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Sony α9 III — Global shutter · 24.6 MP · 120fps
Sony

Sony α9 III

Global shutter · 24.6 MP · 120fps

94
/ 100
From $5,999
VS
Canon EOS R1 wins by 2
Canon EOS R1 — Stacked 24MP · 40fps · Pro sports
Canon

Canon EOS R1

Stacked 24MP · 40fps · Pro sports

96
/ 100
From $6,299
Specdex verdict

Canon EOS R1 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony α9 III lands at 94 and Canon EOS R1 at 96. That puts Canon EOS R1 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

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

Pick Canon EOS R1 if…

  • ✓Eye-control AF returns and works
  • ✓No-blackout EVF at 40fps
  • ✓Built-in vertical grip
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Winner by scenario

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

Autofocus

Tie

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

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

Video

Canon EOS R1

Compared on the video sub-score

Canon EOS R1 leads on video (96 vs 92).

Build

Canon EOS R1

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon EOS R1 leads on build (96 vs 92).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Sony α9 III 94
vs
96 Canon EOS R1

Score breakdown

Sony α9 III
94
sensor 92
af 100
video 92
build 92
ergonomics 92
Canon EOS R1
96
sensor 92
af 100
video 96
build 96
ergonomics 96

Specs side-by-side

Sony α9 III versus Canon EOS R1 — full spec comparison
Spec Sony α9 III Canon EOS R1
Sensor
24.6 MP global-shutter CMOS
24.2 MP stacked CMOS
Mount
Sony E
Canon RF
Max shutter
1/80000 s electronic
—
Burst
Up to 120 fps full-res JPG / 14-bit RAW
40 fps electronic / 12 fps mechanical
Video
Up to 4K (3840×2160) at 120 fps
6K 60p RAW · 4K 120p
AF
759 phase-detect points (still) / 627 (video)
Dual Pixel Intelligent AF + Eye-control
ISO
ISO 250–25600 native (125–51200 extended)
—
Weight
▲ 702 g (with battery + card)
1115 g
Storage
—
Dual CFexpress B

Sony α9 III

Pros
  • +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
Cons
  • −24.6 MP feels conservative for the price
  • −$5,999 body-only
  • −ISO range tops at 25600 native

Canon EOS R1

Pros
  • +Eye-control AF returns and works
  • +No-blackout EVF at 40fps
  • +Built-in vertical grip
Cons
  • −Resolution conservative at 24 MP
  • −Heavy at 1115g
  • −Pro-only price

FAQ: Sony α9 III vs Canon EOS R1

Which is better, Sony α9 III or Canon EOS R1? +

Canon EOS R1 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony α9 III worth the price? +

At $5,999, Sony α9 III delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in af.

Is Canon EOS R1 worth the price? +

At $6,299, Canon EOS R1 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in af.

Does Sony α9 III or Canon EOS R1 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 video, Sony α9 III or Canon EOS R1? +

Canon EOS R1 — leads on video (96 vs 92). Compared on the video sub-score.

Which is better for build, Sony α9 III or Canon EOS R1? +

Canon EOS R1 — leads on build (96 vs 92). Compared on the build sub-score.