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In this article, we’re comparing the specs and features of the A7s III and A1, both professional mirrorless cameras by Sony. The Sony Alpha A7s III was released to the market in July 2020, while Sony Alpha A1 was introduced in January 2021. There is a 6 month gap between the launching of both models, so we’re going to see if there is a significant difference in technology and performance between the two cameras in that time period.`
Here is a brief side-by-side comparison of both cameras’ specifications before we get into detail:
| Sony Alpha A7s III | Specifications | Sony Alpha A1 |
|---|---|---|
| $3,498.00 | MSRP | $6,498.00 |
| Sony E Mount Lens | Lens | Sony E Mount Lens |
| 12MP – Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor | Sensor | 50MP – Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor |
| 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 | Video Resolution | 8K – 7680 x 4320 |
| Electronic viewfinder (9440k dots) | Viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder (9437k dots) |
| Sensor-shift Image Stabilization` | Stabilization | Sensor-shift Image Stabilization |
| ISO 80 – 102400 (40 – 409,600) | I.S.O. Rating | ISO 100 – 32000 |
| 3″ tilt-swivel LCD touchscreen | Display | 3″ tilting LCD touchscreen |
| Built In, Wireless | Flash Control | Built in, Wireless |
| 10.0fps continuous shooting | Continuous Drive | 30.0fps continuous shooting |
| Weathersealed Body | Body | Weathersealed Body |
| 600 shots per full battery charge | Battery Life | 530 shots per full battery charge |
| 127 x 97 x 81 mm, 699g | Dimensions | 129 x 97 x 81 mm, 737g |
Going beyond this table of key features and characteristics, what are the differences between the two cameras? Which one should you buy?
Sony Alpha A7s III
Sony’s Alpha 7S III is the third iteration in the most video-focused of the company’s a7 series of full frame cameras. It’s essentially a native 4K camera with impressive video specs and a revised user interface.
Advantages of Sony A7s III over Sony A1
- More Affordable – MSRP is considerably cheaper than the Sony A1
- Viewfinder Magnification – 0.91x vs 0.9; larger viewfinder
- Higher Max ISO – 220% Higher maximum ISO can give more low-light flexibility
- Battery Life – 70 more frames with a single charge
- Weight – 38g lighter than the Sony A1
- Sensor Pixel Area – 70.55µm2 vs 17.31µm2; larger pixel area
- Higher-Res Screen – 480K vs 360K; More detail on the screen lets you control focus and composition better
- NFC Connection – Easier wireless connectivity vs Sony A1 (no NFC connection)
- Min Focus Sensitivity – EV -6 vs EV -4; auto-focus in lower light
Sony Alpha A1
Sony is billing the Alpha 1 as, well, the one camera that can do just about anything you’d need it to do, whether you’re shooting fast action, landscapes, or high-end video.
Advantages of Sony A1 over Sony A7s III
- Sensor Resolution – 316% more pixels, higher photo resolution
- Continuous Shooting – 20 fps faster than A7s III
- Time-lapse Recording – for creative shooting; Sony A7s III needs an optional app to access this feature
- Video Resolution – higher video resolution
- Flash Sync Port – can be connected to an external flash while the A7s III cant
- Pixel Shift Hi-Res Mode – increased resolution with personal shift
- Anti Flicker – reduced uneven color exposure under flickering light
Both cameras have large full-frame sensors, environmental sealings, good image stabilization and live-view features, making them both excellent for daily and street photography. Based off its features, the Sony A1 is significantly better for Sports and Landscape Photography than the Sony A7s III. Both cameras are also good for Portrait Photography, with the Sony A1 with a bit of a lead.
Conclusion
The Sony A7s III definitely packs more features than the other, is great value for the money, and pretty much the same level in portability. However, the what the Sony A1 lacks in number of noteworthy features, it makes up for with its excellent imaging power.
If you are looking for a great, reliable camera while on a budget, get the Sony A7s III.
If you want to invest in a camera with simple features and superb imaging power, you should definitely get the Sony A1.
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