The Fujifilm X-T2 and the Sony Alpha A7 III are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in July 2016 and February 2018. Both the X-T2 and the A7 III are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on an APS-C (X-T2) and a full frame (A7 III) sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels. Show Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.  Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-T2 and the Sony Alpha A7 III? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparisonAn illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-T2 and the Sony A7 III is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter. The X-T2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A7 III is only available in black. If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-T2 and the Sony A7 III are of equal size. However, the A7 III is markedly heavier (28 percent) than the X-T2. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments. The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-T2) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7 III). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters. Concerning battery life, the X-T2 gets 340 shots out of its NP-W126S battery, while the A7 III can take 610 images on a single charge of its NP-FZ100 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling. The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there. Body Specifications # Camera Model Camera Width Camera Height Camera Depth Camera Weight Battery Life Weather Sealing Camera Launch Launch Price (USD) Street Price 1. Fujifilm X-T2 133 mm 92 mm 49 mm 507 g 340 Y Jul 2016 1,599ebay.com2. Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com3. Fujifilm X100V 128 mm 75 mm 53 mm 478 g 420 Y Feb 2020 1,399 amazon.com4. Fujifilm X-T4 135 mm 93 mm 64 mm 607 g 500 Y Feb 2020 1,699 amazon.com5. Fujifilm X-Pro3 141 mm 83 mm 46 mm 497 g 440 Y Oct 2019 1,799 amazon.com6. Fujifilm X-T3 133 mm 93 mm 59 mm 539 g 390 Y Sep 2018 1,499ebay.com7. Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 899ebay.com8. Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 n Jan 2017 899ebay.com9. Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 399ebay.com10. Fujifilm X-Pro2 141 mm 83 mm 46 mm 495 g 350 Y Jan 2016 1,699ebay.com11. Fujifilm X-T1 129 mm 90 mm 47 mm 440 g 350 Y Jan 2014 1,299ebay.com12. Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com13. Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499 amazon.com14. Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com15. Sony A9 127 mm 96 mm 63 mm 673 g 650 Y Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com16. Sony A6500 120 mm 67 mm 53 mm 453 g 350 Y Oct 2016 1,399ebay.com17. Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The X-T2 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 20 percent) than the A7 III, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparisonThe imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider , and richer than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses. Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-T2 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7 III a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7 III is 130 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2. Even though the A7 III has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixels. This implies that the A7 III has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a of 5.94μm versus 3.92μm for the X-T2), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. In addition, the A7 III is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 7 months) than the X-T2, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-T2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves. The Fujifilm X-T2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7 III are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800. In terms of underlying technology, the X-T2 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A7 III uses a BSI-CMOS imager. The X-T2 uses Fujifilm's X-Trans layout of photosites, while the A7 III employs the more common Bayer array. For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators. Sensor Characteristics # Camera Model Sensor Class Resolution (MP) Horiz. Pixels Vert. Pixels Video Format DXO Portrait DXO Landscape DXO Sports DXO Overall 1. Fujifilm X-T2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.813.11653812. Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.73730963. Fujifilm X100V APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.213.61996844. Fujifilm X-T4 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.113.61995845. Fujifilm X-Pro3 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.113.61968846. Fujifilm X-T3 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.013.41853837. Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.31764828. Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.21704819. Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.116648110. Fujifilm X-Pro2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.016088011. Fujifilm X-T1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.512.714267712. Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.332999513. Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.833449914. Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.7352310015. Sony A9 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.913.335179216. Sony A6500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.513.714058517. Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990 Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).
Feature comparisonBeyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the X-T2 offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the A7 III (2360k vs 2359k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Fujifilm X-T2 and Sony A7 III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras. Core Features # Camera Model Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) Control Panel (yes/no) LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) LCD Attach- ment Touch Screen (yes/no) Max Shutter Speed * Max Shutter Flaps * Built-in Flash (yes/no) Built-in Image Stab 1. Fujifilm X-T22360 n3.0 / 1040 full-flex n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n 2. Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y 3. Fujifilm X100V3690 n3.0 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n 4. Fujifilm X-T43690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 15.0/s n Y 5. Fujifilm X-Pro33690 n3.0 / 1620 tilting Y 1/8000s 8.0/s n n 6. Fujifilm X-T33690 n3.0 / 1040 full-flex Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n 7. Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n 8. Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n 9. Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n 10. Fujifilm X-Pro22360 n3.0 / 1620 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n 11. Fujifilm X-T12360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s n n 12. Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y 13. Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y 14. Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y 15. Sony A93686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y 16. Sony A65002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y 17. Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The A7 III has a touchscreen, while the X-T2 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point. The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of ) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of ). The Fujifilm X-T2 and the Sony A7 III both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software. The X-T2 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7 III uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. However, while the X-T2 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s) on both slots, the A7 III supports UHS-II only on its first slot and UHS-I (data transfer speed up to 104 MB/s) on the second one.
Connectivity comparisonFor some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-T2 and Sony Alpha A7 III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer. Input-Output Connections # Camera Model Hotshoe Port Internal Mic / Speaker Microphone Port Headphone Port HDMI Port USB Port WiFi Support NFC Support Bluetooth Support 1. Fujifilm X-T2Ystereo / monoY-micro3.0Y-- 2. Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY 3. Fujifilm X100VYstereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y 4. Fujifilm X-T4Ystereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y 5. Fujifilm X-Pro3Ystereo / monoY--3.1Y-Y 6. Fujifilm X-T3Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y 7. Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y 8. Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-- 9. Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-- 10. Fujifilm X-Pro2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-- 11. Fujifilm X-T1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-- 12. Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y 13. Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY 14. Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY 15. Sony A9Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY 16. Sony A6500Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY- 17. Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
It is notable that the A7 III has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The X-T2 lacks such a headphone port. Studio photographers will appreciate that the Fujifilm X-T2 (unlike the A7 III) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera. The A7 III is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the X-T2 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X-T2 was succeeded by the Fujifilm X-T3 . Further information on the features and operation of the X-T2 and A7 III can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-T2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7 III Manual.
Review summarySo what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Fujifilm X-T2 better than the Sony A7 III or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants. Advantages of the Fujifilm X-T2:
Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7 III:
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A7 III is the clear winner of the contest (14 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one. X-T2 07:14 A7 III How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-T2 and the Sony A7 III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop. In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-T2 or the A7 III. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. Expert reviewsThis is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice. Expert Camera Reviews # Camera Model AP score CL score DCW score DPR score EPZ score PB score Camera Launch Launch Price (USD) Street Price 1. Fujifilm X-T25/5+ +..86/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2016 1,599ebay.com 2. Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com 3. Fujifilm X100V5/5+ +4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2020 1,399 amazon.com 4. Fujifilm X-T45/5+ +5/588/1005/55/5 Feb 2020 1,699 amazon.com 5. Fujifilm X-Pro34/5+4/585/1004/5.. Oct 2019 1,799 amazon.com 6. Fujifilm X-T35/5+ +4.5/588/1005/55/5 Sep 2018 1,499ebay.com 7. Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 899ebay.com 8. Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 899ebay.com 9. Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 399ebay.com 10. Fujifilm X-Pro2..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 1,699ebay.com 11. Fujifilm X-T15/5+ +..84/1005/55/5 Jan 2014 1,299ebay.com 12. Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com 13. Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499 amazon.com 14. Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com 15. Sony A95/5+ +4.8/589/1005/55/5 Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com 16. Sony A65005/5+ +3.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2016 1,399ebay.com 17. Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time. Other camera comparisonsDid this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
Specifications: Fujifilm X-T2 vs Sony A7 IIIBelow is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features. |
