Decision tools · Compare
A7R II vs A7S II
Quick take: The A7R II has the highest resolution at 42MP.
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.
Sony
A7S II 2015
Best for Low-light video, documentary & available-light filmmaking
£381
used today at Wex Photo Video
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
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.
A7S II — Low-Light Video, Documentary & Available-Light Filmmaking: A landmark in mirrorless history — the first Sony with IBIS and internal 4K, its low-light video capability still impresses today at a used-market price.
Who should buy what
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
A7S II (2015)
is the right camera for you if…
- Filmmakers and videographers who want legendary low-light performance at a used-price discount
- Documentary shooters working in unpredictable available light conditions
- A7S III shooters who want a second Sony FE body for backup or B-camera use
- Budget-conscious video producers who want full-frame 4K with S-Log at an accessible price
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | A7R IISony · 2015 | A7S IISony · 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £420 used | £381 usedBest |
| Sensor | 42.4MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 42.4MPBest | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (S35 or full-frame), 1080p/120p | 4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3 |
| Autofocus | 399 phase-detect + 25 contrast-detect AF points, face detection | Contrast-detect AF, 169 points; limited by modern standards |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — 5-axis, up to 4.5 stops (first A7R with IBIS) | 5-axis IBIS — 4.5 stops (first Sony mirrorless with IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 5fps continuous |
| Battery Life | ~290 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 625g (with battery and card) | 584g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 95.7 × 60.3mm | 126.9 × 95.7 × 60.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots (no touch) | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-I slots |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth (via app), Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic jack |
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
A7R II
A7S II
Portrait
7.1/10
5.8/10
Street
5.8/10
5.3/10
Travel
5.6/10
5.2/10
Wedding & Events
5.5/10
5.6/10
Filmmaking
5.9/10
6.2/10
Documentary
6.1/10
5.8/10
Sports & Action
5.8/10
5.2/10
Landscape
6.4/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
6.7/10
5.6/10
Casual
3.9/10
3.5/10
Food
6.4/10
5.2/10
Macro
5.8/10
4.8/10
Architecture
6.4/10
4.8/10
Astrophotography
6.0/10
6.8/10
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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