Today, we will be looking at two different cameras with different body-types, and made by different companies – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III. The Sony a7R is a pro mirrorless camera made by Sony, while the Canon 5D Mark III is a semi-pro DSLR camera made by Canon.
In this article, we will be telling you all the similarities and differences between these cameras. We will also go on to recommend each of them to you, depending on what you need a camera for.
So, if you are here to find out which of these cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – will be serving you better, come along with us. Well, if you won’t be able to get to the end of this article, the next three sections will be helping you make a quick and informed decision. Let’s get straight to it.
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Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Comparison Overview
Like we already said, these two cameras in comparison today – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – are indeed very different. The Sony a7R has a 36 mega pixel full frame CMOS sensor, while the 5D Mark III has a 22 mega pixel has a full frame CMOS sensor.
The two companies responsible for these cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Sony and Canon, respectively, are big names in the camera manufacturing industry. They have each been around for decades, and have earned the patronage of photographers around the world, due to the quality they are known to deliver.
Anyway, it is our opinion that Canon is the stronger brand of the two. Canon has been around for longer, and is a slightly more respected brand than Sony in the camera market.
Now, mirrorless cameras generally have smaller bodies than DSLRs, so, if you want a lightweight camera, then the Sony a7R is the better one for you – it weighs more than half the size of the 5D Mark III.
However, on the other hand, DSLRs are known for their long lasting batteries, especially when compared to mirrorless cameras. Thus, it isn’t very surprising that with a full charge of the Canon 5D Mark III’s battery, you will be able to take nearly 3 times the number of shots you will be able to take per full charge of the Sony a7R’s battery.
In addition to that, you will be able to get far more advanced lighting with the 5D Mark III. These cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – each come with an external flash hot shoe, meaning that you will be able to get lighting with the help of regular flashes. However, the Canon 5D Mark III, being the only one with a PC sync port, is the one that gives you an even more advanced lighting option.
Anyway, the Sony a7R is the only one of these two cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – which has an articulating screen. Therefore, it is the better camera to shoot with from difficult angles. More so, you will also be able to transfer files more conveniently with this camera, because it is the only one that comes with an in-built Wi-Fi and near field communication (NFC).
Now, both these cameras are high end cameras. They each cost more than two thousand dollars, and so, are not exactly your regular budget cameras. However, the 5D Mark III is the more affordable of the two, even though only slightly. But in spite of this, we think that the Sony a7R has the better price-value ratio. This camera comes with features and functions that make it better and more convenient to shoot with than the Canon 5D Mark III. Anyway, this surely does not take anything away from the 5D Mark III, it is a pretty amazing camera itself.
All that having been said, if you would like to see more ways these cameras compare, check out the next section.
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| Get the Sony a7R here now! | Get the 5D Mark III here now! |
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Comparison Table
Sony a7R |
5D Mark III | |
| Camera weight | 1.03 pounds (465 grams) | 2.09 pounds (950 grams) |
| Camera dimensions | 5.0 by 1.9 by 3.7 inches | 5.98 by 2.99 by 4.57 inches |
| Maximum sensor resolution | 36 mega pixels | 22 mega pixels |
| Screen size | 3 inches | 3.2 inches |
| Articulating screen | Yes | No |
| Burst mode shooting | 4 frames per second | 6 frames per second |
| Battery capacity | 340 shots per full charge | 950 shots per full charge |
| In-built Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Near field communication (NFC) | Yes | No |
| PC sync port for flash | No | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes | No |
| Panorama | Yes | No |
| Top LCD screen | No | Yes |
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| Get the Sony a7R here now! | Get the 5D Mark III here now! |
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Which Is Better Under What Circumstance?
