Calling all megapixel monsters! The Sony Alpha 7R II is a full-frame mirrorless camera for photographers who crave insane detail. It boasts a whopping 42-megapixel sensor that captures super sharp images, even when you crop in tight. Plus, it has speedy autofocus and fantastic image stabilization, making it a great choice for landscapes, portraits, and even astrophotography. While it may not be the newest model on the block, it’s still a powerful option for photographers who prioritize high-resolution images.
Key Features
Model No: ILCE7RM2/B
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 42MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
- Internal UHD 4K Video & S-Log2 Gamma
- 0.5″ 2.36M-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF
- 399 Phase-Detect AF Points & 5 fps Burst
- ISO 102,400 and Silent Shutter Mode
- 3.0″ 1,228.8k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
- Durable Reduced-Vibration Shutter Design
- REVIEW
- SPECS
Sony Alpha 7R II: A High-Resolution Full-Frame Camera for Discerning Photographers
The Sony Alpha 7R II is a full-frame mirrorless camera initially released in 2015. It was lauded for its high-resolution sensor, offering photographers exceptional detail and image quality. While newer Sony models boast upgraded features, the Alpha 7R II remains a compelling option for photographers seeking a balance between resolution and affordability.
Exceptional Image Quality with High-Resolution Sensor
The Alpha 7R II features a full-frame 42.4-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. This sensor delivers exceptional image quality with remarkable detail capture, ideal for photographers who produce large prints or require heavy cropping in post-processing.
Fast Hybrid Autofocus System and Performance
The Alpha 7R II features a hybrid autofocus system with 399 phase-detection points. This system offers good autofocus performance, but it might not be as fast or sophisticated as autofocus systems found in newer Sony cameras. The BIONZ X image processor ensures adequate image processing speeds for most photography applications.
Image Stabilization and Weather Sealing
The Alpha 7R II features a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images, particularly at slower shutter speeds. The camera body is also weather-sealed, offering protection when shooting in challenging outdoor conditions.
Limited Video Capabilities
While video is possible, the Alpha 7R II is primarily a stills camera. It offers Full HD (1080p) video recording at up to 30 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 7R II Right for You?
The Sony Alpha 7R II is a good choice for photographers who prioritize the highest possible image resolution and detail for landscapes, portraits, or commercial work. The weather sealing and in-body image stabilization make it suitable for professional use. However, photographers seeking the latest autofocus features, 4K video, or a more user-friendly experience with a fully-articulating screen might consider newer Sony Alpha 7 series cameras.
In Conclusion
The price of the Alpha 7R II has seen significant reductions since its initial release. This makes it an attractive option for budget-minded photographers seeking high-resolution images. It’s important to remember that newer Sony cameras offer improved low-light performance, faster autofocus, and more features.
Specifications
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Sensor Type | 36 x 24 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 43.6 Megapixel Effective: 42.4 Megapixel (7952 x 5304) |
| Crop Factor | NaN |
| Aspect Ratio | 03:02:00 |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 25600 (Extended: 50 to 102400) |
| 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 | -3 to 20 EV |
| White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 5 fps at 42 MP for up to 22 Frames |
| Self-Timer | 2/5/10-Second Delay |
| Recording Modes | XAVC S UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [50 Mb/s] HD (1280 x 720) at 100p/119.88p [50 Mb/s] AVCHD Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/59.94p [28 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/50i/59.94i [17 to 24 Mb/s] MP4 Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/59.94p [28 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 25p/29.97p [16 Mb/s] HD (1280 x 720) at 25p/29.97p [6 Mb/s] |
| External Recording Modes | 4:2:2 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/50i/50p/59.94i/59.94p |
| Recording Limit | Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds |
| Video Encoding | NTSC/PAL |
| Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input |
| Audio File Format | AAC LC, AC3, Linear PCM (Stereo) |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Mode | Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
| Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 399 Contrast Detection: 25 |
| Autofocus Sensitivity | -2 to +20 EV |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 25600 (Extended: 50 to 102400) |
| 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 | -3 to 20 EV |
| White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 5 fps at 42 MP for up to 22 Frames |
| Self-Timer | 2/5/10-Second Delay |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder Size | 0.5″ |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,296 Dot |
| Viewfinder Eye Point | 23 mm |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 1 |
| Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.78x |
| 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), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi |
| GPS | No |
| Battery | 1 x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5 x 3.8 x 2.4″ / 126.9 x 95.7 x 60.3 mm |
| Weight | 22.05 oz / 625 g (Body with Battery and Memory) |
| Package Weight | 2.9 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.65 x 6.25 x 5.7″ |