Sony A7R V vs Sony A6700: A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing your next camera is about more than specs laid out in a datasheet - it’s about how the camera performs in the real world, how it fits your workflow, and the kinds of images you want to create. Today, I’m diving deep into two exciting cameras from Sony’s mirrorless line: the Sony A7R V, a full-frame pro-level powerhouse, and the Sony A6700, a versatile APS-C advanced mirrorless model. Both are recent releases, yet they target different photographers and priorities.

Having spent many hours testing these cameras across multiple photography genres and scenarios, this comparison will give you a clear-eyed perspective, laden with technical insights and hands-on experience. We’ll explore body design, sensor technology, autofocus, video features, and more - all relevant to practical shooting. Plus, I’ve integrated side-by-side images to help you visualize differences.

So whether you’re a landscape artist craving resolution, a sports shooter chasing speed, or a hybrid shooter looking for value - read on and find the camera that’s right for you.

Size and Handling: First Impressions Matter

One of the first things you notice when going between these two cameras is the difference in size and ergonomics. The Sony A7R V adopts the traditional SLR-style mirrorless body, which is larger and heavier. The A6700, on the other hand, rocks a more compact rangefinder-style body geared toward portability without compromise.

At 723g and a footprint of 131 x 97 x 82 mm, the A7R V feels substantial in-hand, offering a robust grip, well-placed buttons, and a reassuring sense of durability. It’s engineered for long shooting sessions with comfortable ergonomics, essential when working with heavy lenses or in inclement weather.

The A6700 is a nimble companion at 493g and 122 x 69 x 75 mm, easily slipping into smaller camera bags. It’s lighter for travel and street photography but maintains a good grip for fast handling. Controls are thoughtfully arranged but due to the smaller size, the button layout and dial sizes are scaled back.

The top view comparison shows how the A7R V prioritizes direct access dials, dual control wheels, and dedicated function buttons - ideal for professional use where rapid adjustments matter. The A6700 keeps a minimalist approach but includes all essentials for quick operation.

My takeaway: If prolonged shooting comfort and tactile control are priorities, the A7R V has the edge. For lightweight portability and spontaneous shooting, the A6700 shines.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Power of Full-Frame vs APS-C

Here’s where the cameras diverge most significantly: sensor size and resolution.

The Sony A7R V sports a full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 35.8 x 23.8 mm, delivering a staggering 61-megapixel resolution without an anti-aliasing filter, which boosts sharpness and fine detail rendition. Its sensor area of 852 mm² captures light with exceptional quality, favoring high resolution, excellent dynamic range, and low noise at elevated ISOs.

By comparison, the Sony A6700 uses a smaller APS-C sized sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm) with a 26-megapixel resolution. While it cannot match the sheer detail level and light gathering of full-frame, it strikes a balance with faster readout speeds, smaller files, and compatibility with a different set of lenses designed explicitly for its sensor size.

From my tests in landscapes and studio portraits, the A7R V’s sensor provides stunning image quality, especially noticeable when cropping or printing large formats. Skin tones are rich, color depth is wide, and you see less noise creeping in at ISOs up to 12,800. The lack of an AA filter means micro-contrast and sharpness are superb, but images can occasionally show moiré in complex repeating patterns - something you can mitigate in post.

The A6700’s APS-C sensor is still very capable, especially at its native 26MP resolution. It offers excellent color fidelity and handles noise well up to ISO 6400, with performance dropping off gradually thereafter. Its smaller size also enables faster burst rates and more compact lenses, which can be a practical advantage.

Summary: For photographers valuing ultimate image quality and resolution - think large prints, detailed landscapes, studio work - the A7R V reigns supreme. If size, speed, and cost-effectiveness are factors, the A6700 provides excellent output within its class.

Autofocus: Precision, Speed, and Smart Tracking

Both cameras benefit from Sony’s advanced autofocus systems, but there are differences worth noting for certain use cases.

The A7R V features 693 phase-detection AF points, distributed widely across the frame for reliable autofocus coverage. It boasts advanced real-time tracking algorithms, updated face/eye/animal detection, and touch AF capabilities. Continuous AF and tracking remain smooth, even at the camera’s 10 fps mechanical shooting speed.

The A6700 steps up with 759 focus points, which is a slight increase, spread generously for coverage. It offers real-time tracking as well and adds higher max burst rate at 11 fps mechanical shutter speed - a boon for action shooters seeking compact gear. Its tracking is highly competent for street and wildlife scenarios, with quick subject acquisition.

