Canon R8 Vs Sony A7III – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Camera

Canon R8 & Sony A7III share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as image quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Canon R8 rather than Sony A7 III.

Why Do I Recommend Canon R8

  • The Canon R8 uses the DIGIC X processor, which is newer and more advanced compared to the Sony A7III’s BIONZ X processor. This will improve performance and image quality, particularly in high ISO settings.
  • It’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system offers 1,053 AF points, providing fast and accurate focusing. The Sony A7III uses a hybrid AF system with 693 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points.
  • Canon R8 can shoot up to 12 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical shutter, while the Sony A7III can shoot up to 10 fps. This makes the R8 better for capturing fast action.
  • The Canon R8 has a pre-shooting buffer feature that allows the camera to start capturing and buffering images before the shutter button is pressed, whereas the Sony A7III does not have this feature.
  • The R8 supports 4K video recording up to 60p with 10-bit, providing higher quality video output and more flexibility in post-production. The Sony A7III records 4K up to 30p in 8-bit. 
  • It has a higher resolution vari-angle touchscreen (1.62 million dots), providing better clarity and flexibility for various shooting angles. The Sony A7III’s screen is a tilting touchscreen with 921k dots, offering less resolution and flexibility..
  • The Canon R8 is lighter, weighing 429g, making it more portable and easier to carry around for extended periods. The Sony A7III weighs 650g.

Maybe the Sony A7 III price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Canon R8. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature

Canon R8

Sony A7III

Image Processor DIGIC X BIONZ X
ISO Range 100-102400 (expandable to 50-204800) 100-51200 (expandable to 50-204800)
Autofocus System Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1,053 AF points Hybrid AF with 693 
AF Detection Points 1,053 points 693 phase-detection
AF Sensitivity Range EV -6 to 20 EV -3 to 20
Face/Eye Detection Yes, Face and Eye Detection Yes, Face and Eye Detection
Continuous Shooting Up to 12 fps with mechanical shutter Up to 10 fps with mechanical shutter
Burst Depth Unlimited JPEG, 50 RAW 177 JPEG, 40 Uncompressed RAW
Video Recording 4K UHD up to 60p  4K UHD up to 30p 
LCD Screen 3.0″ vari-angle touchscreen, 1.62 million dots 3.0″ tilting touchscreen, 921k dots
Touchscreen Functionality Full touch functionality (focus, menu, playback) Limited touch functionality (focus, playback)
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) No Yes (5-axis)
Lens Stabilization Support Yes, with optically stabilized lenses Yes, with optically stabilized lenses and IBIS
Battery Type LP-E6NH NP-FZ100
Battery Life (CIPA) Approx. 370 shots Approx. 610 shots
Battery Charging USB-C PD charging supported USB-C charging supported
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec, Bulb mode 1/8000 to 30 sec, Bulb mode
Storage Media 1x SD UHS-II slot 2x SD UHS-II slots
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Micro HDMI, Microphone, Headphone Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Micro HDMI, Microphone, Headphone
GPS Via smartphone Via smartphone
Body Material Magnesium alloy and polycarbonate Magnesium alloy
Dimensions 132.5 x 85.0 x 70.0 mm 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7 mm
Weight 429g (including battery and card) 650g (including battery and card)
Price

Check R8 Price

Check A7 III Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  1. Sensor Size and Megapixels: Both the Canon R8 and Sony A7III feature a full-frame sensor with 24.2 megapixels. This sensor size provides excellent image quality, low-light performance, and a shallow depth of field, making both cameras ideal for professional photography and videography.
  2. ISO Range: Both cameras offer a wide ISO range, making them suitable for various lighting conditions. The base ISO range for both models starts at 100 and can be expanded significantly for low-light performance.
  3. Autofocus System: Both cameras feature advanced hybrid autofocus systems with face and eye detection capabilities. These systems enhance focus accuracy and speed, particularly useful for portrait and action photography.
  4. Video Resolution and Frame Rates: Both the Canon R8 and Sony A7III can record 4K UHD video. They support common frame rates such as 24p and 30p, making them versatile tools for video recording.
  5. Viewfinder Type and Resolution: Both cameras are equipped with a 2.36 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), offering a clear and detailed view for composing shots and reviewing images.
  6. LCD Screen Size and Type: Both cameras have a 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD. While the Canon R8 features an articulating screen and the Sony A7III a tilting screen, both provide touch functionality for easy menu navigation and focus selection.
  7. Weather Sealing: Both the Canon R8 and Sony A7III are weather-sealed, providing protection against dust and moisture, which is essential for shooting in various environmental conditions.
  8. Battery Charging Method: Both cameras support USB-C charging, allowing for convenient and fast charging without needing an external battery charger, which is particularly useful for travel and on-the-go shooting.
  9. Connectivity Options: Both models come with comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI, and ports for a microphone and headphone. These features facilitate easy image transfer, remote control, and external audio recording.
  10. Lens Mount: The Canon R8 uses the Canon RF mount, while the Sony A7III uses the Sony E mount. Both mounts support a wide range of lenses, providing flexibility for various shooting needs and styles.
  11. Wireless Features: Both cameras offer wireless image transfer and remote control capabilities via their respective apps. This feature enhances workflow efficiency, especially for fieldwork and studio setups.
  12. File Formats (Stills and Video): Both cameras support standard file formats for stills (JPEG and RAW) and video (MP4, with additional options for the Sony A7III). These formats ensure compatibility with various editing software and workflows.

