While not the latest model, the Sony Alpha 7 II is a steal for anyone looking for a full-frame mirrorless camera on a budget. It packs a powerful 24-megapixel sensor for stunning photos and delivers fantastic image stabilization for sharp handheld shots. Even though the video is limited to 1080p, it’s still a great option for stills and perfect for photographers who want to upgrade to full-frame without breaking the bank!
Key Features
Model No: ILCE7M2/B
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 24.3MP Full-Frame Exmor CMOS Sensor
- Full HD XAVC S Video and S-Log2 Gamma
- 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
- Enhanced Fast Hybrid AF and 5 fps Burst
- Weather-Resistant Magnesium Alloy Body
- 3.0″ 1,228.8k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
- XGA 2.36M-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
- Refined Grip & Robust Lens Mount
- REVIEW
- SPECS
Sony Alpha 7 II: A Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera for Value-Conscious Enthusiasts
The Sony Alpha 7 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera initially released in 2014. It has become a popular choice for budget-minded photographers seeking a full-frame sensor for low-light performance and image quality at a lower price point compared to newer Sony models.
Full-Frame Sensor and Image Quality
The Alpha 7 II features a 24.3-megapixel full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor. This sensor size offers a significant low-light performance advantage over APS-C sensor cameras, allowing for cleaner images in dimly lit environments. While the resolution is surpassed by newer cameras, it can still produce good quality images, especially for everyday photography.
Good Autofocus System and Performance
The Alpha 7 II features a hybrid autofocus system with 117 phase-detection points. This system delivers acceptable autofocus performance, but it might not be as fast or sophisticated as autofocus systems found in newer Sony cameras. The cameras BIONZ X image processor ensures adequate image processing speeds for most photography applications.
Image Stabilization and Weather Sealing
One advantage the Alpha 7 II offers over some newer Sony models is its 5-axis in-body image stabilization system. This can help compensate for camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper images at slower shutter speeds. However, the camera body is not weather-sealed, so extra care is needed when using it in harsh outdoor conditions.
Limited Video Capabilities
While video is possible, the Alpha 7 II is primarily a stills camera. It offers Full HD (1080p) video recording at up to 60 frames per second, which might be sufficient for basic vlogging or casual videography, but it lags behind newer Sony cameras with 4K or higher video capabilities.
Is the Sony Alpha 7 II Right for You?
The Sony Alpha 7 II is a good choice for budget-minded photographers who prioritize a full-frame sensor for low-light performance and image quality over the latest features and technology. It can be a good entry point into the world of full-frame mirrorless cameras. However, photographers seeking the fastest autofocus, 4K video capabilities, or weather sealing should consider newer Sony Alpha 7 series cameras.
Summary
The price of the Alpha 7 II has seen significant reductions since its initial release. This makes it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious photographers. It’s important to remember that newer Sony cameras offer improved image quality, faster performance, and more features.
Specifications
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Sensor Type | 35.8 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 24.7 Megapixel Effective: 24.3 Megapixel (6000 x 4000) |
| Crop Factor | NaN |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 to 25600 (Extended: 50 to 25600) |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Seconds Bulb Mode |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -1 to 20 EV |
| White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Color Temperature Filter, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 5 fps at 24 MP for up to 50 Frames |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Self-Timer | 2/10-Second Delay |
| Recording Modes | XAVC S Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/29.97p/59.94p [50 Mb/s] AVCHD Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 59.94p [28 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/59.94i [17 to 24 Mb/s] MP4 HDV (1440 x 1080) at 29.97p [12 Mb/s] SD (640 x 480) at 29.97p [3 Mb/s] |
| External Recording Modes | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Recording Limit | Up to 29 Minutes |
| Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input |
| Audio File Format | AAC LC, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM (Stereo) |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
| Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 117 Contrast Detection: 25 |
| Autofocus Sensitivity | -1 to +20 EV |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 to 25600 (Extended: 50 to 25600) |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Seconds Bulb Mode |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -1 to 20 EV |
| White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Color Temperature Filter, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 5 fps at 24 MP for up to 50 Frames |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Self-Timer | 2/10-Second Delay |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder Size | 0.5″ |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,296 Dot |
| Viewfinder Eye Point | 27 mm |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 1 |
| Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.71x |
| Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +3 |
| Size | 3.0″ |
| Resolution | 1,228,800 Dot |
| Display Type | Tilting LCD |
| Built-In Flash | No |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless |
| Maximum Sync Speed | 1/250 Second |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Dedicated Flash System | P-TTL |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid (UHS-I) |
| Internal Memory | NaN |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI D (Micro), Multi-Terminal Interface, USB Micro-B (USB 2.0) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi |
| GPS | No |
| Battery | 1 x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 1020 VDC |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5 x 3.8 x 2.4″ / 126.9 x 95.7 x 59.7 mm |
| Weight | 1.22 lb / 556 g |
| Package Weight | 2.45 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 8.268 x 6.221 x 5.433″ |