Sony a7R |
5D Mark III |
| If you are looking for a camera with which you can always do quick and easy transfer of files (from camera to smartphone), then the Sony a7R is the better option for you. It is the only one of the two that comes with an in-built Wi-Fi and, so, as a result of this feature, you will be able to transfer files from the Sony a7R to a nearby Wi-Fi compatible devices over a wireless connection. It gets even better. With near field communication (NFC), you can create that wireless connection with only a touch of a button; this is something you will not be able to achieve with the Canon 5D Mark III. | For some people, one of the most important factors that influences their decision to either get or abandon a device is the battery capacity of that device. For them, how long the battery can last is one of the first things they look out for before anything else. Well, if you fall into that category, then the Canon 5D Mark III is easily your better option. With a full charge of this camera’s battery, you will be able to close to 1000 shots, and that is obviously just amazing! |
| If you want a camera with which you can take photos from really difficult angles, the Sony a7R is the one we would recommend for you. This is the only one of two cameras in comparison – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – that has an articulating screen. So, shooting with from “difficult” angles won’t be so difficult after all. | If you are after the camera that will be giving you the better results in flash photography, then the 5D Mark III is just the one you are looking for. Both these cameras allow you attach regular external flashes, but only the 5D Mark III allows you connect an advanced type of flash, using the PC sync port. |
| If you want a lightweight camera, then you already know what to go for – the Sony a7R. This camera weighs just a little more down a pound, and less than twice what the 5D Mark III weighs. This is pretty impressive weight for a pro camera, but well, mirrorless cameras are known for their compact bodies, and the Sony a7R is just a typical example of that. | Do you like cameras with pretty large screens? If your answer to that is yes, then that alone could make you lean towards the Canon 5D Mark III. The screen of this camera is 20 per cent larger than that of the Sony a7R, and most other cameras of its level. So, if you want a large LCD screen, the 5D Mark III is the one for you. |
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| Get the Sony a7R here now! | Get the 5D Mark III here now! |
In a bit, we will be telling you about features which can be found in both these cameras, but before that, let us briefly explain some basic things about these cameras.
If you recall, earlier in this Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III comparison article, we mentioned that the Sony camera is a pro mirrorless camera, while the Canon is a semi-pro DSLR. Let us quickly look at how these camera types match up.
DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras
A digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera is one which works with a mirror mechanism. In a camera like this, when you take a picture, the mirror flips up, light goes in through the lens, then the mirror bounces the light through a prism, to the optical viewfinder. The optical viewfinder is what helps you frame your photos.
On the other hand, a typical mirrorless camera does not come with mirrors, nor does it come with an optical viewfinder. Such a camera, when a picture is taken, sends light straight from the lenses through to the sensors for autofocus; it then sends a digital image to the electronic viewfinder, or to the LCD screen.
Now, there are some basic differences between these two camera types. The first and most obvious one is that a DSLR camera comes with mirrors and a mirrorless camera does not.
Furthermore, DSLRs generally are known to have longer lasting batteries, and weigh more than mirrorless cameras, although it has to be said that things are changing and so, you can find some mirrorless cameras with great battery capacities, and bulky bodies.
A DSLR camera comes with an optical viewfinder – a feature that shows you the exact image which the camera’s lens is capturing, and helps you frame your photos.
Mirrorless cameras come with electronic viewfinders – this one gives you a digital image of what the camera’s lens is capturing, and also helps you frame photos. It is important to note, though, that not every mirrorless camera comes with an electronic viewfinder; some give you an option of attaching an external viewfinder, while the others leave you to shoot using only the LCD screen.
What you just read through was only a brief summary of the differences that exist between these different camera types. But if you want a more detailed DSLR vs mirrorless comparison, the video below will be really useful to you. Check it out here!
Pro vs Semi-Pro Cameras
Pro cameras are cameras made for, and used by professionals. Such cameras are high performing, have durable bodies, and usually cost a lot. Without prior experience with cameras, a pro camera might be quite difficult for you to use.
A typical pro camera is made to withstand intense usage in different conditions, both favorable and unfavorable.
Semi-pro cameras, however, though also durable, are generally not as durable as pro cameras. This is because semi-pro cameras are not expected to be used as intensely as pro cameras.
A typical semi-pro camera costs less than a pro camera. However, there are a lot other factors that determine the price of a camera.
Anyway, semi-pro cameras are made to be the middlemen between entry-level and pro cameras, so, in some places, they are called “prosumer” cameras. They are not as easy to use as entry-level cameras, but are easier to use that pro cameras. In the same way, they are more durable than entry-level cameras, but not as durable as pro ones.
PS: it is important to note that these differences in entry-level, semi-pro, and pro cameras we just talked about will not always apply. These are the general expectations of these camera classifications, however, they are also affected by other factors; the major one being the manufacturing company, closely followed by the type of camera it is, i.e., DSLR or mirrorless.
So, now that we are all on the same page on these basic types and classifications of these cameras in comparison today – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – let us now go on to talk about the features that can be found in both of them.
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Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Common Features
So far, in this Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III comparison article, we have pointed out the many ways these two cameras differ. Anyway, in this section, we will be looking at similarities. Here, we will be talking briefly about what features you will find in the Sony a7R and also find in the Canon 5D Mark III. Let us get to it!
