Sony Alpha 7 II Full Frame ILCE-7M2K/BQ IN5 Mirrorless Camera Review

sony-alpha-7-II

Sony has announced the world’s first full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Sony A7 and A7R in October 2013 and marked and important update in the photography industry.

Highlights

  • Effective Pixels: 24.3 MP
  • Sensor Type: CMOS
  • WiFi Available
  • Full HD
Overall Score90
Portrait (Color Depth)24.9 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)13.6 Evs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)2449 ISO

Click breathtaktaking snap shots and aperture blur-unfastened videos with this Sony α7 II DSLR camera – it provides you enormous freedom to rebuilt-invent your photography competencies. This mirrorless camera features a 5-axis picture Stabilisation, a 35 mm full-body 24.three MP Exmor CMOS Sensor, and a Sony BIONZ X photograph Processing engine will let you seize specific, crisp, and blur-free images and movies.

According to Sony, the five-axis image stabilization “corrects camera shake along five axes during shooting, including angular shake (pitch and yaw) that tends to occur with a telephoto lens, shift shake (X and Y axes) which becomes noticeable as magnification increases, and rotational shake (roll) that often affects shots at night or when recording video.”

When Sony discharged the A7S somewhat later, I didn’t see radical changes beside the camera sensor, so I put off inspecting that camera for some time also. Be that as it may, when Sony reported the second cycle of the A7-arrangement, the A7 II, I promptly mentioned a survey unit for assessment. By at that point, Sony as of now had a couple of increasingly local focal points to look over and I had high expectations that Sony maybe tended to huge numbers of the worries from the first A7 right now.

What’s more, the Sony A7 II accompanied in-self-perception adjustment (IBIS), which intrigued me a ton – with such a significant number of various connectors accessible for different focal point mounts, the A7 II looked fairly encouraging as an adaptable device that could balance out practically any focal point available. What’s more, that in itself sounded great, so off I went with my excursion to evaluate the new Sony A7 II.

With its $1,699 MSRP sticker price, the full-outline Sony A7 II offers a considerable amount as a computerized camera and packs a great deal of enhancements over the first A7: much better ergonomics (because of the greater and increasingly finished hold), worked in 5-pivot picture adjustment, quicker crossover AF framework, quicker beginning up time and a couple of other little changes to a great extent. It has the stunning 24 MP Sony sensor, like what the Nikon D610 and D750 cameras include, with heavenly powerful range and fantastic treatment of commotion at high ISOs. It may resemble a little steady update over the A7 from the start, yet when you think about the above changes, particularly the consideration of IBIS, it positively turns into a totally different, progressively handy and able camera in correlation.

When Sony at first propelled the A7 arrangement, I composed a point by point article on how the Sony mirrorless would no doubt sway Nikon and Canon full-outline DSLR costs and possibly deals. Despite the fact that it is difficult to state precisely how much the organization has affected DSLR deals, I accept that Sony was one of the fundamental reasons why both Nikon and Canon dropped costs on their D610 and 6D cameras by 30% to around the $1500 imprint to remain serious. Sony unquestionably worked up the full-outline camera showcase with the A7 arrangement cameras.

I additionally accept that Sony worked admirably with presenting utilizing comparable camera development, yet with various sensors for various photography needs. I for one would welcome Nikon D810-style bodies with 12 MP, 24 MP and 36 MP sensors rather than include stripped cameras at totally extraordinary value focuses. That would lighten the agony of numerous picture takers, as they would have the option to pick a camera dependent on their megapixel and other shooting needs. Here is a short synopsis of the three Sony A7-arrangement cameras and the kind of photography they are proposed for:

Sony A7S (12.2 MP): Astro/Night photography, Event, Portraiture, Photojournalism and Video

Sony A7/A7 II (24.3 MP): Sports/Action, Event, Portraiture and Other general photography

Sony A7R (36.4 MP): Architecture, Landscape, Studio, Fashion, Product and Macro photography

Sony A7 II versus A7

So what are the key contrasts between the Sony A7 II and the first A7 and what has changed? As I have just referenced over, the A7 II presently has 5-hub in-self-perception adjustment (IBIS), which minimizations to 3-hub IBIS when non-local focal points are utilized. The A7 II has an improved cross breed AF framework, which Sony cases to be up to 30% quicker. Ergonomics have been significantly improved gratitude to an a lot bigger and progressively agreeable grasp and the shade discharge alongside certain catches have been changed and moved too (more on ergonomic changes in the following page of the audit). The first Sony A7 had a mix of magnesium amalgam and polycarbonate as far as development, while the new A7 II has a full magnesium compound development like the A7S and A7R cameras. In spite of the fact that there is no 4K recording, the A7 II has improved video highlights because of XAVC S codec and level picture profile (S-Log2) to make it additionally engaging for the individuals who like shooting top quality video. There are other slight menu changes and changes. Other than these changes, everything else, including the 24 MP sensor and the picture processor are the equivalent.

