• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 42.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A7R III advantages over Nikon D780

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.78x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    42.4 vs 24.5 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Nikon D780 advantages over Sony A7R III

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.51 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 650 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    5 years vs 7 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 360k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 9.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.0 fps vs 9.2 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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  • Kit with 24-120mm f/4 lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Fantastic image quality; Improved dynamic range over its predecessor; Very good high ISO performance; Much improved real-world AF performance; Class-leading burst rates, even with RAW; Improved 5-axis in-body image stabilization; Better 4K video quality; 1080/120fps video; Dual card slots; Significantly better battery life.

  • Expensive; Menus still confusing; UHS-II support only on one card slot; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash; Buffer clearing still slow despite UHS-II support.

  • Read our Sony A7R III Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R II

Sony A7R III
Sony A7R II
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • High resolution composite
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Sony A7R III vs Sony A7R II

Nikon D780
Sony A7R II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Sony A7R II

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Sony A7R III
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony A7R III vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Sony A7R III
Pentax K-1 II
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Sony A7R III vs Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Sony A7R IV

Sony A7R III
Sony A7R IV
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $3220
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More pixels

Compare Sony A7R III vs Sony A7R IV

Nikon D780
Sony A7R IV
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3220
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Sony A7R IV

Compared to Nikon Z7 II

Sony A7R III
Nikon Z7 II
  • $2204
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite
  • $2497
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • Newer

Compare Sony A7R III vs Nikon Z7 II

Nikon D780
Nikon Z7 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2497
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More viewfinder magnification

Compare Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z7 II

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