Sony A7S II vs Sony A700: A Deep Dive into Mirrorless and DSLR Realities

Over the past two decades, Sony has carved a distinct path in digital photography, transitioning from inherited Minolta DSLR DNA to bold mirrorless innovations. In this comprehensive comparison, I take you through an in-depth hands-on evaluation of two notable Sony cameras representing different eras and philosophies: the Sony Alpha A7S II (2015), a professional-grade full-frame mirrorless powerhouse, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 (2007), a robust mid-size APS-C DSLR that helped define Sony’s early DSLR attempts.

If you’re hunting for a reliable workhorse or seeking a camera tailored to your creative niche, understanding how these two devices perform across all the key photography disciplines will equip you with practical wisdom. This isn’t simply a feature list like you’ve seen elsewhere - it’s a blend of technical scrutiny, real-world testing, and honest critique.

Let’s open the comparison by sizing up their core identities, literally and figuratively.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

When placed side-by-side, the A7S II and A700 serve as textbook examples of mirrorless versus DSLR design language.

The Sony A7S II weighs in at 627g and boasts more compact dimensions (127x96x60 mm), thanks to its mirrorless architecture. This smaller footprint is a boon for travel and street photographers who prize portability. Ergonomically, the A7S II offers a snug grip tailored to modern hands, though I found the shallow curve sometimes less secure during prolonged use with large telephoto lenses.

In contrast, the Sony A700, at 768g and measuring 142x105x80 mm, is decidedly bulkier - characteristic of 2000s mid-size DSLRs. This heft contributes to sturdiness and stability, especially with heavier telephoto glass. The grip, larger and more pronounced, excels for those with big hands or who shoot in challenging conditions where firm handling trumps ultimate portability.

Both bodies exhibit environmental sealing, an appreciated professional touch, though neither is fully weatherproof or shockproof. In these respects, Sony clearly pushed forward over the years, with the A7S II offering more refined sealing against dust and moisture ingress.

Top Controls and Interface: Modern Mirrorless Meets Classic DSLR

Moving past physical ergonomics, how do these cameras feel when you pick them up to shoot?

The A7S II’s top panel is streamlined, sacrificing some legacy control wheels for a sleeker profile. You access exposure compensation, mode dial, and custom buttons conveniently, but I missed tactile feedback from some buttons, especially since there are no illuminated buttons for nighttime shooting.

Meanwhile, the A700's top deck is more classic DSLR territory, with dedicated dials for mode, ISO, and exposure compensation, lending an intuitive, fast-to-operate experience. For photographers accustomed to old-school layouts, the A700 might feel more natural. However, newcomers to DSLR controls might find it overwhelming or less accessible without touchscreen aids - something neither camera has.

The A7S II benefits from AVCHD and XAVC S video support and related controls cleverly integrated on the dial - a nod to hybrid shooter needs. The A700, designed well before the rise of video DSLRs, lacks video functions entirely.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera comparison lies the sensor, its characteristics, and how that translates into practical image quality.

While both cameras feature 12-megapixel sensors, the similarities stop there.

• The A7S II packs a full-frame (35.6x23.8 mm) CMOS sensor optimized for extraordinary low-light performance, sporting a max native ISO of 102,400, expandable to a staggering 409,600. This sensor’s large photosites dramatically improve signal-to-noise ratios, ideal for night photography, video, and astrophotography.

• The Sony A700 sports an APS-C sized sensor (23.5x15.6 mm) with a 1.5x crop factor, also CMOS but dated, maxing out at ISO 6400. While decent for the era, its noise handling and dynamic range fall short of the A7S II’s capabilities.

Indeed, DxO Mark scores quantify the gap: the A7S II achieves a high overall score (85), boasting 23.6 bits of color depth and a dynamic range of 13.3 stops. The A700 lags behind (66 overall), with lower color depth (22.3 bits) and dynamic range (11.9 stops).

For landscape photographers chasing nuance in highlights and shadows or those needing impeccable skin tone gradation in portraits, the A7S II’s sensor is a significant asset. However, note that with only 12 MP, the resolution is modest compared to many modern cameras, trading megapixels for cleaner output at extreme ISOs.

The Viewfinder and LCD: Seeing Your Composition

The viewfinder is your window into framing precision.

The Sony A7S II offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36M-dot resolution, delivering 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification. The EVF excels in previewing exposure and white balance in real-time - an invaluable feature when working in challenging lighting or video. The downside? Some find EVFs induce slight lag and a perceived artificiality compared to optical finders.

