Sony A7R III vs Sony RX100 VA

In this write-up, we are looking at the Sony A7R III and Sony RX100 VA, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both are sold by Sony. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the A7R III (42MP) and RX100 VA (20MP) and the A7R III (Full frame) and RX100 VA (1") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The A7R III was brought out 8 months prior to the RX100 VA so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony A7R III being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the A7R III matches up vs the RX100 VA with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha A7R III and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The entire galleries are provided at Sony A7R III Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Sony A7R III has got physical dimensions of 127mm x 96mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 657 grams (1.45 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 VA has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Contrast the Sony A7R III and Sony RX100 VA in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the A7R III vs the RX100 VA.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the A7R III and RX100 VA is 63 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading through technical specs. The pic below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the A7R III and RX100 VA.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The A7R III due to its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Sony A7R III will give you greater detail having its extra 22MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged A7R III is going to be behind in sensor tech.