Sony a7R
Sony · Mirrorless · 36 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a7R |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2013 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 16, 2013 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 127 x 94 x 48 mm |
| Camera weight | 465 g |
Optics74/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony a7R scores 65/100 in our evaluation of general specifications. Measuring 127 x 94 x 48mm, it has a compact and lightweight design, weighing only 465g or 1.03lbs. In today’s market, the Sony a7R remains a reliable option for photographers seeking a lightweight and portable camera. Its specifications continue to hold their ground, offering users a solid camera choice for various photography needs. Sony a7R Overview and OpticsThe Sony a7R scores a 74/100 in the optics category. Boasting 36 megapixels, a shooting speed of 4, and a CMOS sensor, it has impressive specifications. The camera’s processor is the Bionz X, and its DXOMARK score for the sensor is 95. The full-frame sensor size, Sony FE lens mount, and 3:2 aspect ratio contribute to its strong optical performance. However, the Sony a7R lacks image stabilization, which is a notable drawback in today’s market. Many competing cameras offer this feature, ensuring sharp images even in low light or with slower shutter speeds. Despite this, the Sony a7R remains a solid choice for photographers seeking high-quality optics. With its high-resolution sensor and powerful processor, it delivers sharp, detailed images that stand out among its competitors. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 36 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 7360 x 4912 |
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. | 4 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. | 256003003280000 |
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. | 250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
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 | 235900009900000 |
Video56/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony a7R’s video capabilities score stands at 56/100. While it offers Full HD video resolution with dimensions of 1920 x 1080, the maximum video frame rate is 60fps. However, this camera lacks built-in time-lapse functionality. In today’s market, the Sony a7R’s video specifications may not be the most impressive as 4K resolution has become increasingly common among modern cameras. The absence of time-lapse functionality also limits the camera’s versatility for capturing dynamic scenes. Despite these shortcomings, the Sony a7R still provides respectable Full HD video quality suitable for casual users and those not requiring advanced video features. While it may not be the top choice for videographers, the a7R remains a solid option for photographers prioritizing still image quality. | |
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. |  Full HD |
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. | 1920 x 1080 |
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. | 60 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. | AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Features57/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony a7R features score stands at 57/100, reflecting its capabilities in comparison to other cameras on the market. With a screen size of 3 inches and a resolution of 1,230,000 dots, the camera’s display is clear and sharp. However, the Sony a7R lacks a touchscreen, which is a common feature in many modern cameras. The camera compensates for this with a flip screen, allowing for easier shooting from various angles. While it does not offer GPS functionality, the Sony a7R does have WIFI capabilities, making it convenient to transfer files. The absence of Bluetooth connectivity is a minor setback. Taking all these features into account, the Sony a7R remains a competitive option for photographers seeking a capable camera with a balance of essential and advanced features. Its score of 57/100 demonstrates that it still has room for improvement, but it stands as a strong choice for many users. | |
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. | 12300001150001500000 |
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 |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony a7R scores 21/100 in the storage and battery category. The camera has a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. In today’s market, having only one memory card slot may limit storage flexibility for some users, especially professionals who prefer dual slots for backup purposes. The a7R uses an NP-FW50 battery, providing 340 shots per charge. This battery life is relatively low compared to other cameras in its class, which may necessitate carrying multiple batteries for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, which could be an inconvenience for on-the-go photographers. Considering these specifications, the Sony a7R’s storage and battery performance may not be ideal for some users. However, its other features and capabilities could still make it a strong contender in the market. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick 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. | 340 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |