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Sony a7 II vs Sony a7R II
Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a7 II

Sony A7 II camera
78%

Sony a7R II

Sony A7R II camera image
Winner!
82%
Sony a7 II
vs
Sony a7R II
Price
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

Sony a7 II vs a7R II Specs

With models such as the Sony a9 and a7 III, photographers have a wealth of options when it comes to choosing the perfect mirrorless camera. Both cameras boast impressive specs, so it can be difficult to decide which is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we will compare the Sony a9 vs a7 III specs to help you make an informed decision.

Our winning product is the 42.4MP Full Frame Mirrorless Sony a7R II. But, the Sony a7 II also has advantages depending on your personal needs.

Image
82%
Sony a7R II
This powerful Sony mirrorless is perfect for capturing stunning images with its high-resolution full-frame sensor.
Badge

Let’s dive in and take a closer look at the specs of each camera and see which one is the best fit for you. It’s important to read through all the specs below before making a decision.

The Sony a7R II was released in August 2015, making it a relatively older mirrorless choice. It is part of the Sony a7 series, and is the second generation of the a7R series, featuring a full-frame 42.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor. It is a very popular camera among professional photographers and videographers.
 
The Sony a7R II has a much higher resolution sensor than the Sony a7 II, with 42.4MP compared to 24.3MP. With its high resolution, the Sony a7R II provides excellent image quality, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic needs. The a7R II also has a higher dynamic range and better low-light performance than the a7 II. It also has an improved autofocus system, with 399 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points. Its autofocus system is fast and accurate, allowing for quick and precise focus on a wide range of subjects.
 
The Sony a7R II has better video capabilities than the Sony a7 II. The a7R II has 4K video recording capability with full pixel readout. This allows for higher resolution and better image quality than the a7 II’s 1080p recording. It also has better low-light performance, making it a better choice for filmmaking.
 
That doesn’t make it a closed competition though! The Sony a7 II is also a great mirrorless model and may be a better choice for some photographers.
 
The a7 II was released in late 2014 and is the second camera in its series. It is the middle-aged camera in its series, as it comes after the a7 and before the a7 III.
 
Its 24.3MP full-frame sensor allows you to capture detailed and high-quality images. It has an impressive 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, providing a steady and blur-free shooting experience. It also has fast autofocus capabilities and a wide ISO range, making it great in low-light. The Sony a7 II is great value for the price, offering advanced features at a reasonable cost.
 
So, is the Sony a7 II or Sony a7R II the one for you? In our opinion, the Sony a7R II is a better choice for photographers looking for an upgrade. Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that serves your needs best. Read on for the full Sony a9 vs a7 III specs comparison. We hope it helps you with your decision!
Optics
Optics
81%
88%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.3 MP
42.4 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
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
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
XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4
Features
Features
51%
51%
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
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.
Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
11%
5%
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-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

Sony a7 II vs a7R II Alternatives

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Sony a7 IV vs a7C

DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
90%
98%
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
Scores
Main Features
60%
N/A
Extra Features
40%
N/A
Construction and Durability
100%
N/A
Handling and Ergonomics
80%
N/A
Value for Money
75%
N/A
Total Score
67%
N/A
User Scores
B&H photo video
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