Because they were the first mirrorless cameras to contain full-frame sensors – the same size as a frame of 35mm film – the introduction of Sony’s Alpha A7 and Alpha A7R generated a big uproar in photography. The Alpha A7 has 24 megapixels, while the Alpha A7R has 36 megapixels.
The latest information reveals that the Alpha A7 II has succeeded by the Alpha A7 III, which is now one of our most favored cameras. The new model incorporates several enhancements, including an all-new sensor and a very advanced 693-point autofocus system. Additionally, the device’s handling and performance have been enhanced. However, the Alpha A7 II is still a terrific deal, and it is possible to get it at much-reduced costs, which makes it a very appealing prospect.
In addition, these cameras (which were later joined by the 12-megapixel Sony Alpha A7S) are incredibly compact for full-frame cameras. They are roughly the same size as the Micro Four Thirds Olympus OM-D E-M1 and provide a level of control comparable to that of the Olympus camera.
Sony a7 II Features
The fact that it is Sony’s first full-frame compact system camera to have in-body stabilization is the most notable piece of information regarding the Alpha A7 II. This indicates that the sensor can move to compensate for any unintentional movements made by the camera while the exposure is being taken. Unfortunately, the 5-axis image stabilization built into the A7 may not be enough to convince current customers to change. Still, it makes the newer camera generation more appealing to prospective purchasers than the previous one.
Sony a7 II Build Quality.
The A7 II, much like the previous cameras in the Alpha 7 series, has a very angular and retro-looking design that many photographers will find appealing. Additionally, it has a pleasant and sturdy sensation in hand.
According to Sony, the magnesium alloy used in the A7 II’s sensor housing is more in quantity than that used in the camera’s predecessor, making it far more robust. This, in addition to the fact that the camera is sealed against dust and moisture, ought to make the camera quite resilient.
Compared to the A7, the A7 II from Sony offers a more substantial and pleasant grip and a newly developed covering that is densely textured and provides a good purchase. The camera’s rear also has a tiny but functional thumb ridge. This ridge has the same coating as the grip found on the front of the camera.
When shooting or wandering between photos with the camera, it feels pretty comfortable and more stable in hand than the A7 because of the combination of these components.
Sony a7 II Autofocus
Sony claims that new focusing algorithms enable a 30% increase in AF speed, with faster and longer high-speed drive and a 1.5x improvement in AF Tracking performance even though the A7 II has the same hybrid AF system as the A7, with 117 phase-detection and 25 contrast detection points. Even though the A7 II has the same number of phase-detection and contrast-detection points as the A7.
As a result of the firmware 2.0 upgrade, the Sony A7 II has become the second Sony camera, following in the footsteps of the company’s flagship A7R II, to feature fully-functional phase detection AF on both E-mount and A-mount lenses.
Sony a7 II Performance
Naturally, we were interested in learning more about how well the stabilization mechanism of the A7 II worked. When we used the camera with the stabilized Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar FE, 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS lens placed on it, we discovered that we could produce sufficiently crisp results at 70 millimeters by setting the shutter speed to one-sixth of a second.
This stabilization is excellent, even though it does not quite match the 4.5EV maximum that Sony claims it can achieve. It is essential to remember that the outcomes might differ from one individual to the next and that variables such as the amount of coffee you’ve had can play a role in this.
Sony a7 II Image Quality
We were pretty impressed by the results that the first Sony A7 generated, and given the A7 II has the same sensor and processing engine, we knew that it would perform very well. The results that the original Sony A7 produced left us highly impressed. The Alpha A7 II can create excellent-quality photographs in various lighting circumstances and catch much information about its subjects. This has not led to a shakeup in our trust.
The lower, midrange, and somewhat high sensitivity levels all do an excellent job of controlling image noise. However, when raw files are viewed at 100% and noise reduction is off, a significant amount of chroma noise is present in the image captured at ISO6400.
JPEG files recorded simultaneously and edited with the camera’s default noise reduction setting appear incredibly high quality. The colorful speckling is effectively disguised, and there is no significant loss of information. The residual luminance noise is of fine grain and is dispersed uniformly over the image. There is no banding or clumping, so even at 100%, the photographs seem realistic.
Sony a7 II Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Other resolutions | 6000 x 3376, 3936 x 2624, 3936 x 2216, 3008 x 1688, 3008 x 2000 |
| Image ratio w h | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Bionz X |
| Color space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | 100-25600 |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| White balance presets | 10 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 4.5 stops |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Extra fine, acceptable, standard |
| File format | JPEG (DCF 2.0, EXIF 2.3)RAW (ARW 2.3) |
| Image parameters | Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn Leaves, Black & White, Sepia |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive view. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 117 |
| Lens mount | Sony E |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,230,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | Xtra Fine LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.71× |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,359,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Exposure modes | AutoProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManualScene SelectionSweep PanoramaMovie |
| Scene modes | Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via Multi Interface shoe) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Drive modes | Single, continuous, speed priority constant, self-timer, bracketing (AE, white balance, DRO) |
| Continuous drive | 5.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures)) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
| Videography notes | Supports XAVC S codec (50Mbps) and S Log2 flat picture profile |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI port with 4K still, uncompressed video output) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | with NFC and wireless control via the PlayMemories Mobile app |
| Remote control | Yes (wired) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz) |
| Dimensions | 127 x 96 x 60 mm (5 x 3.78 x 2.36″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | None |
Sony a7 II Verdict
The Sony Alpha 7 II is an excellent camera that minimizes the adverse effects of having a full-frame sensor by cutting down on its size. It boasts accurate autofocus (AF) and a perfect image stabilization system, and it can create high-quality photographs in various lighting settings.
