Sony A7R vs Sony A99 II: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When two heavyweight cameras from Sony come head-to-head - both aimed at photographers who demand top-tier image quality and performance - it naturally sparks a lot of interest. The Sony A7R (announced 2014) and Sony A99 II (2016) represent Sony’s stronghold in the high-resolution full-frame market, but each takes a uniquely different approach. One is a mirrorless pioneer boasting compact sophistication; the other, an advanced DSLR with legacy evolution and sheer muscle.

Having put thousands of shots through both bodies across disciplines - from studio portraits to wildlife chases - I’m excited to break down the nuances that distinguish them in real-world use. Whether you’re looking to refine your portrait work, conquer landscapes, or push video limits, I’ll unpack how these cameras stack up - not just on specs, but on practical performance, ergonomics, and value.

Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Designs: Size, Handling, and Body Feel

First impressions matter. And here, the physicality of the A7R and A99 II couldn’t be more different.

The A7R is compact and light - measuring 127x94x48 mm and tipping the scales around 465 grams (body only). It embodies Sony’s early mirrorless ethos: relatively pocket-friendly but still with enough heft to feel stable. The grip is modest, but well-contoured for those with medium to smaller hands. This is a camera made to travel light, slip into inconspicuous situations, and accompany you all day without fatigue.

Compare that to the A99 II, which is a robust mid-size DSLR measuring 143x104x76 mm and weighing a substantial 849 grams. This body exudes presence and confidence, with a large, deeply sculpted grip that feels rock solid in hand. It demands respect but rewards with comfort if you’re shooting long sports events or wildlife expeditions. Weather sealing on both is solid, but the A99 II’s extra bulk translates to a tougher, more traditional SLR-like user experience.

It’s a classic trade-off: if you prioritize portability, the A7R wins. If you want ergonomic authority and ruggedness, the A99 II is your ally.

Control Layout: More Than Meets the Eye

Beyond size, how do these cameras feel as instruments? That’s where control design really matters.

At a glance, the A7R’s top plate is sleek and minimal - just the essentials. It features a mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and a couple of programmable custom buttons. You get a straightforward control scheme with a slightly minimalist feel, consistent with Sony’s mirrorless styling at the time.

In contrast, the A99 II’s top invites power users with dedicated dials for ISO, drive modes, and exposure compensation, plus a dedicated AF mode dial near the thumb. This camera is built for speed and precision tweaking without finger gymnastics. If you frequently switch between focus modes or shooting settings in fast-paced environments, the A99 II’s richer physical interface makes a big difference.

In practice, the A7R feels nimble but sometimes requires menu navigation to access secondary controls, which slows things down under pressure. The A99 II’s tactile dials - and yes, that illuminated top screen - put instant info and adjustments at your fingertips, perfect for professional workflows.

Sensor Innovations and Image Quality: The Pixel Champions

A camera’s heart is its sensor, and here both Sony models deliver full-frame excellence - with some key distinctions.

The A7R sports a 36.4-megapixel CMOS sensor without an optical low-pass filter, designed to maximize sharpness and detail resolution. It achieves a DXOmark overall score of 95, a remarkably high standard, with notable color depth (25.6 bits) and an impressive dynamic range of 14.1 EV. While its maximum native ISO caps at 25,600 and low-light ISO score is around 2746, it maintains clean results even in challenging shadows.

The A99 II ups the ante with a 42.4-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor - a BSI design that improves light gathering efficiency. This sensor also omits an anti-alias filter, bolstering detail capture. DXO scores 92 overall - slightly lower than the A7R mainly due to marginally reduced dynamic range (13.4 EV) and a lower low-light ISO rating (2317). But the boosted ISO range up to 102,400 offers far more flexibility in darker environments.

In short: For ultimate resolution and dynamic range, the A7R edges ahead slightly, making it ideal for landscape and studio photographers who need the finest detail and tonal gradations. But the A99 II’s sensor excels with high-resolution stills plus superior performance at extremely high ISO, great for low-light work or sports in dim conditions.

The Autofocus Battle: When Speed and Precision Matter

If you work fast - whether shooting wildlife, sports, or even spontaneous street scenes - the autofocus system can make or break your experience.

