One year after announcing the original Sony Alpha a7, Sony released the newer and advanced Sony Alpha A7 II model. Its improved functions and better ergonomics took the full-frame and compact system camera series by storm.
The refined and revised exterior is designed so that it now fashions a more pronounced grip.
It also equips a forward-angled shutter button like a DSLR. It has also introduced a five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, turning it into a not-so-basic specialist ahead of its time.
So let us examine fully the workings of Sony a7II and how wonderfully it performs in the real world.
Sony Alpha A7 II Review
This groundbreaking camera by Sony comes with a Five-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, which is the town’s talk. It is the most prominent feature as it is the first full-frame camera to incorporate this technology.
It has intrigued all the photographers as now any lens made has been magically upgraded and can have image stabilization. The technology integrated into a7II can also compensate 4.5-stops worth by stabilization.
This changes the way you perceive the light around you, as you become capable of taking shots in every kind of setting and lighting conditions and pulling them off correctly.
The second major feature is its capability to record 1080p video at 60fps. It is also equipped with an HDMI output together with a headphone jack and external microphone. It also boasts a XAVC S codec, which can record at 50mb/s.
It supports a hybrid autofocus system that relies on 25-points of contrast detection and 117-points of phase-detection. These features enable it to not only work faster and but also more accurately.
They also provide it with appropriate lighting and allow it to focus on unobscured distinctions. It can hit focus points like a pro and will leave you desiring for more.
One of the favorite treats of a7II is the way well manual focusing is handled with any lens. Everything, be it focus assist, focus peaking, the viewfinder display, and image stabilization, is dealt with brilliantly.
So if you love manual focus, then this is the camera you want. After experiencing focus assist and focus peaking of this camera, you won’t dream of any other one.
Secondly, the added image stabilization will enable you to get pinpoint sharp focus faster than before because the handshake movements when holding this camera have also been diminished.
It also has a high ISO performance, which is superb and sharper than ever. All the other features are complemented by an excellent electronic with the right amount of brightness and a shutter with minimum vibration.
Lastly, the ergonomics are terrific. Everything is perfectly placed, and the design is rough and tough!
Sony Alpha A7 II specifications:
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2, 16:9
- Effective pixels 24 megapixels
- Sensor size: Full frame
- Sensor type: CMOS
- Processor: Bionz X
- ISO: 100-25600
- Manual focus: Yes
- Number of focus points: 117
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen type: Xtra Fine LCD
- Live view: Yes
- Minimum shutter speed: 30 sec
- Maximum shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
- Built-in flash: No
- External flash: Yes
- Self-timer: Yes
- Resolutions: 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080, 640 x 480
- Format: MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
- USB: USB 2.0
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes
- Environmentally sealed: Yes
- Battery description: NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery with charger
- Battery Life: 350
- Weight: 599 g
- Dimension: 127 x 96 x 60 mm
What’s in the box?
- 1 x A7 II camera body and cap.
- 1 x Eyepiece cup.
- 1 x hot shoe Black plastic cover.
- 1 x USB AC Power Adapter
- 1 x Micro USB cable
- 1 x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
- 1 x Shoulder strap.
Pros:
- Five-axis image stabilization performs incredibly well.
- Ergonomics are phenomenal
- It fits perfectly in your hand and has a beefy grip
- Forward-angled shutter button like DSLR is excellent.
- Plenty of customizable buttons
- Metal lens mount prevents the lens from becoming wobbly.
- Favorable price
Cons:
- While using image stabilization, the battery life suffers
- Complicated menu system
- The wheel-dial button needs refinement.
- Image stabilization slacks when in motion.
- Low-quality accessory doors, unlike the rest of the body
Conclusion
If you have read the camera specs and review for the Sony a7II <- Affiliate Link 🙂 and are captivated by them but are still holding back because you are not entirely sure, then let me tell you that you have nothing to fear.
The a7II delivers a stream of amazing features and fantastic well-rounded performance that professional and amateur photographers will appreciate.
The combo of image stabilization and a full-frame sensor is something that will excite you every time you hold this camera because it allows you to use it universally across the lens arsenal.
The exterior body is also comfortable, compact, and light, making it perfect for every purpose.
Get your camera ready and succeed in the creative challenges ahead!
