Sony α9 III
Global shutter · 24.6 MP · 120fps
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
full-frame · 2024
Canon EOS R5 Mark II takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony α9 III lands at 94 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II at 95. That puts Canon EOS R5 Mark II ahead by 1 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 R5 Mark II if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testVideo
TieCompared on the video sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Ergonomics
Sony α9 IIICompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Sony α9 III leads on ergonomics (92 vs 86).
Value for money
Canon EOS R5 Mark IISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Canon EOS R5 Mark II more score per dollar ($4,299 vs $5,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony α9 III | Canon EOS R5 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | — |
| Format | — | full-frame |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
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
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Sony α9 III vs Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Which is better, Sony α9 III or Canon EOS R5 Mark II? +
Canon EOS R5 Mark II scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 R5 Mark II worth the price? +
At $4,299, Canon EOS R5 Mark II delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in photo.
Does Sony α9 III or Canon EOS R5 Mark II 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 α9 III or Canon EOS R5 Mark II? +
Sony α9 III — leads on ergonomics (92 vs 86). Compared on the ergonomics sub-score.
Which is the better value, Sony α9 III or Canon EOS R5 Mark II? +
Canon EOS R5 Mark II — more score per dollar ($4,299 vs $5,999). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.