Sony Alpha a7S III
OM System OM-1 OM-1 Mark II
What Buyers Say
Sony Alpha a7S III
The Sony A7S III earns high marks from most users for its exceptional low-light performance, reliable autofocus, and excellent 4K video quality at up to 120fps. Many videographers and hybrid shooters praise its ergonomics, improved menu system, and heat management for typical use. However, a minority report serious overheating during extended recording, especially in warm environments, and some criticize the steep price, the lack of RAW video recording, and the need for costly high-speed memory cards. The 12MP sensor is loved for low-light stills but limits cropping ability for photography-centric users.
Pros
- Exceptional low-light video and photo quality
- Reliable and fast autofocus with eye tracking
- Smooth 4K video up to 120fps
- Improved menu system and customizability
- Excellent build quality and ergonomics
Cons
- Serious overheating during extended recordings
- High price, especially with memory card costs
- No internal RAW video recording
- 12MP sensor limits cropping for photos
- Expensive high-speed memory cards required
OM System OM-1 OM-1 Mark II
This user switched from the Lumix G9M2 to the OM System OM-1 Mark II for "run and gun" shooting and found it excellent, especially for mountain bike races. They praise its fast sensor readout, highlights exposure mode that improves shadow detail in raw files, and 10-bit video. However, the reviewer notes the lack of a true auto mode and the inability to edit previous forum posts, while also pointing out that custom modes can save configuration changes. The Q&A section contains numerous unanswered questions and a complaint about inaccurate product specs regarding integrated flash and included memory card.
Pros
- fast sensor readout
- highlights exposure mode improves shadow detail
- 10-bit video recording
- custom modes save configuration changes
- 2x crop assignable to lens button
Cons
- no true auto mode
- cannot edit previous forum posts
- inaccurate product specs on flash and memory card
Scores
Specifications
| Sony Alpha a7S III | OM System OM-1 OM-1 Mark II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | BSI-CMOS | stacked BSI Live MOS |
| Size | full-frame | micro-four-thirds |
| Megapixels | 12.100000381469727 MP | 20.399999618530273 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 40★ | 200 |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | TruePic X |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 759Contrast Detection: 425 | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 10 fps | 120 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 10 fps | 120 fps★ |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/32000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps | 240 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | XAVC S (AVC), XAVC HS (HEVC), XAVC S-I (All-I) | H.264, H.265 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 9.4M dots★ | 5.8M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.61 kg | 0.51 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 510 shots | 520 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓★ | ✗ |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB-C★ |
| HDMI | full-size HDMI | HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Sony Alpha a7S III
- Strong evf (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average sensor (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
OM System OM-1 OM-1 Mark II
- Strong evf (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong burst (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong stabilization (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong af (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Below average social proof (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (24th percentile)
Pricing
Sony Alpha a7S III
OM System OM-1 OM-1 Mark II
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 78 overall, wins 5 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.
