Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Detailed Comparison

In this review, we get into a detailed Sony a7R vs Nikon D750 comparison. The basic idea is to help you decide which the better camera is for you.

Get the Sony a7R now!	Get the Nikon D750 now!

We’ve done this by putting the features of one camera side by side those of the other camera. This way, you do not only get to see which camera is better but which camera has the right combination of features for you specifically.

That said, if you’re here to make a quick decision and just want a quick run through of the specs of each camera, the comparison overview and comparison table of this article are the sections to check. However, we recommend that you read through the entire article, especially if cameras are a recent thing for you.

Lastly, you could broaden your range of choices by checking out some of our other Sony-Nikon comparisons like the Sony a6000 vs Nikon D7000.

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Comparison Overview

Here’s a quick rundown of the basic ideas of this review:

Overall Rating Of The Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750

In our opinion, not only are the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 good cameras, they are also evenly matched. They have a lot of similar features with only a few instances where one does better than the other.

Rating of The Features Of The Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750

As we just pointed out, both cameras have a lot of similar features that are actually evenly matched. For one, they both have a viewfinder; even though the Sony a7R has an electronic viewfinder while the Nikon D750 has an optical one.

Furthermore, both cameras have an inbuilt wireless connection, a tilting screen, the Auto Exposure Bracketing feature, an external flash port, a microphone port and a headphone port. Also, they both can be controlled from a smartphone, can shoot in RAW and can detect faces.

We should also point out that they both do not have the in body image stabilization feature but both have optical stabilization lenses available.

That said, there are a few instances where one camera does better than the other. For the Sony a7R, there is the sensor resolution (36 as against 24 megapixels), Maximum ISO (25600 as against 12800), maximum shutter speed (1/8000 as against 1/4000 second) and a Near Field Communication connection.

As for the Nikon D750, there is the battery life (1230 as against 340 shots per charge), focus points (51 as against 25), a top LCD screen, a support for the UHS-I memory card and two storage slots.

Price/Value Ratio – Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750

There is a significant difference between the price of the Sony a7R and the price of the Nikon D750, with the Nikon D750 being the more expensive one.

However, while we do not consider the Nikon D750 exactly affordable, we think both cameras offer good value for the price they go for.

About The Brand

Sony

The Sony brand is the leading manufacturer of mirrorless cameras. These mirrorless cameras have been known to have a really impressive sensor and a not very impressive battery life.

Nikon

On the other hand, Nikon is the leading producer of DSLRs, alongside Canon. Now, because Nikon has been producing cameras for way longer than Sony, it has a more impressive collection of lenses and other accessories. Also, Nikon has been known to have really affordable camera bodies and not so affordable lenses.

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Comparison Table

	Sony a7R	Nikon D750
Weight	1.0 pound	1.65 pound
Dimensions	5 by 3.7 by 1.9 inches	5.6 by 4.4 by 3.1
Battery Life	340 shots per charge	1230 shots per charge
Continuous Shooting	4 frames per second	6 frames per second
Built-In Flash	No	Yes
Max Resolution	36 megapixels	24 megapixels
Viewfinder	Electronic	Optical
Near Field Communication	Yes	No
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 second	1/4000 second
Top LCD Screen	No	Yes
Storage Slots	1	2
Compatible With Ultra-High Speed Memory Cards	No	Yes
Expected Shutter Life Span	250000 cycles	150000 cycles
ISO	100 to 25600 and can be expanded to 50 to 51200	100 to 12800 and can be expanded to 50 to 51200

Get the Sony a7R now!	Get the Nikon D750 now!

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Which Is Better For What?

Sony a7R	Nikon D750
The Sony a7R has a higher maximum ISO than the Nikon D750.as a result, it will perform better than the Nikon D750 in low light.	On the other hand, the Nikon D750 has a way longer battery life than the Sony a7R and also has two storage slots. As a result, you’ll be able to use this camera for longer periods at a time.
Also, this camera is significantly smaller and lighter than the Nikon D750 which makes it more portable.	Also, this camera is faster and more accurate with its focusing. And that is because it has more focus points and also has autofocus points while the Sony a7R doesn’t.

