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Sony a7CII or a7CR?

  
 
phinix
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p.1 #1 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


I'm about to buy a camera for my family trips - picked a7cii being smallest best performance FF body.
I had Nikon Zf but t was to damn heavy with two zooms I was carrying last holiday and decided to sell it and get smaller body.
Now I'm wondering - should I go for R or just Cii? Purely for cropping ability of 60MP.
Stills only, I may occasionally record a video, but I only take photos.
So I was thinking - I will use it 99% of the time with that new Sigma 20-60mm lens. 60MP would be only used for potential cropping, so I dont have to swap lens and have "zoom" in a form of apsc crop.
Price wise - a7cii £1100, a7cr - £1500. £400 difference towards lens.

My thinking right now is a7cii with 33MP should be enough, if I had to crop I would do that and get what.. 15MP, which should be fine as well for family photos.
I just wanted to ask you guys as I dont want to make mistake at the point of purchase not picking a7cr. To be honest, I rarely needed longer lens during my trips, mostly I love 20mm, maybe going to 40mm, so 20-60mm lens as soon as it came up I was very happy. I'm not a pro, dont need high res for printing wallpapers. Purely for cropping purposes, is it better to take 60MP?
Saving £400 is huge as I can get lens for it. I'm trying to imagine how many times I would need 60MP. Also thinking how harder will be files handling later, if I shoot 60MP all the time, or maybe set it on some smaller file size, I dont know if a7cr let you pick like take 40MP photos, then if I need to "zoom in", I would switch to 60MP and crop then. Weird exercise, but dont really know how you guys use high res for cropping when in the field.

Please let me know your opinion.


EDIT: I thought I would mention - this will not be my main camera, its only for trips where I hate having lot of weight on me in such hot and humid environments. I may get second body for home/general use, which could be high res.
I also should mention I had first a7c for years, I know what means to have better evf, but a7cii has already bigger evf.
My Zf had a really nice, but a7cii sounds like something in the middle.

Edited on Oct 25, 2026 at 07:33 AM · View previous versions



Oct 24, 2026 at 08:28 AM
Craig Gillette
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p.1 #2 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


After several early lower res digicams, I worked up to an A7Riv vs A7iii or maybe A7iv, larger bodies but similar resolution and file size considerations. I like having the higher res in my pocket for cropping but don't need it or depend on it. Some do, expecting and taking smaller, lighter, shorter lens/lenses.

Files are larger, of course, but say 61 mp 2x the size of 33mp, roughly. Are you looking at dozens per day or shoot? Low hundreds or more, lots more? Lower volume I don't find it a problem. My early computer was a bit stodgy and you may want to consider that but my volumes not too heavy. You're going to want higher transfer speeds even if 33mp files.

Anyways, I'm in the 61 mp club and like it. I don't change file types or res ,and crop in post



Oct 24, 2026 at 08:57 AM
MikeEvangelist
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p.1 #3 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


I value the ability to crop, so the higher resolution is a big plus for me. (especially with primes or limited range zooms, like the 20-60mm)

There's one other difference that's not mentioned much: the A7C II has a low-pass filter, whereas the A7Cr does not. This give the A7Cr a further advantage, beyond its megapixels, in capturing the finest details.



Oct 24, 2026 at 09:07 AM
Tarekith
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p.1 #4 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


Another vote for A7CR, being able to crop heavily really opens up how versatile the camera is. Especially when traveling when you might not want to bring more or longer/heavier lenses with.


Oct 24, 2026 at 09:13 AM
lightskyland
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p.1 #5 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


I would go A7CR every time.

Croppability and the ability to get a larger final output make the high resolution body much better for me.



Oct 24, 2026 at 09:27 AM
patotts
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p.1 #6 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


I've owned the a7CII as well as the a7RV, so I know both sensors.

First of all, given where these units are in the product cycle, I would suggest buying the (at least) used, or a special Sony sale.

Secondly, I tried living with the a7CII as my one and only camera, and that didn't work for me at all. EVF is too small and dark, lack of customizable buttons, it was actually too small for my hands and felt cramped, the mechanical shutter, single SD card slot, etc, etc, etc. The senor readout speed on both the a7CII and a7CR are not optimal, so you need to use them in mechanical shutter.

If it is for a fun travel camera, I would buy a used a7CII and the Sigma lens you mentioned. Perhaps add a small prime, like the Sony 40/2.5 for those really light-weight days (buy that one used as well, too much at MSRP). One alternative for the Sigma lens is the Sony 24-50/2.8, but you will lose out on those 4mm as the wide end, but gain a stop of light-gathering. The Sony 24-50 is my most used lens by far these days, stays parked on my a7V.



Oct 24, 2026 at 09:27 AM
Jack Flesher
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p.1 #7 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


I have owned both and still have the CR. I think the color off the CR is natively better than the color from the Cii, but it’s a minor difference. The Cii is better on noise by at least 1 stop, even after downsizing or upscaling; though AI NR has all but cancelled this benefit out. Most newer lenses can out-resolve the Cii sensor at least centrally.

