Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 63
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 65
SCORE
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|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Model | a7 | a7R |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2013 | 2013 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
16/10/2013 | 16/10/2013 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 127 x 94 x 48 mm | 127 x 94 x 48 mm |
| Camera weight | 474 g | 465 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24 MP050 | 36 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 7360 x 4912 |
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 | 24 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full 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 fps045 | 4 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 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
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. |
10030200 | 5030200 |
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. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
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. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
1170300 | 250300 |
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. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 235900009900000 | 235900009900000 |
| 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 HD | Full HD |
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 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
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 fps | 60 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. |
AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 | AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
| 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 | 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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
12300001150001500000 | 12300001150001500000 |
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 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 ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
340 shots1505000 | 340 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
