The Fujifilm X-T3 and the Sony Alpha A7R III are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2018 and October 2017. Both the X-T3 and the A7R III are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on an APS-C (X-T3) and a full frame (A7R III) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 26 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 42.2 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-T3 and the Sony Alpha A7R III? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
The physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-T3 and the Sony A7R III are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The X-T3 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A7R III is only available in black.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7R III is somewhat smaller (1 percent) than the Fujifilm X-T3. However, the A7R III is markedly heavier (21 percent) than the X-T3. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-T3) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7R III). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.
Concerning battery life, the X-T3 gets 390 shots out of its NP-W126S battery, while the A7R III can take 650 images on a single charge of its NP-FZ100 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.
Body Specifications # Camera Model Camera Width Camera Height Camera Depth Camera Weight Battery Life Weather Sealing Camera Launch Launch Price (USD) Street Price 1. Fujifilm X-T3 133 mm 93 mm 59 mm 539 g 390 Y Sep 2018 1,499ebay.com2. Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com3. Canon G1 X Mark III 115 mm 78 mm 51 mm 399 g 200 Y Oct 2017 1,299 amazon.com4. Fujifilm X100V 128 mm 75 mm 53 mm 478 g 420 Y Feb 2020 1,399 amazon.com5. Fujifilm X-T4 135 mm 93 mm 64 mm 607 g 500 Y Feb 2020 1,699 amazon.com6. Fujifilm X-Pro3 141 mm 83 mm 46 mm 497 g 440 Y Oct 2019 1,799 amazon.com7. Fujifilm X-T100 121 mm 83 mm 47 mm 448 g 430 n May 2018 599ebay.com8. Fujifilm X100F 127 mm 75 mm 52 mm 469 g 390 n Jan 2017 1,299ebay.com9. Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 n Jan 2017 899ebay.com10. Fujifilm X-Pro2 141 mm 83 mm 46 mm 495 g 350 Y Jan 2016 1,699ebay.com11. Fujifilm X-T2 133 mm 92 mm 49 mm 507 g 340 Y Jul 2016 1,599ebay.com12. Fujifilm X-T1 129 mm 90 mm 47 mm 440 g 350 Y Jan 2014 1,299ebay.com13. Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com14. Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com15. Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com16. Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com17. Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The X-T3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 53 percent) than the A7R III, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.
Sensor comparison
The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider , and richer than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-T3 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7R III a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7R III is 135 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
With 42.2MP, the A7R III offers a higher resolution than the X-T3 (26MP), but the A7R III nevertheless has larger individual pixels ( of 4.52μm versus 3.76μm for the X-T3) due to its larger sensor. However, the X-T3 is a somewhat more recent model (by 10 months) than the A7R III, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 39.8 x 26.5 inches or 101 x 67.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 31.8 x 21.2 inches or 80.8 x 53.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 26.5 x 17.7 inches or 67.3 x 44.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm X-T3 are 31.2 x 20.8 inches or 79.2 x 52.8 cm for good quality, 25 x 16.6 inches or 63.4 x 42.3 cm for very good quality, and 20.8 x 13.9 inches or 52.8 x 35.2 cm for excellent quality prints.
Unlike the X-T3, the A7R III has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).
The Fujifilm X-T3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7R III are ISO 100 to ISO 32000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. The X-T3 uses Fujifilm's X-Trans layout of photosites, while the A7R III employs the more common Bayer array.
