Sony recently announced the next generation of its video-oriented full-frame, the Sony Mirrorless Camera a7S III. In the years that have passed since the last version was released, many models from different manufacturers have appeared on the market that allows you to shoot great video. Today, Experts at Socialomatoes.com will compare the Sony Mirrorless Camera a7S III with its main competitors.
The Sony Mirrorless Camera a7S III, like some of the cameras on this list, have been released quite recently, so we will rely mainly on formal specifications. At this stage, it is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to the question, Which one is better?
This comparison should demonstrate how these models are different and in what situations this or that camera will be better. The final choice is always a very personal decision. So the fact that one of the cameras wins in terms of performance does not mean that this camera will suit you better.
Sony Mirrorless Camera A7S-III Specifications:
- The matrix: 12.1 MP full-frame BSI CMOS
- Lens: Sony E
- Video resolution: 4K up to 120p
- Color coding: 10-bit 4: 2: 2
- RAW video: 4K (16-bit) up to 60p via HDMI
- Sensitivity: ISO 80-102400, (Expandable to ISO 40-409600)
- Stabilization: 5-axis inline (5.5 stops)
- Recording time limit: Not
- Other video features: S-Log2, S-Log3, HLG
- Autofocus: Phase detection on-matrix (92% coverage, 759 dots)
- Viewfinder: 9.44 million dot OLED viewfinder
- Rear screen: 3″, rotary, touch, 1.44 million dots
- Memory: 2 x CFexpress Type A / SD
We will compare the Sony a7S III with the Panasonic S1H, Canon EOS R5, and Sony a7 III.
Sony Mirrorless Camera A7S-III vs Panasonic S1H:
The most obvious competitor for the Sony Mirrorless Camera a7S III among video-oriented mirrorless cameras is Panasonic S1H. The models are in the same budget segment, use a full-frame sensor, and come with many specialized features that professional videographers will love. These models are competing for the title of the best full-frame mirrorless camera for video shooting, but they are quite different devices.
Analysis:
- First of all, the cameras differ in terms of the matrix used in them. The a7S III relies on a lower resolution but a higher sensitivity – a 12-megapixel back-illuminated sensor. But the S1H uses a more traditional 24-megapixel sensor. It allows you to record video at a resolution higher than 4K.
- In terms of 4K shooting, the a7S III can record at up to 120p, while the S1H has a maximum of 60p.
- Panasonic offers several options for shooting above 4K: the S1H can record 6K full-frame up to 24p.
- Both cameras support internal and external 10-bit 4: 2: 2 recording.
- In terms of RAW video, Sony offers 16-bit RAW, while Panasonic offers higher resolution options.
- The a7S 759-point phase-detection AF system is much faster and more responsive than the S1H contrast system.
- The Panasonic S1H stabilization system is half a stop more effective.
- Both cameras offer their Log formats, as well as HLG and HDR for maximum dynamic range.
- S1H supports professional tools: Netflix certified, Dual Native ISO technology, and timecode support.
- The a7S III is very impressive in low light conditions up to ISO 409600.
Conclusion:
These are two very different cameras, with a different approach to working with video. Sony is banking on reliability with its native 4K up to 120p, while the S1H offers a higher resolution of 6K. Also, Sony has a much wider choice of codecs, options, and shooting speed options for 4K. At the same time, the 12-megapixel sensor, although impressive for working in low light. It is still less versatile in terms of photography. On the other hand, the Sony a7S autofocus system outperforms the S1H contrast system.
Overall, if you do not need some professional tools, V-log format, and 6K resolution, then the Sony Mirrorless Camera a7S III looks like a more exciting option. With 15+ stops of dynamic range, an advanced autofocus system, and a higher frame rate in 4K.
Sony Mirrorless Camera A7S-III vs Canon EOS R5:
Sony Mirrorless Camera a7S III and Canon EOS R5 are new models with the latest technology. If you are looking for a versatile camera that is great for professional video and photography, then the Canon R5 or Sony a7R IV is worth checking out over the a7S III. The a7S III focus on video. But the R5 also boasts some serious video shooting capabilities.
Analysis:
- Cameras use matrices with very different resolutions: a7S III – 12MP, R5 – 45MP.
- The a7S III performs better in low light conditions with extended sensitivity up to ISO 409 600.
- For photos, the high-resolution R5 is preferred.
- The R5’s stabilization system is more effective (up to 8 stops of exposure compensation versus 5.5 for Sony).
- The R5 can record DCI 8K 12-bit RAW directly to the camera. Sony can output a 16-bit 4.2K RAW signal to an external recorder.
- Both cameras offer full-frame 4K up to 120p with 10-bit 4: 2: 2 encoding.
- Sony has no time limit for video recording.
- Both cameras work with Log and HDR profiles. At the same time, Sony profiles promise up to 15+ stops of dynamic range.
- Sony a7S video finder is better, and Canon has a better display.
- Autofocus systems have roughly equal performance and similar features.
- Both cameras support CFexpress (Type A for Sony, Type B for Canon) and SD, but Sony has both ports suitable for both.
Conclusion:
Of course, the Canon camera has more advanced specifications on paper. But in terms of practical advantages, everything is not so obvious. Video recording is limited in time, file sizes can be huge, and overheating is more than real. The R5 is much stronger as a hybrid camera, however. So if you need a model for stills and video, the R5 is a better choice. If you are almost exclusively into videography, then the practicality of the a7S III is more likely to suit you.
Sony Mirrorless Camera A7S-III vs Sony A7-III:
Comparison with other cameras in the a7 line, in general, will not be very fair. The a7S models were originally conceived as focused on video, while other cameras in the line are better at photography or act as universal hybrid cameras. However, we decided to include the a7 III in the comparison to show what you get with the a7S III compared to the more mainstream model.
Analysis:
- Both sensors have a back-illuminated design, while the a7 III still beats the a7S III in terms of resolution: 24MP versus 12MP.
- In terms of video, the a7 III can produce a more detailed picture as it compresses footage out of 6K, while the a7S III uses a native 4K resolution.
- The a7S III outperforms the competition in all other video specifications: 4K at 120p, internal 10-bit 4: 2: 2 recording, RAW output, no recording time limits, and more.
- The autofocus systems of the two models are similar.
- The a7S III has a better screen and an electronic viewfinder.
- The a7S III features a new, more user-friendly menu system. It also enhances the touchscreen interface.
- The a7S III also allows the use of CFexpress cards in addition to SD cards.
- At the same time, the initial cost of a7 III is $ 1,700 lower.
Conclusion:
If you need a camera for high-quality video, the Sony Mirrorless Camera a7S III is beyond competition among all Sony cameras. However, the a7 III is much cheaper and more suitable for those who take photographs, thanks to its 24MP resolution. The a7 III is generally a great option given its relatively low price. If you are just starting with filming or more into photography, then this model will be the preferred choice.
Final Verdict:
So, as expected, the Sony Mirrorless Camera a7S III looks to be one of the most exciting cameras on the market in terms of video recording. Even compared to models that offer higher resolution, the a7S III looks like a much more practical choice which comes with unlimited recording time, a wide range of codecs, and Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras – excellent autofocus, built-in stabilization, etc.