What’s more, the Sony A7 II accompanied in-self-perception adjustment (IBIS), which intrigued me a ton – with such a significant number of various connectors accessible for different focal point mounts, the A7 II looked fairly encouraging as an adaptable device that could balance out practically any focal point available. What’s more, that in itself sounded great, so off I went with my excursion to evaluate the new Sony A7 II.

With its $1,699 MSRP sticker price, the full-outline Sony A7 II offers a considerable amount as a computerized camera and packs a great deal of enhancements over the first A7: much better ergonomics (because of the greater and increasingly finished hold), worked in 5-pivot picture adjustment, quicker crossover AF framework, quicker beginning up time and a couple of other little changes to a great extent. It has the stunning 24 MP Sony sensor, like what the Nikon D610 and D750 cameras include, with heavenly powerful range and fantastic treatment of commotion at high ISOs. It may resemble a little steady update over the A7 from the start, yet when you think about the above changes, particularly the consideration of IBIS, it positively turns into a totally different, progressively handy and able camera in correlation.

When Sony at first propelled the A7 arrangement, I composed a point by point article on how the Sony mirrorless would no doubt sway Nikon and Canon full-outline DSLR costs and possibly deals. Despite the fact that it is difficult to state precisely how much the organization has affected DSLR deals, I accept that Sony was one of the fundamental reasons why both Nikon and Canon dropped costs on their D610 and 6D cameras by 30% to around the $1500 imprint to remain serious. Sony unquestionably worked up the full-outline camera showcase with the A7 arrangement cameras.

I additionally accept that Sony worked admirably with presenting utilizing comparable camera development, yet with various sensors for various photography needs. I for one would welcome Nikon D810-style bodies with 12 MP, 24 MP and 36 MP sensors rather than include stripped cameras at totally extraordinary value focuses. That would lighten the agony of numerous picture takers, as they would have the option to pick a camera dependent on their megapixel and other shooting needs. Here is a short synopsis of the three Sony A7-arrangement cameras and the kind of photography they are proposed for:

Sony A7S (12.2 MP): Astro/Night photography, Event, Portraiture, Photojournalism and Video

Sony A7/A7 II (24.3 MP): Sports/Action, Event, Portraiture and Other general photography

Sony A7R (36.4 MP): Architecture, Landscape, Studio, Fashion, Product and Macro photography

Sony A7 II versus A7

ProsCons
Full-frame image quality in a compact bodySlow burst modes not ideal for action
Rock-steady five-axis stabilizationNo built-in flash
XAVC-S video format

Specifications

In The Box

1 Camera, Lens SEL2870, Lens Hood, Lens Cap, Lens Rear Cap, Power Cord, Rechargeable Battery NP-FW50, AC Adaptor AC-UD10, Shoulder Strap, Body Cap, Accessory Shoe Cap, Eyepiece Cup, Micro USB Cable

General

BrandSony
Model NumberILCE-7M2K/BQ IN5
SeriesAlpha Full Frame
Model NameNA
SLR VariantBody with 28 – 70 mm Lens
Brand ColorBlack
TypeMirrorless
ColorBlack
Effective Pixels24.3 MP
Tripod SocketYes
WifiYes

Sensor Features

Sensor TypeCMOS
Image Sensor Size35.8 x 23.9
Other Sensor FeaturesSensor Type: 35 mm Full Frame

Lens Features

Lens MountSony E-mount
Dust ReductionYes

Viewfinder Features

Viewfinder Coverage100
Viewfinder MagnificationMagnification: Approx 0.71x (with 50 mm Lens at Infinity, -1 m-1)
Other Viewfinder FeaturesViewfinder Type: XGA OLED, 1.3 cm (0.5 Type) Electronic Viewfinder (Color), Number of Dots: 2359296 dots, Brightness Control (Viewfinder): Auto/Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2), Color Temperature Control: Manual (5 steps), Dioptre Adjustment: -4.0 to +3.0 m-1, Viewfinder Display: Graphic Display, Display All Information, No Display Information, Histogram, Digital Level Gauge, Real-time Image Adjustment Display: On/Off, Eye Point: Approx 27 mm from the Eyepiece Lens, 22 mm from the Eyepiece Frame at -1 m-1 (CIPA Standard)

