Sony A6700 vs Canon R7 – Which one is better?
Sony A6700 vs Canon R7 – Which one is better?
The Sony A6700 and the Canon R7 are two compelling mirrorless cameras aimed at creators who demand strong performance—but they target slightly different niches.
The A6700 is a high-spec APS-C model with portability and hybrid strength. The R7 is an APS-C model too, but with a focus on still-photography performance, solid build, and strong lens ecosystem.
Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your needs.
⚙️ Overview – High-End APS-C Hybrid vs Stills-Focused APS-C Performer
Sony A6700:
A modern APS-C mirrorless camera designed for creators who want strong hybrid (photo + video) performance in a compact form factor. Its appeal lies in its high-spec features, modern autofocus, and portability.
Canon R7:
An APS-C mirrorless model designed primarily for photographers—especially those who shoot action, wildlife, sports or stills first. It brings excellent autofocus, rapid burst speed, strong build, and the benefit of Canon’s RF-mount ecosystem.
In short:
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A6700 = Best if you prioritise portability, hybrid workflows and modern specs in an APS-C body.
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R7 = Best if you prioritise stills performance, lens ecosystem, burst speed, and are invested in the Canon system or willing to join it.
📸 Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Sony A6700 | Canon EOS R7 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | July 2023 | June 2022 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless (Hybrid APS-C) | Mirrorless (Hybrid APS-C) |
| Sensor | APS-C 26.0 MP BSI-CMOS | APS-C 32.5 MP CMOS |
| Image Processor | BIONZ XR + AI Processing Unit | DIGIC X |
| Lens Mount | Sony E-mount | Canon RF / RF-S |
| ISO Range | 100–32,000 (expandable to 102,400) | 100–32,000 (expandable to 51,200) |
| In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) | Yes, 5-axis | Yes, 5-axis (up to 7 stops) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid phase-detection AF (759 points) | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II (651 zones) |
| AF Subject Recognition | Humans, animals, birds, insects, vehicles, aircraft | Humans, animals, birds, vehicles |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | Up to 11 fps | 15 fps (mechanical), 30 fps (electronic) |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 120p | Up to 4K 60p (oversampled from 7K) |
| Video Bit Depth / Color | 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 10-bit 4:2:2 internal |
| Color Profiles | S-Log3, S-Cinetone, HLG | Canon Log 3, HDR PQ |
| RAW Video Output | Yes, 16-bit via HDMI | No |
| Recording Limit | No recording limit (thermal dependent) | No recording limit (thermal dependent) |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ fully articulating touchscreen (1.03M dots) | 3.0″ fully articulating touchscreen (1.62M dots) |
| Touch Functions | Yes (AF, tracking, menus) | Yes (AF, tracking, menus) |
| Product Showcase Mode | No | No |
| Background Defocus Button | No | No |
| Body Material | Magnesium alloy | Magnesium alloy |
| Weather Sealing | Yes (basic sealing) | Yes (advanced for APS-C) |
| Audio Options | Mic input, headphone out, digital MI shoe | Mic input, headphone out, digital hot shoe |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI |
| Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | LP-E6NH |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | Approx. 570 shots | Approx. 660 shots |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 122 × 69 × 75.1 mm | 132 × 90.4 × 91.7 mm |
| Weight (Body Only) | Approx. 409 g | Approx. 532 g |
| Price (Body Only) | Approx. USD 1,399 (check on Amazon) | Approx. USD 1,500 (check on Amazon) |
🧱 Build, Handling & Portability
The A6700 offers the advantage of a compact, lightweight APS-C body designed for creators who carry their camera often, do travel, run-and-gun video, or hybrid content.
The R7, while APS-C, tends to have a more robust build, deeper grip, and controls oriented toward stills shooters (burst, ergonomics). It may be slightly larger/heavier than ultraportable bodies but offers more pro-style feel.
👉 Verdict:
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Choose A6700 if portability and flexibility matter most.
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Choose R7 if you prioritise build, controls, and still-shooting ergonomics.
🎯 Autofocus & Performance
Autofocus in both is very strong, but in different contexts:
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The R7 shines for stills—especially fast action, wildlife, sports—thanks to its burst speed, subject/animal/eye detection, and Canon’s mature AF system.
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The A6700 has very capable AF, excellent hybrid tracking, and may be lighter and more flexible for creators who do stills + video, though in pure burst/action stills the R7 might have edge.
👉 Verdict:
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For action/stills priority → R7 has the advantage.
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For hybrid use or creators valuing size + flexibility → A6700 stands out.
🎥 Video Capabilities
For video creators:
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The A6700 delivers strong video features in an APS-C form factor, making it easier to rig, carry, and shoot content workflows.
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The R7, while capable, is more stills-oriented and though good in video, may be less optimised for pure video creators than a dedicated video-hybrid body.
👉 Verdict:
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If video + stills matter and you carry gear often → A6700 is better suited.
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If stills dominate your workflow and video is secondary → R7 is excellent.
🧠 Image Quality (Stills)
Both APS-C sensors produce high quality. The R7’s higher resolution (~32 MP) gives more crop flexibility, more detail for large prints or cropping in, while the A6700’s slightly smaller sensor may offer portability and still excellent image quality.
👉 Verdict:
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For highest stills detail and cropping power → R7.
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For stills quality + compactness and hybrid workflow → A6700.
🔋 Ecosystem, Lenses & Future-Proofing
Both systems offer excellent lens ecosystems:
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Sony E-Mount is mature, widespread, many lenses (APS-C + full-frame) and third-party support.
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Canon RF-Mount is also very strong, especially for stills photographers; many native RF lenses, plus potential future upgrade path.
👉 Verdict:
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If you’re already invested in one brand, stick to it.
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If starting fresh and stills lens breadth matters, R7 might have slight edge; if hybrid and video lens breadth matters, A6700 works well.
💰 Price & Value
Often the A6700 offers very high value in APS-C space for creators. The R7, with its stills-centric performance and premium build, may cost more but justifies it for photographers needing that level.
👉 Verdict:
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On a tighter budget and looking for versatile hybrid gear → A6700.
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If you shoot stills seriously and want premium build/system → R7.
Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒
📷 Canon R7 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
📷 Sony A6700 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
🏁 Final Verdict — Sony A6700 vs Canon R7
| Type of User | Recommended Camera |
|---|---|
| Hybrid creator who shoots stills + video, values portability | Sony A6700 |
| Photographer prioritising stills, action, burst and system depth | Canon R7 |
| Travel shooter needing compact gear and strong features | A6700 |
| Wildlife/event/portrait photographer needing high resolution & speed | R7 |
✅ In Short:
Choose Sony A6700 if you want a high-performance APS-C body with modern specs, portability and hybrid use in mind.
Choose Canon R7 if your priority is stills, action photography, lens ecosystem for photography, and you don’t mind slightly larger gear.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Both cameras are excellent — the better one depends on how you shoot, what you prioritise, and what gear you already have or plan for the future.
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If you carry your camera frequently, shoot both stills and video and want a lighter setup → go A6700.
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If you shoot stills intensively, need fast burst, serious lens system and build quality → go R7.
Think about your workflow, your subjects, your gear habits — then pick the camera that best aligns with you.