CameraReview

Sony a6300 vs Sony a7 II — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Sony a6300
Sony
Sony a6300
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · APS-C · 4K video
61
SCORE
$493.64
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7 II
Sony
Sony a7 II
Mirrorless · 24.3 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
67
SCORE
$814
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General
Brand SonySony
Model a6300a7 II
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20162014
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
03/02/201620/11/2014
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 120 x 67 x 49 mm127 x 96 x 60 mm
Camera weight 404 g599 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP05024.3 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 23.523.9 x 35.8
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CFull Frame
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
11 fps0455 fps045
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 ESony E
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
100302005030200
Max ISO
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.
256003003280000512003003280000
Min 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.
100302005030200
Max 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.
512003003280000512003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max 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.
400080032000800080032000
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.
42503001170300
In-body stabilisation
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 235929609900000235900009900000
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4KFull HD
Max video format
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 21601920 x 1080
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 fps60 fps
Timelapse 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, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, H.264XAVC S
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
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 LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
921600115000150000012300001150001500000
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
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FW50NP-FW50
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
400 shots1505000350 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 II emerges as the winner with a score of 68/100, while the Sony a6300 scores 61/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2014 and 2016, respectively. The a7 II has a higher launch price of $1600 compared to the a6300’s $1000.

In terms of size and weight, the Sony a6300 is smaller and lighter, measuring 120 x 67 x 49mm and weighing 404g. The Sony a7 II is slightly larger and heavier, at 127 x 96 x 60mm and 599g. This makes the a6300 more portable and travel-friendly.

However, the a7 II’s higher score suggests better overall performance and features, justifying its higher price. Both cameras have their advantages, with the a6300 being more compact and affordable, while the a7 II offers superior performance. Consider these factors when deciding on the right camera for your needs.

Sony a6300 vs a7 II Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 II takes the lead in optics with a score of 78/100, compared to the Sony a6300’s 68/100. Both cameras share similarities in specifications, such as having 24.2 megapixels, a CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, and Sony E lens mount.

The Sony a7 II outperforms the a6300 in several aspects. It has a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 90, as opposed to the a6300’s 85, indicating a superior image quality. Additionally, the a7 II boasts a full-frame sensor size, which provides better low-light performance and increased dynamic range. The a7 II also features image stabilization, ensuring sharper images and smoother video recording.

On the other hand, the Sony a6300 excels in shooting speed, capturing 11 frames per second, while the a7 II only reaches 5 frames per second. This makes the a6300 more suitable for fast-paced action and sports photography.

In terms of optics, the Sony a7 II emerges as the winner due to its higher sensor score, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. These features contribute to superior image quality and performance. However, the Sony a6300’s faster shooting speed makes it a strong contender for those who prioritize capturing fast-moving subjects. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.

Sony a6300 vs a7 II Video Performance

The Sony a6300 outperforms the Sony a7 II in video capabilities with a score of 91 over the latter’s 56. Both cameras share some common features in their video specifications. However, the a6300 has superior video quality and additional features that make it the better choice for videography.

One of the key advantages of the Sony a6300 is its maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160), while the Sony a7 II offers only Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. This difference results in the a6300 providing sharper and more detailed video footage compared to its counterpart. Additionally, the a6300 boasts a higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, as opposed to the a7 II’s 60fps. This allows for smoother slow-motion video capture and more flexibility during post-production.

Another significant advantage of the a6300 is its built-in time-lapse functionality, which is absent in the a7 II. This feature enables users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 II does not offer any specific advantages in video capabilities over the a6300. Its lower score reflects the lack of features and lower video quality compared to the a6300.

Considering these differences, the Sony a6300 is the better choice for those prioritizing video capabilities. Its superior video resolution, higher frame rate, and built-in time-lapse functionality make it a more versatile and powerful option for videographers. The Sony a7 II, while still a capable camera, falls short in these aspects, making the a6300 the clear winner in this comparison.

Sony a6300 vs a7 II Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 II wins in the features category with a score of 57/100, while the Sony a6300 scores 54/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, the absence of a touchscreen, a flip screen, no GPS, WIFI functionality, and no Bluetooth.

The Sony a7 II surpasses the a6300 with a higher screen resolution of 1,230,000 dots, compared to the a6300’s 921,600 dots. This higher resolution provides a clearer and sharper display, allowing users to better review their photos and navigate the camera’s menu.

However, the Sony a6300 does not fall short in every aspect. Although both cameras lack a touchscreen, the a6300 still offers excellent features, with only a slight disadvantage in screen resolution. The difference of three points in the features score is not substantial and does not significantly impact the overall performance of the a6300.

Both the Sony a7 II and the Sony a6300 have their strengths and weaknesses. The a7 II’s higher screen resolution is an advantage, but the a6300 remains a strong contender. The minor difference in feature scores highlights that both cameras are capable and well-equipped, catering to different user preferences and needs.

Sony a6300 vs a7 II Storage and Battery

The Sony a6300 wins the storage and battery comparison with a score of 24/100, while the Sony a7 II scores 21/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The battery type for both cameras is NP-FW50.

The a6300 has a longer battery life, providing 400 shots per charge compared to the a7 II’s 350 shots. This advantage allows users to capture more photos without needing to recharge or replace the battery. However, the a7 II accepts additional memory card formats, such as Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo, offering more versatility in storage options.

Neither camera supports USB charging, which could be considered a drawback for both models. Nonetheless, the a6300’s longer battery life gives it a slight edge in the storage and battery category, while the a7 II’s broader memory card compatibility may appeal to some users.

Sony a6300 vs a7 II – Our Verdict

Sony a6300 vs a7 II Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a6300 or the Sony a7 II: