Decision tools · Compare
A7 vs A7R II
Quick take: The A7R II has the highest resolution at 42MP; the A7 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·14 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
A7 — Camera History & Full-Frame Introduction: The camera that changed photography — the world's first compact full-frame mirrorless, the A7 launched a product family that redefined what was possible.
A7R II — Portrait, Landscape & Studio Photography: The A7R II transformed the A7R series — adding IBIS, 4K video, BSI sensor tech, and phase-detect AF in one generation. A landmark Sony camera.
Who should buy what
A7 (2013)
is the right camera for you if…
- Photographers interested in the camera that launched the full-frame mirrorless era
- Budget-conscious buyers who want to experience full-frame image quality at minimal cost
- Sony FE system users who want the original A7 for sentimental or historical value
- Those adapting vintage lenses who want full-frame with phase-detect AF at low cost
A7R II (2015)
is the right camera for you if…
- Landscape and architecture photographers who want 42MP with IBIS for handheld shooting
- Portrait and studio photographers who need high resolution with improved AF reliability
- Sony FE system users who want a capable high-resolution body at a used price
- A7R I owners who need the stabilisation, 4K, and improved AF the original lacked
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | A7Sony · 2013 | A7R IISony · 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £151 usedBest | £420 used |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame CMOS | 42.4MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 42.4MPBest |
| Video | 1080p/60p | 4K/30p (S35 or full-frame), 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | 117 phase-detect + 25 contrast-detect AF points | 399 phase-detect + 25 contrast-detect AF points, face detection |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | IBIS — 5-axis, up to 4.5 stops (first A7R with IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~340 shots (CIPA)Best | ~290 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 474g (with battery and card)Best | 625g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm | 126.9 × 95.7 × 60.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots (no touch) | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots (no touch) |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
A7
A7R II
Portrait
6.6/10
7.1/10
Street
6.2/10
5.8/10
Travel
6.0/10
5.6/10
Wedding & Events
5.3/10
5.5/10
Documentary
5.6/10
6.1/10
Sports & Action
5.8/10
5.8/10
Landscape
5.8/10
6.4/10
Wildlife
6.5/10
6.7/10
Casual
3.9/10
3.9/10
Food
5.7/10
6.4/10
Macro
5.0/10
5.8/10
Architecture
5.6/10
6.4/10
Astrophotography
5.6/10
6.0/10
Filmmaking
—
5.9/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history