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Canon 1D X Mark II vs Sony A7

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and the Sony Alpha A7 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2016 and October 2013. The 1DX Mark II is a DSLR, while the A7 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1D X Mark II
versus
Sony A7
Canon 1D X Mark II   Sony A7
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
20 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/60p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 409,600) ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 51,200)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1620k dots 3.0" LCD – 1230k dots
Fixed touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
16 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
1210 shots per battery charge340 shots per battery charge
158 x 168 x 83 mm, 1530 g 127 x 94 x 48 mm, 474 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and the Sony Alpha A7? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D X Mark II and the Sony A7 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon 1D X Mark II vs Sony A7
Compare 1DX Mark II versus A7 top
Comparison 1DX Mark II or A7 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7 is considerably smaller (55 percent) than the Canon 1D X Mark II. Moreover, the A7 is substantially lighter (69 percent) than the 1DX Mark II. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Both cameras have similarly sized sensors, but DSLRs have a larger flange-to-focal plane distance than mirrorless cameras, which imposes contraints on the optical engineering process and generally leads to bigger and heavier lenses. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (1DX Mark II) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A7, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the 1DX Mark II gets 1210 shots out of its Canon LP-E19 battery, while the A7 can take 340 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1DX Mark II has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the A7, Sony provides the VG-C1EM vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the A7 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 474 g 340 Y Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D C 158 mm 164 mm 83 mm 1545 g 1120 Y Apr 2012 14,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 Y Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark II 144 mm 111 mm 75 mm 765 g 1200 Y Jun 2017 1,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX1 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The A7 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 72 percent) than the 1DX Mark II, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the A7 is 1 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 1D X Mark II and Sony A7 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the A7 offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 20 MP of the 1DX Mark II. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 5.97μm versus 6.57μm for the 1DX Mark II). Moreover, it should be noted that the 1DX Mark II is much more recent (by 2 years and 3 months) than the A7, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1D X Mark II are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-409600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-51200.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

1DX Mark II versus A7 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
2.
 
Sony A7 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.814.2224890
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
4.
 
Canon 1D C Full Frame 17.9 5184 34564K/24p24.313.0215585
5.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
9.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
10.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark II Full Frame 26.0 6240 41601080/60p24.411.9286285
12.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
13.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
14.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
15.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
16.
 
Sony RX1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.114.3253493
17.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the 1DX Mark II provides a higher video resolution than the A7. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Sony is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7 has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), while the 1DX Mark II has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the 1DX Mark II has a higher magnification than the one of the A7 (0.76x vs 0.71x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1D X Mark II, the Sony A7, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony A72400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Coptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s n n
9.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.5/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
13.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
15.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
16.
 
Sony RX1optional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
17.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the 1DX Mark II, but is missing on the A7 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The 1DX Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or CFast cards, while the A7 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The 1DX Mark II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A7 only has one slot.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Sony Alpha A7 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Sony A7Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
4.
 
Canon 1D CYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
10.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
12.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
13.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony RX1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---

It is notable that the A7 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 1DX Mark II does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 1D X Mark II (unlike the A7) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the 1DX Mark II has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the 1DX Mark II and the A7 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A7 was replaced by the Sony A7 II, while the 1DX Mark II was followed by the Canon 1DX Mark III. Further information on the features and operation of the 1DX Mark II and A7 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D X Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 1D X Mark II or the Sony A7 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II:

  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60p).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.71x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1230k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (16 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1210 versus 340) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 3 months of technical progress since the A7 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 20MP), which boosts linear resolution by 10%.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.7 EV of extra DR).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More compact: Is smaller (127x94mm vs 158x168mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 1056g or 69 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (72 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2013).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the 1DX Mark II is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 12 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

1DX Mark II 16:12 A7

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D X Mark II and the Sony A7 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 1DX Mark II or the A7 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A75/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D C............ Apr 2012 14,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark II4/5+4/580/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2017 1,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX15/5....79/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Canon 1D X Mark II vs Sony A7

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 1D X Mark II Sony A7
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2016 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 1,699
    Sensor Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony A7
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 35.8 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 855.62 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 43 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.57 μm 5.97 μm
    Pixel Density 2.31 MP/cm2 2.80 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 409,600 ISO 50 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 6+ (Dual) BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 88 90
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.1 24.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.5 14.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3207 2248
    Screen Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony A7
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1620k dots 1230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony A7
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 16 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or CFAST cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony A7
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony A7
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon LP-E19 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)1210 shots per charge340 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 158 x 168 x 83 mm
    (6.2 x 6.6 x 3.3 in)
    127 x 94 x 48 mm
    (5.0 x 3.7 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 1530 g (54.0 oz) 474 g (16.7 oz)
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    Check A7 offers at
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