Sony Alpha A7 II vs Nikon D7500

  • Full frame
  • 24 megapixels
  • Sony E (NEX)
  • 55
    Overall
  • 32
    Imaging
  • 64
    Features
  • 74
    Size
  • 0
    Price
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  • APS-C
  • 21 megapixels
  • Nikon F
  • 41
    Overall
  • 12
    Imaging
  • 74
    Features
  • 72
    Size
  • 0
    Price
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Sony Alpha A7 II vs Nikon D7500: a Complete Review and Comparison

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:

  • 24.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 25600 (Expands to 50 - 51200)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • 3″ Tilting Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
  • Built-in Wireless: Yes
  • Dimensions: 127 x 96 x 60 mm
  • Weight: 599 g
  • Environmental Sealing: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: No
  • Replaced Sony .
  • Replaced by Sony A7 III.

Nikon D7500 Key Features:

  • 21.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Expands to 50 - 1640000)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • 3.2″ Tilting Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • Built-in Wireless: Yes
  • Dimensions: 136 x 104 x 73 mm
  • Weight: 640 g
  • Environmental Sealing: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: Yes
  • Replaced Nikon D7200. Compare

Sony Alpha A7 II was substituted by Sony A7 III.

Why is Sony Alpha A7 II a better choice than Nikon D7500

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

What are the key reasons to pick Nikon D7500 over Sony Alpha A7 II

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

Key PROs of Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon D7500

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

Sony Alpha A7 II vs Nikon D7500: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics

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.

Sony Alpha A7 II
Nikon D7500
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Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.

Sony Alpha A7 II
Nikon D7500
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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.

Comparing Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon D7500 by the type of Sensor and Resolution

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.

Sony Alpha A7 II
Nikon D7500
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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.

For Which Fields Of Photography Are Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon D7500 Suitable?

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
Portrait Photography
99%
91%
Street Photography
97%
90%
Sports Photography
96%
92%
Daily Photography
69%
57%
Landscape Photography
99%
97%

Sony Alpha A7 II for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Image Stabilization
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Nikon D7500 for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (21 MP)
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

  • You might not like Nikon skintone
  • No Image Stabilization

Sony Alpha A7 II for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Image Stabilization
  • Large Full frame(35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (127 x 96 x 60 mm)

Nikon D7500 for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
  • Big battery life (950 shots)

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (136 x 104 x 73 mm)
  • No Image Stabilization

Sony Alpha A7 II for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Environmental Sealing
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Big Number of autofocus Points (117)
  • Nice Low Light ISO (2449)

Disadvantages:

  • Slow Continuous Shooting (5.0 fps)
  • Small battery life (350 shots)

Nikon D7500 for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Environmental Sealing
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Big Number of autofocus Points (51)
  • Big size (136 x 104 x 73 mm)

Disadvantages:

  • Slow Continuous Shooting (8.0 fps)
  • Small Number of CrossFocus Points (15)

Sony Alpha A7 II for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Big weight (599 g)
  • Big size (127 x 96 x 60 mm)
  • No Built-in Flash

Nikon D7500 for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
  • Built-in Flash
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Big weight (640 g)
  • Big size (136 x 104 x 73 mm)

Sony Alpha A7 II for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Good Dynamic Range (13.6)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Live View
  • RAW Support
  • Nice Low Light ISO (2449)

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Nikon D7500 for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
  • Good Dynamic Range (14.0)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Live View
  • RAW Support

Disadvantages:

  • Low resolution sensor (21 MP)

Comparison of Sony Alpha A7 II vs Nikon D7500: Final Verdict

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.

Sony Alpha A7 II vs Nikon D7500 Table Of Technical Specs

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 Yes Yes
Lens
Manual Focus Yes Yes
Lens Mount Sony E (NEX) Nikon F
Number of Lenses 83 287
Focal Length Multiplier 1x 1.5x
Macro Focus Range
AutoFocus
AF Touch No Yes
AF Continuous Yes Yes
AF Single Yes Yes
AF Tracking Yes Yes
AF Selective Yes Yes
AF Center Yes Yes
AF Multi Area Yes Yes
AF Live View Yes Yes
AF Face Detection Yes Yes
AF Contrast Detection Yes Yes
AF Phase Detection Yes Yes
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 Yes Yes
Touch Screen No Yes
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 Yes Yes
Aperture Priority Yes Yes
Manual Exposure Mode Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation Yes Yes
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization Yes No
Built-in Flash No Yes
Flash Range 0 12
Flash Modes no built-in flash Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain
External Flash Yes Yes
AE Bracketing Yes Yes
WB Bracketing Yes Yes
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment Yes Yes
Average No No
Spot Yes Yes
Partial No No
AF-Area No No
Center Weighted Yes No
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 Yes Yes
Headphone Port Yes Yes
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Yes Yes
HDMI Yes Yes
USB USB 2.0 USB 2.0
Physical
Environmental Sealing Yes Yes
Water Proof No No
Dust Proof No No
Shock Proof No No
Crush Proof No No
Freeze Proof No No
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 Yes Yes
Timelapse Recording Yes Yes
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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