• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 42.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A7R III advantages over Canon SL3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.51 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.78x vs 0.54x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    42.4 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.9 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.2 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    30 vs 15 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SL3 advantages over Sony A7R III

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $699 vs $2198
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1070 vs 650 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.25 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 82 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A7R III

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL3

Review Excerpt

  • Fantastic image quality; Improved dynamic range over its predecessor; Very good high ISO performance; Much improved real-world AF performance; Class-leading burst rates, even with RAW; Improved 5-axis in-body image stabilization; Better 4K video quality; 1080/120fps video; Dual card slots; Significantly better battery life.

  • Expensive; Menus still confusing; UHS-II support only on one card slot; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash; Buffer clearing still slow despite UHS-II support.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R II

Sony A7R III
Sony A7R II
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $2898
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon SL3
Sony A7R II
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $2898
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon SL2

Sony A7R III
Canon SL2
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon SL3
Canon SL2
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compared to Nikon D3500

Sony A7R III
Nikon D3500
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
Canon SL3
Nikon D3500
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A7R IV

Sony A7R III
Sony A7R IV
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $3287
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More pixels
Canon SL3
Sony A7R IV
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3287
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon Z7 II

Sony A7R III
Nikon Z7 II
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite
  • $2730
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • Newer
Canon SL3
Nikon Z7 II
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2730
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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