The A700’s optical pentaprism finder offers a traditional viewing experience with a sharp optical path, 95% frame coverage, and 0.6x magnification. This optical clarity is direct and lag-free but doesn’t show exposure preview or live histograms, which can mean more reliance on trial and error.

Both have 3-inch rear screens, but the A7S II’s tilting LCD with 1.2M-dot resolution provides flexibility for low or high angle shots and better image review clarity. The A700’s fixed screen at 920k dots limits versatility.

Ultimately, sports, wildlife, or video shooters who appreciate real-time focus peaking and histogram feedback will favor the A7S II’s EVF and screen combo. Classicists who prefer eye-level optical views might lean towards the A700.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus is mission-critical - how do these two stack up?

The Sony A7S II uses a contrast-detection AF system with 169 focus points and face detection capabilities. While not as aggressive as phase-detection systems, its algorithm excels in video AF smoothness and performs well in low-light thanks to sensor sensitivity. There is continuous AF, single AF, tracking, and selective focus. However, it lacks phase-detection AF on sensor, so in fast-action scenarios, its autofocus can feel slower or "hunting."

Conversely, the A700 is equipped with a 11-point phase-detection AF system, a staple for DSLRs of its time. It is dependable and fast at locking on static subjects and decent in tracking moving targets but lacks more advanced features like face unlock or eye detection, which modern users might miss.

In low light, the A7S II’s sensor sensitivity gives it the edge in accurate focusing, whereas the A700 may struggle. But for sports or wildlife photographers demanding continuous rapid AF with large telephoto glass, the DSLR system’s more traditional AF module could be preferable due to dedicated AF sensors.

Shutter and Continuous Shooting: Freezing the Moment

Both cameras offer a similar shutter speed range from 30s up to 1/8000s, accommodating long exposures and fast action capture.

Continuous shooting clocks at 5 frames per second on both cameras - perfectly adequate for casual sports and wildlife but lagging behind specialized high-speed shooters.

Notably, the A7S II lacks a silent electronic shutter, and its mechanical shutter is the only option. The A700 only has a mechanical shutter as well. In practice, the maximum 5fps rates mean high-speed burst shooting isn’t a decisive advantage for either.

In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) and Lens Compatibility

One standout feature in the A7S II is the 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization, compensating for pitch, yaw, roll, and X/Y movements. In my testing, this delivers steady handheld shooting, especially valuable in low-light, video recording, and macro workflows.

The A700 offers sensor-based stabilization but without the multi-axis sophistication, providing a more basic shake correction that depends heavily on lens stabilizers.

Regarding the lens ecosystems…

• The A7S II uses the Sony E-mount, which supports a broad range of native full-frame and APS-C lenses - now reaching well over 120 lenses. The E-mount is widely regarded for innovation, particularly in fast primes, wide zooms, and video-friendly optics.

• The A700 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha A-mount, compatible with over 140 legacy lenses, including some top-tier Minolta glass. While comprehensive for DSLR needs, the system is somewhat overshadowed today by mirrorless mounts’ faster advancements.

Adapters help bridge the gap but introduce compromises like slower AF or bulk.

Video Capabilities: Mirrorless Meets Cinematography

If video is in your toolkit, the cameras differ dramatically.

The Sony A7S II supports 4K video recording at 30fps and 24fps, along with Full HD at up to 120fps for slow motion. It shoots video with high bitrates (60-100 Mbps), supports the XAVC S codec, and features microphone and headphone jacks for monitoring audio - a complete hybrid package. Sensor-based IBIS further enhances handheld footage stability, a massive boon.

The A700, predating the widespread adoption of video DSLRs, has no video recording capabilities whatsoever.

If you want to shoot professional-grade video or hybrid multimedia effortlessly, the A7S II is the clear victor here.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The A7S II uses the compact NP-FW50 battery, rated for around 370 shots per charge under CIPA standards, though real-world usage with EVF and video reduces this. This is acceptable for mirrorless but will require carrying spares on extended shoots.

The A700 relies on the larger NP-FM500H battery but lacks published standardized battery life. Anecdotally, DSLRs tend to exceed mirrorless in longevity due to optical viewfinders consuming less power. The A700’s dual storage slots (CF and Memory Stick formats) also provide expanded buffering and backup options, a professional advantage over the single SD slot in the A7S II.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

How do these cameras perform across different photographic landscapes? Let’s unpack.

