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Sony a7 II vs a7 III Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a7 II

Sony A7 II camera
68%

Sony a7 III

Sony A7 III camera
Winner!
81%
Sony a7 II
vs
Sony a7 III
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
a7 II
a7 III
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2014
2018
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
November 20, 2014
February 27, 2018
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner with a score of 81, while the Sony a7 II trails behind with a score of 68/100. Both cameras share common specifications as mirrorless cameras with identical dimensions (127 x 96mm), but the a7 III is slightly deeper at 74mm compared to the a7 II’s 60mm. Additionally, the a7 III is heavier, weighing 650g compared to the a7 II’s 599g.

The a7 III outshines the a7 II due to its improved performance, earning it a higher score. Released in 2018 with a launch price of $2000, it is a more advanced model than the a7 II, which debuted in 2014 at a price of $1600.

Despite its lower score, the a7 II has its merits, particularly in terms of affordability and a lighter weight, making it a viable option for those on a budget or seeking a more compact camera. However, the a7 III’s superior performance and enhanced features make it the better choice for those seeking a more powerful camera.

Sony a7 II vs a7 III Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 III wins the optics comparison with a score of 81/100, while the Sony a7 II scores 78/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including 24.2 megapixels, a CMOS sensor, the Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. However, there are notable differences that contribute to the a7 III’s higher score.

One significant advantage of the Sony a7 III is its shooting speed. With a speed of 10 frames per second (fps), it doubles the a7 II’s 5 fps. This improvement allows for better action and sports photography, as well as capturing fast-moving subjects.

The a7 III also has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, at 96 compared to the a7 II’s 90. This difference indicates better overall image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The Sony a7 III also features the Sony FE lens mount, which provides a wider range of lens options, allowing for greater versatility.

Despite its lower score, the Sony a7 II still offers solid performance in optics. Its 24.2-megapixel resolution, full-frame sensor, and image stabilization ensure quality images. However, it falls short in terms of shooting speed and sensor performance compared to the a7 III.

Comparing the optics of the Sony a7 II and a7 III, the a7 III emerges as the winner due to its faster shooting speed, better sensor performance, and wider lens compatibility. While the a7 II is a capable camera, the a7 III’s superior features make it the better choice for photographers seeking higher performance in optics.

Optics
Optics
78%
81%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.3 MP
24.2 MP
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.
23.9 x 35.8 mm
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Sensor Format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps
10 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 FE
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.
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
50
100
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.
51,200
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.
50
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.
51200
204800
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/ 8000 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.
117
693
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
2,359,000 dots
2,359,296 dots

Sony a7 II vs a7 III Video Performance

The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison. They share some similarities in video specifications, such as the maximum video frame rate. The Sony a7 II offers a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, while the Sony a7 III matches this with a maximum of 30fps. A closer examination of the specifications reveals the strengths and weaknesses of each camera in terms of video performance.

The Sony a7 III surpasses the Sony a7 II in terms of video resolution and dimensions. The a7 III boasts a 4K maximum video resolution, with video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. In contrast, the Sony a7 II only offers Full HD resolution, with video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. This difference in resolution and dimensions gives the Sony a7 III a clear advantage in video quality.

The Sony a7 II, however, has a higher maximum video frame rate than the Sony a7 III, offering 60fps compared to the a7 III’s 30fps. This means that the a7 II has the potential to provide smoother video playback, especially in scenes with fast-moving subjects.

Taking all of these factors into consideration, it is evident that the Sony a7 III is the superior camera when it comes to video capabilities, mainly due to its higher video resolution and dimensions. The Sony a7 II does have a higher maximum video frame rate, but this advantage is outweighed by the a7 III’s overall better video performance.

Video
Video
56%
56%
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.
Full HD
4K
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.
1920 x 1080 px
3840 x 2160 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.
60 p
30 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.
XAVC S
XAVC S, AVCHD

Sony a7 II vs a7 III Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner in the features comparison with a score of 81/100, while the Sony a7 II scores 57/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, absence of GPS, and WIFI connectivity. However, the Sony a7 III outperforms the a7 II in specific aspects, making it the superior choice.

The Sony a7 III’s touchscreen capability enhances user experience, making it more convenient and efficient to navigate the camera’s settings. Additionally, the a7 III includes Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless file transfers and remote control over the camera. These features give the a7 III an advantage over the a7 II, contributing to its higher score.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a higher screen resolution of 1,230,000 dots, compared to the a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This results in a sharper and more detailed display on the a7 II. However, this advantage is not significant enough to outweigh the a7 III’s additional features, leading to the a7 II’s lower overall score.

The Sony a7 III’s advanced features, such as touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity, make it the better camera in terms of user experience and convenience. While the a7 II has a higher screen resolution, it lacks the additional features that give the a7 III a competitive edge. Therefore, the Sony a7 III is the superior option for those seeking a camera with more advanced and user-friendly features.

Features
Features
57%
81%
Built-in 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
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
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1,230,000 dots
921,600 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 a7 II vs a7 III Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Sony a7 II in storage and battery. Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. However, the a7 III has two memory card slots, while the a7 II only has one, providing more storage flexibility.

In terms of battery life, the a7 III significantly surpasses the a7 II, offering 750 shots compared to the a7 II’s 350 shots. The a7 III uses the NP-FZ100 battery type, while the a7 II relies on the NP-FW50 battery.

Despite the a7 II’s lower score and battery life, it may still suit photographers who require less storage and power. However, the Sony a7 III’s superior storage and battery performance make it the better choice for photographers who need increased storage capacity and longer battery life.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
35%
81%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
NP-FW50
NP-FZ100
Battery Life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
350 shots
750 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
90%
96%
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.'
24.9 bits
25.1 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.'
13.6 EVs
14.7 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'
2449
3722
Scores
Main Features
60%
84%
Extra Features
40%
72%
Construction and Durability
100%
67%
Handling and Ergonomics
80%
67%
Value for Money
75%
110%
Total Score
67%
81%

Sony a7 II vs a7 III Alternatives

User Scores
B&H photo video
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