Get the Sony a7R now!	Get the Nikon D750 now!

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Common Features

1. Viewfinder

A camera’s viewfinder is used to frame the shots before they are taken. The basic idea of framing is to get an idea of what the photo will look like when it is shot and make adjustments if there are any to be made.

As a result, certain viewfinders do more than just show the subject that is about to be shot. They could also show you some meter information and such stuff so you get an accurate idea of what you’re shooting and in what setting.

That said, there are basically two kinds of viewfinders. The optical viewfinder is the kind you’ll usually find in a DSLR which is why it is in the Nikon D750. As an optical viewfinder, it shows you exactly what your lens sees, which is kinda like looking at your subject through a window.

On the other hand, the electronic viewfinder is what you’ll usually find in a mirrorless camera which is why it is in the Sony a7R. This kind of viewfinder shows you what your sensor sees which is a processed or digital image. And just so you know, the electronic viewfinder is basically a small LCD screen. This is why it can show you a digital image.

2. Auto Exposure Bracketing

Basically, a camera’s exposure is what determines how bright or dark your photo will be. And its value is determined by a combination of the values of the ISO, shutter speed and aperture. So, different combinations of different values of these three features will give you different exposures.

That said, it is all we and good to know that these three features are what determine the exposure because you’ll be doing your own exposure setting. However, there could be times when determining the exposure for a particular photo is tricky because of the lighting.

At those times, you’ll be safe if your camera has the Auto Exposure Bracketing mode like the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750. In this mode, your camera is able to take a particular shot in a number of different exposures.

You can then choose which exposure works for you. This is definitely better than the cycle of trial and error you’d be subjected to if your camera had no Auto exposure Bracketing.

3. Wireless Connection

Both the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 have an inbuilt wireless connection. As a result, they both have access to the internet from which you can download interesting camera apps and to which you can swiftly transfer your photos and videos.

Now, in addition to having an inbuilt wireless connection, both cameras can be controlled from a smartphone. That is, you download the camera app on your smartphone and then connect said smartphone to the camera.

Now, the idea of controlling your camera from a smartphone is about more than just being comfortable. If you’ll be shooting in a place that isn’t exactly safe and you can’t be in direct contact with the action, controlling your camera with your smartphone will be very handy.

You basically just need to put your camera where it will catch all the action and then go somewhere safe to shoot. And using your smartphone is actually better than a regular remote because with your smartphone you can see what your camera sees right there on your phone screen.

4. Sensor Resolution

First things first, we have to point out that this is one of those features where things aren’t exactly the same. The Sony a7R has a 36 megapixel sensor resolution while the Nikon D750 has a 24 megapixel sensor resolution. However, in our opinion, both sensor resolutions are impressive, hence, our adding this feature to the common features section.

Now, while a camera’s sensor resolution will affect the quality of photos said camera produces, the major reason you’d want a really good sensor resolution is for the after effects.

Here’s what we mean. You’ve taken your shots and everything but you were positioned too far away from the action and you ended capturing more than you bargained for. To gain back control and make the original subject the center of attention, you’ll have to crop out the unnecessary stuff.

Now, cropping (and even blowing up to print large photos) takes away from the details of the photo which inadvertently reduces the photo’s quality. That said, while having a good sensor resolution doesn’t stop the photo from losing details when it is cropped, you can be sure that after you’ve cropped your photo, you’ll still have enough details for a really good photo.

5. Articulating Screen

An articulating screen is that kind of screen that can be turned in several directions independent of the camera body. And the idea behind an articulating screen is to afford users shots from certain angles that a regular fixed screen cannot afford.

