Sony a7R II vs Sony a7R III
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Sony a7R III if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Burst: the Sony a7R III shoots 10fps to the Sony a7R II's 5fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Card slots: the Sony a7R III has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Durability: the Sony a7R III is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7R II or the Sony a7R III better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Sony a7R III?
Choose the Sony a7R III if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. 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. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7R II and the Sony a7R III?
Burst: the Sony a7R III shoots 10fps to the Sony a7R II's 5fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ X |
| Effective Resolution | 42.4 MP | 42.4 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 32000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 102400 | 50 – 102400 |
| 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 30p | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | 29 min |
| Log Profiles | S-Log2 / S-Log3 / HLG | S-Log3 / HLG |
| 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 | 399 | 399 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -2 EV | -2 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 3.69M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.23M dots | 1.44M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | 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) | $3,199 | $3,199 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×95.7×60.3 mm | 126.9×95.6×73.7 mm |
| Weight | 625g (1.38 lb) | 657g (1.45 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 290 shots | 650 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 340 shots | 800 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FZ100 |
