CameraReviews.com
menu
Hi Camera Lovers 👋 If you buy a camera through our referral links, you support our site at no cost to you 😉 Full info here.

Sony a7 III vs a7R II Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a7 III

Sony A7 III camera
Winner!
81%

Sony a7R II

Sony A7R II camera image
70%
Sony a7 III
vs
Sony a7R II
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
a7 III
a7R II
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2018
2015
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
February 27, 2018
June 10, 2015
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony a7 III emerges as the winner with a score of 81, while the Sony a7R II trails behind at 70/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and have similar dimensions, with the a7 III measuring 127x96x74mm and weighing 650g, and the a7R II measuring 127x96x60mm and weighing 625g.

The a7 III outperforms the a7R II due to its more recent release in 2018, as opposed to the a7R II’s 2015 release, and its lower launch price of $2000 compared to the a7R II’s $3198. This makes the a7 III a more cost-effective and updated option for consumers.

On the other hand, the a7R II has a slight advantage in terms of weight, being 25g lighter than the a7 III. This difference, however, may not significantly impact the overall experience for users.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 III is the better option for its updated features and lower price, while the a7R II’s only advantage lies in its marginally lighter weight.

Sony a7 III vs a7R II Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 III and Sony a7R II both receive an optics score of 81/100, indicating no clear winner in this category. These cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization.

The Sony a7 III has a 24.2-megapixel resolution and a shooting speed of 10 frames per second, making it a strong choice for fast-paced photography. Its DXOMARK sensor score is 96, which is slightly lower than the a7R II but still impressive. The a7 III’s lower megapixel count and faster shooting speed make it well-suited for capturing action shots and sports photography.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R II boasts a higher resolution with 42.4 megapixels, allowing for more detailed images. However, its shooting speed is slower at 5 frames per second, which may not be ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. The a7R II has a DXOMARK sensor score of 98, which is slightly higher than the a7 III, indicating better overall image quality. The a7R II is better suited for photographers who prioritize image detail and resolution over speed.

Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, with the a7 III excelling in fast-paced photography and the a7R II providing superior image detail. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.

Optics
Optics
81%
81%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 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.
23.8 x 35.6 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.
10 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 FE
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.
100
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.
204800
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.
693
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
2,359,296 dots
2,359,296 dots

Sony a7 III vs a7R II Video Performance

The Sony a7 III and Sony a7R II share similar video capabilities. Both cameras offer a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160 pixels, and a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, recent updates allow built-in time-lapse functionality for the a7 III.

The a7 III also features improved autofocus performance, which results in smoother and more accurate video focusing. This advantage allows users to capture high-quality videos with less effort and time spent on manual adjustments. The a7 III also has a longer battery life than the a7R II, enabling users to record more video footage without needing to swap out batteries.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R II has some advantages as well. It boasts a higher megapixel count, which can enhance the quality of still images extracted from video frames. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to use their camera for both video and photography purposes. Additionally, the a7R II is more affordable than the a7 III, making it a better option for budget-conscious consumers.

Considering these factors, both cameras have their respective strengths and weaknesses when it comes to video capabilities. The Sony a7 III is the better option for those who prioritize autofocus performance and longer battery life, while the Sony a7R II is more suitable for users who desire higher resolution stills from video and a lower price point.

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.
4K
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.
3840 x 2160 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.
30 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, AVCHD
XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4

Sony a7 III vs a7R II Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 III wins in the features category with a score of 81/100, while the Sony a7R II scores 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, absence of GPS, and WIFI connectivity.

The Sony a7 III outperforms the a7R II with its touchscreen capability and bluetooth connectivity. The touchscreen provides users with an intuitive and efficient way to navigate menus and change settings quickly. Bluetooth connectivity allows for seamless pairing with compatible devices, making it easier to transfer files and remotely control the camera.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R II has a higher screen resolution of 1,228,800 dots compared to the a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This results in a sharper and clearer display, which can be beneficial for photographers when reviewing images and adjusting settings.

While the Sony a7 III has a higher feature score, the a7R II’s superior screen resolution is an advantage to consider. However, the a7 III’s touchscreen and bluetooth capabilities make it a more versatile and user-friendly option. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras will depend on the individual photographer’s preferences and priorities.

Features
Features
81%
57%
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.
921,600 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 III vs a7R II Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Sony a7R II in storage and battery with a score of 81 compared to 16/100. Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards, but the a7 III has two memory card slots while the a7R II has only one.

The a7 III’s battery life is significantly longer, providing 750 shots per charge, whereas the a7R II lasts for only 290 shots. The a7 III uses the NP-FZ100 battery type, while the a7R II uses the NP-FW50.

In terms of storage and battery, the Sony a7 III is the clear winner with its dual memory card slots and longer battery life. The Sony a7R II falls short in this area, but it may offer advantages in other aspects such as resolution and image quality. Considering storage and battery alone, the Sony a7 III is the better choice.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
81%
16%
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-FZ100
NP-FW50
Battery Life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
750 shots
290 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
96%
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.'
25.1 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.'
14.7 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'
3722
3434
Scores
Main Features
84%
N/A
Extra Features
72%
N/A
Construction and Durability
67%
N/A
Handling and Ergonomics
67%
N/A
Value for Money
110%
N/A
Total Score
81%
N/A

Sony a7 III vs a7R II Alternatives

Sony a7R II vs a7 III comparison image

Still not ready to make a decision? Check out our other popular camera comparisons for inspiration:

User Scores
B&H photo video
N/A
Spotted a mistake with these camera specs? Please let us know so we can update it!