As the world becomes more digitized, cameras are also becoming more advanced. The photography industry has seen an evolution from film to digital, and from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras. In this article, we will compare two popular mirrorless cameras – the Sony Alpha 7R III Vs Canon EOS R6 – to help you decide which one is right for you.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Sony Alpha 7R III and Canon EOS R6?
- How is the Design of Sony Alpha 7R III and Canon EOS R6?
- How is the Sensor in Sony Alpha 7R III and Canon EOS R6?
- How is the Autofocus Performance of Sony Alpha 7R III and Canon EOS R6?
- How is the Video Capability of Sony Alpha 7R III and Canon EOS R6?
- How is the Battery Life of Sony Alpha 7R III and Canon EOS R6?
- Which Mirrorless Camera to Buy?
| Sony Alpha 7R III | Canon EOS R6 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
|
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 3.87 x 3 inches | 3.48 x 5.45 x 3.84 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.45 Pounds | 1.5 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon |
About the Sony Alpha 7R III and Canon EOS R6
The Mark III model is similar to its predecessor, with a 42MP BSI CMOS sensor, but it offers improved features, including the ability to shoot at ten frames per second. It can be considered an a7R II model that incorporates many of the lessons learned from Sony’s pro-sports model, the a9. This translates to faster processing, better autofocus, improved handling and ergonomics, and a larger battery. Although some of the changes may be subtle, they combine to produce a highly capable and user-friendly camera. The Sony a7R Mark III offers impressive capabilities that will satisfy both professional and advanced amateur photographers alike.
Similarly, the Canon EOS R6 is also a full-frame mirrorless camera designed for both photography and videography enthusiasts, featuring a 20MP sensor. It’s positioned beneath the higher-end R5 model, similar to how the EOS 6Ds were positioned below the 5D DSLRs. The camera offers a balanced set of features that cater to both photography and videography, and is among the first enthusiast-level cameras to shoot stills and video capable of utilizing the latest high-dynamic range displays. However, its video capabilities are affected by its tendency to reach its temperature limits. Read also: Sony Alpha 7R III Vs Canon EOS 5D Mark IV here.
Body and Design
The Sony Alpha 7R III has a magnesium alloy body that is both dust and moisture-resistant. It has a comfortable grip and a sturdy build quality. On the other hand, the Canon EOS R6 has a polycarbonate body that is also dust and moisture-resistant. It feels as robust as the Sony Alpha 7R III, but slightly bulkier despite using the same sensor size. The Canon EOS R6 is also slightly heavier than the Sony Alpha 7R III at 680 grams versus 657 grams.
Both cameras have a rear LCD screen, but the Sony Alpha 7R III has a lower resolution (1.44 million dots) compared to the Canon EOS R6 (1.62 million dots) and it is only tilting, not articulating like the EOS R6. These cameras also have a dual card slot, but 7R III only supports UHS-II in one of them.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Sony Alpha 7R III has a 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, while the Canon EOS R6 has a 20.1-megapixel full-frame sensor. While the Sony Alpha 7R III has a higher resolution sensor, it does not necessarily mean the Canon EOS R6 is bad. The higher resolution does offer advantage in creating sharp details especially for cropping and printing on a huge surface.
The low light performance is very similar, but the color processing is different which is expected from different brands. If you like more pronounced colors out of the camera, the Alpha 7R III will look better, but the RAW is too saturated for our taste. In addition, nowadays you can do post editing and tweak the image to your taste.
Autofocus System
Both cameras have an impressive autofocus system. The Sony Alpha 7R III has a hybrid autofocus system with 399 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points, which covers 68% of the frame. The Canon EOS R6 is a newer camera and comes with a dual-pixel autofocus system with 6,072 AF points, which covers 100% of the frame.
The Canon EOS R6 has a faster autofocus system, especially in low light conditions, thanks to its ability to focus down to -6EV. On the other hand, the Sony Alpha 7R III has a more reliable Eye-AF system, making it a great option for portrait photography.
Video Capability
Both cameras offer excellent video capabilities, but the Sony Alpha 7R III has a slight edge over the Canon EOS R6. The EOS R6 can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, while the Canon EOS R6 can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. Thanks to the new processor, the EOS R6 also has the more reliable AF during recording. Check our other comparison in: Panasonic Lumix GH6 Vs Canon R6 here.
Battery Life
The Sony Alpha 7R III has a battery life of 650 shots per charge, while the Canon EOS R6 has a battery life of 380 shots per charge. However, both cameras have an option to extend their battery life using a battery grip.
Conclusion
Both the Sony Alpha 7R III and the Canon EOS R6 are excellent cameras, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and needs. If you prioritize image quality and dynamic range, the Sony Alpha 7R III might be the better choice for you. If you shoot a lot of fast-moving subjects, the Canon EOS R6’s faster autofocus system might be the better option. Additionally, if you shoot a lot of video, the Canon EOS R6’s better image stabilization and higher frame rates might be the deciding factor.