External Flash Hot Shoe
This is perhaps the most noticeable feature common to both these cameras. The external flash shoe sits just atop the camera screen, and it is an indicator that your camera is compatible with external flashes.
Now, with an external flash, you are able to lighten up the scene and get bright enough images, even in low light. And now, if you consider that neither one of these cameras comes with an in-built flash, the external flash hot shoe becomes an even more important feature, because flashes (whether internal or external) can prove to be very necessary for your all-round shooting.
Also, a flash will be very important to you if you will be doing a lot of flash photography. So, if you are an events photographer, a paparazzo, and all sorts, you will be even extra grateful for the external flash hot shoe, because it allows you get good lighting by attaching an external flash.
External Microphone Jack
Just like these cameras allow you better your lighting with the use of an external flash, they also allow you better your sound quality from your audio recordings, this time with the use of an external microphone.
Both these cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – each come with an external microphone jack, which is where you can connect an external microphone to get better sound while you record.
These cameras come with internal microphones, which actually do pretty good jobs in getting you good enough sound. However, they won’t always be giving you the quality of audio you desire, especially in very noisy places. This is when the external microphone jack becomes very useful.
An external microphone which has been connected to the external microphone jack is able to get you awesome audio while you record; audio that is better than what you get with the internal microphone. In addition to that, an external microphone will give you better noise cancellation than an internal microphone will.
Therefore, if you are a photo journalist, or YouTuber, for example, and you would be needing to do a lot of video and audio recording with your camera, then you surely would be happy that each of these cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – gives you an option to advance your audio quality.
Headphone Jack
Headphones can be very important for you while you record video and audio with your camera, and a headphone jack is what shows you that you can connect a pair of headphones to your camera. This feature is not very common, so, it is quite a big deal that you get it in both these cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III.
Headphones help you better regulate the sound you are getting from your recordings while you record. So, you will be able to make all the necessary changes and adjustments while you record, instead of having to wait till after recording, when it might already be too late.
Face Detection Focus
The face detection focus feature is one whose mode of operation is pretty obvious from its name. What it does is that it enables your camera’s lens identify and then focus on the human faces in its frame, so that you get the best portrait photos from your camera.
These cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – each come with the face detection focus feature, thus, you will be able to get those amazing portrait photos with any of them.
So, if you have ever wondered how photographers have been able to achieve those great portrait photographs with the detailed faces and blurred backgrounds, here it is; the face detection focus is the secret. And if you eventually get any of these cameras, you, too, will be able to achieve that level of amazingness in portrait photography.
Auto Exposure Bracketing
If you will be shooting a lot under complicated lighting conditions, then the auto exposure bracketing feature is one you will come to appreciate very much. This feature helps you get great images when shooting under complicated lighting conditions without even having to do too much.
With auto exposure bracketing, you will be able to get 2 to 5 different images – each with a different exposure setting – with just one click of the shutter button.
In addition to being great in tough lighting, auto exposure bracketing is also very useful for HDR photography. Now, if you want to find out how to use this feature, below is a video that will guide you on how to use auto exposure bracketing on a Canon camera. Watch it here!
RAW Support
RAW support is what allows you to be able to take photos with your camera and store them without having them compressed. Normally, photos are compressed to the JPEG format in order to save storage space, because the uncompressed images can be really large files. But with RAW support, both options are presented to you.
Images in the RAW format are of the highest quality that camera can produce, and photos in this format can be really necessary, especially when they will be used on very large scales. So, when you think that you need your images untouched and uncompressed, RAW support ensures that you will be able to get just that from your camera.
Weather Sealing
A weather sealed camera is one that is safe to be used in whatever weather condition – good, or really harsh. Depending on what type of photography you will be using your camera for, it might be necessary that you use your camera during different weather conditions.
If, for example, you are a sports photographer, throughout the league season, you would be required to take photos under different weather conditions. If the camera you are shooting with does not have a weather sealing, you won’t be able to deliver on all match days. Because when the weather is harsh, it is not advisable to shoot with a camera that does not have a weather sealing.
Anyway, with any of these cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – you do not even need to bother yourself about all of that. They are both weather sealed cameras, so, you won’t be needing a weather forecast to determine whether or not you can take your camera with you the next day. Isn’t that some really good news?!
