Table of Contents
amazon Sony Alpha 7R II reviews
Construction
The construction of the A7R II is still based off the A7 chassis. Machine dimensions are 127x96x60 mm, weighing 625 grams, with a weather-sealed, dust-proof exterior created from high-grade magnesium alloy.
The front of the A7R II is all metal, and the camera mount feels solid. An E-mount system lets the camera work with many types of E- and FE-mount Sony lenses, including that famous Carl Zeiss label. The grip has been enlarged for better handling as the shutter button is pressed into it, quite the opposite for the other A-series cameras, where the shutter button lies atop the handle.
At the back is a 3-inch 1,228-megapixel LCD that has better color and detail than the monitor outside, but, unfortunately, displays are not the best. Next in line is the 0.5-inch 2.359 million pixel electronic viewfinder that has decent color. Buttons and the select dial are reasonably well conglomerated.
Function
According to Sony, it has a 5-axis SteadyShot sensor that has been employed in the A7R II. This means while you move the camera, the sensor shakes, and on the other hand, ultrafast AF Hybrid with 399 focus points has boosted focusing by 40% more than the earlier model, covering 45% of the frame-contrast being 25% on the auto contrast focus points-AF system.
Basically, the sensor is coated with an AR (anti-reflective) layer and optical filter that combined with Sony’s BIONZ X image processing technology gives you optimum image quality and sharpness in anything. The A7R II can now record standard 4K UHD video format XAVC S 100 Mbps 30p / 25p / 24p, full HD 1080p at 50 Mbps. 5 picture per second in continuous shooting.
Besides, the Sony Alpha A7R II has XGA Oled Tru-Finder with a 0.78X magnification, 4-lens optics, and spherical side-by-side illumination, this provides exceptionally wide angles through the viewfinder and renders sharp focus with clarity. Sony claims 0.78x is the largest magnification across any digital camera.
In the meantime, the shutter of the A7R II can boast of a life expectancy of 500,000 times, hence, vibrations should be less than any previous model. The latest damping system reduces pre- and post-shutter vibrations by about 50%.
Resulting in far sharper images, as there will be less camera shake caused by pressing the shutter button. The A7R II has a “silent” shooting option, which incorporates an electronic shutter to cancel out all vibration while taking images.
With ISO sensitivity further raised to 102,400 range, situated right beside, cameras are Wi-Fi with NFC for quick connect to external devices via PlayMemories Mobile software.
where can you get a Sony Alpha 7R II online
Sony a7R II Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera, Body Only (Black) (ILCE7RM2/B): Buy it now
Sony Alpha A7R II 4K Wi-Fi Digital Camera Body with FE 24-240mm Lens + 64GB Card + Battery + Charger + Case + Flash + LED + Tripod + Kit: Buy it now
Photo Quality
This camera can produce sharp, true-life images approaching 7952×5304 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 300dpi and can achieve fast, convincing focusing speed owing to the fullframe sensor. The image quality at the lower ISO levels is good for photos taken but from ISO 1600 and beyond, there is noise that begins to accumulate in the image. Fortunately, one’s image still remains at an acceptable level of noise at even maximum ISO settings.
Sensor and Image Quality
42.4-Megapixel Back-Illuminated Sensor
42.4-Megapixel BSI CMOS Sensor
The Sony Alpha 7R II features a new and pretty powerful 42.4-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS full-frame Exmor R sensor, the biggest improvement over its predecessor. Its new photodiodes gather more light while reducing noise. Because of its design, most of the light will pass through to reach the sensor, thus improving low-light performance and, as a result, image quality.
Dynamic Range and Color Reproduction
The A7R II has great dynamic range and color reproduction; it reproduces life in detail with a good tonal range. The camera, as well, captures very high-contrast scenes with a great capacity for deep shadows to bright highlights, and the colors rendered to it will appear very close to reality but with an added bit of vibrancy. These features in dynamic range and color fidelity stand the A7R II as being useful for landscape and portrait photographers who want to represent their images with a lot of reproduction finesse.
