Sony a7 II vs a7R II Comparison
Sony a7 II
Sony a7R II
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7 II | a7R II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 | 2015 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | November 20, 2014 | June 10, 2015 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7R II edges out the Sony a7 II with a score of 70/100 compared to 68/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share identical dimensions at 127 x 96 x 60mm. They were released within a year of each other, with the a7 II in 2014 and the a7R II in 2015.
The a7R II surpasses the a7 II with a higher launch price of $3198, reflecting its superior features. Additionally, the a7R II weighs slightly more at 625g, compared to the a7 II’s 599g. This extra weight may provide better stability for certain users.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II boasts a lower price tag at $1600, making it more accessible and budget-friendly. Despite the lower score, it still offers excellent performance for its price range.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R II is the better camera due to its higher score and advanced features. However, the Sony a7 II remains a strong contender for those seeking a more affordable option.
Sony a7 II vs a7R II Overview and Optics
When comparing the optics of the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7R II, the a7R II comes out on top with a score of 81/100, while the a7 II scores 78/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony lens mounts, and image stabilization. Their shooting speed is also the same at 5 frames per second.
The Sony a7R II excels in the optics department due to its higher megapixel count of 42.4, compared to the a7 II’s 24.2 megapixels. This difference allows the a7R II to capture images with higher resolution and detail. Additionally, the a7R II’s sensor has a DXOMARK score of 98, which is notably higher than the a7 II’s score of 90. This indicates that the a7R II has better overall image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II still has its merits. Its lower megapixel count can result in smaller file sizes, which may be beneficial for those who need to conserve storage space or require faster processing times. However, this advantage may not be significant enough to outweigh the superior image quality provided by the a7R II.
In comparing the optics of these two cameras, the Sony a7R II is the clear winner due to its higher megapixel count and superior sensor performance. Although the a7 II may have some minor advantages, they are not enough to close the gap in overall image quality. Therefore, if optics are a primary concern, the Sony a7R II is the better choice.
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Optics
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Sony a7R II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.3 MP | 42.4 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 | 7952 x 5304 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 | 24 x 35.9 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 | 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 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 | 25,600 | |
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 | 102400 | |
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 | 399 | |
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 a7R II Video Performance
The Sony a7 II and Sony a7R II both have a video score of 56/100, indicating identical performance in their video capabilities. Despite this identical score, there are differences in their video specifications that may sway a potential buyer’s decision.
Both cameras share some common features in their video capabilities. Neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality, and both can record video with a maximum frame rate of 30fps or higher. However, the similarities end there.
The Sony a7R II outperforms the a7 II in terms of maximum video resolution and dimensions. The a7R II is capable of recording 4K video at a resolution of 3840 x 2160, which is significantly higher than the a7 II’s Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. This higher resolution results in more detailed and sharper video footage, making the a7R II a better choice for those who prioritize video quality.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a higher maximum video frame rate, reaching up to 60fps, compared to the a7R II’s maximum of 30fps. This higher frame rate enables smoother video playback, particularly for fast-moving subjects or action scenes. For users who prioritize video fluidity over resolution, the a7 II would be a more suitable option.
When comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a7 II and Sony a7R II, the decision ultimately depends on the user’s priorities. The a7R II offers superior video quality with its 4K resolution, while the a7 II provides smoother playback with its higher frame rate. Both cameras have their strengths, and the best choice will depend on individual preferences and requirements.
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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 | XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4 |
Sony a7 II vs a7R II Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 II and Sony a7R II both have a feature score of 57/100, making them equal in this aspect. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, lack of GPS, and the presence of WIFI. Neither camera has a touchscreen or Bluetooth capabilities.
Despite having the same feature score, the Sony a7R II offers advantages over the Sony a7 II. The a7R II has a slightly higher screen resolution at 1,228,800 dots, compared to the a7 II’s 1,230,000 dots. This difference in resolution provides slightly clearer and sharper image previews and menu navigation on the a7R II.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II also has its own advantage, although it may not be significant for some users. The a7 II shares all the essential features with the a7R II, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who do not require the marginally higher screen resolution offered by the a7R II.
Taking all these points into account, both the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7R II cameras offer similar features, with the a7R II having a slightly higher screen resolution. The choice between these two cameras ultimately depends on the user’s preferences and budget. If the slightly better screen resolution is important, the a7R II would be the better choice. However, if the user is looking for a more affordable option with similar features, the a7 II would suffice.
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Features
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Sony a7R 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 |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,230,000 dots | 1,228,800 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 a7R II Storage and Battery
The Sony a7 II outperforms the Sony a7R II in storage and battery. Both cameras share common specifications, including having one memory card slot and accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo memory cards.
The Sony a7 II holds an advantage with a longer battery life, providing 350 shots per charge, while the Sony a7R II only offers 290 shots. Both cameras use the same NP-FW50 battery type. However, the Sony a7R II does not have any distinct advantage in storage and battery over the Sony a7 II.
Considering these points, the Sony a7 II is the preferable choice when focusing on storage and battery capabilities.
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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-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 350 shots | 290 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a7 II
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Sony a7R II
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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 | 26 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 | 13.9 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 | 3434 |
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Scores
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7R 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 a7 II vs a7R II Alternatives
Still not ready to make a decision? Check out our other popular camera comparisons for inspiration:
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User Scores
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7R II
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B&H photo video |
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