HDMI Output
This feature indicates that you will be able to connect your camera directly to a television screen or a monitor, just with the use of an HDMI cable. It is easy to use, and is a pretty direct approach to extending your display without much hassle.
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Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Unique Features
Optical Viewfinder
An optical viewfinder (OVF) is a feature that shows you the exact image that the camera’s lens is capturing, just as it is capturing it. It also helps you properly frame your photos, and gives you all round control of your shoot.
An OVF is a feature you will only be able to get with a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, so, you must already have figured out that this is a feature that will only be found in the Canon 5D Mark III.
Electronic Viewfinder
Just like an optical viewfinder, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) also helps you frame your photos, and gives you control of your shoot. Perhaps the EVF gives you even more control than the OVF, because in addition to showing you a digital image of what your camera’s lens is capturing, it also gives you some extra information about your shoot (like the camera’s battery level, ISO level, histogram, and the likes).
Anyway, the argument about which does a better job between the optical viewfinder and electronic viewfinder has been on for a very long time. There are some advantages you get with one that you won’t be getting with the other.
Well, if you would love to see how these two unique and different types of viewfinders compare, check out the video below. In a couple of minutes, this video breaks down the different modes of operation of these two viewfinders, and then shows you how well each of them does when placed side by side with each other. Watch it here!
Articulating Screen
An articulating screen is a very important feature for you if you will be taking a lot of shots from difficult angles. This is basically a type of LCD screen that can be rotated to certain angles for more convenient shooting.
Of these two cameras in comparison today – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – only the Sony a7R has an articulating screen. The articulating screen of this camera can be tilted up to approximately 84 degrees upward and approximately 45 degrees downward. Thus, you will be able to get shots from pretty high and pretty low angles with the Sony a7R. However, in spite of the presence of this articulating screen, the Sony aa7R still might not be the best camera to take selfies with.
PC Sync Port For Flash
Like we mentioned earlier in this Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III comparison article, these two cameras each come with an external flash hot shoe, thus, you will be able to get great lighting with any one of them. However, with the Canon 5D Mark III, it gets even better.
The presence of the PC sync port in the Canon camera indicates that you can even further advance the lighting you are able to get from your camera with the use of a flash compatible with this port, which is quite more advanced than a regular external flash.
Now, if you want to find out more about this PC sync port and the flashes that connect to them, the video below will be really useful. This video will tell you more about the sync port compatible flashes and how they compare with regular ones. You will also be seeing hands-on demonstrations of how to use them with a Sony alpha camera. Check the video out here!
In-Built Wi-Fi
An in-built Wi-Fi is what helps you transfer files from your camera to a Wi-Fi compatible smart devices nearby, over a wireless connection. The Sony a7R is the only one of these two cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – that comes with an in-built Wi-Fi.
With Wi-Fi, you will no longer be restricted to transferring files with the use of cables (which can be quite a hassle), you are now able to do that more quickly and more easily. Guess what, it gets even better!
Near Field Communication (NFC)
Yes, creating a wireless connection with a compatible device close by is easy, but like we said, it gets better. With the Sony a7R, you are able to create that wireless connection with just one touch of a button. Amazing, isn’t it?
Near field communication (NFC) is the feature that enables you initiate a one touch wireless connection with a nearby device. Provided that nearby device in question is Wi-Fi and NFC compatible, you will be able to wirelessly connect the Sony a7R to that device just by touching the NFC icons together. Really convenient!
Top LCD Screen
This is a small screen at the top side of your camera that displays the settings being made on your camera. This screen helps you regulate your settings more easily and more conveniently.
Anyway, you will only be getting this little screen on the Canon 5DMark III, as the Sony camera does not come with screen.
Panorama
Being able to take panoramic shots with one’s camera really helps one express one’s creativity in photography. If you are looking for this feature, then you will be leaning towards the Sony camera. The panorama feature is one unique to the Sony a7R, meaning that you won’t be able to panoramic shots with the Canon 5D Mark III.
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Unique Pros
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Unique Pros Of The Sony a7R
More Flexible Shooting
The Sony a7R, like we have mentioned earlier in this Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III comparison, is the only one of these two cameras that comes with an articulating screen. As a result of this, it will be the better camera to shoot with from rather difficult angles.
When you have to take photos or record videos from pretty high and pretty low, it becomes difficult – if not impossible – for you to shoot using the viewfinder. In a case such as this, you can very easily just tilt the LCD screen of the Sony a7R and more conveniently take all the really nice shots from a rather “difficult angle”. Isn’t that just so cool?!
Wide Auto Exposure Bracketing Range
So, we already talked about the auto exposure bracketing feature, and we sure can already see how much good news it is, especially for HDR photography. Now, if your camera has a wide bracketing range, that is even better news for you.
A wide bracketing range means that, with a click of the shutter button, you will be able to get more than the normal number of shots you would have gotten with auto exposure bracketing.
Now, the Sony a7R allows you get up to 5 shots – each with a different exposure setting – with just one click of a button, when shooting with auto exposure bracketing. So, just imagine how much more you will be able to do, and how much better results you will be able to get on HDR photography with this.
Easier Wireless Connection
We have already established that the Sony a7R is the only one of these two cameras in comparison today – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – that comes with an in-built Wi-Fi and the near field communication (NFC) technology. Therefore, it is the camera with which you will be able to create a wireless connection more easily.
Remote Controlling
This is one very cool function that you will be getting with the Sony a7R, and it can be accessed because this camera has an in-built Wi-Fi.
Basically, you will be able to control your camera remotely with the use of a smart device which has been connected wirelessly. So, with that device, you can operate your camera while being meters away from it.
This feature can be so much fun, and very important, too. For example, you want to get lovely pictures of a group of birds in their nest. Your presence in that environment might scare the birds away, and ruin your every chance at a decent shot.
But now, thanks to the remote controlling feature, you can set up your camera at a good position where you get a good view of the nest, in anticipation of the birds’ arrival. So, after your setup, you can leave the scene, and conduct your shoot with a device which has already been wirelessly connected to the camera. This way, you can get the best photos of those birds in their natural habitat easily, and without much hassle.
Higher Maximum Sensor Resolution
The Sony a7R is a 36 mega pixel full frame CMOS sensor camera, and this is quite very impressive. Although the Canon 5D Mark III is also a full frame CMOS sensor camera, the Sony camera offers you 63 per cent more pixels.
This means, in essence, that you will be getting more detailing on your photos with the Sony camera than with the Canon one.
Lightweight
Like we have already established, a pro camera is generally expected to come with a whole lot of features, and perhaps a pretty big body. This is why we are very impressed that the Sony a7R – a pro camera – weighs only a little more than a pound.
The Sony a7R, in spite of the many amazing features it comes with, has a pretty compact body. Thus, this is one you won’t mind carrying in your hands for long hours.
If you are an events photographer, or a paparazzo, for example, you would really appreciate the weight of this camera, because you would be needing to hold your camera in your hands for long periods of time. And well, weighing just 1.03 pounds (again, considering this is a pro camera), you perhaps won’t mind so much.
Panorama
With the Sony a7R, you will be able to take lovely panoramic shots, which is something you won’t be able to achieve with the Canon 5D Mark III.
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Unique Pros Of The 5D Mark III
Larger Screen
Are you looking for a pretty big display? If yes, then you will be happy with the Canon 5D Mark III. This camera has a 3.2 inch screen, which is 20 per cent larger than that of its counterpart – the Sony a7R – and in fact, bigger than those of many other cameras of its level.
Long Lasting Battery
When you hear of a DSLR camera, one thing that must come to mind is battery; the case is not any different with the Canon 5D Mark III. Per full charge of this camera’s battery, you will be able to take up to 950 shots, which is nearly three times the number of shots you will be able to get per full charge of the Sony a7R’s battery. Wow!
A long lasting battery is surely good news for any photographer out there. You can go on shooting for long periods of time with the confidence that your battery won’t just die on you after only a few shots.
More Convenient Shooting
The Canon 5D Mark III, like we mentioned earlier in this Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III comparison article, has a small screen on its topside. That screen shows you the settings being made on that camera; it helps you easily monitor your camera’s settings, and consequently, shoot more conveniently.
More Advanced Lighting Option
So, recall that we said that these two cameras – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – are each compatible with external flashes, which means that you will be able to get bright images with any one of them.
Well, the 5D Mark III does one better – it allows you connect a more advanced type of flash, which will be giving you better results in flash photography. In case you missed it, we attached a video in the section before this to show you how PC sync port compatible flashes work, and how they compare with regular external flashes. You can go back there to check it out.
Fast Startup
When you want to capture an elusive moment, your best bet to do that with is a camera that starts up really fast; and that camera is the Canon 5D Mark III. In just 0.4 seconds, this camera will be up and running, and this is fast times quicker than the Sony a7R.
