Sony A7R II versus Nikon D5600

The Sony Alpha A7R II and the Nikon D5600 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in June 2015 and November 2016. The A7R II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D5600 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (A7R II) and an APS-C (D5600) sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 42.2 megapixel, whereas the Nikon provides 24 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Sony A7R II vs Nikon D5600

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Sony A7R II and the Nikon D5600 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter. You can also toggle the display to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the A7R II – represents 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D5600 is somewhat smaller (1 percent) than the Sony A7R II. Moreover, the D5600 is markedly lighter (26 percent) than the A7R II. It is worth mentioning in this context that the A7R II is splash and dust resistant, while the D5600 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can find an overview of optics for the two cameras in the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7R II) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D5600). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Sony A7R II, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the A7R II gets 290 shots out of its NP-FW50 battery, while the D5600 can take 970 images on a single charge of its EN-EL14a power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons 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 A7R II»	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.4 in	22.0 oz	290	Y	Jun 2015	3,199	-		Sony A7R II
	Nikon D5600«	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	16.4 oz	970	n	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Canon 5DS R« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Nikon Z7« »	5.3 in	4.0 in	2.6 in	23.8 oz	330	Y	Aug 2018	3,399			Nikon Z7
	Nikon D3400« »	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	15.7 oz	1200	n	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D5500« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	14.8 oz	820	n	Jan 2015	899	-		Nikon D5500
	Nikon D5300« »	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	16.9 oz	600	n	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Nikon D3200« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	3.0 in	17.8 oz	540	n	Apr 2012	599	-		Nikon D3200
	Nikon D5200« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	19.6 oz	500	n	Nov 2012	749	-		Nikon D5200
	Pentax K-1« »	5.4 in	4.3 in	3.4 in	35.6 oz	760	Y	Feb 2016	1,799	-		Pentax K-1
	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 A7R III« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.9 in	22.9 oz	650	Y	Oct 2017	3,199			Sony A7R III
	Sony A9« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.5 in	23.7 oz	650	Y	Apr 2017	4,499			Sony A9
	Sony A99 II« »	5.6 in	4.1 in	3.0 in	29.9 oz	490	Y	Sep 2016	3,199			Sony A99 II
	Sony A7S II« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.4 in	22.1 oz	370	Y	Sep 2015	2,999			Sony A7S II
	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 A7R« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	16.4 oz	340	Y	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R
Convert to Metric

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 D5600 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 78 percent) than the A7R 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.

Sensor comparison: Sony A7R II vs Nikon D5600

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Sony A7R II features a full frame sensor and the Nikon D5600 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D5600 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 42.2MP, the A7R II offers a higher resolution than the D5600 (24MP), but the A7R II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.52μm versus 3.91μm for the D5600) due to its larger sensor. However, the D5600 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 5 months) than the A7R II, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The A7R II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in relatively fast and reliable autofocus acquisition during video recording.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the A7R II provides substantially higher image quality than the D5600, with an overall score that is 14 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.9 bits higher color depth, 0.1 EV of lower dynamic range, and 1.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A7R II provides a higher video resolution than the D5600. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison: Sony A7R II vs Nikon D5600

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7R II has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), while the D5600 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 table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Sony A7R II and Nikon D5600 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras. The full specs-sheets can be found in the camera manual or in the dpreview camera hub.

One feature that differentiates the A7R II and the D5600 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The A7R II reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the D5600 has to rely on optical image stabilization in OIS-equipped lenses to achieve the same effect.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, the A7R II features an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (flickering).

The A7R II writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the D5600 uses SDXC cards.

The D5600 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the A7R II has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the A7R II was succeeded by the Sony Alpha A7R III.

Review summary: Sony A7R II vs Nikon D5600

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Sony A7R II and the Nikon D5600? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7R II:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (42.2 vs 24MP) with a 33% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (14 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
• Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.9 bits more color depth).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.4 stops ISO advantage).
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Better video autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident movie autofocus.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 1037k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 4000/sec) to freeze action.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization build-in.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in June 2015).

Advantages of the Nikon D5600:

• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 160g or 26 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (970 versus 290) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (78 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 5 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R II is the clear winner of the match-up (15 : 10 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.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the A7R II or the D5600. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The full reviews are available by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Sony A7R II»	HiRec	90/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jun 2015	3,199	-		Sony A7R II
	Nikon D5600«	-	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Canon 5DS R« »	Rec	83/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Nikon Z7« »	Rec	89/100	4.5/5	-	5/5	Aug 2018	3,399			Nikon Z7
	Nikon D3400« »	Rec	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D5500« »	Rec	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	899	-		Nikon D5500
	Nikon D5300« »	HiRec	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Nikon D3200« »	HiRec	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	599	-		Nikon D3200
	Nikon D5200« »	HiRec	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2012	749	-		Nikon D5200
	Pentax K-1« »	-	84/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Feb 2016	1,799	-		Pentax K-1
	Sony A7 III« »	HiRec	89/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2018	1,999			Sony A7 III
	Sony A7R III« »	HiRec	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2017	3,199			Sony A7R III
	Sony A9« »	HiRec	89/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Apr 2017	4,499			Sony A9
	Sony A99 II« »	-	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	3,199			Sony A99 II
	Sony A7S II« »	Rec	-	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Sep 2015	2,999			Sony A7S II
	Sony A7 II« »	Rec	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Nov 2014	1,999	-		Sony A7 II
	Sony A7R« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R

The review scores listed above should be treated 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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

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