Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Sony Alpha A7R III belongs to a Pro Mirrorless category, the other model, Sony Alpha A7R III is a Semi-Pro Mirrorless camera. Both models feature different types of sensors. Thus, Sony Alpha A7R III comes with BSI-CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 42.0 MP resolution, while our second compared model Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 features a 16.0 MP CMOS sensor.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Sony Alpha A7R III Key Features:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 Key Features:
Sony Alpha A7R III substituted Sony A7R II.
NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Bluetooth | Yes vs No | Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth |
Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
Sensor Resolution | 42.0 MP vs 16.0 MP | 61.9% more pixels |
Sensor Area | 861.6 mm2 vs 224.9 mm2 | 73.9% larger pixel area |
Continuous Shooting | 10 fps vs 9 fps | 1 fps faster |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
Number Of Focus Points | 425 vs 49 | 376 more focus points |
Screen Resolution | 1,440k dots vs 1,040k dots | 27.8% higher resolution screen |
Battery Life | 650 shots vs 330 shots | 320 more frames with a single charge |
Headphone Port | Yes vs No | Has headphone port |
Dxo Color Depth | 26 vs 22.8 | Better color depth |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 14.7 vs 12.5 | Better dynamic range |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 3523 vs 656 | Better High ISO performance |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3,686k dots vs 2,360k dots | 36% higher resolution |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.78 vs 0.74 | 0.04 better magnification |
Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
Flash Range | 6.2 vs No | 6.2 better flash range |
Screen Type | Fully Articulated vs Tilting | Flexible shooting positions |
Weight | 505 g vs 657 g | 152 g lighter |
Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Screen Resolution | 1,440k dots | 1,040k dots | High resolution screen |
Screen Type | Tilting | Fully Articulated | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Continuous Shooting | 10.0 fps | 9.0 fps | Nice continuous shooting |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 152g less than the Sony Alpha A7R III. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Sony Alpha A7R III features a 42.0 MP Full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor and boasts of a Bionz X processor . Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85, in its turn, comes with a 16.0 MP Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Sony Alpha A7R III has a sensor area 0.3x bigger compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85. What does it mean? This basically means that if you these cameras them with the same aperture and focal length, the first model will give you more control in terms of the blurry background and depth of field.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Sony Alpha A7R III | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 |
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Portrait Photography |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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No Significant DisadvantagesAdvantages:
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No Significant DisadvantagesAdvantages:
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Sony Alpha A7R III or Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha A7R III deserves a higher Total Score than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Sony Alpha A7R III | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 | |
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand | Sony | Panasonic |
Model | Alpha A7R III | Lumix DMC-G85 |
Announced | Oct 25, 2017 | Sep 19, 2016 |
Body Type | SLR-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | Full frame | Four Thirds |
Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 24 mm | 17.3 x 13 mm |
Sensor Area | 861.60 mm2 | 224.90 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 42.0 MP | 16.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 7952 x 5304 | 4592 x 3448 |
Max Native ISO | 32,000 | 25,600 |
Max Boosted ISO | 102,400 | 25,600 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
Number of Lenses | 83 | 94 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1x | 2x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 425 | 49 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Tilting | Fully Articulated |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,440k dots | 1,040k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | Electronic |
ViewFinder Resolution | 3,686k dots | 2,360k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.78 | 0.74 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 60 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/4000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 10.0 fps | 9.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 0 | 6.2 |
Flash Modes | Auto, Fill-flash, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 100 | 71 |
DxO Color Depth | 26.0 | 22.8 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 14.7 | 12.5 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 3523 | 656 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB USB 3.1 Gen 1(5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 657 g | 505 g |
Physical Dimensions | 127 x 96 x 74 mm | 128 x 89 x 74 mm |
Battery Life | 650 shots | 330 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | NP-FZ100 | n/a |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | Two SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II support on one) | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage Slots | 2 | 1 |
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