The A7R uses a contrast-detection AF system with 25 focus points. It supports face detection but lacks phase detection and sophisticated tracking. In my testing, it does a fair job in well-lit, controlled scenarios - tracking static subjects or precise focus for portraits was quite reliable. But throw in moving subjects or tricky light, and it falters compared to newer or more advanced systems.

The A99 II’s hybrid AF system features 399 phase-detection points and 79 cross-type sensors, coupled with contrast-detection, resulting in impressively fast, accurate, and reliable focus acquisition. It supports continuous autofocus tracking and eye detection, allowing confident captures of rapid movement - so wildlife photographers and sports shooters will find this invaluable. The superior autofocus coverage also means you have more compositional freedom without focus hunting.

If autofocus performance is a priority - say for sports, wildlife, or event photography - the A99 II is clearly the stronger performer. The A7R remains suitable for controlled portraiture or landscapes but won’t be your go-to for high-action sequences.

Display and Viewfinder: Seeing Is Believing

The user interface experience is crucial in framing shots and reviewing images.

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs with roughly the same resolution (~1230k dots), but their articulation differs. The A7R offers a tilting Xtra Fine LCD, great for low-angle or overhead shooting but limited for self-recording or complex angles. The A99 II steps up with a fully articulated screen, enhancing flexibility, especially for video shooters or vloggers.

Viewfinders are electronic on both, with identical 2359k dot resolution and 100% coverage - crisp and bright. The A99 II, however, has a slightly larger magnification (0.78x vs 0.71x), lending a more immersive feel through the eye. Combined with the bigger body and grip, it approximates the look and feel of an optical SLR.

I personally appreciate the A99 II’s viewfinder for extended shoots or precise manual focusing; the eye cup and magnification reduce fatigue and improve framing confidence.

Burst Rates and Buffering: Catching the Action

Continuous shooting speeds often separate contenders in the professional realm - who can capture the decisive split second?

The Sony A7R delivers a relatively modest 4 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting rate. This is adequate for deliberate portrait or landscape sessions, but not suited to high-speed subjects. Buffer depth, while decent, fills quickly with large RAW files.

On the flip side, the A99 II fires off an impressive 12 fps, positioning it among the fastest full-frame cameras of its era. This rapid pace, combined with a substantial buffer and dual card slots for overflow, makes it a dream for sports and wildlife shooters. You’ll miss fewer critical moments and have ample storage for extended bursts.

Stabilization: Do You Need It?

One crucial difference lies in built-in image stabilization. The A7R lacks sensor-shift stabilization entirely, relying on optically stabilized lenses or tripod work for shake management.

The A99 II offers a 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization system that compensates for pitch, yaw, roll, and two shift axes, dramatically helping handheld shooting in lower light. The impact during field tests was unmistakable - sharp handheld portraits at slower shutter speeds and smoother video stabilization with compatible lenses.

If you frequently shoot without a tripod and value blur-free images in challenging lighting, the A99 II’s sensor stabilization adds significant value.

Video Capabilities: More Than Still Cameras

While both cameras are primarily designed for stills, video features have become essential.

The A7R shoots Full HD 1080p video up to 60p with MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. It supports external microphone and headphone ports, but lacks 4K recording, limiting its appeal for videographers.

The A99 II is a step up, offering not only Full HD 1080p but also 4K UHD (3840x2160) at up to 30p, encoded in XAVC S format - which offers higher bitrates and better compression for professional use. It also features dual mic input and headphone jacks, plus the articulated screen aids handheld video composition.

If video is a priority - say for hybrid shooters or content creators - the A99 II is clearly more capable and future-proof.

Lens Lineups and Compatibility: What’s in the Stable?

Both cameras leverage Sony’s broad lens ecosystem, but with different mounts.

The A7R uses the native Sony E-mount system, boasting 121 compatible lenses - including Sony FE lenses designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless, as well as many third-party options. The E-mount also benefits from compact, lightweight lenses aligning with the camera’s portability.

The A99 II sticks to the Sony/Minolta Alpha A-mount, with 143 lenses available. This mount has a long legacy with quality optics, including autofocus telephotos and primes favored by portrait and sports pros. However, A-mount lenses tend to be larger and heavier, matching the body’s build.

