Sony A7 vs RX1R II

The Sony Alpha A7 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2013 and October 2015. The A7 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the RX1R II is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The A7 has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the RX1R II provides 42.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Sony A7		Sony RX1R II
Mirrorless system camera		Fixed lens compact camera
Sony E mount lenses		35mm f/2.0
24 MP, Full Frame Sensor		42.2 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-25600 (50-51200)		ISO 100-25600 (50-102400)
Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1230k dots		3.0" LCD, 1229k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen)		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Not weather sealed
340 shots per battery charge		220 shots per battery charge
127 x 94 x 48 mm, 474 g		113 x 65 x 72 mm, 507 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Alpha A7 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II? 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.

Body comparison: Sony A7 vs RX1R II

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Sony A7 and the Sony RX1R II is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX1R II is considerably smaller (38 percent) than the Sony A7. It is worth mentioning in this context that the A7 is splash and dust resistant, while the RX1R II does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the RX1R II has a lens built in, whereas the A7 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the A7 and their specifications in the Sony FE Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the A7 gets 340 shots out of its NP-FW50 battery, while the RX1R II can take 220 images on a single charge of its NP-BX1 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, 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 would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Sony A7»	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	16.7 oz	340	Y	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
	Sony RX1R II«	4.4 in	2.6 in	2.8 in	17.9 oz	220	n	Oct 2015	3,299			Sony RX1R II
	Canon 5DS« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon 5DS R« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Leica Q Typ 116« »	5.1 in	3.1 in	3.7 in	22.6 oz	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249	-		Leica Q Typ 116
	Nikon D610« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.2 in	30.0 oz	900	Y	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Panasonic GH4« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	3.3 in	19.8 oz	500	Y	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Samsung NX1« »	5.5 in	4.0 in	2.6 in	19.4 oz	500	Y	Sep 2014	1,499	-		Samsung NX1
	Sony A7 III« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.9 in	22.9 oz	610	Y	Feb 2018	1,999			Sony A7 III
	Sony A6300« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	1.9 in	14.3 oz	400	Y	Feb 2016	999	-		Sony A6300
	Sony A7 II« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.4 in	21.1 oz	350	Y	Nov 2014	1,999	-		Sony A7 II
	Sony A7S« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	17.2 oz	380	Y	Apr 2014	2,499	-		Sony A7S
	Sony A7R« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	16.4 oz	340	Y	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R
	Sony RX1R« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	2.8 in	17.0 oz	270	n	Jun 2013	2,799	-		Sony RX1R
	Sony RX1« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	2.8 in	17.0 oz	270	n	Sep 2012	2,799	-		Sony RX1
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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: Sony A7 vs RX1R II

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the RX1R II offers a higher resolution of 42.2 megapixels, compared with 24 MP of the A7. This megapixels advantage translates into a 33 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the RX1R II has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.50μm versus 5.97μm for the A7). However, it should be noted that the RX1R II is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 11 months) than the A7, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that at least partly compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the RX1R II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony RX1R II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the RX1R II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 39.8 x 26.5 inch or 101 x 67.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 31.8 x 21.2 inch or 80.8 x 53.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 26.5 x 17.7 inch or 67.3 x 44.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A7 are 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Sony Alpha A7 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the RX1R II has a markedly higher DXO score than the A7 (overall score 7 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1 bits higher color depth, 0.3 EV of lower dynamic range, and 0.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison: Sony A7 vs RX1R II

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the A7 offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the RX1R II (2400k vs 2360k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Sony A7 and Sony RX1R II in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the A7 and the RX1R II write their files to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison: Sony A7 vs RX1R II

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 Sony Alpha A7 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

The RX1R II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the A7 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the A7 was succeeded by the Sony A7 II. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Sony website.

Review summary: Sony A7 vs RX1R II

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Sony A7 or the Sony RX1R II – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for quicker and more confident autofocus.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (340 versus 220) on a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2013).

Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (42.2 vs 24MP), which boosts linear resolution by 33%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (7 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.71x).
• Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the A7 necessitates an extra lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (113x65mm vs 127x94mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 11 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the match-up finishes in a tie (8 points each). 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A7 and the Sony RX1R II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the A7 and the RX1R II in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews: Sony A7 vs RX1R II

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Sony A7»	+ +	80/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
	Sony RX1R II«	-	82/100	-	o	4.5/5	Oct 2015	3,299			Sony RX1R II
	Canon 5DS« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon 5DS R« »	+	83/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Leica Q Typ 116« »	-	80/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249	-		Leica Q Typ 116
	Nikon D610« »	+ +	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Panasonic GH4« »	+ +	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Samsung NX1« »	-	87/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	1,499	-		Samsung NX1
	Sony A7 III« »	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2018	1,999			Sony A7 III
	Sony A6300« »	+	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2016	999	-		Sony A6300
	Sony A7 II« »	+	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Nov 2014	1,999	-		Sony A7 II
	Sony A7S« »	-	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2014	2,499	-		Sony A7S
	Sony A7R« »	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R
	Sony RX1R« »	-	-	4/5	o	4.5/5	Jun 2013	2,799	-		Sony RX1R
	Sony RX1« »	-	79/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,799	-		Sony RX1
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

Specifications: Sony A7 vs Sony RX1R II

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.

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