Sony a7 II vs Sony a7 III
Comparison
Sony a7 II
Sony a7 III
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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 | |
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The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner with a score of 80/100, 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.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.3 MP | 24.2 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. | 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, despite both cameras having an equal video score of 56/100. A closer examination of the specifications reveals the strengths and weaknesses of each camera in terms of video performance.
Both the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7 III lack built-in time-lapse functionality. However, 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.
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.
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Video
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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. |  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.
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Features
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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 |  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, scoring 68/100 compared to the a7 II’s 21/100. 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. Neither camera supports USB charging.
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.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG 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-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 |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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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.' | 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 |
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Sony a7 II vs a7 III Alternatives
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User Scores
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7 III
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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