Sony a7R IV vs a7S II Comparison

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7S II with a score of 84/100 compared to 60/100. Both cameras share common features: they are mirrorless, have similar dimensions, and were launched with a price difference of $500. The a7R IV excels with its higher score, a reflection of its superior performance and updated technology since its release in 2019. On the other hand, the a7S II, released in 2015, weighs slightly less at 627g, making it more portable. Despite the weight advantage, the a7R IV stands out as the better camera due to its higher score and advanced specifications. The a7S II remains a viable option for those prioritizing portability and a lower price.

Sony a7R IV vs a7S II Overview and Optics

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7S II in optics, scoring 85/100 compared to the a7S II’s 66/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and image stabilization. However, the a7R IV excels in certain aspects, making it the superior choice in terms of optics.

The a7R IV boasts a remarkable 61.2 megapixels, significantly higher than the a7S II’s 12.2 megapixels. This difference allows the a7R IV to capture finer details and produce higher resolution images. Additionally, the a7R IV has a shooting speed of 10, double that of the a7S II, which has a shooting speed of 5. This makes the a7R IV more efficient in capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in continuous mode.

The DXOMARK score for the a7R IV’s sensor is 99, compared to the a7S II’s 85. This indicates that the a7R IV has a better sensor performance, resulting in improved image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

In contrast, the a7S II does not have any notable advantages over the a7R IV in terms of optics. Its lower megapixel count and shooting speed limit its capabilities compared to the a7R IV.

Given these differences, the Sony a7R IV is the clear winner in terms of optics. Its higher megapixel count, shooting speed, and DXOMARK score contribute to its superior performance. While the a7S II shares some common features with the a7R IV, it falls short in key areas, making the a7R IV the better choice for those prioritizing optical performance.

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7S II in video capabilities with a score of 70/100, a 14-point lead over the a7S II’s 56/100. Both cameras share the same maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160, as well as a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, the a7R IV surpasses the a7S II in certain aspects.

One significant advantage the a7R IV has is its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to capture stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. The a7S II lacks this functionality, making it less versatile in comparison.

Despite its lower score, the a7S II does have some strengths. Its main advantage lies in its low-light performance and sensitivity, which enables it to capture better quality footage in poorly lit conditions. This can be beneficial for those shooting in challenging environments or during nighttime.

Considering these points, the Sony a7R IV proves to be a better option for those who prioritize video capabilities and versatility. Its built-in time-lapse functionality sets it apart from the a7S II and caters to a wider range of creative possibilities. On the other hand, the Sony a7S II may still be a suitable choice for those who require exceptional low-light performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7S II in features, scoring 83 out of 100 compared to the a7S II’s 57 points. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen, flip screen, no GPS, and WiFi capabilities. However, the a7R IV has additional advantages that contribute to its higher score.

The a7R IV’s screen has a resolution of 1,440,000 dots, while the a7S II’s screen has a lower resolution of 1,228,800 dots. This difference results in a sharper and clearer display on the a7R IV. Additionally, the a7R IV has a touchscreen, making it more user-friendly and efficient to operate compared to the a7S II, which lacks this feature. The a7R IV also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easier and faster pairing with other devices.

On the other hand, the Sony a7S II does not have any significant advantages over the a7R IV in terms of features. Both cameras share common specifications such as screen size, flip screen, absence of GPS, and WiFi capabilities. The a7S II’s lower score reflects its fewer features compared to the a7R IV.

Considering the differences in features, the Sony a7R IV is the superior camera in this comparison. Its higher screen resolution, touchscreen capability, and Bluetooth connectivity make it a more versatile and user-friendly option. The Sony a7S II, while still a capable camera, falls short in comparison to the a7R IV due to its fewer features and lower score.

The Sony a7R IV outperforms the Sony a7S II in storage and battery, scoring 79/100 compared to 21/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. However, the a7R IV has two memory card slots, while the a7S II has only one and also accepts Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo.

The a7R IV proves superior with its battery life, providing 670 shots per charge, using the NP-FZ100 battery type. In contrast, the a7S II offers 370 shots per charge and relies on the NP-FW50 battery type. Additionally, the a7R IV supports USB charging, a feature absent in the a7S II.

Although the a7S II falls short in storage and battery, it accommodates Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards, offering users a broader range of memory card options. Despite this advantage, the a7R IV remains the better choice for photographers requiring longer battery life, USB charging, and more memory card slots.

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