Decision tools · Compare
A7R vs A7S II
Quick take: The A7R has the highest resolution at 36MP; the A7R 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.
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 — Studio, Tripod Landscape & Camera History: The world's first 36MP full-frame mirrorless — a landmark camera that launched the A7R series, despite contrast-detect AF and significant shutter shock limitations.
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 (2013)
is the right camera for you if…
- Collectors and photographers interested in the camera that started the A7R lineage
- Studio photographers who work on a tripod and can manage contrast-detect AF
- Landscape photographers who prioritise resolution over autofocus performance
- Sony FE system users who want a historical body at a very low used price
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 | A7RSony · 2013 | A7S IISony · 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £381 usedBest |
| Sensor | 36.4MP Full-Frame CMOS (no OLPF) | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 36.4MPBest | 12.1MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p | 4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3 |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF only (no phase-detect on sensor) | Contrast-detect AF, 169 points; limited by modern standards |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS — 4.5 stops (first Sony mirrorless with IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 4fps | 5fps continuousBest |
| Battery Life | ~340 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 465g (with battery and card)Best | 584g (body only) |
| 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, 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
A7S II
Portrait
5.8/10
5.8/10
Street
5.7/10
5.3/10
Travel
5.7/10
5.2/10
Wedding & Events
4.4/10
5.6/10
Documentary
4.9/10
5.8/10
Sports & Action
4.5/10
5.2/10
Landscape
6.3/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
5.4/10
5.6/10
Casual
3.7/10
3.5/10
Food
5.6/10
5.2/10
Macro
5.0/10
4.8/10
Architecture
6.1/10
4.8/10
Astrophotography
5.4/10
6.8/10
Filmmaking
—
6.2/10
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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