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Sony a7R II vs a7R III Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a7R II

Sony A7R II camera image
70%

Sony a7R III

sony a7r iii
Winner!
83%
Sony a7R II
vs
Sony a7R III
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
a7R II
a7R III
Released
2015
2017
Announcement Date
June 10, 2015
October 25, 2017
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

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.

Optics
Optics
81%
84%
Megapixels
42.4 MP
42.4 MP
Image Resolution
7952 x 5304 px
7952 x 5304 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
24 x 35.9 mm
24 x 35.9 mm
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
5 fps
10 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
32,000
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
50
50
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
102400
102400
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
399
425
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
2,359,296 dots
3,686,400 dots

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.

Video
Video
56%
56%
Video
Max Video Resolution
4K
4K
Max Video Dimensions
3840 x 2160 px
3840 x 2160 px
Max Video Frame Rate
30 p
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4

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.

Features
Features
57%
83%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
1,228,800 dots
1,440,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

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.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
16%
65%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
NP-FW50
NP-FZ100
Battery Life
290 shots
650 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
98%
100%
Portrait (Color Depth)
26 bits
26 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
13.9 EVs
14.7 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
3434
3523
Scores

Sony a7R II vs a7R III – Our Verdict

Sony a7R II vs a7R III Comparison image.

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