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| Get the Sony a7R here now! | Get the 5D Mark III here now! |
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Unique Cons
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Unique Cons Of The Sony a7R
No PC Sync Port
You must already be privy to the many advantages a PC sync port offers you, and so, you probably have an idea of what you miss out on as a result of this camera’s lack of it. Yes, you will be able to get great lighting with the use of an external flash, but if you, for whatever reason, would want to advance the lighting you get, you, unfortunately, won’t be able to do that with the Sony a7R.
Poor Battery Capacity
Mirrorless cameras are known for their less than impressive battery capacities, and the Sony a7R is not an exception. Per full charge of this camera’s battery, you will be getting a maximum of 340 shots, which is actually not very impressive, especially considering that this is a pro camera.
If you would be shooting with this camera for a whole day, you would to take extra batteries with you, else you would be stranded even before your shoot goes halfway. Not good!
No Top LCD Screen
There is no screen on the topside of the Sony a7R, so, you won’t be able to conveniently view the settings being made on this camera. Thus, you will be missing out on the conveniences that a small screen at the top of the camera could afford you.
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Unique Cons Of The 5D Mark III
No In-Built Wi-Fi
The Canon 5D Mark III does not come with an in-built Wi-Fi. Therefore, transferring files from this camera to other devices will not be as convenient and as easy as a semi-pro camera would normally have it.
Perhaps it is forgivable, because this camera is a pretty old one (released in 2012), but the bottom line, however, is that you will be missing out on the many advantages that an in-built Wi-Fi offers.
No Near Field Communication
We have already established that the Canon 5D Mark III lacks an in-built Wi-Fi. Therefore, it isn’t much of a surprise that it also does not come with near field communication.
Near field communication (NFC) is a feature that needs a wireless connection (Wi-Fi) to function. Therefore, a lack of an in-built Wi-Fi already pretty much disqualifies the 5D Mark III from being able to create a one touch connection.
PS: the 5D Mark III only has an option for Wi-Fi, not an in-built one. Also, it does not allow you do a one touch wireless connection, because it does not come with NFC. Therefore, it surely will not be affording you as much convenience as the Sony a7R will be in transferring files.
No Remote Control
This is another aspect where the Canon 5D Mark III suffers because of a lack of an in-built Wi-Fi. For you to be able to remotely control your camera with a smart device, you would have to have wirelessly connected that device to the camera, and the lack of an in-built Wi-Fi does not help the 5D Mark III’s case very much.
Essentially, you will not be able to control this camera with a smart device, and thus, you miss out on all the fun and convenience of being able to remotely control your camera with your smartphone.
No Articulating Screen
The LCD screen of this camera is fixed, and does not rotate, therefore, this might not be the best camera to take shots from tough angles with.
Like we mentioned earlier in this Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III comparison article, an articulating screen helps you shoot conveniently from high and from low angles. Thus, seeing as this camera does not have that, it is safe to say that shooting from tough angles might actually be tough. Not very exciting!
Pretty Heavy
The Canon 5D Mark III is a DSLR camera, so, you could say we did not expect the most compact camera body. However, that still does not make the weight of the camera pleasant news at all.
The Canon camera weighs nearly a kilogram, so we are very sure this is not a camera you will look forward to holding in your hands for long hours.
Generally, if the only factor considered was weight, then we won’t be recommending this camera for events photographers, paparazzi, YouTubers, and other photographers who hold their cameras in their hands a lot.
No Panorama
You will not be able to take panoramic shots with the Canon 5D Mark III, and this is surely not good news for many photographers out there.
