Sony A7R III
full-frame · 2017
Sony α9 III
Global shutter · 24.6 MP · 120fps
Sony α9 III takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony A7R III lands at 84 and Sony α9 III at 94. That puts Sony α9 III ahead by 10 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sony A7R III if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Sony α9 III if…
- ✓First full-frame global-shutter camera
- ✓120 fps at full resolution (14-bit RAW)
- ✓Sync flash to any shutter speed up to 1/80000 s
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testErgonomics
Sony α9 IIICompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Sony α9 III leads on ergonomics (92 vs 86).
Video
Sony α9 IIICompared on the video sub-score
Sony α9 III leads on video (92 vs 76).
Value for money
Sony A7R IIISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony A7R III more score per dollar ($3,199 vs $5,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony A7R III | Sony α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame | — |
| Release year | 2017 | — |
| Sensor | — | 24.6 MP global-shutter CMOS |
| Mount | — | Sony E |
| Max shutter | — | 1/80000 s electronic |
| Burst | — | Up to 120 fps full-res JPG / 14-bit RAW |
| Video | — | Up to 4K (3840×2160) at 120 fps |
| AF | — | 759 phase-detect points (still) / 627 (video) |
| ISO | — | ISO 250–25600 native (125–51200 extended) |
| Weight | — | 702 g (with battery + card) |
Sony A7R III
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Sony α9 III
- +First full-frame global-shutter camera
- +120 fps at full resolution (14-bit RAW)
- +Sync flash to any shutter speed up to 1/80000 s
- −24.6 MP feels conservative for the price
- −$5,999 body-only
- −ISO range tops at 25600 native
FAQ: Sony A7R III vs Sony α9 III
Which is better, Sony A7R III or Sony α9 III? +
Sony α9 III scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony A7R III worth the price? +
At $3,199, Sony A7R III delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in ergonomics.
Is Sony α9 III worth the price? +
At $5,999, Sony α9 III delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in af.
Does Sony A7R III or Sony α9 III 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 ergonomics, Sony A7R III or Sony α9 III? +
Sony α9 III — leads on ergonomics (92 vs 86). Compared on the ergonomics sub-score.
Which is better for video, Sony A7R III or Sony α9 III? +
Sony α9 III — leads on video (92 vs 76). Compared on the video sub-score.