Sony a7 vs a7 II Comparison
Sony a7
Sony a7 II
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7 | a7 II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2013 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 16, 2013 | November 20, 2014 | |
Camera Type | |||
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7 II emerges as the winner, with a score of 69 out of 100, compared to the Sony a7’s score of 63. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released just a year apart, with the a7 II being the newer model. They share similar dimensions, but the a7 II is slightly heavier at 599g, while the a7 weighs 474g.
The a7 II has the advantage of being a more advanced camera with a lower launch price of $1600, as opposed to the a7’s $1700. However, the Sony a7 is a lighter option, making it more convenient for photographers on the go.
Taking into account the scores, prices, and weight differences, the Sony a7 II is a superior choice for those seeking better performance and value, while the Sony a7 may be more suitable for those prioritizing portability.
Sony a7 vs a7 II Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 II outperforms the Sony a7 in optics with a score of 78/100, compared to the a7’s score of 70/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including 24 and 24.2 megapixels, 5 shooting speed, CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, 90 DXOMARK score for the sensor, full-frame sensor size, and Sony E lens mount.
The winning camera, the Sony a7 II, has one significant advantage: image stabilization. This feature reduces the impact of camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low-light situations or when using longer lenses. The inclusion of image stabilization makes the a7 II a more versatile camera, allowing photographers to capture a wider range of images with greater clarity and detail.
The Sony a7, while scoring lower, still offers solid optics performance. In terms of megapixels, shooting speed, sensor type, processor, DXOMARK score, sensor size, and lens mount, the a7 matches the a7 II. However, it lacks image stabilization, which is the primary reason for its lower score in comparison to the a7 II.
Given the similarities in specifications between the two cameras, the choice between the Sony a7 and the Sony a7 II ultimately depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences. If image stabilization is a crucial requirement, the Sony a7 II is the better option. However, if this feature is not a priority, the Sony a7 remains a reliable and capable camera, particularly for photographers who may already have a collection of Sony E-mount lenses.
Optics
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Sony a7 II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP | 24.3 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 | 6000 x 4000 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 | 23.9 x 35.8 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |||
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 FE | Sony E | |
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. | |||
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 | 50 | |
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. | 25,600 | 51,200 | |
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. | 100 | 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. | 25600 | 51200 | |
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 | 117 | |
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 vs a7 II Video Performance
The Sony a7 and Sony a7 II both have a video score of 56/100, indicating no winner in this specific category. These cameras share several video specifications, making them quite similar in their video capabilities. Both cameras have a maximum video resolution of Full HD and video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, they both offer a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. Neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.
Despite their identical video scores, there may be some differences between the Sony a7 and Sony a7 II that could influence a user’s preference. However, based on the provided specifications, no such differences are apparent. Consequently, both cameras seem to offer comparable video performance, and neither is better than the other in this regard.
It is essential to consider other factors such as the user’s specific requirements, preferences, and budget when choosing between these two cameras. Since their video capabilities are virtually identical, other aspects such as image quality, autofocus performance, and additional features may play a more significant role in the selection process.
To sum up, the Sony a7 and Sony a7 II have equal video scores and share the same video specifications, making them equally suitable for video recording purposes. Users must evaluate other factors and personal preferences to determine which camera is the best fit for their needs.
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. | |||
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. | AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 | XAVC S |
Sony a7 vs a7 II Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 and Sony a7 II both have a feature score of 57/100, making them equal in this aspect. They share numerous specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, 1,230,000-dot screen resolution, flip screen, lack of touchscreen, GPS, and Bluetooth. Both cameras also have built-in WiFi capabilities.
The Sony a7 II does not have a clear advantage over the Sony a7 in terms of features, as they both have the same score and identical specifications. Therefore, it is not possible to say that one camera is better than the other based on these features alone.
Similarly, the Sony a7 does not outperform the Sony a7 II in terms of features, as both cameras have the same score and shared specifications. This means that there is no advantage for the Sony a7 over the Sony a7 II in terms of features.
After comparing the features of the Sony a7 and Sony a7 II, it is evident that both cameras have identical specifications, leading to an equal score of 57/100. As a result, neither camera has a clear advantage over the other in terms of features. This makes it essential for potential buyers to consider other aspects, such as price, performance, and personal preferences, when choosing between these two cameras.
Features
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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 | |||
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 vs a7 II Storage and Battery
The Sony a7 and Sony a7 II are close in storage and battery. Both cameras have a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. They also use the same NP-FW50 battery type.
The Sony a7 II has a slight advantage with a battery life of 350 shots, compared to the Sony a7’s 340 shots. This minor difference may be beneficial for those who require extended shooting times without changing the battery.
Considering the storage and battery aspects, the Sony a7 II performs marginally better due to its longer battery life. However, both cameras share many similarities, and this aspect is unlikely to be a significant deciding factor for most users.
Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick 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. | 340 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a7
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Sony a7 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.' | 24.8 bits | 24.9 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.' | 14.2 EVs | 13.6 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' | 2248 | 2449 |
Scores
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Sony a7 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 |
Alternatives to the Sony a7 and a7 II
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 or the Sony a7 II:
User Scores
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B&H photo video |
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