I'm looking to upgrade camera bodies plus lenses (have been shooting with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II + EF 50mm f/1.8 lens for the last 8 years). I shoot primarily candids, portraits, and street/travel photography (attaching some pics) – not professional, but proficient enough that I wouldn't consider myself entry level. Some video, but that's not my main focus.

Obviously, want to upgrade to mirrorless. Have narrowed down the Canon R8 and Sony A7iii. I'm familiar with a lot of the pros (price, system) and cons of the R8 (battery life, one memory card, no IBIS) + Sony a7iii (better battery, 2 cards, IBIS, good low light, but a little pricier, maybe not as great colors). Several Best Buy employees that I've spoken with have recommended the R8 since I'm familiar with Canon. One concern that I have is that maybe it's too entry level. Also, since I'll be upgrading lenses (from EF to RF) I don't feel married to it. I've gotten to mess around a little bit with an R8 (nice and light) but not the a7iii.

For people that have experience with both, which do you prefer? What are caveats you'd give? Based on my usage / photo needs, is one better?

I’m deciding between the Canon R8 and the Sony A7 III, and both have clear strengths and weaknesses depending on how you look at them. I’d love to hear from people who have used either (or both) in real-world situations.

Here’s how I’m thinking about the tradeoffs:

Canon R8:

• Newer sensor and autofocus system (Dual Pixel AF II)

• Ridiculously fast electronic burst (40 fps)

• Lightweight and compact body

• No IBIS

• Very limited third-party lens options (RF mount is closed)

• More expensive lens ecosystem overall

• Shorter battery life

• No mechanical shutter at high speeds (can cause rolling shutter issues for fast action)

Sony A7 III:

• Older AF system but still solid for most use cases

• Has IBIS (big plus for handheld shooting)

• Access to a huge library of third-party and used lenses (Tamron, Sigma, etc.)

• Better battery life

• Menus are clunky and less intuitive

• Color science has a mixed reputation, though some say it’s a non-issue with RAW

• Slightly heavier and bulkier body

• Limited video specs, but that’s not a huge concern here

If you’ve used either of these cameras for travel, landscape, or wildlife (especially with 3rd-party lenses), I’d love to hear what pushed you in one direction or the other. Any real-world quirks, limitations, or “I wish I had known this before buying” insights are super appreciated.

I just purchased a sony a7III for real estate video but after seeing the Canon R8 just released and it has supposedly 4K 60p no crop Im thinking about sending back my a7 and jumping on the canon team. Thoughts? Currently have no lenses for the sony.

I feel like I’m leaning the a7 III but does the slight age make the r8 more worth it? Yes this is all personal opinion but just looking to see what some people think

I’m deciding between the Canon R8 and the Sony A7 III, and both have clear strengths and weaknesses depending on how you look at them. I’d love to hear from people who have used either (or both) in real-world situations.

Here’s how I’m thinking about the tradeoffs:

Canon R8:

• Newer sensor and autofocus system (Dual Pixel AF II)

• Ridiculously fast electronic burst (40 fps)

• Lightweight and compact body

• No IBIS

• Very limited third-party lens options (RF mount is closed)

• More expensive lens ecosystem overall

• Shorter battery life

• No mechanical shutter at high speeds (can cause rolling shutter issues for fast action)

Sony A7 III:

• Older AF system but still solid for most use cases

• Has IBIS (big plus for handheld shooting)

• Access to a huge library of third-party and used lenses (Tamron, Sigma, etc.)

• Better battery life

• Menus are clunky and less intuitive

• Color science has a mixed reputation, though some say it’s a non-issue with RAW

• Slightly heavier and bulkier body

• Limited video specs, but that’s not a huge concern here

If you’ve used either of these cameras for travel, landscape, or wildlife (especially with 3rd-party lenses), I’d love to hear what pushed you in one direction or the other. Any real-world quirks, limitations, or “I wish I had known this before buying” insights are super appreciated.

• Budget: 1,000-1,200 for the body

• Country: USA

• Condition: I would consider used

• Type of Camera: Mirrorless

• Intended use: Photography

• If photography; what style: Wildlife and landscape

• What features do you absolutely need: Weather sealing is definitely high on my needs but not the deciding factor.

• Portability: I should be able to keep it in a large backpack

• Cameras you're considering: Canon EOS R8 and Sony Alpha a7 iii

• Cameras you already have: Canon Rebel T6