There are different kinds of articulating screens. However, both the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 have a tilting screen. A tilting screen can only be moved upward and then back down again, unlike the full-flex screen which can be rotated.

We need to quickly point out here that the Sony a7R’s screen measures a decent 3 inches while that of the Nikon D750 is slightly higher at 3.2 inches.

6. Continuous Shooting

The continuous shooting talks about how many shots your camera can take in quick succession in just one second. This is not default setting as the default setting for a camera is one shot at a time.

You’ll have to engage the continuous shooting mode if you want your camera to take a number of shots in quick succession. This is something you’ll want to do if you are shoot subjects that move around quickly or you have a short to do all your shooting.

That said, in the continuous shooting mode, the Sony a7R can take 4 frames per second while the Nikon D750 can take 6 frames per second. Both continuous shooting rates are pretty average.

Get the Sony a7R now!	Get the Nikon D750 now!

7. Maximum Shutter Speed

The maximum shutter speed also talks about speed but this one tells us how fast the shutter can get. In our opinion, both cameras have a decent maximum shutter speed rate. However, we must point out that the Sony a7R’s 1/8000 second is more impressive than the Nikon D750’s 1/4000s.

We consider both cameras’ maximum shutter speed impressive because both offer what a fast shutter offers which is clear details of really fast moving subjects. It’s just that the Sony a7R will offer clearer details than the Nikon D750.

We must also point out that there are times you might want to slow down your shutter. For instance, if you want to create an illusion of speed or motion, slowing down your shutter speed will cause the photo to get sort of blurry which will give it that illusion of motion or speed.

8. Weather Sealing

First off, a weather sealed camera could be a number of different. It could dust resistant, dust proof, water resistant, water proof or a combination of a couple.

That said, the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 are both dust resistant and water resistant. What this means is that they are only partially protected against weather elements like dust and water.

As a result, there is only so much weather onslaught that either camera can take. You certainly don’t want to use either camera in a storm or sandstorm. But to end on the bright side, both cameras have could bounce back from some accidental contact with water or dust.

9. Microphone And Headphone Ports

Like basically every digital camera now, both the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 have an inbuilt microphone and speaker. This is because cameras are designed to not only shoot photos but record videos too, even if unofficially.

However, it is pretty common for the inbuilt microphone and speaker to not offer good quality audio recording. This is why certain cameras like the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 have a microphone port and a headphone port.

It is now up to you to get the external microphone and pair of headphones that will offer you the audio quality you’re looking for.

10. External Flash Port

The idea of an external flash port is for you to be able to use an external flash with your camera. Now, whether or whether not your camera has an inbuilt flash, it is always a good idea to have that external flash port.

We say this because the external flash is a better light source than the inbuilt flash. Also, the external flash covers a longer range than the inbuilt flash. And all these contribute to the reason why the external flash is better for flash photography.

11. Video Resolution

Both the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 have the exact same video resolution of 1920 by 1080. This happens to be a very common video resolution for cameras. But don’t fret! That it is common does not necessarily mean that it is terrible.

In fact, 1080 videos (videos shot by devices with the 1920 by 1080 video resolution) are pretty decent quality. Also, both cameras shoot in 60p (p is basically frames per second for videos).

12. RAW Support

In addition to shooting in jpeg, both the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 can shoot in RAW. Jpeg is a common feature for cameras to shoot in and people like this format because it compresses the photos shot which reduces their file size.

However, when photos are compressed (just like when they are cropped), they lose some of their details. Now imagine having to crop an already compressed photo; that might prove too much even for a good sensor resolution.

This is why some cameras are able to shoot in RAW. RAW renders your photo the exact way it is; no compressing. However, because the photos are not compressed, they are large files and fill up the storage space real quick.

Now, having these two options, you can decide per time which is more important to you; having storage space or having your photos in their original quality.

13. Face Detection

Finally, both the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 can recognize human faces amongst a number of different element. What it actually recognizes are human facial features like eyes and mouths but you get the point.

