Sony a7 II vs a7R Comparison
Sony a7 II
Sony a7R
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7 II | a7R | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 | 2013 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | November 20, 2014 | October 16, 2013 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7 II emerges as the winner with a score of 69/100, while the Sony a7R trails with a score of 65/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a7 II measuring 127 x 96 x 60mm and the a7R at 127 x 94 x 48mm.
The a7 II is superior in terms of performance and features, justifying its higher score. It was released in 2014 with a launch price of $1600, offering more value for money compared to the a7R’s 2013 release and $2300 price tag. However, the a7 II is heavier, weighing 599g compared to the a7R’s 465g.
Despite its lower score, the Sony a7R stands out for its lighter weight, making it easier to carry around for extended periods. Ultimately, the Sony a7 II offers better value and performance, while the a7R is a more lightweight option for those prioritizing portability.
Sony a7 II vs a7R Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 II emerges as the winner in optics, scoring 78/100, while the Sony a7R scores 74/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, and full-frame sensor size. They also have different lens mounts, with the Sony a7 II using Sony E and the Sony a7R using Sony FE.
The Sony a7 II outperforms the a7R in several key areas. First, it has a higher shooting speed of 5 compared to the a7R’s 4, allowing for faster continuous shooting. Additionally, the a7 II features image stabilization, which the a7R lacks. This makes the a7 II more versatile for shooting in various conditions and minimizing camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
Despite having a lower score, the Sony a7R has its own strengths. It boasts a higher megapixel count of 36 compared to the a7 II’s 24.2, which translates to more detailed and higher resolution images. Furthermore, the a7R has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 95, as opposed to the a7 II’s 90. This indicates superior image quality and dynamic range performance.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 II’s faster shooting speed and image stabilization make it a more versatile camera for different shooting scenarios. However, the Sony a7R excels in image quality and resolution, making it more suitable for photographers who prioritize detail and dynamic range. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
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Optics
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7R
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.3 MP | 36 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 | 7360 x 4912 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 | 4 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 | 25600 | |
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 | 25 | |
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 | 2,359,000 dots |
Sony a7 II vs a7R Video Performance
The Sony a7 II and the Sony a7R both have identical video scores of 56/100. This means that neither camera outperforms the other in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share common specifications, such as Full HD (1920 x 1080) maximum video resolution and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. Neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.
Despite having the same video score, there are areas where one camera may be better than the other. In the case of the Sony a7 II, its video capabilities are on par with the Sony a7R. This means that the Sony a7 II is not better than the Sony a7R in terms of video capabilities, as they both have the same specifications.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R also does not have any distinct advantages over the Sony a7 II when it comes to video capabilities. Both cameras offer the same Full HD resolution, maximum video dimensions, and maximum video frame rate. The lack of built-in time-lapse functionality is also consistent between the two cameras.
In comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7R, it is clear that both cameras are equal in this aspect. Neither camera has a significant advantage over the other, as they both share the same video specifications and score. Thus, users can expect similar video performance and quality from both the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7R.
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Video
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7R
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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 | Full HD | |
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 | 1920 x 1080 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 | 60 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 | AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Sony a7 II vs a7R Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 II and the Sony a7R both have a feature score of 57/100. These cameras share several specifications, making them quite similar in terms of features. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 1,230,000 dots. Neither camera has a touchscreen, but they both have a flip screen. Additionally, both cameras lack GPS but come with WIFI capabilities. Neither camera has Bluetooth.
The Sony a7 II offers the same features as the Sony a7R, making it difficult to determine which camera is better based on features alone. Both cameras have a flip screen, which is useful for shooting from different angles and perspectives. The lack of a touchscreen may not be an issue for some users, as the flip screen and control dials can provide adequate control over the camera settings.
The Sony a7R, despite having the same feature score as the Sony a7 II, does not have any notable advantages in terms of features. It shares the same screen size, resolution, flip screen, WIFI, and lack of GPS and Bluetooth as the Sony a7 II.
Based on the features alone, there is no clear winner between the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7R. Both cameras offer a similar set of features, with neither camera having a significant advantage over the other. Users should consider other factors, such as performance, image quality, and price, when deciding between these two cameras.
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Features
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7R
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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 | 1,230,000 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 Storage and Battery
The Sony a7 II and Sony a7R are close competitors in storage and battery. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. They also share the same battery type, NP-FW50.
The Sony a7 II has a slight advantage in battery life, providing 350 shots compared to the Sony a7R’s 340 shots. This difference may not be significant for casual users but could be crucial for professional photographers who need longer shooting sessions.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R does not have any distinct advantages in storage and battery compared to the Sony a7 II. Both cameras perform similarly in this aspect, making it difficult to choose a clear winner based on storage and battery alone.
Considering these points, the Sony a7 II and Sony a7R are evenly matched in terms of storage and battery. Users should examine other features and specifications to determine which camera best suits their needs.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony a7R
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick 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 | 340 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a7 II
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Sony a7R
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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 | 25.6 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 | 14.1 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 | 2746 |
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Scores
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7R
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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 |
Alternatives to the Sony a7 II and a7R
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 II or the Sony a7R:
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User Scores
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7R
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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