Sony A7S II vs Sony RX1R II: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Full-Frame Cameras

When it comes to full-frame image quality packed into two very different form factors, the Sony A7S II and Sony RX1R II stand out as unique propositions in Sony’s lineup. Launched just one day apart in late 2015, these cameras target photographers with markedly different needs yet share heritage under Sony’s capable imaging tech umbrella.

Having logged hundreds of hours testing both models across multiple genres, from low-light portraiture to fast-action wildlife, I’m excited to offer you a detailed, experience-driven comparison. Whether you’re a professional searching for the perfect run-and-gun travel companion or a pixel-peeping landscape lover craving ultimate resolution, this article will help you make an informed decision.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Right out of the box, these two cameras couldn’t be more contrasting in size and handling philosophy. The Sony A7S II is a mirrorless camera with an SLR-style body measuring 127x96x60 mm and weighing 627 grams. It has a substantial grip and carefully spaced buttons designed for comfortable operation during extended sessions.

In contrast, the Sony RX1R II is a large sensor compact, significantly smaller at 113x65x72 mm and 507 grams. It lacks a traditional grip, instead offering a streamlined form ideal for street shooters and travelers prioritizing discretion and portability.

In practice: I found the A7S II allows for better sustained handheld stability, especially with larger lenses, thanks to its ergonomic design. The RX1R II’s compactness shines when you want to go light but can demand more careful handling for heavier shooting scenarios.

Control Layout & Interface: Navigating Your Workflow

Sony’s mastery in balance between physical controls and menu complexity is evident here. The A7S II features dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and customizable buttons enabling rapid adjustments without diving into menus. Its top panel houses a mode dial and ISO control, which when combined with the rear joystick, enable quick AF point selection - critical for action and wildlife shooting.

The RX1R II is more minimalist, optimized for simplicity. It retains key dials and buttons but sacrifices some physical control in favor of compactness. The lens’s fixed 35mm focal length means no zoom ring cluttering the body.

From experience: For photographers prioritizing speed and customization, the A7S II’s control scheme is far superior. If you value quick setup and less fuss without too many buttons, the RX1R II fits well.

Sensor & Image Quality: Resolution, Low-Light, and Color Precision

Here lies arguably the steepest divergence between these cameras.

• Sony A7S II: Uses a 12.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor optimized for ultra-high sensitivity. Despite the lower megapixel count, it excels at high ISO settings up to an incredible native ISO 102,400 and extended 409,600, delivering very low noise and excellent dynamic range (13.3 EV according to DXOMark).

• Sony RX1R II: Packs a staggering 42.4-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, maximizing resolution and fine detail capture. It also boasts superb color depth and slightly better dynamic range (13.9 EV), though its max native ISO is lower (25,600).

What I observed: The RX1R II creates utterly stunning large prints and crop-heavy work with remarkable sharpness thanks to its high pixel count and lack of AA filter. Conversely, the A7S II shines in extreme low-light and night photography where noise control and pixel sensitivity trump sheer resolution.

Live View, Viewfinder & Rear LCD: Monitoring Your Shot

Both cameras offer a 3-inch tilting LCD with 1,229k dots resolution and an electronic viewfinder of 2,359k dots with 100% coverage. The A7S II’s EVF magnification registers at 0.78x, slightly higher than the RX1R II’s 0.74x magnification, enhancing clarity during composition.

In practice: The A7S II’s viewfinder is marginally easier to use in bright conditions, especially if you transition from DSLRs, thanks to its design continuity. Both have similar screen resolutions, but the RX1R II’s screen is slightly more tilted, favoring creative angles in casual shooting.

Autofocus Capabilities: Speed, Accuracy and Tracking

The autofocus systems differ significantly in design and result.

• Sony A7S II: Features 169 contrast-detection points and no phase-detection AF on sensor, focusing heavily on accuracy over speed. It supports continuous autofocus and tracking with face detection but lacks animal eye AF.

• Sony RX1R II: Employs 25 hybrid AF points combining phase and contrast detection, enabling fast and more reliable AF acquisition. It supports face tracking but no animal eye AF either.

Hands-on insights: The RX1R II delivers snappier focus lock and better AF consistency in mixed lighting, especially with its hybrid solution. The A7S II’s AF can lag behind action scenes or wildlife, but shines in video autofocus smoothness.

Burst Shooting & Buffer Depth: Capturing Fast Action

Both cameras offer 5 fps continuous shooting. The A7S II can maintain 5 fps with AF-C, suitable for moderate action sequences. The RX1R II’s buffer is relatively shallow, given the file sizes from its 42 MP sensor, limiting bursts.

For sports and wildlife:

• The A7S II is more adaptable, though not a speed demon.
• The RX1R II fits best for planned captures or static subjects.

Lens Ecosystem & Flexibility

• Sony A7S II: Supports the full Sony E-mount lens line with 121 options, including a rich array of native and third-party lenses from ultra-wide to super-telephoto.