So, when it has picked out the faces, the camera is able to make the face the major element in the photo. This feature is useful for shooting portraits and could help reduce the possibility of having blurry portraits.

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – A Sony a7R Demonstration Video

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Unique Features

1. Mirrorless Vs DSLR

Foundational to the difference between the Sony a7R and the Nikon D750 is this dichotomy; the Sony a7R is a mirrorless camera while the Nikon D750 is a DSLR.

Now, while cameras cannot be so very different because, after all, they all were made to shoot photos, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras differ basically in how light is transported throughout the camera. And light is the very foundation of shooting.

With a DSLR, when light passes through its lens, it is transported to the optical viewfinder and the sensor with the aid of mirrors.

However, in the case of the mirrorless cameras, there are no mirrors. As a result, light that passes through the lens heads straight for the sensor. It is the sensor that then sends a digital image to the electronic viewfinder or the LCD screen (for those cameras that do not have a viewfinder.

That said, because mirrorless cameras do not have mirrors, they are able to have as much functionality as their DSLR counterparts while being significantly lighter and smaller. And this is something we’ll get to see in this review.

However, a DSLR camera is most likely to have a longer battery life than a mirrorless camera with the same level of functionality. This is also something we’ll get to see later on in this review.

2. Weight

This one might not exactly be a feature but it is definitely something to consider as you choose a camera. You have to decide if the camera you want is too light or too heavy for you, factoring in what exercises and occasions you’ll be using the camera in.

That said, the Nikon D750 is significantly heavier than the Sony a7R. The Nikon D750 weighs 1.65 pounds while the Sony a7R weighs 1.0 pound. However, we wouldn’t exactly say that the Nikon D750 is a heavy camera.

Furthermore, we have to factor in the fact that lenses will be added to the cameras to shoot and lenses have their own weight. We already know that adding a lens to either camera will increase the weight of said camera.

However, we need to know whether the lens will affect the weight difference between the cameras. This will offer a better perspective on which camera is heavier.

To do this, we look at the size of the camera sensor. If one camera has a larger sensor than the other, it would require lenses that are larger and heavier than those of the other camera. And this will definitely affect the weight difference.

That said, both cameras have a Full Frame sensor, so, they’ll be needing lenses of the same weight and size.

3. ISO

This feature is what tells us how sensitive the camera is; that is, how much light it will let in. So basically, the higher you set your camera’s ISO, the more light it lets in and vice versa.

Furthermore, if you’ll be shooting in a place that is dark, you want your camera sensor to have enough light to see, which is why you’ll want to set your camera to a high ISO. And if you’ll be shooting in a place that is bright, the opposite applies.

That said, of the two cameras, the Sony a7R has the more impressive ISO range which is between 100 and 25600 while that of the Nikon D750 is between 100 and 12800. However, we do concede that the ISO of both cameras can be expanded to the same values; between 50 and 51200.

4. Top LCD Screen

This is a small screen located on the top of the camera and used for quick changes to the settings. Basically, because of the position of this screen, you can immediately see the state of things of your camera without having to compromise the position of the camera.

Get the Sony a7R now!	Get the Nikon D750 now!

5. Near Field Communication (NFC) Connection

This is a kind of wireless connection that allows you transfer your files to an off camera device. However, it is offline and can only allow you connect with a device (usually a smartphone) that is also NFC enabled.

You basically just have to put the devices close to each other to establish a connection. Then you can send your photos and videos to that other device, wirelessly. That said, of the two cameras in this review, only the Sony a7R has this feature.

6. Inbuilt Flash

This one does the same thing as the external flash. However, while it isn’t as good a light source as the external kind, the advantages that it has over the external kind is that it is always available (seeing as it is built-in) and it doesn’t affect the weight of the camera.

That said, of the two cameras only the Nikon D750 has an inbuilt flash. So, while you might decide to take your Nikon D750 out without taking an external flash, you probably don’t want to do that with the Sony a7R.

