Sony Alpha A9 III vs Canon EOS R3
Sony Alpha A9 III has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Alpha A9 III is the better pick for wildlife.
Choose the Alpha A9 III for
- more resolution (24.6MP vs 24.1MP)
- faster bursts (120fps vs 30fps)
- faster sensor readout (≈0ms vs ≈5ms)
- a lighter body (702g vs 1015g)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 36)
- a newer design (2023)
Choose the EOS R3 for
- a lower price (from £2,099)
- stronger video (6K 60p RAW)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A9 III | EOS R3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24.6MP | Full frame, 24.1MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | Canon RF (full frame) |
| Released | 2023 | 2021 |
| Burst | 120 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | 0 (global) ms | ≈5 ms |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 102,400 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 120p | 6K 60p RAW |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 702 g | 1015 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Canon LP-E19 |
| Card slots | 2×CFexpress A/SD | 2× CFexpress B |
| New price | £5,699 | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £2,999–3,189 | £2,099–3,109 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 36 (14 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | Alpha A9 III |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Alpha A9 III uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses in our database, 82 third-party) and the EOS R3 uses Canon RF / RF-S (36 lenses, 14 third-party). Batteries: Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65) vs Canon LP-E19 (about £169).
Alpha A9 III compatible lenses → · EOS R3 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A9 III better than the Canon EOS R3?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A9 III offers more resolution (24.6MP vs 24.1MP), faster bursts (120fps vs 30fps), faster sensor readout (≈0ms vs ≈5ms); the EOS R3 offers a lower price (from £2,099), stronger video (6K 60p RAW).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A9 III or the EOS R3?
The EOS R3 is stronger for video: Alpha A9 III records 4K 120p, EOS R3 records 6K 60p RAW.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A9 III or the EOS R3?
The Alpha A9 III costs £5,699 new and from £2,999 used at MPB; the EOS R3 costs No longer sold new new and from £2,099 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A9 III lenses on the EOS R3?
Not directly. The Alpha A9 III uses Sony E / FE and the EOS R3 uses Canon RF / RF-S; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.