Focus Features

Metering ModesMetering Type: 1200-zone Evaluative Metering, Metering Sensitivity: EV -1 to EV 20 (at ISO 100 Equivalent with F2.0 Lens Attached), Modes: Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
White BalancingWhite Balance: Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm White, Cool White, Day White, Daylight), Flash, Color Temperature (2500 to 9900 K) and Color Filter (G7 to M7: 15 steps, A7 to B7: 15 steps), Custom, Underwater
Other Focus FeaturesFocus Type: Fast Hybrid AF (Phase-detection AF, Contrast-detection AF), Focus Sensor: Exmor CMOS Sensor, Focus Point: 35 mm Full Frame: 117 points (Phase-detection AF), APS-C: 99 points (Phase-detection AF), 25 points (Contrast-detection AF), Focus Sensitivity Range: EV-1 to EV20 (ISO100 Equivalent with F2.0 Lens Attached), Focus Area: Wide (117 points (Phase-detection AF), 25 points (Contrast-detection AF)) Zone Centre Flexible Spot (S, M, L) Lock-on AF ( Wide, Zone, Centre, Flexible Spot (S, M, L)), AF Mode: Single-shot AF (AF-S), Continuous AF (AF-C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus, AF Illuminator Range: Approx 0.3 m – Approx 3.0 m (with FE 28 to 70 mm F3.5 to 5.6 OSS Attached)

Exposure Features

AE Lock/Exposure LockAE Lock
Exposure Compensation+/- 5.0 EV (in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV steps), with Exposure Compensation Dial: +/- 3.0 EV (in 1/3 EV steps)
Other Exposure FeaturesAUTO (iAUTO, Superior Auto), Programmed AE (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter-speed Priority (S), Manual (M), Movie, Sweep Panorama, Scene Selection, Scene Selection: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, Bracketing: 3 frames, H/L Selectable, AWB Micro Adjustment: G7 to M7 (15 steps), A7 to B7 (15 steps), Auto (AE) Bracketing: Bracket: Cont Bracket: Single, With 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1.0 EV, 2.0 EV, 3.0 EV Increments, 3/5 frames Selectable, ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index): Still Images: ISO 100 – 25600 (ISO Numbers Up from ISO 50 Can be Set as Expanded ISO Range), AUTO (ISO 100 – 6400, Selectable Lower Limit and Upper Limit), Movies: ISO 200 – 25600 Equivalent, AUTO (ISO 200 – 6400 Selectable Lower Limit and Upper Limit)

Shutter Features

Shutter Speed1/8000 – 30 sec
Self-timerYes
Shutter TypeElectronically Controlled, Vertical-traverse, Focal-plane Type
Other Shutter FeaturesShutter Speed: Still images: 1/8000 to 30 sec, Bulb, Movies: 1/8000 to 1/4 (1/3 step), NTSC: Up to 1/60 in AUTO Mode (Up to 1/30 in Auto Slow Shutter Mode), PAL: Up to 1/50 in AUTO Mode (Up to 1/25 in Auto Slow Shutter Mode), Flash Sync Speed: 1/250 sec, Electronic Front Shutter Curtain: Yes (On/Off)

Flash Features

Flash ModesFlash Off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear Sync, Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction (On, Off Selectable), Hi-speed Sync x 2, Wireless
Flash Compensation+/- 3.0 EV (Switchable between 1/3 and 1/2 EV steps)
Other Flash FeaturesFlash Control: Pre-flash TTL, External Flash Compatibility: Sony Alpha System Flash Compatible with Multi Interface Shoe, Attach the Shoe Adaptor for Flash Compatibility with the Auto-lock Accessory Shoe, Flash Type: Optional, FE Level Lock

