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 7R VI
66.8MP stacked full-frame high-resolution body with 30fps bursts, 8K 30p, 4K 120p, and Sony's AI processing unit.
$4,499
Launch priceReleased Jun 2026
Alpha 7R VI is 12.7 years newer.
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Wins
Alpha 7
Wins
Alpha 7R VI
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,360,000)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Resolution (66.8 MP vs 24.3 MP)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher RAW buffer depth (150 frames vs 60 frames)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
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 7R VI
133 × 97 × 83 mm
713 g (1.57 lb / 25.15 oz)
Alpha 7 is 6mm narrower, 3mm shorter, and 35mm thinner than Alpha 7R VI.
Alpha 7 is 239 g lighter than Alpha 7R VI.
Depth (front-to-back): 48mm Alpha 7 · 83mm Alpha 7R VI
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Alpha 7
127 × 94 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 7R VI
133 × 97 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Alpha 7
127 × 48 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 7R VI
133 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
Alpha 7R VI
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7R VI
✓ 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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 94.4, 48.2
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
AA filter
Only Alpha 7 supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Alpha 7 supports it
Weather sealing
Only Alpha 7 supports it
Weight
474 g vs 713 g — lower is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 600 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7R VI
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 132.7, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SDXC UHS-II
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Resolution
66.8 MP vs 24.3 MP — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
150 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 759
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
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 7R VI
Pros
- ✓66.8MP stacked full-frame sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free electronic burst
- ✓8K 30p and 4K 120p video
- ✓5-axis sensor-shift stabilization
- ✓9.44M-dot HDR OLED EVF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Large files demand fast cards and storage
- –8K workflow can be heavy
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R VI at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 7
Sony Alpha 7R VI
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, Alpha 7 or Alpha 7R VI?
Alpha 7 scores 9.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for Alpha 7R VI — 474g — ultralight for all-day carry.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R VI?
Alpha 7 is 24.3 MP and Alpha 7R VI is 66.8 MP, so the Alpha 7R VI captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R VI have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 7R VI has in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 or the Alpha 7R VI?
Alpha 7 reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 7R VI reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R VI?
Alpha 7 weighs 474 g and Alpha 7R VI weighs 713 g, so the Alpha 7 is 239 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R VI record 4K video?
Alpha 7: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7R VI: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R VI weather sealed?
Alpha 7: Yes. Alpha 7R VI: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 and 600 shots for the Alpha 7R VI, giving the Alpha 7 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 launched at $1,699 and Alpha 7R VI at $4,499. The Alpha 7 is $2,800 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 7 vs Alpha 7R VI vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.