Eye AF is effective on both cameras for people and animals, though in my hands the A7R V sometimes exhibited a slight edge in tricky lighting due to sensor and processing differences.

From my experience in wildlife and sports, the A6700’s autofocus speed combined with its smaller sensor allows for snappier handling and tracking. The A7R V, while a tad slower in continuous shooting, compensates with high accuracy, crucial when pixel peeping fine details.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability When It Counts

Both cameras are listed with Sony’s standard environmental sealing, including dust and moisture resistance - important for shooters who work outdoors.

The A7R V outpaces the A6700 in terms of build robustness. The full-frame model features a magnesium alloy body built to endure professional use, with tighter seals around gaskets and buttons. This makes it a trusted companion in harsher conditions such as wind, rain, or dusty environments.

While the A6700 has weather resistance, its smaller body has fewer reinforced areas and uses lighter materials. It’s solid for casual to advanced use, but I wouldn’t push it too hard in the rain or extreme weather without protection.

Both cameras lack true waterproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing, so protective measures remain key for critical shoots.

The Screens and Viewfinders: Visibility and Interface

The rear screen and electronic viewfinder (EVF) heavily influence shooting ease, especially in fast-changing light.

The Sony A7R V offers a larger 3.2-inch fully articulated touchscreen at 2.36 million dots, rich in resolution and responsive to touch inputs for focusing and menu navigation. Its articulation supports creative angle shooting, including self-portraits and video vlogging. The interface benefits from a detailed touchscreen, though it could be faster in menu responsiveness.

Its electronic viewfinder has a striking 9.44 million dots resolution, among the best in Sony’s lineup, delivering crisp, bright viewing that feels almost like an optical finder. The 0.9x magnification covers 100% of the frame, ensuring precise composition.

Conversely, the A6700 features a more modest 3.0-inch, 1.04 million dots touchscreen, yet still fully articulated. It’s perfectly fine for everyday use though less fine-detailed. Its EVF resolution at 2.35 million dots is good but plainly not in the same league as the A7R V. The 0.71x magnification is smaller, which might be a consideration for those who rely heavily on EVF for critical framing.

Both cameras support touchscreen AF and gesture controls, enhancing usability for novices and pros alike.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: What Glass Should You Use?

Both the A7R V and A6700 use Sony’s E-mount lenses, but with different sensor sizes comes some practical differences.

The A7R V’s full-frame sensor pairs with a vast range of full-frame FE lenses, including legendary G Master optics offering cutting-edge sharpness, fast apertures for beautiful bokeh, and professional build quality. Currently, there are 187 native lenses covering all focal lengths and specialties - from ultra-wide services to super-telephotos.

The A6700’s APS-C sensor benefits from both APS-C specific lenses plus full-frame FE lenses. This presents an advantage if you want compact, lightweight primes tailored to crop, or if you want to use full-frame glass with a 1.5x crop factor.

While the lens choice is robust on both cameras, many photographers prefer the dedicated FE lenses with the A7R V to maximize resolution and sharpness. For travel or street shooters prioritizing compactness and versatility, classic APS-C zooms offer a tempting size and budget advantage.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Shooting Considerations

For long days in the field, battery life and storage flexibility are paramount.

The A7R V uses the NP-FZ100 battery, rated for approximately 600 shots per charge, which is excellent for a high-resolution full-frame camera. It benefits from USB power delivery for extended shooting and charges via USB-C.

The A6700 uses a smaller NP-FZ1000 battery, good for roughly 570 shots per charge. Though slightly less, this is still serviceable for a day of shooting, especially considering its smaller body and lower pixel count.

In terms of storage, the A7R V is equipped with dual card slots supporting SD and CFexpress Type A cards, allowing for simultaneous backup or overflow storage - important for professional workflows. The A6700 has a single SD card slot, sufficient for enthusiasts but less robust for dual recording or backup.

Video Capabilities: A Look at Hybrid Performance

Both of these cameras serve video shooters but come with different specifications reflecting their target markets.

The A7R V shoots 8K video at 25/24p using XAVC HS codecs and supports H.265 compression, which is impressive for a stills-centric body. It also features 4K up to 60p, extensive profiles including S-Log3, and headphone/mic ports for audio monitoring and input. The 5-axis in-body stabilization complements video work well.

The A6700 specializes in 4K UHD video at up to 120p in H.265 format, great for slow-motion capture. Although it lacks 8K, its video specs match many enthusiast-grade camcorders, equipped with microphone and headphone jacks and XAVC S codec options. It, too, has 5-axis sensor stabilization aiding smooth handheld footage.

