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, Sony Alpha A7 II belongs to a Pro Mirrorless category, the other model, Sony Alpha A7 II is a Semi-Pro DSLR camera. Sony Alpha A7 II is equipped with a 24.0 MP CMOS sensor, while Nikon D7500 comes with a 21.0 MP CMOS sensor.
Both cameras we are going to look at in our overview fall into two different categories - MirrorLess and DSLR. 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 Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon D7500 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Sony Alpha A7 II Key Features:
Nikon D7500 Key Features:
Sony Alpha A7 II was substituted by Sony A7 III.
NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 21.0 MP | 12.5% more pixels |
Sensor Area | 855.62 mm2 vs 368.95 mm2 | 56.9% larger pixel area |
Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
Number Of Focus Points | 117 vs 51 | 66 more focus points |
Screen Resolution | 1,230k dots vs 922k dots | 25% higher resolution screen |
Weight | 599 g vs 640 g | 41 g lighter |
Dxo Color Depth | 24.9 vs 24.3 | Better color depth |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 2449 vs 1483 | Better High ISO performance |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71 vs 0.63 | 0.08 better magnification |
Bluetooth | Yes vs No | Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth |
Continuous Shooting | 8 fps vs 5 fps | 3 fps faster |
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 |
Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
Battery Life | 950 shots vs 350 shots | 600 more frames with a single charge |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 14 vs 13.6 | Better dynamic range |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ | Large display |
Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
Viewfinder | Electronic | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
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 |
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 Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon D7500 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 A7 II is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 41g less than the Nikon D7500. 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 Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon D7500 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. Sony Alpha A7 II features a 24.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a Bionz X processor . Nikon D7500, in its turn, comes with a 21.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon D7500 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Sony Alpha A7 II has a sensor area 0.4x bigger compared to Nikon D7500. What does it mean? This basically means that if you these cameras them with the same aperture and focal length, the first model will give you more control in terms of the blurry background and depth of field.
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 Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon D7500 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 | Sony Alpha A7 II | Nikon D7500 |
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Portrait Photography |
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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 DisadvantagesAdvantages:
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Hopefully, 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, Sony Alpha A7 II or Nikon D7500, 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 Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon D7500 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 A7 II deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D7500. 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:
Sony Alpha A7 II | Nikon D7500 | |
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand | Sony | Nikon |
Model | Alpha A7 II | D7500 |
Announced | Nov 20, 2014 | Apr 12, 2017 |
Body Type | SLR-style mirrorless | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | Full frame | APS-C |
Sensor Dimensions | 35.8 x 23.9 mm | 23.5 x 15.7 mm |
Sensor Area | 855.62 mm2 | 368.95 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 21.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 5568 x 3712 |
Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 51,200 |
Max Boosted ISO | 51,200 | 1,640,000 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Sony E (NEX) | Nikon F |
Number of Lenses | 83 | 287 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1x | 1.5x |
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 | 117 | 51 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 15 |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,230k dots | 922k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | Optical (pentaprism) |
ViewFinder Resolution | 2,359k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.71 | 0.63 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 8.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 0 | 12 |
Flash Modes | no built-in flash | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 90 | 86 |
DxO Color Depth | 24.9 | 24.3 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 13.6 | 14.0 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 2449 | 1483 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 599 g | 640 g |
Physical Dimensions | 127 x 96 x 60 mm | 136 x 104 x 73 mm |
Battery Life | 350 shots | 950 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | NP-FW50 | EN-EL15a |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | |
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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