SONY α7S II E-mount Lenses Camera with 12.2 MP Full-Frame Sensor
Sony has once again surprised us all by unveiling the latest full-frame E-mount upgrade, the Alpha a7S II Mirrorless Digital Camera. This camera maintains the same 12MP resolution as its predecessor but offers enhanced image quality for even less noise, keeping its title as the master of sensitivity with an ISO range up to 409600, ensuring phenomenal video quality with full pixel readout. A professional-level video is perhaps the major selling point of this model, with the addition of internal UHD 4K recording and a serious heap of video-centric enhancements. And, as with all “II” series a7 cameras, it has received a major makeover that includes a revamped 0.78x EVF and 5-axis in-body stabilization.
Starting with a video, the a7S II offers a revamped recording setup to go along with the much appreciated internal UHD 4K capabilities. This includes the implementation of a high bit rate 100 Mbps option for the XAVC S format and the ability to record Full HD video at a maximum frame rate of 120 fps, enabling users to play back their footage at 4x or 5x slow motion with no loss of quality. The a7S II will be able to utilize S-Log3 Gamma and S-Gamut3, in addition to S-Log2 and S-Gamut2, for expanding the dynamic range of their video to 14 stops. This is also the same log setting available on Sony’s top-of-the-line video cameras, meaning footage from the SONY’s a7S II will fit more easily into high-end workflows.
Ease of use was a big concern for shooting video with earlier models and we see a couple of major improvements on this—most notably in the form of Gamma Display Assist. This allows users to utilize the S-Log3 Gamma while still being able to monitor a high-contrast image. Another change is the enhanced zebra function, which allows users to dial-in their video signal target anywhere between 0-109% for highly accurate monitoring.
Full-Frame 35 mm (35.6 x 23.8 mm) 12.2mp , Exmor® CMOS sensor
Sensitivity up to 409600 ISO and super wide dynamic range.
New 14-Bit Uncompressed RAW Format
World’s most selected image sensor …
Top SENSITIVITY
Still images: ISO 100-102400 (expandable to ISO 50-409600), AUTO (ISO 100-12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit), Movies: ISO 100-102400 equivalent (expandable to ISO 100-409600 equivalent), AUTO (ISO 100-12800 equivalent, selectable lower limit and upper limit)
BIONZ X™ image processing engine
Ultra stability for everyway style of shooting
5-Axiss, SteadyShot inside
169 Points Auto Focus
4K Movie – Function at the full rate
Advanced Features: S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log3
Support 120 Frames per Second in Full HD Mode
Astonishing Quality in 4K Movie Recording.
The Camera Delivers full pixel readout, with no binning in full frame mode.
XAVC S format
This format allows 4K recording at up to 100 Mbps bit rate to capture detailed movies with minimal compression noise. Files are saved in widely compatible MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format.
Being a hybrid camera, there are many updates that will benefit both still and video, such as 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE in-body image stabilization and an upgraded 169-point Fast Intelligent AF system that is twice as fast as the original a7S, which maintains reliability down to -4 EV. Moving on to body design, we see a more substantial grip, the relocating of the shutter release to a more natural position, the use of a more durable and quieter shutter mechanism, and improved button customization. This camera will seem familiar to anyone who has handled the a7 II or a7R II. This body also takes on the sharp 0.5″ Tru-Finder EVF as the a7R II, something stills shooters will greatly appreciate.
Overall, the a7S II is targeted to those with demanding video requirements with internal 4K recording, S-Log3, Full HD at 120 fps, and Gamma Display Assist. On the other side of things, stills shooters who desire the ability to capture high-quality stills at exceptionally high ISOs with minimal noise will find the a7S II an excellent companion.