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Common Pros
Sony a7R |
5D Mark III | |
| Good framing | The Sony a7R, like we said earlier in this Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III comparison article, comes with an electronic viewfinder. That viewfinder gives you a digital image of what your camera’s lens is capturing, and also helps you frame your photos while you shoot. | The Canon 5D Mark III comes with an optical viewfinder. This feature also helps you frame your photos while you shoot. In addition to that, it will be helping you shoot conveniently in very bright direct sunlight. |
| Good flash photography | An external flash is quite very essential for effective flash photography, and an external flash hot shoe on this camera shows you that you will be able to achieve just that. Also, in low light areas, you can also mount an external flash on the external flash hot shoe and brighten up your images. | The 5D Mark III also comes with an external flash hot shoe, so, you will be able to lighten up the scene just by mounting an external flash. However, it gets even better with this camera, because it has a PC sync port, and that allows you attach a more advanced external flash and get better results in flash photography. |
| Advanced audio quality | Apart from what you will be able to get with the internal microphone of the Sony a7R, you also have the option of further enhancing the sound quality of your recordings with the help of an external microphone. This camera comes with an external microphone jack, so, you will be able to connect an external microphone, and get great audio from your recordings. | Also coming with an external microphone jack, the 5D Mark III is yet another camera that allows you advance your audio quality with the help of an external microphone. |
| Better audio control | You will be able to attach a pair of headphones to this camera, and with that, regulate and have better control of your audio recordings. | You will also be able to attach headphones to the 5D Mark III and better regulate your audio recordings. |
| Good HDR photography | This camera has the auto exposure bracketing feature, which means that it will be giving you awesome results in HDR photography. You are able to get up to 5 different shots with just one click of the shutter button of this camera. With this, you will also be able to shoot more efficiently in difficult lighting conditions. | This camera also comes with auto exposure bracketing, and you will be able to get great results from HDR photography with this, too. With this camera, though, you will be getting a maximum of 3 shots with one click of a button. |
| Great portrait photographs | The Sony a7R has the face detection focus feature, therefore, you will be able to get all the amazing portrait photos with it. It will be giving you all the detailing you want on the faces in your photos, and will have them looking as sharp as you would love. | The 5D Mark III also has face detection focus, so, you will also be getting awesome portrait photographs with this one. |
| Weather sealing | The Sony a7R is a weather sealed camera. What this means is that this camera is totally safe to use indoors and outdoors, regardless of the weather. | This is yet another weather sealed camera. Thus, you can use the Canon 5D Mark III in whatever weather without the fear of causing damage to it. |
| High quality images | You get RAW support with this camera, meaning that you will be able to capture images and have them store in their highest quality. The RAW format is the uncompressed image format of the camera, and it preserves all the details in the photo. Thus, if you will be using your images on large scales, it would be beneficial to shoot in the RAW format. | This camera also has RAW support, and so, you will be getting very high quality images with it, too. |
| Extend display | This camera allows you extend the display beyond the screen (to a monitor, for example), just by using an HDMI cable. | You can also connect the 5D Mark III to a television screen or a monitor with the use of an HDMI cable. |
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| Get the Sony a7R here now! | Get the 5D Mark III here now! |
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Common Cons
Sony a7R |
5D Mark III | |
| No touch screen | This camera does not have a touch screen; perhaps that is because this one is a pro camera. Anyway, some photographers would have loved this pro camera with a touch screen; it would have made operating it a whole lot easier. | This one also does not have a touch screen. So, it does not afford you that extra convenience in operation. |
| No image stabilization | Usually, if you have your camera in your hands for long hours, it might shake a few times. And normally, those shakes would affect the outlook of your eventual images. However, with image stabilization, those effects will be removed, or at least, minimized. Anyway, the Sony a7R does not come with image stabilization. Therefore, if this camera shakes while you take pictures with it, your images might come out looking pretty bad, and you would not be able to do anything about that. This is pretty bad news; perhaps even worse news, considering that the Sony a7R is a pro camera. | The Canon 5D Mark III also does not come with image stabilization. Therefore, if the camera shakes, the images would most likely come out looking pretty disappointing. |
| No in-built flash | This camera does not have an in-built flash, thus, your camera will have to totally depend on external sources for any source of lighting whatsoever. So, trying to shoot with this camera in low light without an external flash might not be the easiest thing. | The 5D Mark III also does not have an in-built flash. |
| No GPS | The Sony a7R does not have an in-built GPS, thus, you will not be able to geo tag photos and videos with this camera. | The 5D Mark III also does not come with an in-built GPS, and you sure know what that means. |
| No Bluetooth | This camera does not come with an in-built Bluetooth, thus, creating a wireless connection on the Sony a87R will be limited completely to the in-built Wi-Fi and near field communication. Bluetooth does offer a great deal of convenience and connectivity to devices, and it is one feature that will be missed in the Sony a7R, being a pro camera. | The 5D Mark III, just like the Sony a7R, also does not come with an in-built Bluetooth. However, it might even be more greatly missed in this one, because this camera, like we have already established, does not even have an in-built Wi-Fi either. Therefore, transferring files from this camera to another device over a wireless connection will generally not be a very smooth ride. |
| No slow motion | You will not be able to record slow motion videos with this camera. | You also will not be able to record slow motion videos with the Canon 5D Mark III. |
| Slow burst mode speed | If you want to get a great shot of a person or an object in motion, then you will have to shoot in burst mode. Burst mode is what enables your camera take nonstop shots. And of course, the faster the camera’s speed on burst mode, the better the images of the moving objects you will be able to get. Anyway, photographers who will be doing a lot of continuous shooting (like sports and wildlife photographers) surely won’t be very happy with the burst mode speed of this camera. 4 frames per second is far from being fast, and more was definitely expected from a pro camera. | The burst mode of the 5D Mark III is slightly faster than that of the Sony a7R. However, 6 frames per second in itself isn’t exactly fast burst mode speed, either. The Canon 5D Mark III is not an entry-level camera, so, we sure did expect faster burst mode speed. |
| High end | The Sony a7R is a pretty expensive camera. Well crossing the 2000 dollar mark, this camera is far from affordable, and is surely not the one for you to consider if you are on a very tight budget. | The Canon 5D Mark III costs a few dollars less than the Sony a7R, but it is one that can also be called expensive. This camera, just like the Sony a7R, well crosses the 2000 dollar mark, and is definitely not a budget friendly camera. |
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – What Do People Think About Both Cameras?
