Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Nikon D800E belongs to a Semi-Pro DSLR category, the other model, Nikon D800E is a Pro Mirrorless camera. Both models feature different types of sensors. Thus, Nikon D800E comes with CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 36.0 MP resolution, while our second compared model Sony Alpha A7R II features a 42.0 MP BSI-CMOS sensor.
Both cameras we are going to look at in our overview fall into two different categories - DSLR and MirrorLess. Keeping in mind all the distinctive features of each category, it will be hard to make a detailed comparison of these two models. However, we will do our best to make this review as unbiased and detailed as possible.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D800E and Sony Alpha A7R II and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D800E Key Features:
Sony Alpha A7R II Key Features:
Nikon D800E was substituted by Nikon D810.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D800E vs. D810
Nikon D810 vs. Sony Alpha A7R II
Nikon D800E substituted Nikon D700.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D800E vs. D700
Nikon D700 vs. Sony Alpha A7R II
Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
Flash Range | 12 vs No | 12 better flash range |
Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
Battery Life | 900 shots vs 290 shots | 610 more frames with a single charge |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 14.3 vs 13.9 | Better dynamic range |
Wireless Connectivity | Built-In vs No | Better connectivity |
NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Sensor Resolution | 42.0 MP vs 36.0 MP | 14.3% more pixels |
Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
Continuous Shooting | 5 fps vs 4 fps | 1 fps faster |
Number Of Focus Points | 399 vs 51 | 348 more focus points |
Screen Resolution | 1,229k dots vs 921k dots | 25.1% higher resolution screen |
Weight | 625 g vs 900 g | 275 g lighter |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
Dxo Color Depth | 26 vs 25.6 | Better color depth |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 3434 vs 2979 | Better High ISO performance |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.78 vs 0.7 | 0.08 better magnification |
Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ | Large display |
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
Sensor Resolution | 36.0 MP | 42.0 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
Headphone Port | Yes | Yes | Better video control |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Continuous Shooting | 4.0 fps | 5.0 fps | Low continuous shooting |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D800E and Sony Alpha A7R II from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Sony Alpha A7R II is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 275g less than the Nikon D800E. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D800E and Sony Alpha A7R II any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D800E features a 36.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor . Sony Alpha A7R II, in its turn, comes with a 42.0 MP Full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D800E and Sony Alpha A7R II by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D800E and Sony Alpha A7R II are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D800E and Sony Alpha A7R II in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Nikon D800E | Sony Alpha A7R II |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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No Significant DisadvantagesAdvantages:
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No Significant DisadvantagesHopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D800E or Sony Alpha A7R II, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D800E and Sony Alpha A7R II here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha A7R II deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D800E. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Nikon D800E | Sony Alpha A7R II | |
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General | ||
Brand | Nikon | Sony |
Model | D800E | Alpha A7R II |
Announced | Jun 11, 2012 | Jun 10, 2015 |
Body Type | Mid-size SLR | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Size | Full frame | Full frame |
Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 24 mm | 35.9 x 24 mm |
Sensor Area | 861.60 mm2 | 861.60 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 36.0 MP | 42.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 7360 x 4912 | 7974 x 5316 |
Max Native ISO | 6,400 | 25,600 |
Max Boosted ISO | 25,600 | 102,400 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
Number of Lenses | 287 | 83 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1x | 1x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 51 | 399 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | 15 | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 1,229k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 2,359k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.7 | 0.78 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 4.0 fps | 5.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 12 | 0 |
Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain, High-speed sync | no built-in flash |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 96 | 98 |
DxO Color Depth | 25.6 | 26.0 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 14.3 | 13.9 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 2979 | 3434 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) | 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 900 g | 625 g |
Physical Dimensions | 146 x 123 x 82 mm | 127 x 96 x 60 mm |
Battery Life | 900 shots | 290 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | EN-EL15 | NP-FW50 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | |
Storage Type | Compact Flash (Type I), SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo |
Storage Slots | 2 | 1 |
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