Sony Alpha A7 III vs Sony Alpha A7R II

  • Full frame
  • 24 megapixels
  • Sony E
  • 50
    Overall
  • 24
    Imaging
  • 88
    Features
  • 73
    Size
  • 0
    Price
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  • Full frame
  • 42 megapixels
  • Sony E
  • 64
    Overall
  • 45
    Imaging
  • 64
    Features
  • 74
    Size
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Sony Alpha A7 III vs Sony Alpha A7R II: 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!

The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Pro Mirrorless category, introduced by Sony. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are Alpha A7 III and Alpha A7R II. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - BSI-CMOS. However, they have different resolution. Thus, Sony Alpha A7 III comes with a 24.0 MP BSI-CMOS sensor, while the Sony Alpha A7R II features a 42.0 MP BSI-CMOS sensor.

Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Sony Alpha A7 III and Sony Alpha A7R II.

Sony Alpha A7 III Key Features:

  • 24.0 MP Full frame BSI-CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Expands to 50 - 204800)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • 3″ Tilting Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p) 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
  • Built-in Wireless: Yes
  • Dimensions: 127 x 96 x 74 mm
  • Weight: 650 g
  • Environmental Sealing: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: No
  • Replaced Sony A7 II.

Sony Alpha A7R II Key Features:

  • 42.0 MP Full frame BSI-CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 25600 (Expands to 50 - 102400)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • 3″ Tilting Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 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: 625 g
  • Environmental Sealing: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: No
  • Replaced Sony A7R.
  • Replaced by Sony A7R III.

Being a newer model, Sony Alpha A7 III substituted Sony A7 II.

Why is Sony Alpha A7 III a better choice than Sony Alpha A7R II

Bluetooth Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth
Storage Slots 2 vs 1 Extra storage slot
Continuous Shooting 10 fps vs 5 fps 5 fps faster
Number Of Focus Points 693 vs 399 294 more focus points
Touch Screen Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Battery Life 610 shots vs 290 shots 320 more frames with a single charge
Dxo Dynamic Range 14.7 vs 13.9 Better dynamic range
Dxo Low Light Iso 3730 vs 3434 Better High ISO performance

What are the key reasons to pick Sony Alpha A7R II over Sony Alpha A7 III

Sensor Resolution 42.0 MP vs 24.0 MP 42.9% more pixels
Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 vs 852.04 mm2 1.1% larger pixel area
Screen Resolution 1,229k dots vs 922k dots 25% higher resolution screen
Weight 625 g vs 650 g 25 g lighter
Dxo Color Depth 26 vs 25 Better color depth

Key PROs of Sony Alpha A7 III and Sony Alpha A7R II

Screen Size 3″ | 3″ Large display
Screen Type Tilting | Tilting Help viewing and changing settings easily
Viewfinder Electronic | Electronic Better framing and control
Raw Support Yes | Yes Better image quality
Sensor Resolution 24.0 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
Image Stabilization Yes | Yes Built-in stabilization
Flash Sync Port Yes | Yes Port for Flash Sync
Environmental Sealing Yes | Yes Shoot at tough conditions

Key CONs of Sony Alpha A7 III and Sony Alpha A7R II

Timelapse Recording Yes | Yes No timelapse recording
Built-In Flash No | No No built-in flash

Sony Alpha A7 III vs Sony Alpha A7R II: 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 III and Sony Alpha A7R II from the front view.

Sony Alpha A7 III
Sony Alpha A7R II
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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 III
Sony Alpha A7R II
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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 A7R II is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 25g less than the Sony Alpha A7 III. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.

Battery values for Pro Mirrorless cameras:
Sony Alpha A7 III — 610 shots
Sony Alpha A7R II — 290 shots
Min: 210 shots
Average: 432 shots
Max: 870 shots
Thickness values for Pro Mirrorless cameras:
Sony Alpha A7 III — 74 mm
Sony Alpha A7R II — 60 mm
Min: 37 mm
Average: 63 mm
Max: 97 mm
Weight values for Pro Mirrorless cameras:
Sony Alpha A7 III — 650 g
Sony Alpha A7R II — 625 g
Min: 465 g
Average: 672 g
Max: 1320 g

Comparing Sony Alpha A7 III and Sony Alpha A7R II 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 III 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. Sony Alpha A7 III features a 24.0 MP Full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor and boasts of a Bionz X processor . 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 Sony Alpha A7 III and Sony Alpha A7R II by the size of their sensors.

Sony Alpha A7 III
Sony Alpha A7R II
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Sony Alpha A7 III 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.

For Which Fields Of Photography Are Sony Alpha A7 III and Sony Alpha A7R II 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 III 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 Sony Alpha A7 III Sony Alpha A7R II
Portrait Photography
98%
99%
Street Photography
95%
97%
Sports Photography
99%
98%
Daily Photography
69%
68%
Landscape Photography
99%
100%

Sony Alpha A7 III for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Image Stabilization
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Sony Alpha A7R II for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (42 MP)
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Image Stabilization
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Sony Alpha A7 III for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Image Stabilization
  • Large Full frame(35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)

Sony Alpha A7R II for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Image Stabilization
  • Large Full frame(35.9 x 24 mm) sensor

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (127 x 96 x 60 mm)

Sony Alpha A7 III for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Environmental Sealing
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Big Number of autofocus Points (693)
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3730)
  • Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)

Disadvantages:

  • Slow Continuous Shooting (10.0 fps)
  • Small battery life (610 shots)

Sony Alpha A7R II for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Environmental Sealing
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Big Number of autofocus Points (399)
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3434)

Disadvantages:

  • Slow Continuous Shooting (5.0 fps)
  • Small battery life (290 shots)

Sony Alpha A7 III for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Big weight (650 g)
  • Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)
  • No Built-in Flash

Sony Alpha A7R II for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Big weight (625 g)
  • Big size (127 x 96 x 60 mm)
  • No Built-in Flash

Sony Alpha A7 III for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Good Dynamic Range (14.7)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Live View
  • RAW Support
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3730)

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Sony Alpha A7R II for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (42 MP)
  • Good Dynamic Range (13.9)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Live View
  • RAW Support
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3434)

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Comparison of Sony Alpha A7 III vs Sony Alpha A7R II: 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 III 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 Sony Alpha A7 III 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 Sony Alpha A7 III. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.

Sony Alpha A7 III vs Sony Alpha A7R II Table Of Technical Specs

For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:

Sony Alpha A7 III Sony Alpha A7R II
General
Brand Sony Sony
Model Alpha A7 III Alpha A7R II
Announced Feb 27, 2018 Jun 10, 2015
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor
Sensor Type BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size Full frame Full frame
Sensor Dimensions 35.8 x 23.8 mm 35.9 x 24 mm
Sensor Area 852.04 mm2 861.60 mm2
Sensor Resolution 24.0 MP 42.0 MP
Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 7974 x 5316
Max Native ISO 51,200 25,600
Max Boosted ISO 204,800 102,400
Min Native ISO 100 100
RAW Support Yes Yes
Lens
Manual Focus Yes Yes
Lens Mount Sony E Sony E
Number of Lenses 83 83
Focal Length Multiplier 1x 1x
Macro Focus Range
AutoFocus
AF Touch Yes No
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 693 399
Number of Cross Focus Points n/a n/a
Screen
Screen Type Tilting Tilting
Screen Size 3″ 3″
Screen Resolution 922k dots 1,229k dots
Live View Yes Yes
Touch Screen Yes No
ViewFinder
ViewFinder Electronic Electronic
ViewFinder Resolution 2,359k dots 2,359k dots
ViewFinder Coverage 100% 100%
ViewFinder Magnification 0.78 0.78
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed 30 s 30 s
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 s 1/8000 s
Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps 5.0 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 Yes
Built-in Flash No No
Flash Range 0 0
Flash Modes no built-in flash no built-in flash
External Flash Yes Yes
AE Bracketing Yes Yes
WB Bracketing Yes Yes
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment Yes Yes
Average Yes Yes
Spot Yes Yes
Partial No No
AF-Area No No
Center Weighted No No
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Sensor Score 96 98
DxO Color Depth 25.0 26.0
DxO Dynamic Range 14.7 13.9
DxO Low Light ISO 3730 3434
Video Features
Video Resolutions 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p) 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 3840 x 2160
Video Formats MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264 MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Microphone Port Yes Yes
Headphone Port Yes Yes
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Yes Yes
HDMI Yes Yes
USB USB 1 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 650 g 625 g
Physical Dimensions 127 x 96 x 74 mm 127 x 96 x 60 mm
Battery Life 610 shots 290 shots
Battery Type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Model NP-FZ100 NP-FW50
Other Features
Self Timer Yes Yes
Timelapse Recording Yes Yes
GPS
Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Storage Slots 2 1

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