CameraReview

Sony a7R II vs Sony a7R III — Which Is Better?

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

Sony a7R II
Sony
Sony a7R II
Mirrorless · 42.4 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
70
SCORE
$1,013.44
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7R III
Sony
Sony a7R III
Mirrorless · 42.4 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
83
SCORE
$1,749
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General
Brand SonySony
Model a7R IIa7R III
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20152017
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
10/06/201525/10/2017
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 127 x 96 x 60 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm
Camera weight 625 g657 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
42.4 MP05042.4 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7952 x 53047952 x 5304
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.
24 x 35.924 x 35.9
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 fps04510 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 FESony 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.
1003020010030200
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.
256003003280000320003003280000
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.
10240030032800001024003003280000
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.
39903004250300
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 235929609900000368640009900000
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.
4K4K
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.
3840 x 21603840 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.
30 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.
XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4XAVC S, 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 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.
1228800115000150000014400001150001500000
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 (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FW50NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
290 shots1505000650 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7R III outperforms the Sony a7R II with a score of 83/100 compared to 70/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share a similar size, with dimensions of 127 x 96mm and a slight difference in depth and weight. They were released two years apart and have nearly identical launch prices.

The a7R III’s higher score highlights its superiority in certain aspects. However, the a7R II still has some advantages, such as being slightly lighter, weighing 625g compared to the a7R III’s 657g.

Taking all factors into account, the Sony a7R III is a better camera due to its higher score, which reflects its improved features and performance. However, the Sony a7R II remains a viable option for those seeking a more lightweight camera.

Sony a7R II vs a7R III Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R III outperforms the Sony a7R II in optics, scoring 84/100 compared to the latter’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including 42.4 megapixels, a CMOS sensor type, the Bionz X processor, a full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. These similarities provide a strong foundation for the two cameras.

The a7R III surpasses the a7R II in certain aspects, such as its shooting speed and DXOMARK sensor score. With a shooting speed of 10, the a7R III doubles the a7R II’s speed of 5, enabling users to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. The a7R III also boasts a DXOMARK score of 100, slightly higher than the a7R II’s 98, reflecting the improved sensor quality.

The a7R II, however, does not offer any significant advantages in optics over the a7R III. Both cameras share many specifications, and the a7R III outperforms the a7R II in the key areas mentioned above.

Considering the differences in shooting speed and sensor score, the Sony a7R III emerges as the better camera in terms of optics. While both cameras possess strong specifications, the a7R III’s superior shooting speed and sensor quality make it the more appealing option for photographers seeking optimal camera optics.

Sony a7R II vs a7R III Video Performance

When comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a7R II and Sony a7R III, there is no clear winner as both cameras have a video score of 56/100. This equal score means that both cameras offer similar video performance.

The Sony a7R II and Sony a7R III share several video specifications. Both cameras have a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160. Additionally, they both offer a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. Neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality. These common specifications indicate that both cameras provide comparable video quality and capabilities.

Despite having the same score, there may be some areas where one camera outperforms the other. However, based on the provided information, it is not possible to determine which camera is better in specific aspects of video performance.

Similarly, the losing camera may have some advantages over the winning camera. However, since both cameras have the same video score, it is not possible to identify a losing camera in this comparison.

Given that both the Sony a7R II and Sony a7R III have the same video score and share several specifications, it can be concluded that both cameras offer similar video performance. Users can expect comparable video quality and capabilities from either camera. Choosing between these two cameras for video purposes would likely come down to other factors, such as price, ergonomics, or additional features not related to video performance.

Sony a7R II vs a7R III Features and Benefits

The Sony a7R III emerges as the winner in this comparison with a feature score of 83/100, significantly outperforming the Sony a7R II, which has a score of 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, absence of GPS, and WIFI connectivity.

The a7R III holds an advantage over the a7R II with its higher screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, compared to the a7R II’s 1,228,800 dots. This difference results in a sharper and clearer display on the a7R III. Moreover, the a7R III features a touchscreen, providing users with easier and more intuitive control over the camera settings. Additionally, the a7R III is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless pairing with other devices.

While the a7R II falls short in some aspects, it still shares valuable features with its successor, such as the flip screen and WIFI connectivity. These similarities provide users with the flexibility to shoot from various angles and the convenience of transferring files wirelessly. However, the a7R II’s lower feature score indicates that the camera does not surpass the a7R III in any significant aspect.

Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a7R III proves to be the superior camera with its higher feature score, improved screen resolution, touchscreen capabilities, and Bluetooth connectivity. Although the Sony a7R II shares some commonalities with its successor, it does not offer any distinct advantages over the a7R III. As a result, the Sony a7R III is the recommended choice for photographers seeking a camera with superior features and functionality.

Sony a7R II vs a7R III Storage and Battery

The Sony a7R III outperforms the Sony a7R II in storage and battery with a score of 65/100, compared to the latter’s 16/100. Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, but the a7R III has an advantage with two memory card slots and UHS-II compatibility. The a7R II only has one memory card slot and also supports Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo.

The a7R III’s battery life is significantly better at 650 shots, while the a7R II only offers 290 shots. Despite the difference in battery types (NP-FZ100 for a7R III and NP-FW50 for a7R II), neither camera has USB charging capabilities.

Considering these factors, the Sony a7R III has a clear advantage in storage and battery performance, making it a better option for those who require extended shooting sessions and more storage flexibility. The a7R II may still be suitable for casual photographers who don’t mind the limitations in battery life and storage capacity.

Sony a7R II vs a7R III – Our Verdict

Sony a7R II vs a7R III Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7R II or the Sony a7R III: