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Sony a7R II
70
SCORE
Sony · Mirrorless · 42.4 MP · Full Frame · 4K video

Sony a7R II

General 70Optics 81Video Performance 56Features and Benefits 57Storage and Battery 16
From $1,013.44 — 5 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
Modela7R II
Released2015
Announcement date10/06/2015
Camera typeMirrorless
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−Clumsy menu system
−LCD display struggles in bright sunlight
−Less-than-stellar battery performance
−No touchscreen

General 70

Brand
Sony
Model
a7R II
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2015
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
10/06/2015
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
127 x 96 x 60 mm
Camera weight
625 g

Optics 81

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
42.4 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7952 x 5304
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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
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
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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
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.
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.
1024003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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
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.
3990300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
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
Viewfinder dots
235929609900000
Read our notes on optics

The Sony a7R II receives a score of 70/100 in our evaluation. Announced on June 10, 2015, and released the same year, this mirrorless camera initially cost $3198. It measures 127 x 96 x 60mm and weighs 625g (1.38lbs), making it a relatively compact and lightweight option.

Considering its age, the Sony a7R II still holds up quite well in today’s market, with its specifications remaining competitive. Its compact size and weight make it a portable choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. This camera proves that quality can stand the test of time.

Sony a7R II Overview and Optics

The optics score for the Sony a7R II stands at 81/100. With a 42.4-megapixel resolution, this camera captures high-quality images. The CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor work together to provide excellent performance in various lighting conditions. The camera’s shooting speed is 5 frames per second, which is suitable for most photography needs.

In today’s competitive market, the Sony a7R II holds its ground with a 98 DXOMARK score for the sensor. The full-frame sensor size ensures sharp and detailed images, while the Sony FE lens mount offers compatibility with a wide range of lenses. The camera also features image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio, making it a solid choice for both professional and amateur photographers.

The Sony a7R II’s optics specifications make it a reliable and versatile camera. Its combination of high-resolution imaging, advanced sensor technology, and compatibility with various lenses ensures that it remains a strong contender in the photography market.

Sony a7R II Video Performance 56

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K
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 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 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.
No
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
Read our notes on sony a7r ii video performance

The Sony a7R II received a video score of 56 out of 100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160 pixels. It supports a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, the a7R II does not provide built-in time-lapse functionality.

Compared to other cameras in today’s market, the a7R II’s video capabilities are decent but not outstanding. The 4K resolution is standard among modern cameras, and the 30fps frame rate is acceptable for most users. The lack of built-in time-lapse functionality is a drawback, as many competing models offer this feature.

The Sony a7R II’s video capabilities are satisfactory for casual users but may not satisfy professionals or enthusiasts seeking advanced features.

Sony a7R II Features and Benefits 57

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
12288001150001500000
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.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on sony a7r ii features and benefits

The Sony a7R II has a feature score of 57 out of 100, which may not seem impressive, but let’s examine the specifications further. The camera has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 1228800 dots. While it lacks a touchscreen, it does have a flip screen, making it useful for various shooting angles.

In terms of connectivity, the a7R II comes with built-in WiFi, allowing for easy sharing and remote control of the camera. However, it does not have GPS or Bluetooth capabilities. In today’s market, these features are considered standard, and the absence of them might be a drawback for some users.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R II has a decent set of features, but it may not stand out as a top choice for those looking for the latest technological advancements. Its strengths lie in other areas, such as its optics and video capabilities, which should be considered when making a decision on whether to purchase this camera.

Sony a7R II Storage and Battery 16

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
NP-FW50
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
290 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on sony a7r ii storage and battery

The Sony a7R II scores 16/100 for storage and battery. It has a single memory card slot that accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. The battery life is 290 shots, and it uses the NP-FW50 battery type. Unfortunately, this camera does not support USB charging.

Compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony a7R II falls short in storage and battery performance. With only one memory card slot and a relatively low battery life, this camera may not be the best choice for photographers who require extended shooting sessions or greater storage capacity. As technology advances, multiple memory card slots and longer battery life have become standard features in many cameras. Therefore, the a7R II’s storage and battery capabilities do not meet the expectations of contemporary photographers.