If you already own E-mount glass or want a more compact system, the A7R is your logical choice. For those invested in Minolta Alpha glass or seeking rugged telephoto options, the A99 II offers more established compatibility.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Reliable endurance is non-negotiable, especially during shoots without easy recharging opportunities.

The A7R’s NP-FW50 battery rating sits at a modest 340 shots per charge (CIPA). That’s manageable but usually means carrying spares for extended sessions. It has a single SD card slot compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Sony’s Memory Stick formats.

The A99 II, with its larger NP-FM500H battery, extends this to 490 shots, significantly better for longer workflows. Dual card slots enhance backup options and allow simultaneous recording - key for professionals prioritizing data security.

Wireless and Connectivity Features: Sharing and Control

Both cameras support built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for remote shooting and wireless transfer, with the A99 II adding Bluetooth for quicker pairing and background transfer. USB 2.0 ports are present on both but fairly standard. HDMI outputs facilitate tethered shooting or external monitors.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Real-World Outcomes

The painstaking lab tests and field trials culminate in well-rounded performance assessments.

Both cameras achieve high marks, but in different domains. The A7R’s superior sensor dynamics make it the champion for exquisite detail and tonal nuance - a dream for studio and landscape photographers. Meanwhile, the A99 II’s autofocus prowess, burst speed, and stabilization cater effortlessly to demanding sports and wildlife shooters.

Here is a closer look at genre-specific capabilities:

• Portraits: The A7R’s fine detail and natural skin tone rendering win hearts, though the A99 II’s AF tracking edge is notable for casual portrait sessions with moving subjects.
• Landscape: The A7R leads in dynamic range and resolution.
• Wildlife: The A99 II’s 12fps and 399 AF points crush the competition.
• Sports: Again, the A99 II excels with its rapid frame rate and tracking.
• Street: The A7R’s compactness and quieter operation suit discreet shooting.
• Macro: Both perform similarly, though stabilization in the A99 II helps handheld macro work.
• Night/Astro: The A7R’s superior dynamic range and lower noise levels help capture star fields with clarity.
• Video: The A99 II’s 4K and articulated screen outclass the A7R.
• Travel: The A7R’s size and weight facilitate easy transport.
• Professional: A99 II offers greater reliability with dual cards and better battery life.

Sample Gallery: Pixel Peeping in Practice

Seeing really is believing, so here are comparative images captured under varied conditions.

Sony A7R front Sony A7R screen back Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back

Look closely - the A7R captures razor-sharp landscape details and subtle tonal gradations. The A99 II handles fast-moving subjects crisply and offers well-controlled noise at high ISO settings, demonstrating its versatility.

Honest Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

I’ve laid out the technical specs, tested performance, and balanced user experience - all with a real-world lens. Now, let’s distill this into actionable advice.

Choose the Sony A7R if you:

• Prioritize ultimate resolution and dynamic range for landscapes, studio work, or fine art.
• Prefer a compact, lightweight body for travel and street photography.
• Are invested in Sony’s E-mount lens system.
• Shoot mostly still subjects or controlled environments where AF speed is less critical.
• Have a tighter budget and want a high-end mirrorless experience.

Choose the Sony A99 II if you:

• Need blazing AF speed, accuracy, and tracking for wildlife, sports, or fast weddings.
• Want in-body 5-axis stabilization to support handheld shooting versatility.
• Plan to do serious video work with 4K recording and professional controls.
• Require longer battery life and dual card slots for professional reliability.
• Don’t mind the heft and prefer a traditional DSLR ergonomic feel.

Final Thoughts In My Experience

The Sony A7R marked a pivotal moment for mirrorless photography with fantastic image quality in a compact form, but it feels slightly dated now in autofocus and video domains. Meanwhile, the Sony A99 II cleverly extends the DSLR lineage with modern sensor and AF tech, appealing strongly to demanding action shooters and content creators.

If mirrorless portability and pixel-level image excellence speak loudest to your heart, the A7R remains a compelling choice even today. But if versatility, speed, and rugged professional features matter most, the A99 II stands taller.

Either way, you’re getting a camera built with Sony’s award-winning sensor and image processing pedigree - and that’s never a bad starting point.

I hope this comparison helps you make a confident choice tailored to your photographic passions and shooting style. Happy shooting!