Image Features

Image SizeRecording Format (Still Images): JPEG (DCF Version 2.0, Exif Version 2.3, MPF Baseline Compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 Format), Image Size (Pixels) 3:2: 35 mm Full-frame L: 6000 x 4000 (24 M), M: 3936 x 2624 (10 M), S: 3008 x 2000 (6.0 M), APS-C L: 3936 x 2624 (10 M), M: 3008 x 2000 (6.0 M), S: 1968 x 1312 (2.6 M), Image Size (Pixels) 16:9: 35 mm Full-frame L: 6000 x 3376 (20 M), M: 3936 x 2216 (8.7 M), S: 3008 x 1688 (5.1 M), APS-C L: 3936 x 2216 (8.7 M), M: 3008 x 1688 (5.1 M), S: 1968 x 1112 (2.2 M), Image Size (Pixels), Sweep Panorama: Wide: Horizontal 12416 x 1856 (23 M), Vertical 5536 x 2160 (12 M), Standard: Horizontal 8192 x 1856 (15 M), Vertical 3872 x 2160 (8.4 M), Recording (Movie): Image Size (Pixels) NTSC: XAVC S: 1920 x 1080 (60p/50 Mbps, 30p/50 Mbps, 24p/50 Mbps), AVCHD: 1920 x 1080 (60p/28 Mbps/PS, 60i/24 Mbps/FX, 60i/17 Mbps/FH, 24p/24 Mbps/FX, 24p/17 Mbps/FH), MP4: 1440 x 1080 (30fps/12 Mbps), 640 x 480 (30fps/3 Mbps), Image Size (Pixels) PAL: XAVC S: 1920 x 1080 (50p/50 Mbps, 25p/50 Mbps)
Image FormatRAW and JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard
Aspect Ratio3:2
Red Eye ReductionYes
Other Image FeaturesImage Quality Modes: RAW, RAW and JPEG, JPEG Extra Fine, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard, Picture Effect: 13 Modes: Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R, G, B, Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolor, Illustration, Recording (Movie): Picture Profile – Yes (Off, PP1-PP7) Parameters: Black Level, Gamma (Movie, Still, Cine 1-4, ITU709, ITU709 (800%), S-log 2), Black Gamma, Knee, Color Mode, Saturation, Color Phase, Color Depth, Detail, Copy, Reset, Image Stabilisation: Steadyshot: Image Sensor-Shift Mechanism with 5-Axis Compensation (Compensation Depends on Lens Specifications), Compensation Effect: 4.5 steps (Based on CIPA Standard, Pitch/Yaw Shake only, with Sonnar T FE 55 mm F1.8 ZA Lens Mounted, Long Exposure NR Off)

Video Features

Video Resolution1920 x 1080
Video QualityFull HD
Other Video FeaturesCreative Style: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn Leaves, Black and White, Sepia (Contrast -3 to +3 Steps, Saturation -3 to +3 Steps, Sharpness -3 to +3 Steps) (Style Box 1-6 also Provided), Dynamic Range Functions: Off, Dynamic Range Optimiser (Auto, Level (1-5)), Auto High Dynamic Range: Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure Difference Level (1.0 – 6.0 EV, 1.0 EV Step), Recording (Movie): Recording Format (Movie): XAVC S/AVCHD Format Version 2.0 Compliant/MP4, Video Compression: XAVC S: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, AVCHD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MP4: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, Audio Recording Format: XAVC S: LPCM, 2 ch, AVCHD: Dolby Digital (AC-3), 2 ch, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, MP4: MPEG-4 AAC-LC, 2 ch, Movie Functions: Audio Level Display, Audio Rec Level, Auto Slow Shutter, HDMI Information Display (On, Off Selectable), Time Code/User Bit, Picture Profile, Creative Style, Picture Effect, Rec Control, Dual Video Rec, Marker Setting

Audio Features

MicrophoneBuilt-in Stereo Microphone or ECM-XYST1M/XLR-K1M (Sold Separately)
SpeakerBuilt-in, Monaural

Display Features

Display TypeTFT LCD
Display Size3
Touch ScreenNo
Other Display FeaturesColor Space: sRGB Standard (With sYCC Gamut) and Adobe RGB Standard Compatible with TRILUMINOS Color, Recording (Movie): Color Space – xvYCC Standard (x.v.Color When Connected via HDMI Cable) Compatible with TRILUMINOS Color, Monitor Type: 7.5 cm (3.0 Type) TFT Drive, Brightness Control (LCD): Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2), Sunny Weather Mode, Adjustable Angle: Up by Approx 107 Degrees, Down by Approx 41 Degrees, Display Selector (Finder/LCD): Auto/Manual, LCD Display: Graphic Display, Display All Information, No Display Information, Histogram, Digital Level Gauge, Real-time Image Adjustment Display (LCD): On/Off, Zebra, Quick Navi, Peaking MF: Yes (Level Setting: High, Mid, Low, Off, Color: White, Red, Yellow), Focus Magnifier: 35 mm Full Frame 5.9x, 11.7x, APS-C: 3.8x, 7.7x, Total Number of Dots: 1228800 dots

Storage Features

Compatible CardSD Card
Other Storage FeaturesCompatible Recording Media: Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo?, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card (UHS-I Compliant), SDXC Memory Card (UHS-I Compliant), Storage Media Slot: Multi Slot for Memory Stick Duo, SD Memory Card

