Sony Alpha A9 III vs Canon EOS R1
Sony Alpha A9 III has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot.
Choose the Alpha A9 III for
- more resolution (24.6MP vs 24.2MP)
- faster bursts (120fps vs 40fps)
- faster sensor readout (≈0ms vs ≈5ms)
- a lighter body (702g vs 1115g)
- a lower price (from £2,999)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 36)
Choose the EOS R1 for
- stronger video (6K 60p RAW)
- a newer design (2024)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A9 III | EOS R1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24.6MP | Full frame, 24.2MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | Canon RF (full frame) |
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
| Burst | 120 fps | 40 fps |
| Readout | 0 (global) ms | ≈5 ms |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 102,400 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 120p | 6K 60p RAW |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 702 g | 1115 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Canon LP-E19 |
| Card slots | 2×CFexpress A/SD | 2× CFexpress B |
| New price | £5,699 | £6,399 |
| Used at MPB | £2,999–3,189 | None listed |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 36 (14 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Alpha A9 III uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses in our database, 82 third-party) and the EOS R1 uses Canon RF / RF-S (36 lenses, 14 third-party). Batteries: Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65) vs Canon LP-E19 (about £169).
Alpha A9 III compatible lenses → · EOS R1 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A9 III better than the Canon EOS R1?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A9 III offers more resolution (24.6MP vs 24.2MP), faster bursts (120fps vs 40fps), faster sensor readout (≈0ms vs ≈5ms); the EOS R1 offers stronger video (6K 60p RAW), a newer design (2024).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A9 III or the EOS R1?
The EOS R1 is stronger for video: Alpha A9 III records 4K 120p, EOS R1 records 6K 60p RAW.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A9 III or the EOS R1?
The Alpha A9 III costs £5,699 new and from £2,999 used at MPB; the EOS R1 costs £6,399 new (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A9 III lenses on the EOS R1?
Not directly. The Alpha A9 III uses Sony E / FE and the EOS R1 uses Canon RF / RF-S; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.