Sony A7R II vs A7R III - Exploring the Differences [Complete Guide]

The Sony A7R II and A7R III are two of the most popular cameras on the market, and for good reason. Both offer incredible image quality, great features, and are very user-friendly.

So, what’s the difference between these two cameras?

Let’s take a closer look category by category.

Table of Contents

Sony A7R II vs A7R III – Comparing the Differences

Price

The Sony A7R II carries a retail price tag of around $1,100 as a secondary market camera.

The Sony A7R III is the more expensive option of the two, with a retail price of around $2,799.

This difference in price is largely due to the fact that the A7R III is a newer model camera, and thus comes with some updated features and specs that justify the higher cost.

However, if you’re simply looking for a great camera without all the bells and whistles, the A7R II will be more than adequate for your needs and is likely the better value.

Sensor

One of the most noticeable differences between the A7R II and A7R III is the sensor.

The A7R II has a 42.4-megapixel sensor, while the A7R III ups the ante with a whopping 61.0-megapixel sensor.

This means that the A7R III can capture far more detail than the A7R II. If you’re planning on printing your photos or displaying them on a large screen, the A7R III’s higher resolution will be very helpful.

On the other hand, the A7R II’s lower resolution sensor might actually be an advantage in some situations. For example, if you’re shooting action or sports, the lower resolution of the A7R II will result in lower image file sizes. This means that you can fit more photos on your memory card, and you’ll be able to shoot for longer periods of time before the buffer fills up.

So, if you need the highest resolution possible, go with the A7R III. If you need a little more shooting speed and flexibility, go with the A7R II.

Autofocus

When it comes to autofocus, both cameras are very good. However, the A7R III has a slight edge over the A7R II.

The A7R III has 567 phase-detection autofocus points that cover 93% of the frame. The A7R II has 399 phase-detection autofocus points that cover 74% of the frame.

This means that the A7R III can more easily track moving subjects, and it will be better at focusing on off-center subjects.

The A7R II is no slouch when it comes to autofocus, but if you need the best possible performance, go with the A7R III.

Image Stabilization

Another big difference between these two cameras is image stabilization.

The A7R II has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which stabilizes the sensor to reduce camera shake. The A7R III does not have IBIS.

Instead, the A7R III has a 5-axis in-lens stabilization system. This means that only lenses that are compatible with the A7R III’s stabilization system will be stabilized.

So, which is better? In general, in-body image stabilization is going to be more effective than in-lens stabilization. However, there are some advantages to the A7R III’s system.

First of all, because the A7R III’s stabilization system is in the lens, it can be used with any lens, even if the lens isn’t native to Sony’s E-mount.

Second, the A7R III’s system is more effective with longer lenses. This is because in-body image stabilization can only compensate for pitch and yaw (up/down and side-to-side) movements.

If you’re using a long lens, however, you also have to worry about rotational movements. The A7R III’s in-lens stabilization system can compensate for these rotational movements, which results in even more stable images.

So, if you need the best possible image stabilization, go with the A7R II. If you want the most versatile system, go with the A7R III.

Video Quality

Both cameras are capable of shooting 4K video, but there are some differences in terms of video quality.

The A7R III can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second (fps). The A7R II can only shoot 4K video at 24 fps.

The A7R III also has a bit rate of 100 megabits per second (Mbps), while the A7R II has a bit rate of 60 Mbps.

And, finally, the A7R III can shoot 4K video with full pixel readout and no line skipping or binning, while the A7R II uses line skipping and binning when shooting 4K video.

So, if you’re looking for the best possible video quality, go with the A7R III.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

When it comes to build quality, the A7R III is a bit better than the A7R II.

The A7R III is made out of magnesium alloy, while the A7R II is made out of plastic. The A7R III also has a higher-quality grip and a more robust lens mount.

In terms of weather sealing, both cameras are fairly well sealed against dust and moisture. However, the A7R III has slightly better weather sealing than the A7R II.

So, if you need a durable camera that can stand up to tough conditions, go with the A7R III.

Battery Life

Another big difference between these two cameras is battery life.

The A7R II has a rated battery life of 350 shots per charge. The A7R III has a rated battery life of 650 shots per charge.

So, if you need a camera with good battery life, go with the A7R III.

LCD Screen and Electronic Viewfinder

The A7R II has a 3-inch LCD screen with 1,228,800 dots. The A7R III has a 3-inch LCD screen with 1,440,000 dots.

So, the A7R III’s LCD screen is slightly higher resolution than the A7R II’s. However, both screens are plenty sharp and they’re both touch-sensitive.

In terms of the electronic viewfinders (EVFs), the two cameras are very similar. Both EVFs have 2,359,296 dots and they both have 100% coverage.

However, the A7R III’s EVF has an refresh rate of 100 Hz, while the A7R II’s EVF has a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

This means that the A7R III’s EVF is smoother and more responsive than the A7R II’s.

So, if you’re looking for the best possible LCD screen and EVF, go with the A7R III.

Continuous Shooting Speed

The A7R III can shoot at up to 10 fps with continuous autofocus. The A7R II can shoot at up to 5 fps with continuous autofocus.

So, if you need a fast camera for action photography, go with the A7R III.

Memory Card Slots

Both cameras have two memory card slots. However, the type of memory cards that each camera uses is different.

The A7R II uses SD ( Secure Digital) cards, while the A7R III uses CFexpress Type A cards.

CFexpress Type A cards are faster than SD cards, so if you’re looking for the fastest possible write speeds, go with the A7R III.

However, SD cards are more widely available and they’re generally less expensive than CFexpress Type A cards. So, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, go with the A7R II.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, both the A7R II and A7R III are excellent cameras. However, there are some slight differences between them.

The A7R II has a 42 megapixel sensor, while the A7R III ups the ante with a 46 megapixel sensor. This means that the A7R III is capable of capturing slightly more detail than the A7R II. Additionally, the A7R III has a higher ISO range (

Other Features

The A7R III has a few other features that the A7R II doesn’t have.

For example, the A7R III has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), while the A7R II doesn’t. This means that the A7R III is better for shooting video and low-light photography.

Additionally, the A7R III has a USB 3.1 Type-C port, while the A7R II has a USB 2.0 Type-C port. The 3.1 version is faster than the 2.0 version, so if you need to transfer files quickly, go with the A7R III.

Finally, the A7R III has a slightly higher-resolution viewfinder and LCD screen than the A7R II.

So, if you’re looking for the best possible image quality, shooting speed, and features, go with the A7R III.

Sony A7R II vs A7R III – Which Should You Choose?

Now that you know the key differences between the Sony A7R II and A7R III, it’s time to decide which one is right for you.

If you need a durable, weather-sealed camera with good battery life, go with the A7R III.

If you need a fast camera for action photography, go with the A7R III.

If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, shooting speed, and features, go with the A7R III.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, go with the A7R II.

Whichever camera you choose, you’ll be getting an excellent camera.

Sony A7R III vs A7R II – Image Quality test

FAQs – Sony A7R II vs A7R III

What is the difference between the A7R II and A7R III?

The A7R III has a few key advantages over the A7R II. It has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a higher-resolution viewfinder and LCD screen, and it can shoot at up to 10 fps with continuous autofocus.

What is the difference between CFexpress Type A and SD cards?

CFexpress Type A cards are faster than SD cards, but they’re also more expensive.

Which camera is better for shooting video?

The A7R III is better for shooting video because it has in-body image stabilization (IBIS).

Which camera is better for low-light photography?

The A7R III is better for low-light photography because it has in-body image stabilization (IBIS).

Conclusion – Sony A7R II vs A7R III

So, which one should you choose between the Sony A7R II and the A7R III?

Well, it really depends on your needs and what you want to use the camera for. If you need a higher resolution image sensor and don’t mind sacrificing some low light performance and continuous shooting speed, then the A7R II is a great choice.

However, if you need better low light performance, faster continuous shooting speed, and dual memory card slots, then the A7R III is the better camera for you.

No matter which one you choose, you’ll be getting an excellent camera that will provide you with years of great service.

Sony A7R II vs A7R III – Exploring the Differences [Complete Guide]