Portrait Photography

The A7S II’s large full-frame sensor delivers exquisite skin tones and naturally smooth bokeh thanks to shallow depth-of-field control. Eye detection autofocus, while basic, aids focusing precision. The A700’s APS-C sensor and fewer AF points give decent but less refined portraits with more background detail visible due to narrower aperture lens options.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range shines here - again, the A7S II edges with a 13+ stop range capturing detail in shadows and highlights. Environmental sealing is roughly equal, although the A7S II’s modern build feels more robust in harsh elements. The A700’s higher resolution offers a tiny detail advantage in daylight scenes if pixel level sharpness is the goal.

Wildlife Photography

Here, AF speed and tracking dominate. The A700’s phase-detection AF feels slightly more reliable with large zoom lenses, despite its older tech. The A7S II’s autofocus can lag but excels in low light thanks to its sensor sensitivity. Burst rates are identical.

Sports Photography

Both 5fps limited, so neither is ideal for action-packed shooting. The A700’s dedicated AF points lend an edge in fast-moving subject tracking, but the A7S II offers excellent exposure accuracy and low-light performance when stadium conditions dim.

Street Photography

The A7S II wins easily with its compact size, tilting LCD, silent shutter modes (though not electronic shutter), and superior high-ISO handling, making it stealthier and more adaptable to shooting in dim cafés or nighttime urban scenes.

Macro Photography

Thanks to IBIS and precise focus control, the A7S II offers modern assistance for macro work. The A700’s stabilization and autofocus are more rudimentary, demanding more manual finesse.

Night and Astro Photography

Unsurprisingly, the A7S II dominates with ultra-high ISO settings, low noise, and longer exposure capabilities. The A700’s APS-C limits nighttime usability significantly.

Video

No contest - the A7S II is designed for video prosumers and indie filmmakers. The A700 cannot record video at all.

Travel Photography

The lighter, smaller A7S II is easier to carry all day. Its wireless functions and Tilting screen add to versatility, though single SD slot can be limiting. The A700, bulkier and heavier, is a dedicated stills shooter with dual card redundancy.

Professional Use

The A7S II’s full-frame sensor, advanced video features, and modern connectivity (built-in Wi-Fi, NFC) make it better suited for today’s professional workflows. The A700’s dual card slots provide backup security, but overall it’s an aging platform for demanding jobs.

Real-World Image Quality Comparison

Sony A7S II front Sony A7S II screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

Examining matched raw files and JPEGs reveals:

• The A7S II’s images exhibit notably cleaner high-ISO shots, smoother tonal gradations, and richer color fidelity.
• The A700 provides sharper daylight captures due to slightly higher resolution.
• The A7S II’s full-frame sensor renders more dramatic background separation and creamy bokeh, especially noticeable in portraits.
• Dynamic range differences result in fewer clipped highlights and preserved shadow detail on the A7S II.

Final Performance Ratings

• Sony A7S II: Scores highly on image quality, low light, video features, and modern aesthetics.
• Sony A700: Solid for still photography basics and budget-conscious users, but lagging in tech and features.

Verdict: Which Sony Camera Suits Your Needs?

Choosing between the Sony A7S II and A700 will come down to your photographic priorities and budget.

Choose the Sony A7S II if you:

• Need professional-grade video and hybrid shooting capabilities.
• Shoot extensively in low light, night, or astro photography.
• Value compactness without sacrificing full-frame image quality.
• Appreciate modern autofocus features (face detection) and sensor stabilization.
• Want advanced connectivity and a versatile lens ecosystem.
• Are ready to invest approximately $2,700 for a capable modern pro mirrorless.

Choose the Sony A700 if you:

• Are a still photography enthusiast or beginner on a tighter budget (~$1,000).
• Prefer an optical viewfinder and traditional DSLR ergonomics.
• Rely on an extensive A-mount lens collection.
• Don’t need video or cutting-edge AF performance.
• Desire dual card slots for file redundancy.
• Mainly shoot outdoors landscapes or portraits with decent light.

Closing Thoughts: Past Meets Present in Sony’s Imaging Journey

With the A7S II and A700 lying nearly a decade apart in technology and design philosophy, they reveal how far camera evolution has traveled.

The A700 remains a testament to Sony’s early DSLR engineering - rugged and straightforward. The A7S II, meanwhile, embodies the mirrorless future, balancing professional imaging with multifunctional video prowess in a surprisingly svelte body.

If you ask me, as someone who's juggled thousands of cameras, the A7S II offers a remarkable package for many genres, especially those blending stills and video. However, the A700 still commands respect as a durable, affordable DSLR for enthusiasts who value solid image quality in good light with simpler controls.

No matter which you pick, understanding their unique strengths will ensure your photography adventures start on the right footing.

Happy shooting, and may your next frame be your best yet!