Sony a7 II vs Sony a7 III
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7 III (2018) moves ahead on burst speed (10fps vs 5fps), subject-detection AF and 10-bit internal video. The Sony a7 II is still the value pick at $1,699 ($1,999 for the Sony a7 III). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7 II gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Sony a7 III if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) gives it the edge after dark.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Sony a7 III is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the Sony a7 II launched at $1,699, $300 under the Sony a7 III — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Burst: the Sony a7 III shoots 10fps to the Sony a7 II's 5fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Card slots: the Sony a7 III has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Durability: the Sony a7 III is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7 II or the Sony a7 III better?
Same line, different generation: the Sony a7 III (2018) moves ahead on burst speed (10fps vs 5fps), subject-detection AF and 10-bit internal video. The Sony a7 II is still the value pick at $1,699 ($1,999 for the Sony a7 III). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Sony a7 II gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Sony a7 III?
Choose the Sony a7 III if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) gives it the edge after dark. Choose it if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7 III?
Video: the Sony a7 III is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ X |
| Effective Resolution | 24.3 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 51200 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 25p | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | 29 min |
| Log Profiles | − | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | − | 693 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | 425 |
| Low Light AF | − | -3 EV |
| Eye AF | No | Yes |
| Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.71x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.23M dots | 0.92M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.2 |
| USB | Micro USB 2.0 | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 2x SD (1x UHS-II) |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $1,999 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×95.7×60.3 mm | 126.9×95.6×73.7 mm |
| Weight | 599g (1.32 lb) | 650g (1.43 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 350 shots | 610 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 410 shots | 710 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FZ100 |
