Canon EOS R vs Sony A7S III: A Comprehensive Comparison with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro & Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lenses

The Canon EOS R is a full-frame mirrorless camera that has quickly become a favorite among photographers and videographers. Its intuitive design, excellent ergonomics, and impressive autofocus system make it a joy to use. Paired with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro, this setup offers a compelling blend of affordability, image quality, and versatility.

Strengths of the Canon EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Affordable Price Point: The Canon EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro combination is significantly more budget-friendly than the Sony a7S III + FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, making it a more accessible option for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
• Excellent Image Quality: The Canon EOS R produces stunning images with rich colors, excellent dynamic range, and low noise, even at high ISOs. The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro delivers sharp and detailed images with beautiful bokeh, making it ideal for portraits, street photography, and everyday shooting.
• Impressive Autofocus: The Canon EOS R boasts a powerful autofocus system with 5,655 selectable autofocus points, covering almost the entire sensor area. This ensures accurate and fast focusing, especially for tracking moving subjects.
• Versatile Lens: The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a versatile prime lens that’s perfect for a wide range of photographic genres. Its macro capabilities allow for close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small subjects.
• Excellent Video Features: The Canon EOS R offers 4K video recording at up to 30fps, with Canon Log for greater flexibility in post-production. The camera also features internal 10-bit recording and a variety of video-centric features, making it a solid choice for videographers.

Weaknesses of the Canon EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Limited Low Light Performance: While the Canon EOS R delivers decent performance in low light, its dynamic range and noise levels are not as impressive as the Sony a7S III, especially at very high ISOs.
• Single Lens Setup: The Canon EOS R paired with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a fixed focal length setup. While this offers a great starting point, it limits flexibility compared to the zoom lens offered by the Sony a7S III.
• No Internal Stabilization: The Canon EOS R lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS), relying solely on lens stabilization. While the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro has image stabilization, it’s not as effective as IBIS for handheld shooting, especially in low light conditions.

The Sony a7S III: The Low Light King

The Sony a7S III is a powerhouse of a camera, renowned for its exceptional low light performance and video capabilities. It’s a top choice for videographers, filmmakers, and photographers who prioritize shooting in challenging lighting conditions. The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a professional-grade zoom lens that complements the a7S III perfectly, providing versatility and exceptional image quality.

Strengths of the Sony a7S III + FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II:

• Unmatched Low Light Performance: The Sony a7S III boasts a full-frame sensor with a remarkable ISO range, allowing you to capture stunning images and videos even in near darkness. It’s the undisputed champion of low light photography and videography.
• Exceptional Video Capabilities: The Sony a7S III is a video powerhouse, offering 4K video recording at up to 120fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, and a host of professional-grade video features. Its advanced autofocus system ensures smooth and accurate tracking, making it ideal for documentaries, vlogs, and more.
• Versatile Zoom Lens: The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a professional-grade zoom lens that offers a wide range of focal lengths, making it perfect for various photography and videography genres. Its constant aperture ensures consistent exposure across the zoom range and delivers beautiful bokeh.
• In-Body Image Stabilization: The Sony a7S III features impressive in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which effectively reduces camera shake, especially when shooting handheld or using longer focal lengths. This allows for sharper images and smoother videos, even in low light.
• Advanced Features: The Sony a7S III is packed with advanced features, including a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, a touchscreen LCD, a fast and reliable autofocus system, and a host of customization options.

Weaknesses of the Sony a7S III + FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II:

• High Price Tag: The Sony a7S III and FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II combination comes at a premium price, making it a significant investment.
• Limited Macro Capabilities: The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is not a macro lens, so it lacks the close-up focusing capabilities of the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro.
• Less Intuitive Design: Some users find the Sony a7S III’s menu system and button layout less intuitive than the Canon EOS R.

The Verdict: Which System Is Right for You?

If you prioritize:

• Affordability: The Canon EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is the more budget-friendly option.
• Image quality and versatility: Both systems offer excellent image quality, but the Canon EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro offers a more versatile lens for everyday photography and macro photography.
• Intuitive design: The Canon EOS R is generally considered to have a more user-friendly design with a more intuitive menu system.

If you prioritize:

• Low light performance: The Sony a7S III is the undisputed champion of low light photography and videography.
• Video capabilities: The Sony a7S III offers a wider range of video features, including higher frame rates and internal 10-bit recording.
• In-body image stabilization: The Sony a7S III’s IBIS system is more effective than lens stabilization, especially for handheld shooting and longer focal lengths.

Beyond the Specs: Consider Your Shooting Style

Ultimately, the best camera system for you is the one that best complements your shooting style and workflow. If you primarily shoot in well-lit conditions and prioritize affordability and versatility, the Canon EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro might be the better choice. However, if you frequently shoot in low light and value exceptional video capabilities, the Sony a7S III + Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a powerful and versatile option.

The Future is Bright: Constant Innovation

Both Canon and Sony are constantly innovating and improving their camera systems. New models, lenses, and features are constantly being released, so it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments. By understanding your shooting needs and keeping an eye on the latest advancements, you can make an informed decision and choose the camera system that will help you create stunning images and videos for years to come.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Which system is better for portraits?
A: Both systems excel at portraits. The Canon EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro offers beautiful bokeh and a classic 35mm focal length, making it ideal for portraits. However, the Sony a7S III + Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II offers more flexibility with its zoom lens, allowing you to adjust the framing for different portrait styles.
Q: Which system is better for wildlife photography?
A: While both systems can handle wildlife photography, the Sony a7S III + Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a better choice due to its superior low light performance and the versatility of the zoom lens. The zoom lens allows you to capture subjects at different distances without having to change lenses.
Q: Which system is better for videography?
A: The Sony a7S III is the clear winner for videographers. It offers a wider range of video features, including higher frame rates, internal 10-bit recording, and advanced autofocus, making it a powerful tool for filmmakers and videographers.
Q: Which system is better for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a more beginner-friendly option due to its affordable price point and intuitive design. The Sony a7S III, while powerful, can be overwhelming for beginners due to its advanced features and more complex menu system.