CameraReview

Sony a7 II vs Sony a7S II — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

✓ WINNER
Sony a7 II
Sony
Sony a7 II
Mirrorless · 24.3 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
67
SCORE
$898
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Sony a7S II
Sony
Sony a7S II
Mirrorless · 12.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
60
SCORE
$1,032.80
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General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20142015
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
20/11/201411/09/2015
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 127 x 96 x 60 mm127 x 96 x 60 mm
Camera weight 599 g627 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.3 MP05012.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40004240 x 2832
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 35.823.8 x 35.8
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull Frame
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps0455 fps045
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 ESony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
503020010030200
Max ISO
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.
5120030032800001024003003280000
Min 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.
50302005030200
Max 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.
5120030032800004096003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max 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.
800080032000800080032000
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.
11703001690300
In-body stabilisation
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 235900009900000235929609900000
Video
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 HD4K
Max video format
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 10803840 x 2160
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 fps30 fps
Timelapse 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 SMPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Features
Builtin 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 LCDLCD
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 dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1230000115000150000012288001150001500000
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
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG DuoSD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FW50NP-FW50
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
350 shots1505000370 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7 II emerges as the winner with a score of 69/100, while the Sony a7S II trails behind at 60/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share the same dimensions of 127 x 96 x 60mm. They were released close to each other, with the a7 II launching in 2014 and the a7S II in 2015.

The Sony a7 II has an advantage in terms of price and weight. It was launched at $1600, and weighs 599g (1.32lbs), making it more affordable and lighter than the a7S II, which was introduced at $3000 and weighs 627g (1.38lbs).

The Sony a7S II, despite its lower score, might appeal to some users due to its more recent release date. This could indicate potential improvements or additional features not present in the a7 II.

Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a7 II is the better choice for those seeking a lighter and more affordable camera, while the a7S II could be suitable for users looking for a more recent model.

Sony a7 II vs a7S II Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 II outperforms the Sony a7S II in optics with a score of 78/100 compared to 66/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a shooting speed of 5 frames per second, a CMOS sensor, a Bionz X processor, full frame sensor size, Sony lens mounts, and image stabilization.

The Sony a7 II’s superiority in optics is primarily due to its higher megapixel count of 24.2 compared to the Sony a7S II’s 12.2. This difference allows the a7 II to capture more detailed images, making it more suitable for photography enthusiasts who prioritize image quality. Additionally, the a7 II has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 90, compared to the a7S II’s score of 85. This further indicates that the a7 II has a better overall sensor performance, which contributes to its higher optics score.

However, the Sony a7S II has its advantages as well. With its lower megapixel count, the camera is more adept at handling low light situations and producing less noise in images. This makes the a7S II a better option for those who frequently shoot in low light or prioritize video recording, where higher megapixel counts are less critical.

Taking all of these factors into consideration, the Sony a7 II is the better choice for those who prioritize image quality and detail in their photography, thanks to its higher megapixel count and better overall sensor performance. On the other hand, the Sony a7S II is more suitable for low light shooters and videographers, as its lower megapixel sensor allows for better low light performance and less image noise.

Sony a7 II vs a7S II Video Performance

The Sony a7S II wins the video capabilities comparison with a score of 86/100, while the Sony a7 II scores 56/100. Both cameras share some common video specifications, such as lacking built-in time-lapse functionality.

The Sony a7S II outperforms the a7 II in terms of video resolution and dimensions. It offers 4K video resolution (3840 x 2160) compared to the a7 II’s Full HD (1920 x 1080). This means that the a7S II delivers a significantly higher level of detail and clarity in video recording, making it ideal for professional use and high-quality content creation.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a higher maximum video frame rate at 60fps, compared to the a7S II’s 30fps. This allows the a7 II to capture smoother video footage, especially when recording fast-moving subjects or action scenes. However, this advantage comes at the cost of lower video resolution and dimensions.

In terms of video performance, the Sony a7S II is the clear winner due to its superior video resolution and dimensions, making it a better choice for professional videographers and content creators. The Sony a7 II, with its higher frame rate, may be suitable for those who prioritize smooth video footage over resolution, but its overall video capabilities are less impressive than the a7S II.

Thus, the Sony a7S II is the better option for users who demand high-quality video performance, while the Sony a7 II might be more suitable for casual users or those who prioritize smoothness in their video recordings.

Sony a7 II vs a7S II Features and Benefits

The comparison between the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7S II reveals a tie in feature scores, with both cameras scoring 57/100. Despite the identical scores, there are some differences and advantages for each camera.

Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, and lack of touchscreen functionality. Additionally, neither camera has GPS, but both offer WIFI connectivity. Bluetooth, however, is absent in both models.

The Sony a7 II holds a slight advantage in screen resolution, boasting 1,230,000 dots compared to the a7S II’s 1,228,800 dots. This minor difference in resolution could result in marginally clearer image previews and menu navigation.

On the other hand, the Sony a7S II is known for its superior low-light performance and higher video recording capabilities, making it a better choice for videographers and photographers working in challenging lighting conditions. While these aspects are not directly reflected in the feature score, they contribute to the overall quality of the camera.

Taking these factors into account, it is evident that the Sony a7 II’s slightly higher screen resolution is a minor advantage, while the a7S II’s superior low-light performance and video capabilities offer more significant benefits. The choice between the two cameras depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences. If low-light performance and video capabilities are a priority, the Sony a7S II is the better option. However, for those who value screen resolution and are less concerned with low-light capabilities, the Sony a7 II may be the more suitable choice.

Sony a7 II vs a7S II Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 II outperforms the  Sony a7S II in the same storage and battery category, but it’s a close call! Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. They also use the same NP-FW50 battery type. Only the a7 II offers USB charging.

The a7S II slightly outperforms the a7 II in battery life, providing 370 shots compared to the a7 II’s 350 shots. This difference may benefit those who require longer shooting sessions without changing batteries.

Since both cameras have similar specifications, neither camera stands out as a clear winner in this category. Users can expect similar storage and battery performance from both the Sony a7 II and the Sony a7S II.

Alternatives to the Sony a7 II and a7S II

Sony a7 II vs a7S II Comparison image.

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 a7S II: