on a single charge of its Canon LP-E6 power pack. The power pack in the A7S II 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. 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.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7S II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 627 g 370 Y Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 Y Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 Y Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
9.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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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 A7S II was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 14 percent) than the 5D Mark III, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the 5D Mark III is 2 percent bigger. 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 A7S II and Canon 5D Mark III sensor measures

With 22.1MP, the 5D Mark III offers a higher resolution than the A7S II (12MP), but the 5D Mark III has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.25μm versus 8.40μm for the A7S II). Yet, the A7S II is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 6 months) than the 5D Mark III, 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 Canon 5D Mark III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 5D Mark III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 28.8 x 19.2 inches or 73.2 x 48.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 23 x 15.4 inches or 58.5 x 39 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 19.2 x 12.8 inches or 48.8 x 32.5 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A7S II are 21.2 x 14.2 inches or 53.8 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.1 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.1 x 9.4 inches or 35.9 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Sony Alpha 7S II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 102400, which can be extended to ISO 50-409600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

A7S II versus 5D Mark III MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the A7S II has a notably higher overall DXO score than the 5D Mark III (overall score 4 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.4 bits lower color depth, 1.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony A7S II Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/30p23.613.3299385
2.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
4.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
5.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
7.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
8.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
9.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
10.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
11.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
12.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
13.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
14.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
15.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
16.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
17.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A7S II provides a higher video resolution than the 5D Mark III. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

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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 5D Mark III 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the A7S II has a higher magnification than the one of the 5D Mark III (0.78x vs 0.71x), 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 Sony A7S II and Canon 5D Mark III along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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 A7S II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
2.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting 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 A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that differentiates the A7S II and the 5D Mark III is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The A7S II reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the 5D Mark III offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

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 A7S II writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the 5D Mark III uses Compact Flash or SDXC cards. The 5D Mark III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A7S II only has one slot. The A7S II supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the 5D Mark III cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD 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 7S II and Canon EOS 5D Mark III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony A7S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
2.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
4.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
8.
 
Sony A7 IVYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
10.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
11.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
13.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
14.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
15.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the A7S II offers wifi support, while the 5D Mark III does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 5D Mark III (unlike the A7S II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the A7S II and the 5D Mark III have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 5D Mark III was replaced by the Canon 5D Mark IV, while the A7S II was followed by the Sony A7S III. Further information on the features and operation of the A7S II and 5D Mark III can be found, respectively, in the Sony A7S II Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 5D Mark III Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Sony A7S II better than the Canon 5D Mark III or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha 7S II:

  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (4 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.71x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 1040k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (127x96mm vs 152x116mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 323g or 34 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • 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.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (14 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 6 months of technical progress since the 5D Mark III launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (22.1 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 36%.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (950 versus 370) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in March 2012).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A7S II is the clear winner of the match-up (19 : 9 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision 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.

A7S II 19:09 5D Mark III

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A7S II and the Canon 5D Mark III 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 comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the A7S II or the 5D Mark III perform in practice. 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 (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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7S II5/5+....4.5/55/5 Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
9.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Sony A7S II vs Canon 5D Mark 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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Sony A7S II Canon 5D Mark III
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Sony E mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2015 March 2012
    Launch Price USD 2,999 USD 3,499
    Sensor Specs Sony A7S II Canon 5D Mark III
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.6 x 23.8 mm 36.0 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 847.28 mm2 864 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 42.8 mm 43.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 22.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4240 x 2832 pixels 5760 x 3840 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.40 μm 6.25 μm
    Pixel Density 1.42 MP/cm2 2.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 102,400 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 409,600 ISO 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X DIGIC 5+
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 85 81
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.6 24.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.3 11.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2993 2293
    Screen Specs Sony A7S II Canon 5D Mark III
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1229k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Sony A7S II Canon 5D Mark III
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy200 000 actuations150 000 actuations
    Electronic ShutterYESno E-Shutter
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards CF or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Sony A7S II Canon 5D Mark III
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 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
    Body Specs Sony A7S II Canon 5D Mark III
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sony NP-FW50 Canon LP-E6
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge950 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 127 x 96 x 60 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4 in)
    152 x 116 x 76 mm
    (6.0 x 4.6 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 627 g (22.1 oz) 950 g (33.5 oz)
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