Canon EOS R6 vs Sony A7 III
After a slow start, Canon’s RF system has come to fruition with the release of two very interesting cameras. One of them, the EOS R6, challenges the likes of the Sony A7 III.
How do they compare?
1
Sensor
The R6 has 20MP and the A7 III has 24MP. Dynamic range is similar, whereas the A7 III has a bit less noise at the highest ISO values.
2
Autofocus
The R6 has a better AF overall: more sensitivity in low light, more accurate tracking, face and eye detection, and the animal tracking mode is impressive.
3
Continuous shooting
The R6 can shoot up to 12fps, or 20fps if you use the electronic shutter. The A7 III goes up to 10fps max.
4
Image stabilisation
Both have 5-axis IBIS. The R6 allows you to use slower shutter speed (2s, 1s) without a terrible keeper rate. It also has a digital IS option for video.
2s hand-held! (R6)
5
Video
The A7 III does 8-bit 4K up to 30p. The R6 can record 4K up to 60p with 10-bit (internal) but suffers from overheating.
6
Design
The EOS R6 is larger, has a taller grip and more responsive buttons. The A7 III offers more customisation. They both are weather sealed and have two SD card slots.
7
Viewfinder and LCD
The R6 viewfinder has more resolution (3.69M vs 2.36M dots) and a faster refresh rate (120 vs 60Hz). Its LCD is multi-angle whereas the one on the Sony tilts up and down only.
8
Battery life
Both cameras have excellent batteries, but the Sony one can last for longer, especially when it comes to video recording.
9
Lenses
Canon has no fewer than 17 RF lenses, and many more should arrive in 2021, but there is still work to do to match the long list of Sony and 3rd party E-mount lenses.
10
Price
The R6 can be found for $2500 / £2500 / €2700 (body only). The A7 III, being older, can be found for less ($1700 / £1750 / €1850). Prices as of January 2021.
The R6 is an important step forward for Canon and feels like a superior product (except for video), but the A7 III is cheaper.