All in all, I give a slight nod to the CR, mainly because of AI noise reduction and its added croppability. A bit more on this for me: it’s not so much for framing headroom as it is geometric distortion correction headroom; the ability to shoot a little looser with wide lenses and then correct for projection distortion of rectangular features while maintaining a generous pixel count is the bigger benefit for me. FWIW



Oct 24, 2026 at 09:37 AM
gdanmitchell
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p.1 #8 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


Without being specific to these two cameras — neither of which I own — let me address the MP question itself.

The two biggest reasons we hear for wanting the higher MP sensors are:

1. Potentially greater detail in highly magnified presentations of the photographs. (To me that means quite large prints, say 20” x 30” and larger.)

2. Potential to crop into the image more while maintaining sufficient pixel dimensions.

Regarding #1, it is useful to ask yourself how large you are typically going to make your prints or screen displays. If you are going to make very large prints (and you are shooting in a way that ensures camera stability, e.g. using a tripod), then the value of the higher MP sensors is potentially significant. On the other hand, if you are mostly going to share on social media, a web site, in emails to friends and family, or smaller prints… you aren’t likely to see any meaningful difference.

Regarding #2, there are several things to ask. First, how often will you need to crop into the images extensively enough that the difference might be significant? If it isn’t a regular thing, then the value of the added MP might not be worth it. (Consider also, that if you do this a lot you’ll need to be extra careful about camera stability, just as you would if you were making the larger prints mentioned in #1 above.) Second, while cropping is certainly a useful alternative to carrying a somewhat longer lens in some cases, it isn’t exactly “free.” While cropping makes a section of the image “larger,” it also increases the size and visibility of any image imperfections — diffraction blur, slightly inaccurate focus, camera shake, subject motion. (As above, if you are sharing photos somewhat casually, this may not be a big issue.)

33MP is actually a pretty decent pixel resolution. While I use higher MP cameras today, I have prints from 20MP (and even 12MP) full frame cameras that work well at quite large sizes. Again, unless you are making really big prints, there’s quite a bit of cropping potential even with 33MP.

Good luck with our decision.

phinix wrote:
I'm about to buy a camera for my family trips - picked a7cii being smallest best performance FF body.
I had Nikon Zf but t was to damn heavy with two zooms I was carrying last holiday and decided to sell it and get smaller body.
Now I'm wondering - should I go for R or just Cii? Purely for cropping ability of 60MP.
Stills only, I may occasionally record a video, but I only take photos.
So I was thinking - I will use it 99% of the time with that new Sigma 20-60mm lens. 60MP would be only used for potential cropping,
...Show more →




Oct 24, 2026 at 09:47 AM
Juha Kannisto
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p.1 #9 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


I chose A7CII (after using A7C and A9 as my main Sony cameras in the years prior) since I shoot a lot of volume and I hardly ever crop and I don't need the highest possible resolution. I prefer the 24-36MP range and my highest resolution body so far has been the original A7R. I shoot a lot with adapted and native character lenses too and I think they will show more uneven results and more issues towards the edges and corners on higher resolution bodies and I prefer to use Electronic Shutter whenever possible. Readout speed on A7CII is about 1/15 vs 1/10 on A7CR so I think ES will also be more usable on A7CII although still borderline. I've never wanted more MP so far.


Oct 24, 2026 at 09:56 AM
Craig Gillette
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p.1 #10 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


Kind of depends on objective vs subjective or personal interest factors.

I would suggest some hands on time before committing to the small bodies. There are some who find the evf position, the fit, feel, etc., just doesn't work for them.



Oct 24, 2026 at 12:56 PM
 


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jeffbuzz
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p.1 #11 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


How many pixels do you really need? What are you doing with your photos? 60 or 100 megapixels sounds great until you realize you need bigger, faster memory cards and bigger, faster computer hardware to handle the files.

A 50% crop of 33mp fills a 4K display. That's enough to print 17 inches wide at 200dpi. If you're cropping more than 1/2 your image, you should probably be using a longer lens or working on your composition in camera.



Oct 24, 2026 at 01:37 PM
freaklikeme
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p.1 #12 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


If you shoot anything moving at all quickly, you'll appreciate the stickier AF in the cII.


Oct 24, 2026 at 07:18 PM
Lukacs
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p.1 #13 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


Harder to reach 60MP resolution with smaller lenses which suited better to C series.
A7CII sensor's readout speed is slow, still 50% faster than CR's, which matters when you have to switch electronic shutter for 1/8000 shutter speed or preserving bokeh quality over 1/1000.
You have to zoom further on low res EVF and LCD on CR checking critical focus or using MF.
60MP raws are significant larger and need more process power. You can switch to 26MP mRAW, but in my experience DR is lower than on original lossless raws, not recommended when you need the highest DR.
CR is more expensive, however you get the nice grip for larger lenses.
With CR you have 26MP vs 15MP size in APS-C mode.
60MP sensor shows less moiré, color artifacts than 33MP Bayer sensor, and show diffraction softness at lower aperture on pixel level.

