Sony’s mega ISO monster updated: A7S II gets 4K internal recording, 5-axis IS, better pro video features
posted Friday, September 11, 2015 at 1:29 PM EDT
The third family member of Sony A7-series of full-frame mirrorless cameras has finally received its "Mark II" treatment. The new Sony A7S II comes with not only the all-new "Mark II" body re-design with updated controls, ergonomics and more robust build quality, but also with lots of under the hood improvements that should be of interest to both still photographers and videographers.
While the Sony A7S II sports the same uniquely low-resolution 12.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, the sensor sits atop Sony's impressive 5-axis image stabilization system that debuted in the earlier A7-series revisions. The large-pixel design of the sensor lets the A7S II capture images and video to an astounding ISO 409,600, and Sony says its BIONZ X image sensors has been tweaked with improved image processing algorithms for better image quality at the mid-to-high ISOs. Autofocus gets some tweaks as well, though it remains a contrast-detect only camera, unlike the other A7-series cameras -- but it does gain a vast number of autofocus points for a total of 169 AF points.
On the video side of things, the biggest feature is 4K internal recording. While the original model made headlines as the first A7-series camera with 4K video, it required a cumbersome external capture device to record the 4K signal out of the HDMI port. Now, the A7S II can capture and record 4K Ultra HD video all in-camera -- and still stream a 4K signal out via the HDMI port simultanously. The A7S II also gains a number of other video features that advanced and professional videographers will enjoy, such as additional Picture Profiles, better zebras, and 4x/5x in-camera slow motion shooting.
For the all the details on this latest member to Sony's full-frame mirrorless camera, check out our in-depth Sony A7S II First Impressions preview.
The camera is set to go on sale in October with a body-only retail price around $3,000. Check out the links below to one of our trusted IR retail affiliates for more information on being notified when pre-ordering becomes available. Purchasing this camera, or any other product, at one of these retailers helps support the site.