Sony Alpha 7 II

    78
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    Highlights

    • 24.3 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 25,600 Native ISO
    • 117 Focus Points
    • 5-Axis Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 1,230k dot Tilting Screen
    • 0.5" 2,359k dot Electronic Viewfinder
    • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • 30 min Video Recording Limit
    • Built-In Wi-Fi
    • Wheather Sealed Body
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Sony Alpha 7 II was announced in 2014 and is a Full Frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) Mirrorless camera with 24.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 25,600 and expands to 50 - 51,200 in boosted mode. The camera has a Tilting 3.0" screen with 1,230k dot resolution and built-in 0.5" Electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dot resolution. It has a built-in 5-Axis Sensor Shift in body image stabilization.

    Sony Alpha 7 II can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.


    Here is the Sony Alpha 7 series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Sony Alpha 7 series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Sony a7 IV October
    2021
    33.0 MP
    Full Frame
    100 - 51,200 Articulated 3.0"
    1,440k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Sony a7 III February
    2018
    24.2 MP
    Full Frame
    100 - 51,200 Tilting 3.0"
    922k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Sony a7 II November
    2014
    24.3 MP
    Full Frame
    100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    1,230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony a7 January
    2014
    24.3 MP
    Full Frame
    50 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    1,230k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony Alpha 7 IV vs Alpha 7 III vs Alpha 7 II vs Alpha 7.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha 7 II.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Large Sensor
    •   117 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   High DxO Overall Score - 90
    •   Webcam Functionality
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   USB Charging
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Price
    •   Sensor Resolution - 24.3 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
    •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Sony Alpha 7 II to its predecessor Alpha 7 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Sony Alpha 7 II vs Sony Alpha 7
    Cheaper $1699 body only $1999 with 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 vs $1699.99 / £1299 (body only), $1999.99 / £1549 (with 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 lens)
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Image Stabilization 5-Axis Sensor Shift vs
    Average Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 2449 vs 2248
    Higher DxO Color Depth 24.9 vs 24.8
    Longer Battery Life 350 shots vs 340 shots
    DOWNGRADES Sony Alpha 7 II vs Sony Alpha 7
    Higher Native ISO 100 vs 50
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 13.6 vs 14.2
    Heavier 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz) vs 474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony Alpha 7 II vs Alpha 7.

    Successor

    In 2018 Sony Alpha 7 II was replaced by Sony Alpha 7 III. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Sony Alpha 7 II and its successor.

    UPGRADES Sony Alpha 7 III vs Sony Alpha 7 II
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS vs CMOS
    Higher Native ISO 51,200 vs 25,600
    Higher Boosted ISO 204,800 vs 51,200
    Lower Min AF Detection -3 EV vs -1 EV
    More Focus Points 693 vs 117
    Touch-to-Focus vs
    Animal Eye Detection vs
    Higher Image Stabilization Compensation 5 stops vs 4.5 stops
    Touch Screen vs
    Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.78x vs 0.71x
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Lower Min Metering -3 EV vs -1 EV
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 3730 vs 2449
    Higher DxO Color Depth 25.0 vs 24.9
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 14.7 vs 13.6
    Higher DxO Overall Score 96 vs 90
    Higher Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080
    Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Built-In Bluetooth vs
    Longer Battery Life 610 shots vs 350 shots
    More Storage Slots 2 vs 1
    DOWNGRADES Sony Alpha 7 III vs Sony Alpha 7 II
    More Expensive $2000 vs $1699 body only $1999 with 28-70mm F3.5-5.6
    Lower Sensor Resolution 24.2 Megapixel vs 24.3 Megapixel
    Lower Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 1,230k dot
    Heavier 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz) vs 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony Alpha 7 II vs Alpha 7 III.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Tilting screen

    Sony Alpha 7 II has a 3.0" Tilting screen with 1,230k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes this camera very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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    Sony Alpha 7 II with Tilting screen


    Electronic Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in 0.5" Electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification.

    Sensor

    Sony Alpha 7 II features a 24.3 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.8 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 855.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 25,600 and expands to 50 - 51,200 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Sony Alpha 7 II's Full Frame sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame35.8 x 23.9 mm855.6 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with BIONZ X processor and can take pictures up to 6000 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 6000 x 3376, 3936 x 2624, 3936 x 2216, 3008 x 1688, 3008 x 2000 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Sony Alpha 7 II has Sony E lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


    In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera has a built-in 5-Axis Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with 4.5 stops of compensation. This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha 7 II.

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    Built-in Wi-Fi

    Camera has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


    NFC

    Sony Alpha 7 II has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Sony Alpha 7 II has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer and battery charging. There is a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Sony Alpha 7 II comes with NP-FW50 battery pack with battery life of 350 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid (UHS-I) card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Sony Alpha 7 II has Electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


    Focusing

    Sony Alpha 7 II has Fast Hybrid AF (Phase-detection / Contrast-detection) system with 117 focusing points and from -1 to +20 EV detection range There is also face detection feature which automatically finds and focuses on faces.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from -1 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Sony Alpha 7 II has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Intelligent Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec. Flash compensation can be set from -3 to +3 EV with 1/3 or 1/2 EV step increments.

    Physical Parameters

    Sony Alpha 7 II has dimensions of 127 x 96 x 60 mm (5 x 3.78 x 2.36"). It weighs 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    127 mm (5")

    96 mm (3.78")

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    96 mm (3.78")

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    60 mm (2.36")

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    Sony Alpha 7 II dimensions

    Sony Alpha 7 II for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Sony Alpha 7 II is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    EXCELLENT
    85

    Sony Alpha 7 II gets a score of 85 and is EXCELLENT choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    75

    Sony Alpha 7 II gets a score of 75 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   117 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
    •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    GOOD
    71

    Sony Alpha 7 II gets a score of 71 and is GOOD choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   117 Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
    •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    EXCELLENT
    85

    Sony Alpha 7 II gets a score of 85 and is EXCELLENT choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   117 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    EXCELLENT
    87

    Sony Alpha 7 II gets a score of 87 and is EXCELLENT choice for Street photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   117 Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    84

    Sony Alpha 7 II gets a score of 84 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots

    Sony Alpha 7 II Evaluation

    We evaluate Sony Alpha 7 II and give score of 78 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    78

    Sensor

    GOOD
    74

    We give Sony Alpha 7 II a score of 74 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Sensor Resolution - 24.3 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   High DxO Overall Score - 90

    Photo

    GOOD
    81

    We give Sony Alpha 7 II a score of 81 for Photo parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

    Video

    AVERAGE
    55

    We give Sony Alpha 7 II a score of 55 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Webcam Functionality
    •   Low Video Recording Limit

    Focusing

    EXCELLENT
    86

    We give Sony Alpha 7 II a score of 86 for Focusing parameters.

    •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
    •   117 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    78

    We give Sony Alpha 7 II a score of 78 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
    •   Large Viewfinder - 0.5"
    •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot

    Connectivity

    EXCELLENT
    91

    We give Sony Alpha 7 II a score of 91 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    AVERAGE
    67

    We give Sony Alpha 7 II a score of 67 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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