For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
Sensor Characteristics # Camera Model Sensor Class Resolution (MP) Horiz. Pixels Vert. Pixels Video Format DXO Portrait DXO Landscape DXO Sports DXO Overall 1. Fujifilm X-T3 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.013.41853832. Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.735231003. Canon G1 X Mark III APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.21649814. Fujifilm X100V APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.213.61996845. Fujifilm X-T4 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.113.61995846. Fujifilm X-Pro3 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.113.61968847. Fujifilm X-T100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.41829838. Fujifilm X100F APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.913.21704819. Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.217048110. Fujifilm X-Pro2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.016088011. Fujifilm X-T2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.813.116538112. Fujifilm X-T1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.512.714267713. Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.626689914. Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.8318710015. Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.531639816. Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.925208617. Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498 Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the X-T3 provides a higher frame rate than the A7R III. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Sony is limited to 4K/30p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the X-T3 offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the A7R III (3690k vs 3686k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-T3 and Sony A7R III along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
Core Features # Camera Model Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) Control Panel (yes/no) LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) LCD Attach- ment Touch Screen (yes/no) Max Shutter Speed * Max Shutter Flaps * Built-in Flash (yes/no) Built-in Image Stab 1. Fujifilm X-T33690 n3.0 / 1040 full-flex Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n 2. Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y 3. Canon G1 X Mark III2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 9.0/s Y Y 4. Fujifilm X100V3690 n3.0 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n 5. Fujifilm X-T43690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 15.0/s n Y 6. Fujifilm X-Pro33690 n3.0 / 1620 tilting Y 1/8000s 8.0/s n n 7. Fujifilm X-T1002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 8. Fujifilm X100F2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n 9. Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n 10. Fujifilm X-Pro22360 n3.0 / 1620 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n 11. Fujifilm X-T22360 n3.0 / 1040 full-flex n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n 12. Fujifilm X-T12360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s n n 13. Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y 14. Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y 15. Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y 16. Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y 17. Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
One feature that differentiates the A7R III and the X-T3 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The A7R III reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the X-T3 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.
The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of ) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of ).
The Fujifilm X-T3 and the Sony A7R III both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The X-T3 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7R III uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. However, while the X-T3 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s) on both slots, the A7R III supports UHS-II only on its first slot and UHS-I (data transfer speed up to 104 MB/s) on the second one.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-T3 and Sony Alpha A7R III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Input-Output Connections # Camera Model Hotshoe Port Internal Mic / Speaker Microphone Port Headphone Port HDMI Port USB Port WiFi Support NFC Support Bluetooth Support 1. Fujifilm X-T3Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y 2. Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY 3. Canon G1 X Mark IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YYY 4. Fujifilm X100VYstereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y 5. Fujifilm X-T4Ystereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y 6. Fujifilm X-Pro3Ystereo / monoY--3.1Y-Y 7. Fujifilm X-T100Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 8. Fujifilm X100FYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-- 9. Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-- 10. Fujifilm X-Pro2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-- 11. Fujifilm X-T2Ystereo / monoY-micro3.0Y-- 12. Fujifilm X-T1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-- 13. Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y 14. Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y 15. Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y 16. Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y 17. Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.
Both the X-T3 and the A7R III have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A7R III was replaced by the Sony A7R IV, while the X-T3 was followed by the Fujifilm X-T4. Further information on the features and operation of the X-T3 and A7R III can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-T3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7R III Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm X-T3 or the Sony A7R III – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-T3:
- Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
- More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Less heavy: Is lighter (by 111g or 17 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (53 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 10 months after the A7R III).
Advantages of the Sony Alpha A7R III:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (42.2 vs 26MP), which boosts linear resolution by 27%.
- High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
- Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
- Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
- More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.75x).
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k vs 1040k dots).
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (650 versus 390) out of a single battery charge.
- Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
- Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2017).
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R III is the clear winner of the contest (12 : 5 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
X-T3 05:12 A7R III
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-T3 and the Sony A7R III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X-T3 or the A7R III perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
Expert reviews
This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
Expert Camera Reviews # Camera Model AP score CL score DCW score DPR score EPZ score PB score Camera Launch Launch Price (USD) Street Price 1. Fujifilm X-T35/5+ +4.5/588/1005/55/5 Sep 2018 1,499ebay.com 2. Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com 3. Canon G1 X Mark III5/5+4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2017 1,299 amazon.com 4. Fujifilm X100V5/5+ +4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2020 1,399 amazon.com 5. Fujifilm X-T45/5+ +5/588/1005/55/5 Feb 2020 1,699 amazon.com 6. Fujifilm X-Pro34/5+4/585/1004/5.. Oct 2019 1,799 amazon.com 7. Fujifilm X-T1004/5+4.5/579/1004/54.5/5 May 2018 599ebay.com 8. Fujifilm X100F5/5+3.9/583/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,299ebay.com 9. Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 899ebay.com 10. Fujifilm X-Pro2..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 1,699ebay.com 11. Fujifilm X-T25/5+ +..86/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2016 1,599ebay.com 12. Fujifilm X-T15/5+ +..84/1005/55/5 Jan 2014 1,299ebay.com 13. Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com 14. Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com 15. Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com 16. Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com 17. Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
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Specifications: Fujifilm X-T3 vs Sony A7R III
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.