Sony
Alpha 7
The original full-frame mirrorless that started the E-mount revolution — 24MP in a compact body.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Oct 2013
Sony
Alpha 7 II
First affordable IBIS full-frame mirrorless that changed the industry.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Nov 2014
Alpha 7 II is 1.1 years newer.
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Wins
Alpha 7
Wins
Alpha 7 II
7 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 7 has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 0 fps)
- AAlpha 7 has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 117)
- AAlpha 7 has higher Burst (electronic) (15 fps vs 5 fps)
- AAlpha 7 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- AAlpha 7 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 350 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareAlpha 7
127 × 94 × 48 mm
474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 7 II
127 × 96 × 60 mm
599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)
Alpha 7 is 1mm shorter and 12mm thinner than Alpha 7 II.
Alpha 7 is 125 g lighter than Alpha 7 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 48mm Alpha 7 · 60mm Alpha 7 II
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
Alpha 7 II
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -1 EV — lower is better
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
759 vs 117 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Animal, Bird, Vehicle
Burst (electronic)
15 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 94.4, 48.2
Animal / bird AF
Only Alpha 7 supports it
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 II
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD, MP4
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 95.7, 59.7
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 24.3 MP
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 7
Pros
- ✓Historic first FF mirrorless
- ✓Compact for era
- ✓24MP full-frame
- ✓Affordable used
Cons
- –Slow AF by modern standards
- –No IBIS
- –Superseded many times
Alpha 7 II
Pros
- ✓Historic IBIS FF
- ✓Affordable used
- ✓Huge lens catalog
Cons
- –Very dated AF
- –No 4K
- –Superseded many times
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7 II at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 7
Sony Alpha 7 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Alpha 7 or Alpha 7 II?
Alpha 7 scores 8.0/10 versus 1.5/10 for Alpha 7 II — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7 II?
Both cameras share the same 24.3 MP resolution.
Do the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7 II have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 7 II has 4.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 or the Alpha 7 II?
Alpha 7 reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 7 II reaches 5 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7 II?
Alpha 7 weighs 474 g and Alpha 7 II weighs 599 g, so the Alpha 7 is 125 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7 II record 4K video?
Alpha 7: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7 II: Full HD.
Are the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7 II weather sealed?
Alpha 7: Yes. Alpha 7 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 and 350 shots for the Alpha 7 II, giving the Alpha 7 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 launched at $1,699 and Alpha 7 II at $1,999. The Alpha 7 is $300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 7 vs Alpha 7 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.