Low-Light Performance and ISO Sensitivity
The ISO range of 100-25,600, exceptionally extended from 50 to 102,400, classifies the A7R II as exceptional in low-light performance. It is capable of producing a sharp and clear picture at a very high ISO without revealing the noise most people face. Back-illuminated sensors, along with smart noise reduction algorithms, assure that the camera performs exceedingly well in demanding light situations and proves to be versatile for all occasions.
Image Stabilization
The A7R II’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) covers 5 types of camera shake: pitch, yaw, roll, horizontal shift, and vertical shift. This system is really effective in allowing the user to shoot sharp images with slow shutter speeds and most of the time do not need a tripod. IBIS also aids videographers in obtaining smoother handheld footage.
Autofocus System
Fast Hybrid AF System
The fast hybrid autofocus (AF) system of the Sony Alpha 7R II combines 399 phase-detection AF points and 25 contrast-detection AF points, making up to 45% of image area covered by this AF system, allowing the camera to achieve focusing across a wide range of shooting conditions. The phase-detection AF points allowed for fast, accurate focusing, and contrast-detection contributed to more precise focusing in low light.
Most exciting though is the Eye AF and Tracking
The autofocus system on the A7R II incorporates one of the most remarkable features in Eye AF detection and lock on the subject’s eye. This is very useful for portrait photographers because it keeps the focus on the eye locked and sharp all time. In addition, it brings subject tracking that is very straightforward to follow moving subjects, even in very intricate dynamic scenes.
Low-light AF Performance
Performance of the A7R II is superb in low-light conditions. The speed and accuracy of the autofocus system are maintained under severe lighting constraints. But the speed with which this camera locks onto the subject in a poorly lit scene testifies to its advanced AF system and performance overall.
Video Features
4K Video Recording
All said and done, the Sony Alpha 7R II is like superman in terms of video recording-the highest possible in resolution, an actual 4K (3840 x 2160) video at even 30 frames per second. It takes up the whole breadth of a sensor to record in a 4K video for an even higher level of detail and quality. Also, the A7R II applies pixel binning to improve noise suppression and video image quality.
S-Log2 and S-Log3 Profiles
If they wish to have more power over their video footage, the A7R II has S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma profiles with flat color profiles extended with dynamic range for more latitude in post-production color grading. The S-Log profiles might be beneficial to most professional videographers, especially when they need precise control over the final look of their videos.
Full HD and Slow Motion
Aside from 4K, the A7R II records in Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) at a maximum of 60 f/s to create smooth and detailed movies. Another feature includes slow motion, where the camera shoots 120 frames per second in HD. All these add versatility in shooting a wide variety of video creations with the A7R II.
Audio Capabilities
Built-in stereo as well as a 3.5mm microphone jack are available for external microphones to flexibly audio recording with the A7R II, but they also have a headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring. This way, videographers can ensure they have the best possible quality audio in their recordings.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Wi-Fi and NFC
Wi-Fi and NFC make this camera a breeze in transferring images and videos to smartphones, tablets, and computers. The camera can also be controlled fully by the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app, allowing photographers to handle many aspects of photography via phone app settings adjustment and app shot composition and triggering from a distance. This makes everything out of the camera possible with the wireless function.
USB and HDMI Ports
For data transfer, the A7R II sports a USB port for charging and a micro HDMI connector suitable for external monitors or recorder connections. Additional ports allow photographers and videographers more options for easily integrating external accessories or devices.
Battery Life
The A7R II packs the NP-FW50 battery, having CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 290 shots at a single charge on a single battery. Compared to some DSLRs, this is a relatively shorter life for the battery, generally for mirrorless cameras. Accordingly, having spare batteries along or an external battery grip will help extend camera battery use for prolonged shooting.
User Experiences and Customization
User Interface and Menu System
While the current menu system is quite complete, providing not only menu and options access, it might overwhelm any new user while providing enough overall control to operate the camera with excellence. The customizable My Menu allows the user to define a personal menu in which only favorite settings added.