Sony a7R |
5D Mark III |
| Many photographers have talked highly of the image quality that this camera produces. As a matter of fact, a certain customer declared it the best he had ever seen. And according to a number of photographers who have used the Sony a7R, as well as a few other cameras in the past, a 36 mega pixel camera with such a compact body is a rarity, and needs to be treasured. However, a number of people seemed to have complained about the auto focusing of this camera being too slow. | A lot of photographers have commented on the auto focus of this camera; basically, they were amazed. A certain customer even went on to say that it is the most sophisticated auto focus system they had ever seen in a Canon camera. Wow! Customers also seem to greatly love the quality of images that the 5D Mark III produces. Also, they seem to love that this camera provides an extra SD card slot, which helps expand external storage. |
| Many photographers have complained that the shutter of this camera is quite loud, while a few debunked that saying that claim is overstated. A lot of people do love the performance of the electronic viewfinder of this camera. Also, many have said that they do love that the buttons of the Sony a7R are customizable. Anyway, though, there seems to have been a consensus on the battery of this camera. Virtually every customer out there was less than impressed with what they got, and expected better. | Many seem to love the fact that they are able to shoot silently with this camera. Also, people love the screen; it is large, and many say that its look is pretty similar to that of a high-end smartphone. Of course, virtually everybody was impressed by the battery capacity of this camera. Anyway, its lack of an in-built Wi-Fi did not go down well with a lot of photographers. |
| Finally, people have said that this camera is not easy to use. It is a pro camera, and according to customers, one would need to have already had experience with cameras if they would have it remotely easy with the Sony a7R. | Customers have also said that operating this 5D Mark III camera is not child’s play. Many did say that, without prior knowledge of how cameras work, one might struggle with understanding the workings of this camera. |
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| Get the Sony a7R here now! | Get the 5D Mark III here now! |
Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III – Our Take
Sony a7R |
5D Mark III |
| A 36 mega pixel full frame CMOS sensor camera in a compact and lightweight weather sealed body, is one we were bound to love from the get go. In addition to that, the in-built Wi-Fi, NFC, and remote control function, are other things that endear us to the Sony a7R. | Lovely LCD screen, amazing lighting options, silent shooting; the Canon 5D Mark III is surely a camera that we think you will be pretty happy about, because over here, we really are. However, this one is not one you want to be holding in your hands for long hours. In case you forgot, it weighs nearly a kilogram, so, you can see why we say so. |
| We also love that you will be able to get shots from difficult angles with the articulating screen of this camera. What we are not so happy with, though, is the poor battery capacity, and the loud shutter of this camera. | The auto exposure bracketing range of this camera is good, but could have been better. Also, this is surely not your best bet to capture images from high or low angles. However, in flash photography, you will appreciate this camera very much. |
| Summarily, Sony did a really good job with the Sony a7R. This is one very functional camera with a lot of amazing features, and in our opinion, this is the better one of these two cameras in comparison today – Sony a7R vs 5D Mark III. | Canon did pretty well with the 5D Mark III, and although it came second in today’s comparison, it has to be said that this camera is really very functional. And well, finally, if you are one who is overly obsessed with a device’s battery capacity, then you we would totally recommend this one for you. |
| Get the Sony a7R here now! | Get the 5D Mark III here now! |
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