Sony α7 vs Sony a7 II
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Sony α7 if…
- ✓You value portability — at 474g (1.04 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 599g (1.32 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Choose the Sony a7 II if…
- ✓You shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens.
Where they differ
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony a7 II has in-body IS — slower handheld shutter speeds and steadier video without relying on stabilised lenses.
- ›Durability: the Sony α7 is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Weight: the Sony α7 is 474g (1.04 lb) vs 599g (1.32 lb) — 125g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony α7 or the Sony a7 II better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Sony α7?
Choose the Sony α7 if you value portability — at 474g (1.04 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 599g (1.32 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Who should choose the Sony a7 II?
Choose the Sony a7 II if you shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens.
What is the main difference between the Sony α7 and the Sony a7 II?
Stabilisation: only the Sony a7 II has in-body IS — slower handheld shutter speeds and steadier video without relying on stabilised lenses.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ X |
| Effective Resolution | 24.3 MP | 24.3 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 25600 | 50 – 51200 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 5 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | − | Up to 25p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | No |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | 29 min |
| Log Profiles | − | − |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 117 | − |
| Contrast Detect Points | 25 | − |
| Low Light AF | -1 EV | − |
| Eye AF | No | No |
| Animal AF | No | No |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.71x | 0.71x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 0.92M dots | 1.23M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | No | No |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 4 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | − | v4.2 |
| USB | Micro USB 2.0 | Micro USB 2.0 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 1x SD UHS-I |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $1,699 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×94.4×48.2 mm | 126.9×95.7×60.3 mm |
| Weight | 474g (1.04 lb) | 599g (1.32 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| In-Body Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 270 shots | 350 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 340 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FW50 |