Customizable Buttons and Functions
Cameras come with customizable buttons and functions, making it easy for users to set the operation of a camera according to their needs. The A7R II offers pretty much that by making possible remapping various buttons and turning blacks to focus modes, exposure, or white balance from the camera dials. The customization level therefore benefits the usability and efficiency powering different shooting scenarios.
PlayMemories Camera Apps
With Sony’s PlayMemories Camera Apps, you can enjoy downloading and installing more applications mentioned to the camera. Each of these includes time-lapse photography, multiple exposure, and even shoot-from-a-distance capabilities for the A7R II, which may be employed to boost creative options for users.
Real-life Applications
Landscapes
The ultra-high-resolution sensors and their powerful dynamic range make the A7R II very convenient in everyday jobs, particularly for landscape photography. Its ability to discern the finest details and reproduce the broadest range of tone allows landscapes to be exhibited with brilliantly clear and spacious depth perception. Furthermore, with the 5-axis image stabilization, quite sharp parts in an image can be achieved even if hand-held shooting is done in the most difficult conditions.
Portrait Photography
Accurate color rendition and render of details should appeal to many portrait photographers in these digital ages. Eye AF helps to ensure well-defined eye focus, raising the quality of portrait shots dramatically. Customizable buttons and dials enable the photographer to quickly make adjustments to settings and capture that elusive moment.
Travel and Street Photography
The A7R II is small and light, making it a perfect travel and street photography camera. Silent shooting will help one capture candid moments without being noticed; Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity make sharing images on go so easy that an adventure-seeking photographer will enjoy documenting and experiencing travel living with images.
Videography
With its 4K video functionality, new high-speed autofocus system, and 5-axis image stabilization, the A7R II surely is boasting as a very promising tool for videographers. The S-Log2 and S-Log3 profiles for post-production flexibility in professional-grade color grading will be even more interesting to videographers. Through external mikes recording quality audio, the camera captures sound as well.
Event Photography
Fast hybrid AF system and steady subject tracking are the main advantages for event photography, where those fleeting moments need to be captured exceptionally. The camera high ISO performance means that even in low-light environments such as indoor events and concerts, it can handle it easily. The tilting LCD screen provides creative compositions and allows shooting from different angles.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of high-res sensor: The 42.4-megapixel sensor offers fantastic image quality in terms of detail and dynamic range.
5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization: Stabilization for stills and video that reduces the necessity for a tripod.
Fast Hybrid Autofocus: Accurate and reliable AF of Eye AF and excellent subject tracking.
4K Video Recording: Good 4K video recording with S-Log2 and S-Log3 profiles for that top-quality professional footage.
Ergonomic Design: Good gripping with intuitive control layout, customizable buttons and dials.
Weather-Proof: Dust- and moisture-proof for working in tough conditions.
Connection: Automatic Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and remote control.
Disadvantages
Battery Life: Short active time on a charge when compared to some popular DSLRs, needing backup batteries for long shoots.
Menu Complexity: New users will learn and have to customize to get familiar with the myriad of options available within the extensive menu system.
LCD Screen: Tilting screen and not full articulated, which limits some shooting angles.
Price: The A7R II is higher-pricing amongst its valuation ranges, which means it surely would be an expensive deal for many photographers.
Conclusion
In the crowded mirrorless camera sector, there has been no cameras yet introduced to the market that can rival the performance that the Sony Alpha 7R II presents, namely in high-resolution stills, advanced autofocus system, and versatile video options. The camera is ruggedly built, highly weather-sealed, and made to last. Thus, it can cover a huge variety of photographic genres, including landscapes, portraits, travel, and events. Moreover, in-body image stabilization and a plethora of feature sets add to the charm, giving photographers and videographers all they need to create breathtaking images and stunning footage.
The stiff competition posed by other models and rival brands has kept the A7R II yet alive and kept pushing the boundaries of the competing models; however, it continues to charm countless professionals and enthusiasts with the quality of its sensor and crooked customization options. If you are willing to spend on a camera that is known for high resolution, versatility, and array of features, then the Alpha 7R II will absolutely justify that investment, seeing the kind of results it lays down in diverse shooting situations.