Sony a6100 vs a7 II Comparison
Sony a6100
Sony a7 II
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a6100 | a7 II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2019 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 28, 2019 | November 20, 2014 | |
Camera Type | |||
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7 II edges out the Sony a6100 with a score of 68/100 compared to 66/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar specifications. The a6100, released in 2019, is newer and more affordable at $750, while the a7 II, released in 2014, has a launch price of $1600.
The Sony a6100 excels with its compact size, measuring 120 x 67 x 59mm and weighing only 396g. This makes it ideal for photographers seeking a lightweight option. In contrast, the Sony a7 II is larger at 127 x 96 x 60mm and heavier at 599g.
Despite its age and higher price, the Sony a7 II earns a slightly higher score due to its superior performance and features. Both cameras offer unique benefits, with the a6100 being more budget-friendly and portable, while the a7 II provides a more robust feature set for advanced photographers.
Sony a6100 vs a7 II Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 II triumphs over the Sony a6100 in optics with a score of 78/100 compared to the a6100’s 68/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, and Sony E lens mount. Despite these similarities, the winning camera, the Sony a7 II, excels in specific areas.
The Sony a7 II’s superior optics performance is due to its full-frame sensor size, which allows for better low-light performance and increased dynamic range. Additionally, the a7 II has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 90 compared to the a6100’s 82. Another significant advantage of the Sony a7 II is its built-in image stabilization, which helps achieve sharper images when shooting handheld or in low light conditions.
On the other hand, the Sony a6100 offers a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second compared to the a7 II’s 5 frames per second. This attribute makes the a6100 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife photography.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 II stands out as the better camera for optics due to its full-frame sensor, higher DXOMARK score, and image stabilization. This camera is ideal for those who prioritize image quality and low light performance. The Sony a6100, with its faster shooting speed, is a better option for photographers who require quick capture capabilities.
Optics
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Sony a6100
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Sony a7 II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP | 24.3 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | 23.9 x 35.8 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |||
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps | 5 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz X | Bionz X | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |||
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32,000 | 51,200 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 51000 | 51200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 425 | 117 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | |||
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 1,440,000 dots | 2,359,000 dots |
Sony a6100 vs a7 II Video Performance
The Sony a6100 outperforms the Sony a7 II in terms of video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the a7 II’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common features, such as autofocus and exposure control during video recording. However, the a6100 has several advantages that help it achieve a higher score.
One significant advantage of the a6100 is its 4K video resolution, with maximum dimensions of 3840 x 2160. This is considerably higher than the a7 II’s Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. As a result, the a6100 can capture more detailed and sharper videos, making it a better choice for videographers.
Another aspect that sets the a6100 apart is its maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which is double the a7 II’s 60fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother slow-motion footage, providing more creative options for video creators. Additionally, the a6100 has built-in time-lapse functionality, which the a7 II lacks. This feature enables users to capture stunning time-lapse sequences without the need for additional equipment or software.
Despite the lower score, the Sony a7 II still has some advantages in video capabilities. Its full-frame sensor provides better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field when compared to the a6100’s APS-C sensor. This can result in more cinematic-looking footage with better background separation.
Taking all factors into account, the Sony a6100 is the superior choice for video capabilities, offering 4K resolution, a higher frame rate, and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Sony a7 II still holds its ground in low-light performance and depth of field, making it a viable option for those who prioritize these aspects.
Video
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Sony a7 II
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |||
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |||
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | |||
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264 | XAVC S |
Sony a6100 vs a7 II Features and Benefits
The Sony a6100 triumphs over the Sony a7 II in features, boasting a score of 68/100 compared to the a7 II’s 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, lack of GPS, and WIFI capabilities. However, the a6100 outperforms the a7 II in certain areas, while the a7 II has a few advantages of its own.
One of the a6100’s superior features is its touchscreen, which the a7 II lacks. This allows for quicker and more intuitive navigation and control. Additionally, the a6100 has Bluetooth connectivity, offering more convenience and compatibility with other devices. These features contribute to the a6100’s higher score.
On the other hand, the a7 II has a higher screen resolution at 1,230,000 dots, compared to the a6100’s 921,600 dots. This results in a clearer and sharper display, which is beneficial for reviewing images and videos.
Despite the a7 II’s advantage in screen resolution, the a6100’s touchscreen and Bluetooth capabilities ultimately make it the better camera in terms of features. Its higher score reflects its superiority in this aspect. The a7 II’s higher screen resolution is not enough to outweigh the a6100’s additional features, resulting in its lower score. When considering a camera with a focus on features, the Sony a6100 is the clear choice.
Features
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Sony a7 II
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |||
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |||
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | |||
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | |||
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | |||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,600 dots | 1,230,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | |||
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |||
Wi-Fi | |||
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | |||
Sony a6100 vs a7 II Storage and Battery
The Sony a6100 outperforms the Sony a7 II in storage and battery with a score of 37/100 compared to the latter’s 21/100. Both cameras share similarities, including one memory card slot and compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. They also use the same NP-FW50 battery type.
The a6100’s superiority stems from its longer battery life, providing 420 shots compared to the a7 II’s 350 shots. Additionally, the a6100 supports USB charging, making it more convenient for on-the-go users.
The a7 II has no significant advantages in storage and battery, but it does accept Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards, offering slightly more versatility in memory card options.
Considering these factors, the Sony a6100 is the better choice for users who prioritize extended battery life and convenient charging options.
Storage and Battery
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Sony a7 II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots | |||
Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 420 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a6100
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Sony a7 II
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | N/A | 24.9 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | N/A | 13.6 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | N/A | 2449 |
Scores
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Sony a6100
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Sony a7 II
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Sony a6100 vs a7 II – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a6100 or the Sony a7 II:
User Scores
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Sony a6100
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Sony a7 II
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B&H photo video |
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