Power Features

Battery TypeLithium Battery
Other Power FeaturesSupplied Battery: NP-FW50 W-series Rechargeable Battery Pack, Battery Life (Still Images): Approx 270 shots (Viewfinder), Approx 350 shots (LCD Screen) (CIPA Standard), Battery Life (CIPA Movies): Actual: Approx 60 min with Viewfinder, Approx 65 min with LCD Screen (CIPA Standard), Continuous: Approx 100 min with Viewfinder, Approx 100 min with LCD Screen (CIPA Standard), External Power: AC-PW20 AC Adaptor (Optional), Internal Battery Charge

Additional Features

Other FeaturesTotal Number of Pixels: 24.7 MP, Anti Dust System: Charge Protection Coating on Optical Filter and Image Sensor Shift Mechanism, Raw Output: 14 Bit, Uncompressed Raw, • Clean HDMI Output: NTSC: 1920 x 1080 (60p/24p), 1920 x 1080 (60i), YCbCr: 8 bit/RGB 8 bit, PAL: 1920 x 1080 (50p), 1920 x 1080 (50i), YCbCr: 8 bit/RGB 8 bit, Noise Reduction: Long Exposure NR: On/Off, Available at Shutter Speeds Longer than 1 sec, High ISO NR: Normal, Low, Off Selectable, Multi Frame NR: Auto/ISO 100 to 51200, Features: Lock-on AF, Eye AF, Predictive Control, Focus Lock, Eye-start AF and AF Micro Adjustment (Both only Available with Optional LA-EA2 or LA-EA4 Attached), AF Illuminator (Built-in, LED Type, Range: Approx. 0.30 – 3 m), AF On, Type: Yes (with Built-in LED Type), Face Detection: On/On (Regist Faces)/Off, Face Registration, Face Selection (Max Number of Detectable Faces: 8), Auto Object Framing

Dimensions

Width5.97 cm
Height9.57 cm
Depth12.69 cm
Weight556 g
Other DimensionsWeight (With Battery and Memory Card Included): Approx 599 g (With Battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo)
Camera FeatureSony A7SSony A7Sony A7 IISony A7R
Sensor Size35.8 x 23.9mm35.8 x 23.9mm35.8 x 23.9mm35.9 x 24.0mm
Sensor Resolution12.2 MP24.3 MP24.3 MP36.3 MP
Sensor Pixel Size8.44µm5.97µm5.97µm4.88µm
Sensor Anti-Aliasing FilterYesYesYesNo
In-Body Image StabilizationNoNoYes, 5-axisNo
Image Size4,240 x 2,8326,000 x 4,0006,000 x 4,0007,360 x 4,912
Viewfinder Type, Dots, CoverageEVF, 2.4 M dots, 100%EVF, 2.4 M dots, 100%EVF, 2.4 M dots, 100%EVF, 2.4 M dots, 100%
Built-in FlashNoNoNoNo
Storage Media, Type1x SD, UHS-11x SD, UHS-11x SD, UHS-11x SD, UHS-1
Continuous Shooting Speed5.0 FPS5.0 FPS5.0 FPS4.0 FPS
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-102,400ISO 100-6,400ISO 100-6,400ISO 100-6,400
Boosted ISO SensitivityISO 50, 204,800-409,600ISO 50, 12,800-25,600ISO 50, 12,800-25,600ISO 50, 12,800-25,600
Autofocus SystemContrast-detection AFFast Hybrid AFFast Hybrid AFContrast-detection AF
Focus Points25 points (CDAF)117 points (PDAF), 25 points (CDAF)35mm: 117 points, APS-C: 99 points (PDAF) / 25 points (CDAF)25 points (CDAF)
Electronic Front Curtain ShutterYesYesYesNo
Video Maximum Resolution1920×1080 (1080p) @ Up to 60p1920×1080 (1080p) @ Up to 60p1920×1080 (1080p) @ Up to 60p1920×1080 (1080p) @ Up to 60p
4K OutputYesNoNoNo
LCD Size and Resolution3.0″, 921,600 dots3.0″, 921,600 dots3.0″, 1,228,800 dots3.0″, 921,600 dots
Built-in GPSNoNoNoNo
Built-in Wi-FiYesYesYesYes
ConstructionFull Magnesium AlloyPartial Magnesium AlloyFull Magnesium AlloyFull Magnesium Alloy
Battery Life360 shots (CIPA)340 shots (CIPA)350 shots (CIPA)340 shots (CIPA)
Weight (Body Only)446g416g556g407g
Dimensions126.9 x 94.4 x 48.2mm126.9 x 94.4 x 48.2mm126.9 x 95.7 x 59.7mm126.9 x 94.4 x 48.2mm
Price As Announced (MSRP)$2,499$1,699$1,699$2,299