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Canon 5D Mark III · Body only — full-frame DSLR · 2012
Canon

Canon 5D Mark III · Body only

full-frame DSLR · 2012

78
/ 100
From $3,499
VS
Sony A7 IV · Body only wins by 14
Sony A7 IV · Body only — full-frame · 2021
Sony

Sony A7 IV · Body only

full-frame · 2021

92
/ 100
From $2,498
Specdex verdict

Sony A7 IV · Body only takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only lands at 78 and Sony A7 IV · Body only at 92. That puts Sony A7 IV · Body only ahead by 14 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon 5D Mark III · Body only if…

  • ✓Mature system, great used market
  • ✓Proven lens lineup
  • ✓Often on sale

Pick Sony A7 IV · Body only if…

  • ✓Current-gen AF system
  • ✓Proven lens ecosystem
  • ✓Strong video + stills balance
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Photo

Sony A7 IV · Body only

Compared on the photo sub-score

Sony A7 IV · Body only leads on photo (92 vs 78).

Autofocus

Sony A7 IV · Body only

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony A7 IV · Body only leads on autofocus (90 vs 74).

Value for money

Sony A7 IV · Body only

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony A7 IV · Body only more score per dollar ($2,498 vs $3,499).

Canon 5D Mark III · Body only 78
vs
92 Sony A7 IV · Body only

Score breakdown

Canon 5D Mark III · Body only
78
photo 78
video 70
autofocus 74
ergonomics 86
Sony A7 IV · Body only
92
photo 92
video 88
autofocus 90
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Canon 5D Mark III · Body only versus Sony A7 IV · Body only — full spec comparison
Spec Canon 5D Mark III · Body only Sony A7 IV · Body only
Format
full-frame DSLR
full-frame
Release year
2012
2021

Canon 5D Mark III · Body only

Pros
  • +Mature system, great used market
  • +Proven lens lineup
  • +Often on sale
Cons
  • −Older AF system
  • −Heavier than modern mirrorless
  • −Firmware updates trailed off

Sony A7 IV · Body only

Pros
  • +Current-gen AF system
  • +Proven lens ecosystem
  • +Strong video + stills balance
Cons
  • −Body price excludes lens
  • −Heavy for travel (flagship)
  • −Learning curve on menus

FAQ: Canon 5D Mark III · Body only vs Sony A7 IV · Body only

Which is better, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only or Sony A7 IV · Body only? +

Sony A7 IV · Body only scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 14. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon 5D Mark III · Body only worth the price? +

At $3,499, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in ergonomics.

Is Sony A7 IV · Body only worth the price? +

At $2,498, Sony A7 IV · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in photo.

Does Canon 5D Mark III · Body only or Sony A7 IV · Body only last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for photo, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only or Sony A7 IV · Body only? +

Sony A7 IV · Body only — leads on photo (92 vs 78). Compared on the photo sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only or Sony A7 IV · Body only? +

Sony A7 IV · Body only — leads on autofocus (90 vs 74). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.