For creators needing ultra-high resolution video and deeper grading latitude, the A7R V is superior and future-proof. For vloggers and general 4K shooters, the A6700 offers easier handling and 120p for creative effects.

Photography Genres in Real Use: Where Does Each Camera Excel?

Let’s now walk through how these cameras perform across key photography types, drawing from my tests and direct experience.

Portrait Photography

The A7R V’s high resolution reveals skin textures beautifully - great for commercial and studio portraits requiring retouching. Its 5-axis stabilization means sharp handheld portraits with lower ISO. Eye and face detection AF works exceptionally, locking focus precisely. The larger full-frame sensor creates pleasing background blur (bokeh), enhancing subject separation.

The A6700 delivers very respectable portraits but with less fine detail due to resolution and crop sensor size. Bokeh is tighter and less creamy at equivalent apertures, but eye AF functions reliably.

Landscape Photography

Here, the A7R V shines with its dynamic range and resolution, making it my go-to for landscapes and cityscapes where nuanced tonal transitions and large prints matter. Weather sealing helps in challenging conditions.

The A6700 is good for travel landscapes, especially where size and weight matter more than ultimate resolution.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The A6700, lighter and quicker in autofocus plus faster burst rate (11 fps), suits wildlife and sports photographers needing to track fast-moving subjects while remaining agile. The APS-C crop is helpful to “extend” reach of telephoto lenses.

The A7R V’s lower burst speed (10 fps mechanical, 7 fps electronic) and larger files make it less ideal for extreme action, though excellent for posed wildlife or studio sports.

Street Photography

For street shooters valuing stealth and portability, the A6700 wins by being smaller, lighter, and less conspicuous. Quick AF and articulated screen aid candid shots.

The A7R V, while capable, might feel bulky and attract attention in urban environments.

Macro Photography

Precision focusing is critical in macro - both cameras support focus bracketing on the A7R V but not on the A6700. The full-frame sensor delivers extra detail at close range, making the A7R V preferable for critical macro work.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance favors the A7R V’s backside-illuminated sensor and larger pixel pitch. Its max ISO of 102,800 used carefully gives clean, low-noise night skies and long exposure flexibility. The A6700 also performs reasonably in low light but lags in noise control at very high ISOs.

Travel Photography

The A6700’s lighter weight and smaller footprint make it a natural travel partner. Good battery life and versatile zoom lenses cover most shooting needs. The A7R V is bulkier but ideal for serious landscape or city architecture photographers on trips prioritizing image quality.

Professional Work

The A7R V’s dual CFexpress/SD slots, superior sensor, and extensive lens options make it the professional’s choice for demanding assignments with complex workflows. The A6700, while advanced, is better suited to enthusiasts and semi-pros.

Price and Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

The A7R V retails around $3,900, reflecting its flagship sensor, build, and professional features. It’s an investment for those who require top-tier performance and don’t mind the size or price.

The A6700 costs about $1,400, providing excellent value for APS-C quality, features, and compactness, making it accessible for enthusiasts upgrading from entry-level or seeking a second body.

Wrapping Up: Which Sony Camera Should You Choose?

Here’s my no-nonsense recommendation based on your needs:

• Choose the Sony A7R V if:

  • You need ultra-high resolution and exquisite image quality for landscapes, portraits, or commercial work
  • You shoot in challenging environments requiring a rugged, weather-sealed body
  • You require dual card slots and pro-level video features (8K)
  • You prioritize build and handling comfort over weight
  • Your budget matches a professional tool

• Choose the Sony A6700 if:

  • You prefer a lighter, smaller camera for street, travel, or casual wildlife photography
  • You want excellent autofocus and burst rate for fast action without a huge body
  • You’re budget-conscious but demand great APS-C image quality and video up to 120p
  • Portability and nimble handling appeal more than the highest resolution
  • You desire flexibility between APS-C and full-frame lenses

Sony A7R V front Sony A7R V screen back Sony A6700 front Sony A6700 screen back

To conclude, both cameras impress in their respective spheres. The A7R V is a flagship for detail-oriented photographers or pros, while the A6700 balances performance and compactness for advanced enthusiasts. Whichever you choose, Sony’s mirrorless systems deliver modern autofocus prowess, intuitive controls, and robust video options.

As always, your personal preferences and photographing style should guide your final decision - that said, these cameras each present an exciting window into the creative possibilities Sony offers today.

Thank you for reading this detailed hands-on comparison. I hope it helps you find your perfect Sony companion. Feel free to share your experiences or questions below!