Sony a7R II vs Sony a7S II
The bottom line
These are closely matched on paper, so it comes down to emphasis. The Sony a7S II leans further into video, while the Sony a7R II is the stronger stills tool. Match the body to whichever you do more of — the differences below show exactly where each pulls ahead.
Choose the Sony a7R II if…
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 42.4MP resolves noticeably more than 12.2MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks.
Choose the Sony a7S II if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (102,400) gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Resolution: 42.4MP on the Sony a7R II vs 12.2MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Price: the Sony a7S II launched at $2,999, $200 under the Sony a7R II — money that could go toward glass.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7R II or the Sony a7S II better?
These are closely matched on paper, so it comes down to emphasis. The Sony a7S II leans further into video, while the Sony a7R II is the stronger stills tool. Match the body to whichever you do more of — the differences below show exactly where each pulls ahead.
Who should choose the Sony a7R II?
Choose the Sony a7R II if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 42.4MP resolves noticeably more than 12.2MP and gives more cropping latitude. Choose it if you photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks.
Who should choose the Sony a7S II?
Choose the Sony a7S II if you shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (102,400) gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7R II and the Sony a7S II?
Resolution: 42.4MP on the Sony a7R II vs 12.2MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ X |
| Effective Resolution | 42.4 MP | 12.2 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 102400 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 102400 | 50 – 409600 |
| 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 | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | 29 min |
| Log Profiles | S-Log2 / S-Log3 / HLG | S-Log2 / S-Log3 / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 399 | − |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -2 EV | − |
| Eye AF | Yes | No |
| Animal AF | Yes | No |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.23M dots | 1.23M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | 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) | $3,199 | $2,999 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×95.7×60.3 mm | 126.9×95.7×60.3 mm |
| Weight | 625g (1.38 lb) | 584g (1.29 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 290 shots | 310 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 340 shots | 370 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FW50 |
