Samsung SL30 vs Sony A7R

Below is a detailed analysis of the Samsung SL30 and Sony A7R, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the SL30 (10MP) and A7R (36MP) and the SL30 (1/2.3") and A7R (Full frame) feature different sensor sizing.

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The SL30 was unveiled 6 years before the A7R and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Samsung SL30 being a Compact camera and the Sony A7R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SL30 matches up against the A7R in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung SL30 & Sony Alpha A7R. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung SL30 Gallery & Sony A7R Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Samsung SL30 enjoys physical dimensions of 94mm x 61mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Sony A7R has specifications of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") along with a weight of 465 grams (1.03 lbs).

Examine the Samsung SL30 and Sony A7R in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SL30 vs the A7R.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SL30 and A7R is 95 and 78 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements simply by checking a spec sheet. The visual below will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SL30 and A7R.

Clearly, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SL30 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A7R will give you more detail having an extra 26MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older SL30 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.