7. Memory Card Support

Of the two cameras in this review, only the Nikon D750 supports the use of the Ultra-High Speed (UHS) memory card. This kind of memory card is different from the regular memory card in that it allows for files to be transferred at ultra-high speeds. And just to be really clear, the Nikon D750 is compatible with the UHS-I memory card, specifically.

8. Available Lenses

Finally, the Nikon D750 has more lenses available with it than the Sony a7R does which isn’t at all surprising. The Nikon D750 has 302 lenses (218 of which are Full Frame) while the Sony a7R has 102 lenses (59 of which are full frame).

Furthermore, neither camera has an in body image stabilization. The in body image stabilization is to help prevent the camera from producing blurry photos even if it is jostled mid-shot.

Now, to prevent this, you’ll have to get the optical stabilization lenses. They do the same thing as the in body image stabilization, howbeit, at an added cost. That said, while the Sony a7R has 23 of these lenses, the Nikon D750 has 88 of them available.

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – A Nikon D750 Demonstration Video

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Unique Pros

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Pros Of The Sony a7R

• First off, the Sony a7R has the more impressive ISO range. As a result, it will perform better in low light.
• Furthermore, this camera has the Near Field Communication connection. And as a result, you’ll be able to wirelessly transfer your files to an off-camera device even without an internet connection.
• Also, the shutter of this camera has a longer life expectancy (250000 cycles) than that of the Nikon D750 (150000).
• The Sony a7R has a better color depth (25.6) than the Nikon D750 (24.8).
• Finally, this camera is significantly smaller and lighter than the Nikon D750.

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Pros Of The Nikon D750

• First off, the Nikon D750 has a better battery life (1230 shots per charge) than the Sony a7R (340 shots per charge).
• Furthermore, this camera has an inbuilt flash which is a light source that is always available.
• Also, this camera has a slightly better dynamic range (14.5) than the Sony a7R (14.1).
• The Nikon D750 has 51 focus points while the Sony a7R has only 25. As a result, this camera will focus faster and more accurately than the Sony a7R.
• Furthermore, this camera is able to time-lapse record without having to download expensive apps or any app at all.
• This camera also has wider sensor pixel area than the Sony a7R.
• The Nikon D750 has 11 autofocus points while the Sony a7R has none at all.
• Furthermore, this camera has a top LCD screen while the Sony a7R doesn’t.
• This camera also has 2 storage slots while the Sony a7R only has 1.
• The Nikon D750 supports the use of the UHS-I memory card while the Sony a7R doesn’t.
• And finally, this camera has more lenses available with it than the Sony a7R.

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Unique Cons

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Cons Of The Sony a7R

• First off, because this camera doesn’t have an inbuilt flash, you’ll have to be careful to always carry your external flash with you.
• Also, this camera does not have a very impressive battery life.

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Cons Of The Nikon D750

• Seeing as this camera does not have the Near Field Communication connection or the Bluetooth feature, you’re stuck with having to always transfer your files via the internet or using adapters which defeats the wireless transfer thing.

