Sony a7R II vs a7S Comparison
Sony a7R II
Sony a7S
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7R II | a7S | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2015 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | June 10, 2015 | April 06, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7R II outperforms the Sony a7S with a score of 70/100 compared to 55/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as being mirrorless and having similar dimensions. However, the a7R II excels with a higher launch price of $3198 and a slightly heavier weight of 625g, indicating a more robust build and advanced features. On the other hand, the a7S is lighter at 489g and more affordable with a launch price of $2499, making it a more accessible option for some users. Ultimately, the a7R II’s higher score reflects its superior performance and features, while the a7S offers a more budget-friendly choice.
Sony a7R II vs a7S Overview and Optics
The Sony a7R II emerges as the winner in the optics comparison, with a score of 81/100, while the Sony a7S trails behind at 60/100. This 21-point difference highlights the superiority of the a7R II in terms of optical performance. Both cameras share several specifications, including a shooting speed of 5, a CMOS sensor type, a Bionz X processor, a full-frame sensor size, and a Sony FE lens mount.
The a7R II outperforms the a7S in several aspects. With a higher megapixel count of 42.4, compared to the a7S’s 12.2, the a7R II captures significantly more detail and produces higher-resolution images. The a7R II also boasts a superior DXOMARK sensor score of 98, as opposed to the a7S’s score of 87, which reflects its better overall image quality. Additionally, the a7R II features image stabilization, providing an advantage when capturing images in low-light conditions or with longer focal lengths.
On the other hand, the a7S does not offer any clear advantages over the a7R II in terms of optics. Both cameras share the same shooting speed, sensor type, processor, sensor size, and lens mount. However, it is worth noting that the a7S’s lower megapixel count may be advantageous for those prioritizing low-light performance and video capabilities, as fewer megapixels can result in better low-light sensitivity and reduced noise.
Taking all these factors into account, the Sony a7R II stands out as the superior option for photographers seeking higher-resolution images, better image quality, and image stabilization. The Sony a7S, while lacking in optical advantages, may still be a suitable choice for those prioritizing low-light performance and video capabilities.
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Optics
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Sony a7R II
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Sony a7S
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 42.4 MP | 12.2 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. | 7952 x 5304 px | 4240 x 2832 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. | 24 x 35.9 mm | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
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 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 | |
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 | 100 | |
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 | 102,400 | |
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. | 50 | 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. | 102400 | 409600 | |
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. | 399 | 25 | |
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 | 2,359,296 dots | 2,400,000 dots |
Sony a7R II vs a7S Video Performance
When comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a7R II and the Sony a7S, both cameras have a score of 56 out of 100. This means that there is no clear winner in terms of video performance. However, there are differences in the specifications that may appeal to different users.
Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the lack of built-in time-lapse functionality. This means that neither camera has an advantage in this aspect. However, the differences in their video capabilities lie mainly in the resolution and frame rate.
The Sony a7R II has a maximum video resolution of 4K with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, while the Sony a7S has a maximum video resolution of Full HD with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. This means that the a7R II can produce higher quality videos with more detail and clarity, making it a better choice for users who prioritize video quality.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S has a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the a7R II’s 30fps. A higher frame rate allows for smoother motion in videos and is better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects or recording slow-motion footage. This makes the a7S a more suitable option for users who require higher frame rates for their video projects.
Taking into consideration the differences in video resolution and frame rate, the Sony a7R II is better for those who prioritize video quality and detail, while the Sony a7S is better for users who need higher frame rates for smoother motion. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user.
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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. |  4K |  Full HD | |
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. | 3840 x 2160 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. | 30 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. | XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Sony a7R II vs a7S Features and Benefits
The Sony a7R II wins the features comparison with a score of 57/100, while the Sony a7S scores 54/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen, no touchscreen, flip screen, no GPS, WIFI, and no Bluetooth.
The a7R II excels with its higher screen resolution of 1,228,800 dots, compared to the a7S’s 921,000 dots. This results in a sharper and clearer display, which is helpful for composing shots and reviewing images. This advantage contributes to the a7R II’s higher feature score.
On the other hand, the a7S has its own strengths, although they do not outweigh the a7R II’s advantages in this comparison. The a7S is known for its exceptional low-light performance and high ISO capabilities, which is not reflected in the feature scores. This makes it a popular choice among photographers who frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R II is the better camera in terms of features, with its higher screen resolution being a significant advantage. However, the Sony a7S still holds value for those who prioritize low-light performance and high ISO capabilities. Both cameras offer a solid set of features, but the a7R II comes out on top in this comparison.
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Features
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Sony a7S
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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 |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,228,800 dots | 921,000 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 a7R II vs a7S Storage and Battery
The Sony a7S emerges as the winner in the storage and battery category with a score of 21/100, while the Sony a7R II scores 16/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a single memory card slot and accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. Additionally, both cameras use the NP-FW50 battery type and do not offer USB charging.
The Sony a7S outperforms the a7R II in battery life, providing 380 shots compared to the a7R II’s 290 shots. This advantage makes the a7S more reliable for longer shooting sessions without needing to change or recharge the battery. On the other hand, the Sony a7R II does not have any significant advantages in storage and battery over the a7S.
Considering the longer battery life of the Sony a7S, it is the better choice for photographers who require extended shooting time without interruptions. The Sony a7R II, despite having a lower score in this category, still offers decent storage and battery performance for general use.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / 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. | 290 shots | 380 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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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.' | 26 bits | 23.9 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.' | 13.9 EVs | 13.2 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' | 3434 | 3702 |
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Scores
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Sony a7R II
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Sony a7R II vs a7S – Our Verdict
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 a7S:
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User Scores
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Sony a7S
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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