We go hands-on with the new Sony Alpha A7R-II with 42.4 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and 4K video.
| Sony Alpha 7R II in Mirrorless Cameras
We have a hands-on look at the new Sony Alpha A7R II - an update to the A7R (Mark I) - it features a new 42.4 megapixel back-illuminated full-frame CMOS sensor, 4K video recording, plus a 399-point hybrid AF system.
Sony Alpha A7R-II Features
The new 42.4 megapixel back-illuminated (BSI) full-frame CMOS sensor is the World's First full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, and offers more light collection, as well as giving 3.5x faster readout than the Sony Alpha A7R.
Worlds First BSI Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
The 42.4 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor offers high ISO sensitivity up to ISO102400, relatively fast continuous shooting at 5fps, plus full-pixel readout 4K movie recording. The camera features the Sony BIONZ X image processing engine, which includes diffraction reduction, plus area specific noise reduction for improved image quality. The sensor does not feature an optical low-pass filter, so that it should be possible to get the best image quality possible.
The camera is weather sealed, and has a newly developed shutter unit which is designed for vibration suppression, plus silent shooting, and is rated for 500,000 shutter releases! There are currently 13 FE lenses, with Sony planning on having 20 lenses available by early 2016.
The 399 phase-detection AF points cover 45% of the image area, and is said to give 40% faster AF when compared to the Sony Alpha A7R. Continuous shooting is at 5fps with AF/AE tracking enabled. Phase-detection AF will also work with the LA-EA3 Alpha mount adapter with Sony A-mount lenses.
4K video recording offers full pixel readout without pixel binning when using the Super 35 (cropped) format, which can be recorded internally to SD card (4:2:0 8bit). This over-samples 1.8x as many pixels as needed for 4K movies resulting in improved movie quality. Increased quality (4:2:2 8bit) recording is possible when recording to an external recorder using HDMI out.
Sony Alpha A7R-II Key Features
- 42.4 megapixel Exmor R Full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
- 399-point wide area fast hybrid AF
- 5-axis in-body image stabilisation - 4.5 stops
- Internal 4K movie recording - full pixel readout without pixel binning
- XGA OLED viewfinder, 0.78x magnification, 100% coverage
- Dust and moisture resistance
- Enhanced grip and shutter button
- Robust lens mount
- Customisable buttons
- New mode dial with locking mechanism
Sony Alpha 7R II Hands-On Photos of Equipment
Sony Alpha 7R II Specifications
| Manufacturer | Sony | |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Pixels | 42.4Mp (Megapixels) | |
| Pixels (W) | 7952 | |
| Pixels (H) | 5304 | |
| Sensor Type | Back-lit CMOS (B.S.I.) | |
| Sensor Size | Full-frame | |
| Sensor Size (width) | 35.9mm | |
| Sensor Size (height) | 24mm | |
| Aspect Ratio |
| |
| LCD Monitor | ||
| LCD Monitor | 3in | |
| Screen resolution | 1,228,800 dots | |
| Touch Screen | No | |
| Focusing | ||
| Focusing modes |
| |
| Exposure Control | ||
| Shutter speeds shortest | 1/8000sec | |
| Shutter speeds longest | 30sec | |
| Bulb mode | Yes | |
| Exp modes |
| |
| Metering |
| |
| ISO sensitivity | 50 - 102400 | |
| White balance |
| |
| Exposure Comp | +/-5 | |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,296 dots | |
| Magnification | 0.78x | |
| Shooting Options | ||
| Continuous shooting | 5fps | |
| Video | ||
| Movie mode | Yes | |
| Video Resolution |
| |
| Video FPS | 30p, 24p, 60p, 60i | |
| Stereo Sound | Yes | |
| Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | |
| Other Features | ||
| Image Stabilisation | Yes | |
| Interface | ||
| HDMI | Yes | |
| USB | USB 2 | |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | |
| Storage | ||
| Card Type |
| |
| File Type |
| |
| Power Source | ||
| Battery Type | No Data | |
| Battery Life (CIPA rating) | 340shots | |
| Box Contents | ||
| Box Contents | No Data | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 625g | |
| Width | 126.9mm | |
| Height | 95.7mm | |
| Depth | 60.3mm | |
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Photographs taken using the Sony Alpha 7R II
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15 Jun 2015 7:09PMThe new 5 series Canon looks to have some very interesting competition.
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16 Jun 2015 11:33AM-
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16 Jun 2015 12:34PM-
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17 Jun 2015 5:33PMIn the specifications you have 'Image sensor - CCD pixels'...
Sorry, but as you most surely know, they're CMOS, along with most cameras for a good number of years!
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17 Jun 2015 7:08PM-
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17 Jun 2015 8:45PMThe A7R mk2 is a ground breaking advance in photography. Sony have made these far reaching improvements available to Canon and Nikon users , through a means of a third party adaptor, usable with their lenses. Well done Sony by setting the bar to a level, other camera manufacturers will try to emulate.
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