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Sony a7 vs a7R Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a7

sony a7
63%

Sony a7R

Sony A7R
Winner!
65%
Sony a7
vs
Sony a7R
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
a7
a7R
Released
2013
2013
Announcement Date
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony a7R emerges as the winner with a score of 65/100, while the Sony a7 trails closely behind at 63/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were announced on the same day, October 16, 2013. They share identical dimensions of 127 x 94 x 48mm and have a minimal weight difference, with the a7R weighing 465g and the a7 at 474g.

The Sony a7R outshines the a7 with its higher launch price of $2300, indicating more features and better performance. However, the Sony a7 has its advantages, offering a more budget-friendly option at $1700 without compromising too much on quality.

Taking into account their scores, specifications, and prices, the Sony a7R proves to be a better camera for those seeking higher performance, while the Sony a7 remains a strong contender for those looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing quality.

Sony a7 vs a7R Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R emerges as the winner in terms of optics with a score of 74/100, compared to the Sony a7’s score of 70/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony lens mounts, and a lack of image stabilization.

The Sony a7R outperforms the Sony a7 in some key areas. With 36 megapixels, the a7R has a higher resolution than the a7’s 24 megapixels, which allows for capturing more detail in images. Additionally, the a7R boasts a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 95, compared to the a7’s score of 90. This difference indicates that the a7R has a superior sensor performance, including better dynamic range, color depth, and low-light capabilities.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 has some advantages over the a7R. Its shooting speed of 5 frames per second is faster than the a7R’s shooting speed of 4 frames per second. This makes the a7 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects or continuous shooting situations.

When considering these differences, it is clear that the Sony a7R is the better option for photographers who prioritize image quality and sensor performance. The higher resolution and better sensor performance allow for capturing more detailed images with a wider dynamic range and better low-light capabilities. However, the Sony a7 is a more suitable choice for those who need a faster shooting speed for capturing action or continuous shooting scenarios. Both cameras have their strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on the individual photographer’s needs and preferences.

Optics
Optics
70%
74%
Megapixels
24 MP
36 MP
Image Resolution
6000 x 4000 px
7360 x 4912 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
23.9 x 35.8 mm
24 x 35.9 mm
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
5 fps
4 fps
Lens Mount
Sony FE
Sony FE
Image Processor
Bionz X
Bionz X
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600
25,600
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
50
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
25600
25600
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
117
25
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
2,359,000 dots
2,359,000 dots

Sony a7 vs a7R Video Performance

The Sony a7 and Sony a7R both have a video score of 56/100, indicating that their video capabilities are similar. They share common video specifications, such as Full HD maximum video resolution, 1920 x 1080 maximum video dimensions, and 60fps maximum video frame rate. Neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.

Despite having the same video score, the Sony a7 has certain advantages over the Sony a7R. However, these advantages are not apparent in their video specifications, as they share the same features. Therefore, it is essential to examine other factors that may contribute to the performance of the cameras in terms of video capabilities.

On the other hand, the Sony a7R also has its strengths, which may not be evident in their video specifications. These strengths may contribute to the camera’s performance in different aspects, such as image quality, autofocus, or low-light performance. It is crucial to consider these factors when comparing the two cameras.

After examining the video specifications and potential strengths of each camera, it is clear that the Sony a7 and Sony a7R have similar video capabilities. Their shared features, such as Full HD resolution, 1920 x 1080 dimensions, and 60fps frame rate, make them equally suitable for various video applications. However, it is essential to consider other factors that may impact each camera’s performance in specific situations or requirements.

Video
Video
56%
56%
Video
Max Video Resolution
Full HD
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
1920 x 1080 px
1920 x 1080 px
Max Video Frame Rate
60 p
60 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4
AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4

Sony a7 vs a7R Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 and Sony a7R both have a feature score of 57/100, indicating that they share numerous similarities in their specifications. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen size with a resolution of 1,230,000 dots. Neither camera has a touchscreen, but they both have flip screens, which can be helpful for capturing images at different angles. Both cameras lack GPS capabilities, but they do have WIFI, allowing users to transfer images wirelessly. Neither camera has Bluetooth connectivity.

Despite their similarities, there are a few aspects in which one camera may be considered better than the other. The Sony a7R offers higher resolution images, making it better for photographers who require more detail in their shots. This increased resolution can also be beneficial for those who plan to print large images or crop their photos without losing quality.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 has a faster continuous shooting speed, allowing photographers to capture fast-moving subjects more easily. This feature might be more important for those who shoot sports, wildlife, or other action-packed scenes.

Considering these points, it becomes clear that the choice between the Sony a7 and Sony a7R depends on the specific needs of the photographer. The a7R’s higher resolution is an advantage for those who prioritize image detail, while the a7’s faster continuous shooting speed is better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects. Ultimately, both cameras offer many similar features, making them versatile options for various photography styles.

Features
Features
57%
57%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
1,230,000 dots
1,230,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Sony a7 vs a7R Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 and Sony a7R share an identical storage and battery score of 21/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. They also have the same battery life of 340 shots and use the NP-FW50 battery type. Neither camera offers USB charging.

The winning aspect in storage and battery is not present as both cameras have the same specifications. There is no difference in their storage and battery capacities, making them equal in this category.

Since there is no variation in storage and battery specifications, neither the Sony a7 nor the Sony a7R has an advantage or disadvantage over the other. This means that potential buyers should base their decision on other factors, such as general specifications, optics, video, and features.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
21%
21%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
NP-FW50
NP-FW50
Battery Life
340 shots
340 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
90%
95%
Portrait (Color Depth)
24.8 bits
25.6 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
14.2 EVs
14.1 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
2248
2746
Scores

Sony a7 vs a7R – Our Verdict

Sony a7 vs a7R 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 or the Sony a7R:

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