Canon 5D Mark III · Body only
full-frame DSLR · 2012
Sony A7S III · Body only
full-frame · 2020
Sony A7S III · Body only takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only lands at 78 and Sony A7S III · Body only at 91. That puts Sony A7S III · Body only ahead by 13 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Canon 5D Mark III · Body only if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Sony A7S III · Body only if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testErgonomics
TieCompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Photo
Sony A7S III · Body onlyCompared on the photo sub-score
Sony A7S III · Body only leads on photo (91 vs 78).
Autofocus
Sony A7S III · Body onlyCompared on the autofocus sub-score
Sony A7S III · Body only leads on autofocus (89 vs 74).
Value for money
Sony A7S III · Body onlySpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony A7S III · Body only more score per dollar ($3,498 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Canon 5D Mark III · Body only | Sony A7S III · Body only |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame DSLR | full-frame |
| Release year | 2012 | 2020 |
Canon 5D Mark III · Body only
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Sony A7S III · Body only
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Canon 5D Mark III · Body only vs Sony A7S III · Body only
Which is better, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only or Sony A7S III · Body only? +
Sony A7S III · Body only scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 13. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Canon 5D Mark III · Body only worth the price? +
At $3,499, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in ergonomics.
Is Sony A7S III · Body only worth the price? +
At $3,498, Sony A7S III · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in photo.
Does Canon 5D Mark III · Body only or Sony A7S III · Body only last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for photo, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only or Sony A7S III · Body only? +
Sony A7S III · Body only — leads on photo (91 vs 78). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Canon 5D Mark III · Body only or Sony A7S III · Body only? +
Sony A7S III · Body only — leads on autofocus (89 vs 74). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.