Sony a7R III
Sony · Mirrorless · 42.4 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a7R III |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2017 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 25, 2017 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 127 x 96 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 657 g |
Optics84/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony a7R III scores an impressive 83/100, making it a strong contender in the mirrorless camera market. It measures 127 x 96 x 74mm and weighs 657g, or 1.45lbs. These specifications show that the Sony a7R III is a compact and lightweight camera, perfect for on-the-go photography. Despite being released in 2017, this camera remains competitive in today’s market, offering high-quality performance in a portable package. Sony a7R III Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony a7R III receive a score of 84/100. This camera boasts a 42.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, delivering high-resolution images. Its Bionz X processor ensures efficient processing, and the 10 frames per second shooting speed enables rapid image capture. With a DXOMARK sensor score of 100, the a7R III’s sensor ranks among the best in the market. The Sony FE lens mount accommodates a wide range of lenses, offering versatility to photographers. Image stabilization is a key feature, reducing camera shake and providing clear images. The 3:2 aspect ratio is standard for most DSLRs, making it compatible with various display formats. The Sony a7R III’s optics are competitive in today’s market, offering impressive resolution and performance. Its features cater to a variety of photography styles, making it a strong choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 42.4 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 7952 x 5304 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 24 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony FE |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz X |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 320003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 4250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 368640009900000 |
Video56/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony a7R III has a video score of 56/100. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160. It can record at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. However, the camera does not have built-in time-lapse functionality. In the current market, the a7R III’s video capabilities are modest. Many cameras now offer higher frame rates and time-lapse functionality. The 4K resolution is standard, but the lack of additional features limits its competitiveness. The Sony a7R III’s video performance is adequate for casual users but may not satisfy professionals or enthusiasts seeking advanced features. The camera’s score of 56/100 reflects its average performance in the video category. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Features83/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony a7R III boasts a feature score of 83/100, showcasing its impressive range of capabilities. Its 3-inch screen offers a resolution of 1,440,000 dots, ensuring crisp and clear image previews. The camera is equipped with a touchscreen and flip screen, making it user-friendly and versatile for various shooting scenarios. In terms of connectivity, the a7R III has both WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for seamless transfer of images and remote camera control. However, the absence of GPS may be a drawback for users who require location-based information for their images. In the competitive camera market, the Sony a7R III’s specifications hold up well. Its combination of user-friendly features and connectivity options make it a strong contender for photographers seeking a high-quality, versatile camera. The feature score of 83/100 supports this assertion, highlighting the a7R III as a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 14400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery65/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony a7R III earns a storage and battery score of 65/100, indicating a strong performance in this area. This camera features two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-II compatibility. In terms of battery life, the a7R IV can capture up to 650 shots using the NP-FZ100 battery. It does not support USB charging. In comparison with other cameras on the market, the a7R III’s storage and battery capabilities are appealing. The dual memory card slots provide convenience and flexibility for photographers, while the battery life allows for extended shooting sessions. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 650 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |