Sony A7R vs A7S - Exploring the Differences [Complete Guide]

The Sony A7R and A7S are two very popular cameras on the market today. Both offer excellent image quality and features, but there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

Here’s a look at the Sony A7R vs A7S, exploring the main differences between these two cameras.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Sony A7R vs A7S – Comparing the Differences

Price

The Sony A7R is the more expensive of the two cameras, with a current retail price of $3,199.

The Sony A7S, on the other hand, has a retail price of $2,499.

The A7S can go up depending on the type of memory card or lens used:

With Sony 160GB Memory Card: $3,856
With SELP1635G: $4,696
With 24mm F1.4 G Master Lens: $4,896
With 35F14GM: $4,896
With 16-35mm G Master Lens: $5,696
With 2470GM2: $5,796
With 70200GM2: $6,296

Sony A7R

Check on Amazon

Sony A7S

Check on Amazon

Sensor

One of the key differences between the A7R and A7S is sensor size. The A7R features a full-frame 36.4 MP Exmor CMOS sensor, while the A7S has a 12.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor.

The larger sensor size on the A7R gives it an advantage in terms of image quality and low-light performance. However, it also leads to larger file sizes, which can be a drawback if you’re shooting lots of photos or video.

Autofocus System

The A7R has a hybrid autofocus system with 399 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points. The A7S, on the other hand, has a more basic 119-point contrast-detection autofocus system.

The hybrid autofocus system on the A7R is faster and more accurate than the contrast-detection system on the A7S. However, the A7S’s autofocus system is still quite good, especially for still photos.

Image Quality

The Sony A7R is widely considered to have the better image quality of the two cameras. This is thanks to its higher resolution sensor, which gives you more detail and clarity in your photos and videos.

The A7S, on the other hand, has a lower resolution sensor but makes up for it with better low light performance. This makes it a great choice for videographers or photographers who often shoot in dimly lit conditions.

Video Quality

Both the A7R and A7S are excellent choices for video, but the A7S has a slight edge thanks to its better low light performance. The A7S is also capable of recording 4K video, while the A7R is limited to 1080p.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The Sony A7R and A7S are both well-built cameras with good weather sealing. However, the A7R has a slight advantage in this department thanks to its magnesium alloy construction.

The A7S is also weather sealed, but it uses a slightly less durable plastic body. This makes the A7R a better choice if you’re looking for a camera that can withstand heavy use or tough conditions.

LCD Screen and Electronic Viewfinder

Both the A7R and A7S feature a 3″ tilting LCD screen on the back of the camera. The A7R’s screen has a higher resolution of 1,228k dots, while the A7S’s screen has a resolution of 921k dots.

In terms of viewfinders, the A7R has an electronic viewfinder with a 2,359k dot resolution. The A7S also has an electronic viewfinder, but its resolution is lower at 1,440k dots.

Battery Life

The Sony A7R has slightly better battery life than the A7S, with a rating of 350 shots per charge. The A7S is rated for 340 shots per charge.

Continuous Shooting Speed

The A7R has a continuous shooting speed of 5 fps, while the A7S has a continuous shooting speed of 4 fps. This means that the A7R is slightly better for action photography or capturing fast-moving subjects.

Dimensions and Weight

The Sony A7R and A7S are similar in terms of dimensions and weight. The A7R is ever-so-slightly larger and heavier, but not by much.

Here are the exact dimensions and weights of each camera:

A7R: 5 x 3.75 x 2.63 inches ; 1.43 pounds

A7S: 4.72 x 2.64 x 1.57 inches ; 1.27 pounds

Ports and Connectivity

Both the A7R and A7S have Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy transferring of photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet. They also both have micro HDMI ports for connecting to an HDTV or external monitor.

The A7R has a USB 3.0 port for fast data transfer, while the A7S has a slower USB 2.0 port.

Memory Card Slots

The Sony A7R has two memory card slots, while the A7S only has one. This is a big advantage for the A7R, as it allows you to easily store more photos and videos on your camera.

It also gives you the option of using one slot for backup purposes, in case something happens to your primary memory card.

Other Features

Both the A7R and A7S have a variety of other features that are worth mentioning.

The A7R has in-body image stabilization, which is a great feature for video or handheld shooting. It also has a higher maximum ISO of 25,600, which gives you more leeway when shooting in low light conditions.

The A7S doesn’t have in-body image stabilization, but it does have a slightly higher maximum ISO of 409,600. This makes the A7S even better for low light photography than the A7R.

Another thing to note is that the A7S can record 4K video, while the A7R is limited to 1080p. The A7S also has S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma profiles for more flexible color grading in post-production.

Sony A7R vs A7S – Which Should You Choose?

As you can see, there are some key differences between the Sony A7R and A7S cameras. The A7R is the more expensive option, but it offers better image quality and performance thanks to its higher resolution sensor and hybrid autofocus system.

The A7S is the better choice for video, as it can record 4K footage and has more advanced gamma profiles for color grading. It’s also a great choice for low light photography thanks to its higher maximum ISO.

So, which camera should you choose? If you’re a professional photographer or videographer, then the A7R is the better option. But if you’re on a budget or if you’re mostly interested in shooting video, then the A7S is a great choice.

Sony a7R IV vs a7S III vs a7 III – How to pick the best Sony Full Frame Camera

FAQs – Sony A7R vs A7S

What is the difference between the Sony A7R and A7S?

The main differences between the Sony A7R and A7S are their sensor size, resolution, autofocus system, and video capabilities. The A7R has a full-frame 42.4 megapixel sensor, while the A7S has a 12.2 megapixel sensor.

The A7R also has a hybrid autofocus system with 399 phase-detection points, while the A7S has a contrast-detection autofocus system. Lastly, the A7S can record 4K video, while the A7R is limited to 1080p.

Is the Sony A7R better than the A7S?

The A7R is better than the A7S in terms of image quality and performance. It has a higher resolution sensor and a hybrid autofocus system that makes it better suited for professional photography.

However, the A7S is better for video as it can record 4K footage and has more advanced gamma profiles for color grading. It’s also a great choice for low light photography thanks to its higher maximum ISO.

How much does the Sony A7R cost?

The Sony A7R costs around $3,000 USD.

How much does the Sony A7S cost?

The Sony A7S costs around $2,500 USD.

What type of memory cards does the Sony A7R use?

The Sony A7R uses SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.

What type of memory cards does the Sony A7S use?

The Sony A7S uses SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.

Conclusion – Sony A7R vs A7S

The Sony A7R and A7S are both excellent cameras with a lot to offer. However, there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

The A7R is the more expensive of the two cameras, but it has a higher resolution sensor and better autofocus system. It’s also weather sealed and has a higher quality construction.

The A7S is a great choice for videographers or photographers who often shoot in low light conditions. It’s also capable of recording 4K video, which is a nice bonus.

So, which camera is right for you? Ultimately, the decision comes down to your needs and budget. If you need a high-end camera for professional photography, then the A7R is the better choice.

But if you’re on a budget or if you primarily shoot video, then the A7S is a great option. Whichever camera you choose, you’ll be getting a great product that will serve you well for many years to come.

Sony A7R vs A7S – Exploring the Differences [Complete Guide]