Common Features

Feature

Canon R8

Sony A7III

Sensor Size Full-Frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) Full-Frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
Megapixels 24.2 MP 24.2 MP
AF Features Face and Eye Detection Face and Eye Detection
Video Resolution 4K UHD 4K UHD
Frame Rates (Video) 24p, 30p, 60p (4K) 24p, 30p (4K)
Viewfinder Type OLED Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) OLED Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
Viewfinder Resolution 2.36 million dots 2.36 million dots
LCD Screen Size 3.0 inches 3.0 inches
LCD Screen Type Touchscreen, articulating Touchscreen, tilting
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Battery Charging Method USB-C USB-C
Connectivity Options Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI, Microphone, Headphone Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI, Microphone, Headphone
Lens Mount Canon RF mount Sony E mount
Wireless Features Image transfer, Remote control Image transfer, Remote control
File Formats (Stills) JPEG, RAW JPEG, RAW
File Formats (Video) MP4, MOV MP4, XAVC S, AVCHD
Exposure Modes Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual
Flash Modes Auto, Fill Flash, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync Auto, Fill Flash, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync
Metering Modes Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot, Partial Multi, Center-weighted, Spot
Focus Modes Single, Continuous, Manual Single, Continuous, Manual
Scene Modes Various scene presets Various scene presets
Price

Check R8 Price

Check A7 III Price

FAQ

Q1: Do both cameras have full-frame sensors?

A1: Yes, both the Canon R8 and Sony A7III are equipped with full-frame sensors, which are 35.9 x 23.9 mm in size. This sensor size provides superior image quality, better low-light performance, and a shallower depth of field compared to smaller sensor formats.

Q2: What is the resolution of the sensors in these cameras?

A2: Both cameras feature a 24.2 megapixel resolution. This resolution strikes a good balance between image quality, file size, and performance, making these cameras suitable for various types of photography, including landscapes, portraits, and action shots.

Q3: How do the autofocus systems compare between the Canon R8 and Sony A7III?

A3: Both cameras have advanced hybrid autofocus systems. The Canon R8 uses Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1,053 AF points, while the Sony A7III uses a hybrid system with 693 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points. Both systems include face and eye detection, ensuring fast and accurate focusing, especially for portraits and moving subjects.

Q4: Can both cameras record 4K video?

A4: Yes, both the Canon R8 and Sony A7III can record 4K UHD video. The Canon R8 supports up to 60p in 10-bit 4:2:2 internally, while the Sony A7III supports up to 30p in 8-bit 4:2:0 internally, with 4:2:2 available via HDMI output. This makes both cameras suitable for high-quality video recording.

Q5: Do both cameras have electronic viewfinders?

A5: Yes, both the Canon R8 and Sony A7III are equipped with OLED electronic viewfinders (EVFs) with a resolution of 2.36 million dots. These viewfinders provide a clear and detailed view, making it easier to compose shots and review images.

Q6: What types of LCD screens do these cameras have?

A6: Both cameras feature 3.0-inch touchscreen LCDs. The Canon R8 has a vari-angle screen with 1.62 million dots, allowing for greater flexibility in shooting from various angles. The Sony A7III has a tilting screen with 921k dots, offering good usability but with slightly lower resolution and flexibility compared to the Canon R8.

Q7: Are both cameras weather-sealed?

A7: Yes, both the Canon R8 and Sony A7III have weather-sealing, which provides protection against dust and moisture. This is particularly useful for photographers who shoot in challenging environmental conditions.

Q8: Can you charge the batteries of these cameras via USB-C?

A8: Yes, both cameras support USB-C charging. This feature allows for convenient and fast charging without needing an external charger, which is especially handy for photographers who are frequently on the go.

Q9: What connectivity options are available on these cameras?

A9: Both cameras offer a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI, microphone, and headphone ports. These features facilitate easy image transfer, remote control, and external audio recording, enhancing overall usability.

Q10: Do both cameras support the same file formats for stills and video?

A10: Yes, both cameras support common file formats for stills and video. For stills, they both support JPEG and RAW formats, ensuring compatibility with various editing software. For video, the Canon R8 records in MP4 and MOV formats, while the Sony A7III records in MP4, XAVC S, and AVCHD formats, providing flexibility for different workflows.

Q11: What exposure modes do these cameras offer?

A11: Both the Canon R8 and Sony A7III offer a range of exposure modes, including Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. These modes allow photographers to choose the best settings for their shooting conditions and creative preferences.

Q12: Are there multiple flash and metering modes available on these cameras?

A12: Yes, both cameras include several flash modes (Auto, Fill Flash, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync) and metering modes (Evaluative/Multi, Center-weighted, Spot). These options help photographers achieve well-exposed images in various lighting situations.

Q13: Do these cameras offer different focus and scene modes?

A13: Both cameras provide various focus modes (Single, Continuous, Manual) and scene modes, catering to different subjects and shooting conditions. These features enhance the versatility and ease of use for photographers.

Q14: What white balance settings are available on the Canon R8 and Sony A7III?

A14: Both cameras come with multiple white balance settings, including Auto, Presets, and Custom. These settings ensure accurate color reproduction under different lighting conditions, improving the overall image quality.

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