Personally the slow readout sensor and low resolution LCD was the biggest issue with A7CR, since I have GFX100RF for high resolution work I downgraded to A7CII. If I have to stick as only camera perhaps I'd choose the CR, but not absolute certain. CR will be perfected with the second generation with partially stacked new sensor and higher resolution screen.
Overall either camera is a solid choice, if you are not certain to get the CR I think a CII is a better option for you, 33MP also a plenty of resolution, even if you want to crop.



Oct 25, 2026 at 03:01 AM
tuomkok
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p.1 #14 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


I had A7CII but I sold to fun Fuji GFX100RF. My current main camera is A7rV.

I was genuinely happy with the image quality of A7CII. When comparing to A7rV I can see the difference only in very special use cases. A7CII 33mp is also comparative better at high ISO when looking at straight out of the camera files.

A7CII has some usability issues such as EVF & LCD, but r-version is equally problematic. A7CII is also much better priced and better value for money. About the only reason why I would buy A7Cr is the nice extension grip.



Oct 25, 2026 at 03:17 AM
moncho
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p.1 #15 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


I've used the A7CII (and now A7V) with great success for family photos. 33 MP gives you plenty of room to crop 1.5x and still be left with enough resolution for a A3 print. More important will be nailing focus and using a lens that's sharp enough in the center (which I assume the 20-60mm to be).

As a thought exercise I once downloaded some 60 MP and 33 MP samples and cropped them to an extent I'd be comfortable with, and when viewing the images on a 4K screen I still saw no difference at realistic viewing distances.



Oct 25, 2026 at 04:00 AM
chiron
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p.1 #16 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


phinix wrote:
I'm about to buy a camera for my family trips - picked a7cii being smallest best performance FF body.
I had Nikon Zf but t was to damn heavy with two zooms I was carrying last holiday and decided to sell it and get smaller body.
Now I'm wondering - should I go for R or just Cii? Purely for cropping ability of 60MP.
Stills only, I may occasionally record a video, but I only take photos.
So I was thinking - I will use it 99% of the time with that new Sigma 20-60mm lens. 60MP would be only used for potential cropping,
...Show more →

The CII has morre AF points, larger photo sites, and a somewhat faster readout. That gives you slightly better AF, slightly better noise at high ISO, and slighltly more resistance to rolling shutter artifacts. None of these differences are at the level of a game-changer, but they are there as slight advantages. The CR takes those away and gives you much more resolution, whch can let you crop more (if you actually do that to an extreme degree) or make larger prints. Bear in mind also that maximizing resolution requires very good technique and happens best in good light.

All this said, the differences in use are likely to be minimal unless you really do want to routinely use cropping as a way of extending your reach telescopically. Given your interest in the new Sigma 50mm f1.4 CL lens, you might want to have the saved money to get that lens (which isn't going to appear for a while).

In either case, buy used. If you do decide you wish you had the other camera, you'll be able to sell at a small loss and get the other one. Don't be afraid of making a mistake. Changing gear frequently is almost a requirement for membership here at FM.



Oct 25, 2026 at 09:14 AM
Jack Flesher
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p.1 #17 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


While the specs indicate the Cii should outperform the CR in AF speed and accuracy, and lessen rolling shutter, I personally have never noticed any weaker performance in these areas with the CR over the Cii. Noise yes, but poorer AF or roll, no.

If 33mp is enough, buy the Cii and save the money. If like me you do intend to occasionally crop for perspective corrections or regularly might want tighter framing from whichever lens you have mounted, get the CR. No matter how you crop, the Cii is always going to have almost double the resolution: A 50% crop to net ¼ the image area, having 15 mp is a lot better than 8; an APSC crop still leaves you about 26mp on the CR vs roughly 14mp on the Cii.



Oct 25, 2026 at 09:53 AM
bwcolor
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p.1 #18 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


If you’re asking, save money vs buying a camera that someone else values for reasons that don’t matter to you. I say this because without any external feedback, you knew everything offered in this thread. If you don’t know, then that also supports the suggestion that you save money. Now, find lenses that you value for how you shoot and what you shoot.

BTW: The A6700 with APSc lenses is even smaller and quite capable.



Oct 25, 2026 at 10:21 AM
gdanmitchell
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p.1 #19 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


While a poster may (or may not) know “everything offered in this thread,” there is a real fear of making the wrong choice among many who are about to invest a lot of money, and looking for reassurance and confirmation is a reasonable thing to do.


Oct 25, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Jack Flesher
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p.1 #20 · Sony a7CII or a7CR?


Well said Dan. There is a lot of valid user wisdom in this forum and even if we think we know, it never hurts to ask advice from those whose hands-on experiences we trust.


Oct 25, 2026 at 12:44 PM
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