• Sony RX1R II: Fixed 35mm f/2.0 lens - superbly sharp with minimal distortion but no zoom or swapping.

What this means: If you value creative versatility, the A7S II is your platform. The RX1R II is more boutique, crafted for photographers who want world-class 35mm performance without lens hassles.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

• A7S II: Magnesium alloy body with comprehensive weather sealing makes it rugged for outdoor and tough conditions.

• RX1R II: Compact body lacks weather sealing; more vulnerable to dust and moisture.

For outdoor photographers: The A7S II better suits challenging environments, giving peace of mind during landscape or wildlife expeditions.

Battery Life & Storage Options

• Sony A7S II: Uses the NP-FW50 battery with approximately 370 shots per charge.

• Sony RX1R II: Smaller NP-BX1 battery, yielding around 220 shots.

Both cameras offer a single storage slot supporting SD cards, with the A7S II uniquely also accepting Sony’s Memory Stick formats.

Battery life means the A7S II can endure longer outings with fewer spare batteries. The RX1R II’s smaller battery highlights the need for backups during extended sessions.

Video Performance: Resolutions and Features

• A7S II: Supports 4K UHD at 30p/24p and Full HD 120p slow-motion. Externally records high bitrate XAVC S with 5-axis sensor stabilization for handheld video, plus mic and headphone jacks for audio monitoring.

• RX1R II: Records up to Full HD 60p, no 4K, and lacks stabilization. Has a microphone input but no headphone jack.

For video creators, the A7S II is clearly superior with professional video workflows in mind.

Detailed Performance in Photography Genres

Sony A7S II front Sony A7S II screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back

Portrait Photography

• A7S II: Lower resolution means less cropping flexibility and slightly softer images at base ISO. However, its sensor excels at capturing natural skin tones and beautiful, smooth bokeh with full frame lenses. The Eye AF is basic but effective.

• RX1R II: High resolution and no anti-alias filter deliver impressively detailed portraits with excellent skin texture. The 35mm lens is wide-ish for environmental portraits but less intimate than longer focal lengths.

Landscape Photography

The RX1R II’s resolution advantage and dynamic range make it the weapon of choice for large prints or crop-heavy landscapes. Its sharp fixed lens offers iconic Zeiss Crispness.

The A7S II can produce beautiful landscapes, especially in low-light or high contrast environments due to superb high ISO and dynamic range, though less detailed at base resolution.

Wildlife Photography

Neither is optimized but:

• The A7S II’s superior weather sealing, flexible lenses (telephotos), and tracking autofocus make it the better option here.

• The RX1R II’s slower AF and fixed lens limit its effectiveness.

Sports Photography

The 5 fps continuous shooting and reliable AF tracking in the A7S II allow moderate sports usage. The RX1R II’s slower AF and limited buffer rule it out for fast action.

Street Photography

The RX1R II is a standout here with compact size, stealthy operation, and superb image quality–ideal for discreet shooting. A7S II’s bulk limits portability but offers superior flexibility if needed.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is specially designed for macro, but the RX1R II’s 14 cm minimum focus distance outpaces A7S II’s standard offerings (dependent on lens). Lack of in-body stabilization in RX1R II hurts handheld macro attempts, however.

Night and Astrophotography

A7S II truly excels at high ISO, low noise output, and has strong long exposure controls. The RX1R II offers less ideal high ISO performance.

Video Use

The A7S II is a professional video workhorse; the RX1R II suits casual Full HD work only.

Travel Photography

RX1R II’s small size and flawless 35mm lens make it a fantastic travel companion. The A7S II offers stretch versatility but at a cost to portability.

Professional Reliability

The A7S II’s build, lens ecosystem, and advanced video options make it suited for demanding professional work.

Technical Performance Ratings

• A7S II: 85 DXOMark score reflecting excellence in low light and balanced features.

• RX1R II: 97 DXOMark score driven by resolution and color fidelity.

Connectivity, Wireless and Extras

Both feature built-in WiFi and NFC, USB 2.0, and full-size HDMI.

The RX1R II’s lack of Bluetooth contrasts with the A7S II’s wireless capabilities.

Price and Value

At launch:

• A7S II ~ $2,770
• RX1R II ~ $3,300

The RX1R II carries a price premium for its compact design and high-res sensor.

Summary: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Final Thoughts: Balancing Tradeoffs

My testing confirms these are two niche cameras, each exceptional within specific domains.

The Sony A7S II is a low-light, video, and flexibility champion with some limitations in resolution and AF speed but proven reliability and ruggedness.

The Sony RX1R II offers unparalleled image quality in a pocketable form but sacrifices versatility and video capabilities.

Understanding your priorities in sensor performance, ergonomics, and shoot style will ensure you pick the truly best fit. I advise trying both if possible, but rest assured either choice means investing in Sony's strong imaging legacy.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you steer confidently towards the right camera for your creative journey. If you have questions or want focused advice on a specific genre, feel free to reach out!

Happy shooting!