Sony A7R II vs Sony W690: A Tale of Two Cameras Across Worlds

In the sprawling landscape of digital photography, it's often tempting to pit cameras from vastly different leagues against each other - sometimes just for fun, other times to draw meaningful lines about what your money can truly buy. Today, I’m doing just that by comparing the Sony Alpha A7R II (a 2015 professional mirrorless powerhouse) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690 (a 2012 compact snapper). On paper, they’re worlds apart, but it’s precisely this contrast that illuminates their distinct use cases and strengths. After testing both extensively and putting them through their paces across multiple genres, here’s an in-depth look at how they stack up, where they shine, and who should consider each.

Two Different Cameras for Two Different Missions

Let’s start with the obvious: the Sony A7R II is a full-frame, mirrorless camera designed for professionals and serious enthusiasts. The W690 is a small sensor compact built for casual users who want something pocketable with a decent zoom lens. One weighs about 625g (body only), the other just 142g - a difference that feels like carrying a brick versus a feather on longer shoots.

Physical Design and Controls

Sony designed the A7R II with an SLR-style mirrorless body. The A7R II’s solid magnesium alloy chassis feels reassuringly robust, weather-sealed for light protection against dust and moisture - a crucial feature for landscape and outdoor photographers. Meanwhile, the W690 is simple, plastic-bodied, and decidedly consumer-oriented with minimal buttons and a fixed 3-inch clear display relegated to just 230k dots of resolution - okay for framing casual photos but no match for the A7R II’s higher-res, tilting LCD.

Take a peek at their top control layouts:

Here, the A7R II’s array of dials and customizable buttons screams flexibility - think aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation knobs right at your fingertips. The W690, by contrast, offers a bare-minimum interface, geared towards ease rather than speed or precision.

The Core: Sensor and Image Quality

If the body is the suit, the sensor is the brain and heart of any camera. The A7R II sports a 42.4MP BSI-CMOS full-frame sensor - a major step up from the W690’s tiny 1/2.3” CCD with a 16MP resolution. Here’s the visual on sensor sizes:

Why does sensor size matter?

Larger sensors gather exponentially more light, resulting in cleaner images, richer dynamic range, and finer detail resolution - even critical in low light. In my experience testing thousands of cameras, the difference a full-frame sensor like the A7R II’s makes cannot be overstated, especially if you shoot portraits, landscapes, or anything requiring sizeable output files.

The A7R II's native ISO 100-25,600 (expandable to 50-102,400) and lack of an AA filter ensure incredible detail retention and low noise even at night or astrophotography-level exposures. The W690’s ISO maxes at just 3200 with noise creeping in much earlier due to the sensor’s size and older CCD tech.

Focusing in the Real World: Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus is where these two devices are practically unrecognizable in terms of performance.

• Sony A7R II: Sports 399 phase-detection AF points paired with 25 contrast detection points. Face detection is a yes, and importantly, continuous AF works superbly - vital for sports and wildlife shooters needing to track fast-moving subjects.
• Sony W690: Employs basic contrast-detection AF with a handful of focus points mostly at the center. Face detection exists, but no continuous AF or tracking modes.

In practical testing, the A7R II locks focus near-instantly even in low light or cluttered scenes, thanks to its hybrid AF system. The W690 is… well, adequate if you’re snapping static family portraits in bright sunlight but struggles with any dynamic scenes or lower ambient light.

Photography Genres Put to the Test

Let’s break down how each camera fares in different photographic disciplines, which will be the real dealbreaker for most.

Portraits: The Skin, The Eyes, The Bokeh

The A7R II’s full-frame sensor paired with highly accurate eye-detection autofocus (albeit it's limited compared to more recent Sony models with animal-eye autofocus) produces stunning skin tones and creamy bokeh. The 5-axis sensor stabilization aids in sharp handheld shots at moderate apertures - often critical when prime lenses max at f/1.8 or wider.

By contrast, the W690’s small sensor and slower lens (f/3.3-f/5.9) create sharper depth of field but less pleasing bokeh, resulting in more “everything in focus” style shots. Great for snapshots, but it lacks that portrait magic.

Landscape: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Proofing

Thanks to the A7R II’s enormous resolution and top-tier 13.9 EV dynamic range, it excels in capturing landscapes with intricate details - think sharp rocks, tree bark, and expansive skies with gradations from shadows to highlights. Plus, its weather sealing means a drizzle won't force you back indoors.

The W690, tiny sensor and limited ISO range aside, yields acceptable results in bright daylight but suffers visible noise and lacks the resolution for large prints or cropping. Forget shooting in rain or fog - it’s not designed for rough conditions.

Wildlife: Speed, Reach, and Burst Rate

This is where the A7R II’s 5 fps continuous shooting (modest by today’s standards but sane for a 42MP sensor) paired with fast AF shine. Using telephoto lenses from Sony’s extensive E-mount lineup (super-telephotos like the 100-400mm GM), you can capture fleeting moments with impressive sharpness.

W690’s compact 10x zoom (25-250mm equiv.) is convenient but optically limited and combined with sluggish 1 fps burst, it’s unsuitable for action or wildlife photography.

Sports: Tracking and Low Light Challenges

For sports, autofocus tracking accuracy at high frame rates is king. The A7R II’s 5fps with reliable eye and subject tracking works well in bright and moderate indoor conditions. Its ISO ceiling ensures usable images in dim sports halls.