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Common Pros

	Sony a7R	Nikon D750
Viewfinder	We like that this camera comes with its own viewfinder as a viewfinder is better at framing than the LCD screen.	Same as the Sony a7R. However, while that of the Sony a7R is electronic, that of the Nikon D750 is optical.
Auto Exposure Bracketing	The Auto Exposure Bracketing saves you from going through the cycle of trial and error in choosing the right exposure for your photo at those times when you cannot be really sure.	Same as the Sony a7R.
Sensor Resolution	The Sony a7R’s 36 megapixel sensor resolution is really impressive. So, you have enough room to crop and still produce good quality photos.	Same as the Sony a7R. However, this camera has a 24 megapixel sensor resolution.
Maximum Shutter Speed	The Sony a7R’s 1/8000 second maximum speed is also pretty impressive.	Same as the Sony a7R. However, that of the Nikon D750 is 1/4000 second.
Weather Sealing	The Sony a7R is partially protected against weather elements as it is both dust and water resistant.	Same as the Sony a7R.
Microphone and Headphone Ports	This camera also has a microphone port and a headphone port. So, you can skip using the inbuilt microphone and speaker.	Same as the Sony a7R.
Wireless Connection	The Sony a7R has an inbuilt wireless connection. And as a result, you can download apps off the internet and also transfer your files to an online location. Additionally, this camera can be controlled using your smartphone.	Same as the Sony a7R.
External Flash Port	Also, you can make use of an external flash with this camera. And you’ll probably have to if you want to do flash photography.	Same as the Sony a7R.
Tilting Screen	The Sony a7R has a tilting screen. So, without having to bend the camera so much, you’ll be able to take shots from some somewhat impossible angles like overhead.	Same as the Sony a7R.
RAW Support	The Sony a7R can shoot in RAW. Which means it is possible for you to shoot with this camera without the camera compressing them.	Same as the Sony a7R.
Face Detection	Finally, this camera is able to detect faces amongst a number of other elements making it a good camera for shooting portraits.	Same as the Sony a7R.

Get the Sony a7R now!	Get the Nikon D750 now!

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Common Cons

	Sony a7R	Nikon D750
Image Stabilization	The Sony a7R doesn’t have the in body image stabilization feature. As a result, if the camera is jostled mid-shot, the photos could come out looking blurry. However, this can be prevented either by placing the camera on a sturdy platform or getting optical stabilization lenses.	Same as the Sony a7R.

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – What People Think About Both

Sony a7R	Nikon D750
A lot of people comment on the Sony a7R’s impressive sensor resolution and we really understand why. With the 36 megapixel sensor, those that do heavy cropping have been able to crop as much as they want without having to sacrifice image quality. A good number of people seem to think that this camera does a lot for the price it goes for. People also seem to think that not many cameras of this size offer as much functionality as this camera does. The menu is also something else that people like about this camera; apparently it is interesting and easy to get around.	The Nikon D750 has gotten a lot of positive reviews. One of the most common praises for this camera is that it is Full Frame. Now, a lot of cameras are Full Frame, however, the fact that this camera is a DSLR in addition to being Full Frame and yet isn’t heavy is something people seem to be here for. People also seem to be excited that this camera is touch and also weather sealed. The quality of photos they get with this camera is another thing people point to when they talk about the things they like. And apparently, this camera has a number of impressive lenses that the users have been able to stay within the brand.
However, a lot of users have warned that auto focusing with this camera is almost impossible even with adapters. Some have also said that the lenses that Sony designed for this camera are not wonderful and they’ve had to cross over to some other brands. However, there are those who have said they are satisfied with this camera’s lenses. So, who knows?	There aren’t many things that people do not like about this camera. The few things that could be seen as complaints pointed out by people are the fact that the external flash shoe doesn’t have a cover and the charger doesn’t have a chord. They pointed out though, that those are things that are not expensive to purchase.

Get the Sony a7R now!	Get the Nikon D750 now!

Sony a7R Vs Nikon D750 – Our Take

Sony a7R	Nikon D750
We like the Sony a7R and consider it a decent camera. It has a decent sensor resolution, ISO range and maximum speed and so can take good photos. The camera also has a decent video resolution, a microphone port and a headphone port so it can also record good videos. So yea, we consider it a good camera.	We also really like the Nikon D750 as it has all the right features for taking good photos and videos. Also, because this camera has a really impressive battery life and two storage slots, you can use it for really long periods at a time and we like that.
There are a number of things that could have been added or improved on. However, if you think this camera has the features that you need, get the Sony a7R now!	There are a number of things that could have been added or improved on. However, if you think this camera has the right combinations of features that you can work with, get the Nikon D750 now!