Sony has introduced a new α mirrorless SLR in its pack, the A7S II. It is quite identical in terms of its predecessor alpha 7S. The only difference being the alpha 7S required an external recorder to shoot videos at an ISO of 409,600, but the A7S|| has the technology to shoot 4K videos internally at (3,840 X 2160) at 24fps, 30fps & 120fps. This mirrorless camera can shoot videos of up to 1080p resolutions in the XAVC format. This is an effective piece of technology for filmmakers, videographers, and professional photographers as well.
The Sony A7S II has been power packed with a full frame Exmor sensor and a BIONZ X image processor with a mirrorless configuration. The 12.2MP sensor is capable of internally recording UHD 4K videos at 30fps as well as 1080p recording at 120fps in full frame format, that can be easily viewed and edited on the LCD screen.
Due to its large sensor size, the A7S II is quite suitable for low-light conditions as well. The combination of the sensor and processor enhance the performance to 5fps or 2.5fps with continuous Auto focus. The division of 169 auto focus points that encompasses 25 contrast-detection points and 9 central auto focus points into 16 segments makes it all the more fast and accurate for low light conditions.
The A7S II is capable of full pixel readout at 30fps with its large 12.2MP sensor. It is even capable of recording internally at full HD, 1080p at 120fps in XAVCS 100Mbps format. The autofocus speeds are quite phenomenal for a mirrorless camera. The performance in terms of shutter lag varies in full autofocus, manual focus and Prefocused modes.
Jaw dropping ISO levels can be expanded from ISO 100 – 102400 to ISO 50-409600.The S-Log3 algorithm can accept 124-stops of dynamic range, which makes it identical to a cinema camera. With 10 white balance presets, a 5-axis and sensor-shift image stabilization and image quality levels ranging from extra fine to standard, the Sony A7S II has quite a bunch in its image processing as well as light dynamics technology.
Optical features of the Sony A7S II include manual and autofocus, with autofocus features such as Contrast Detection, Multi-area, Center, Selective single point, Single, Continuous, Face Detection & Live View. A digital zoom of 2X has been provided with 169 focus points for contrast, auto focus, low light conditions and lots more.
A 3″ XGA OLED Tru-Finder with no touch screen is a small disappointment, nevertheless it has been compensated with wireless technology, remote control and HDMI support, USB 2.0 all these features can enable fast viewing, copying & editing on other devices. The viewfinder is electronic with 100% coverage, 0.787 X magnifications with ZEISS T-coating that reduces reflections and makes it sharper.
The Sony A7S II can shoot 4K video resolutions & formats like MPEG-4, AVCHD, & XAVC S of up to 3840 X2160 at 30p/24p, full HD up to 1920 X 1080 at120p/60p/60i/30p/24p. Photographers can take images at shutter speeds of up to 1/8000 sec with various metering modes such as Multi, Center-weighted and Spot. Photographers would have to use an external flash with a Multi Interface Shoe, as there is no in-built flash in the camera.
The 5-axis image stabilization makes it easier for photographers and videographers to correct shake errors in 5 axes. It also corrects angular shake for pitch and yaw and rotational shake for roll.
Photographers can take and edit pictures in various modes like Landscape, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait, Twilight and lots more. Effects include Pop Color, Partial Color, High Contrast Monochrome, Watercolor, etc. Make your photo stand out with styles like Vivid, Neutral, Deep, Landscape Autumn leaves and much more!
This camera is equipped with an NP-FW50 Lithium-ion battery pack and charge. The Sony A7S II supports storage types such as SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo.
This camera is the perfect tool for professional videographers as it offers 4K recording, not much of an advantage for photographers though.
Price: $1700 (approx. Body only)