The W690? Not a chance - single shot AF, slow burst, and lack of manual exposure control prevent serious sports use.

Street Photography: Discretion and Quick Access

Now, here the small W690 actually has an edge. It’s discreet, pocketable, and ready for quick snaps - ideal for street shooters prioritizing minimal intrusion. Its lens range covers a lot of ground for grab-and-go photography.

The A7R II, while compact compared to DSLRs, is still relatively bulky and demands more deliberate shooting - but the image quality trade-off is worth it if you don’t mind carrying the extra weight.

Macro: Magnification and Precision

Neither camera is primarily designed for macro, but the A7R II with adapted macro lenses and its precise focusing system outclasses the W690, which can focus down to 5cm macro but lacks the fine focus control and detail reproduction for serious close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Controls

The A7R II’s high ISO performance, long exposure shutter capabilities (up to 30 seconds), and full manual control allow excellent night sky captures - star trails, Milky Way, you name it.

The W690’s ISO ceiling, slow shutter speeds, and no manual mode severely limit low-light and astrophotography.

Video: What’s the Footage Like?

The A7R II supports 4K recording (up to 30p) using advanced XAVC S codec, with microphone and headphone ports for audio control, plus 5-axis in-body stabilization - a solid starter for serious video projects.

The W690 maxes out at 720p, no external audio options, lacking advanced stabilization - fine for casual video but no filmmaker’s tool.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Travel demands a balance - you want quality photos but also portability and endurance.

The W690’s 142g frame and 10x zoom are undeniably convenient for city strolls and light travel, but its image quality, screen resolution, and slow operation leave much to desire.

The A7R II, while heavier with a 290-shot battery life, offers flexibility across genres, weather resistance, and superb image quality - a better investment for serious travel photographers who don’t mind the extra luggage.

Ergonomics and Interfaces: Shooting Comfort and Usability

A well-designed camera handily decides how intuitive and enjoyable shooting is.

The A7R II’s tilting 3-inch 1.2M dot LCD is clear though not touch-enabled (a minor frustration by 2024 standards) coupled with a bright 2.3M dot electronic viewfinder with 0.78x magnification. Buttons and dials feel solid and thoughtfully placed, though a learning curve exists due to customization options.

The W690 has a fixed 3-inch 230k dot screen, clear in daylight but lacking the detail or articulation for complex shooting angles. The absence of EVF means more reliance on the LCD.

Lens Ecosystem: The Big Advantage of the A7R II

Sony’s E-mount lens lineup is vast and constantly evolving:

• Over 120 lenses compatible with A7R II including primes, zooms, G Master professional series, and third-party lenses from Sigma and Tamron.
• W690’s fixed lens is convenient but limits growth and creativity.

For photographers who want to expand their toolkit, nothing beats the Sony A7R II.

Connectivity and Storage

While the A7R II supports built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick transfers and remote control, the W690 has no wireless capabilities - a sign of its earlier generation and casual user target.

Both cameras rely on single card slots with SD/Memory Stick compatibility.

Battery Life and Endurance

Neither camera offers marathon battery life - the A7R II delivers around 290 shots per charge (typical for mirrorless pro bodies of its time), whereas the W690 manages approximately 220 shots - not bad for a compact but expect to recharge often during busy shooting days.

Pricing and Value Proposition

• The Sony A7R II hovers around $2,900 (body only as per 2024 market) - a hefty investment, but reasonable given its pro-grade features.
• The Sony W690 is priced near $300, reflecting its entry-level compact status.

Remember - different tools for different needs. Paying nearly 10 times more for the A7R II means serious image quality, flexibility, and future-proofing.

Summing It Up With Scores and Sample Images

To help visualize their performance differences, here are some comparative scores and sample shots from both cameras captured under controlled conditions:

Sony A7R II front Sony A7R II screen back Sony W690 front Sony W690 screen back

Who Should Buy the Sony A7R II?

If you are:

• A professional or serious enthusiast needing exceptional image quality, particularly if your work involves portraits, landscapes, or commercial projects.
• An enthusiast ready to invest in a versatile full-frame system for video and stills.
• Someone who needs weather sealing, advanced AF, and full creative control.

The A7R II remains a fantastic option, especially if bought used or discounted with the newer A7R III and IV on the market.

Who Should Opt for the Sony W690?

If you:

• Want the simplest possible device for casual photography.
• Need a lightweight, pocketable camera with a generous zoom range.
• Are on a tight budget or want a straightforward camera with no fuss over settings.

The W690 fits casual snapshot needs but won’t grow with you as a photographer.

Final Thoughts: Apples and Oranges, Both Worth the Taste

Comparing the Sony A7R II with the Sony W690 is a study in photographic priorities as much as it is in tech specs. The A7R II dazzles with its sheer image quality, professional features, and adaptability - earning its place on many pro desks. The W690, while humble, can be delightful as a grab-and-go companion for moments when carrying a larger system isn’t practical.

Choosing between them is less about “which is better” and more about “what’s right for my photography journey.” I hope this detailed comparison clears the fog in your decision-making and guides you toward the camera that’ll inspire your vision and endure your demands.

Happy shooting!