Sony introduces its new flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, the α7R II ILCE-7RM2 . Innovative shaping, thanks to world’s first full-frame 35mm back-illuminated sensor. The new α7R II interchangeable lens camera features the world’s first full-frame CMOS Exmor R rear-illuminated sensori that offers high resolution about 42.4 megapixels, effective , high sensitivity expandable to ISO 102400 [ii] and fast autofocus with a response speed up to 40% faster than the α7R thanks to 399 phase AF points in the focal plane.
High resolution, high sensitivity and high response speed
The newly designed 42.4 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor is the most advanced, most versatile full frame, high-resolution CMOS sensor ever developed by Sony. It enables the α7R II to achieve new levels of image quality, sensitivity and AF response. In the past, many photographers had to choose between high resolution and high speed or between high resolution and high sensitivity when buying a camera. Thanks to the innovative sensor, these sacrifices are not necessary with the new α7R II.
The 42.4-megapixel sensor’s combination of a gapless integrated lens structure with an anti-reflective coating on the surface of the glass seal greatly enhances light capture efficiency, resulting in high sensitivity combined with low noise and a wide dynamic range. This allows the camera to shoot with an impressive ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 25600, which can be expanded to ISO 50 to 102400ii.
Also, thanks to its advanced circuitry and copper conductors, the back-illuminated sensor enables higher data rates and high resolution content recording without compromising sensitivity. Data output from the sensor can be up to 3.5x faster than in the original α7R.
Ideal for use with Sony’s vast collection of FE lenses 35mm E-mount lenses compatible with full-frame sensors , the new α7R II features a fast BIONZ X image processor that delivers outstanding still and video detail and low noise. No optical low pass filter, so you can get the best possible resolution and clarity for your scenery shots.
The α7R II features a new highly reliable shutter that generates 50% less vibration than previous models when it is triggered, with an estimated reliability of about 500,000 shots[iv]. The camera can also be set to Silent Shooting mode to record in electronic shutter mode without any vibration or sensor shift caused by the mechanical shutter.
New sensor features 399 phase AF points in the focal plane, the widest AF area on a full-frame sensor in the worldi, which together with the 25 points of contrast AF provides an AF response that is approximately 40% faster than that of the original model. The α7R II uses an advanced motion analysis and prediction algorithm along with this fast hybrid AF system to achieve a continuous shooting speed of 5 fps with tracking AF.
In addition, the focal plane phase AF system of the α7R II works well with Sony’s A bayonet lenses when attached to the camera using the LA-EA3 or LA-EA1. It enables wide-area AF with 399 phase AF points in the focal plane, fast response and efficient tracking capabilities for more lenses. For the first time, a mirrorless camera’s autofocus system is able to deliver high performance with lenses originally designed for DSLR cameras.
5-axis image stabilization system optimized for 42.4 megapixel sensor
New flagship model α7R II features an innovative 5-axis IS system that has been specifically designed to deliver high-definition shooting capabilities.
Similar to the system implemented in the renowned α7 II, this advanced image stabilization technology corrects camera shake in five axes during shooting, including the angular shifts up/down and left/right seen with telephoto lenses, shifts in the X and Y axes that become noticeable when the image is enlarged, and rotations spins that often compromise video recording quality. This camera shake compensation system is equivalent to shooting with a shutter speed reduction of about 4.5 steps[v].
In addition, the 5-axis stabilization system co-operates with Sony α lenses equipped with the optical SteadyShot™ OSS stabilization system to ensure maximum stability and clarity, and at the same time works perfectly with Sony α lenses with A mount[vi] that do not have built-in stabilization, provided a compatible lens mount adapter is used. Stabilization performance can be judged live-viewing on the camera’s LCD screen or OLED viewfinder.
Unparalleled 4K video recording quality
Impressive video recording capabilities in the new Sony α7R II camera allows you to record 4K video QFHD 3840×2160 , as well as in Super 35mm cropped mode or full-frame mode.
In Super 35mm mode, the camera collects a large amount of information from multiple pixels, about 1.8x the number of pixels used in 4K mode, performing a full pixel readout and processing this information to create 4K video with minimal moiré and jagged edges.
In full frame mode, the α7R II uses the full width of a 35mm sensor for 4K recording, allowing the user to make the most of the expression capabilities of the new sensor. It is the world’s first digital camera to offer built-in 4K full-frame recording capabilitiesi.
This camera uses the advanced XAVC S[vii] codec, which records at high speeds of 100Mbps in 4K and 50Mbps in full HD.
In addition, the α7R II is equipped with a host of features for professional video shooting, including Image Profile, S-Log2 Gamma and S-Gamut, high frame rate 120fps HD 720p video shooting, time code, clear HDMI output and more.
Improved design, improved usability and reliability
The new full frame α7R II features an upgraded XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder with a double-sided aspherical lens that delivers the world’s highest viewfinder magnificationiii, 0.78x, for crystal-clear preview and full screen playback. ZEISS Coating also used® T* for reducing glare that interferes with shooting.
When you hold this camera in your hands, its sturdy magnesium alloy body gives a sense of reliability and professionalism. Compared to its predecessor, the hand grip and shutter button have been redesigned here. Also equipped with a new mechanism for easy locking of the mode dial, function programming and context-sensitive buttons are enhanced to meet the desires of the most demanding photographers.
New α7R II supports Wi-Fi® and NFC, and is fully compatible with the Sony PlayMemories Mobile™ app for Android™ and iOS platforms, as well as Sony’s growing collection of PlayMemories Camera Apps™, which expand the creative possibilities for the camera user. For example, there are new Time Lapse features with the new “Angle Shift add-on,”[viii] which allows the user to change the angle and zoom and set panorama shots without using additional hardware or computer software. Learn more at sony’s website.net/pmca.
Sony also introduced the new CLM-FHD5 high-resolution external LCD screen, an ideal accessory for video shooting with the α7R II. The compact 5-inch Full HD 1920x1080p LCD CLM-FHD5 features Peaking and Zoom for precise focus, a video level marker and color distortion marker for exposure correction, and an S-Log assist function for S-Log shooting.
Deliveries of the α7R II to America will begin in summer 2015.
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[i] Among 35mm full-frame interchangeable-lens cameras, according to Sony research as of June 2015
[ii] Extended ISO range available for still photography only
[iii] Among digital cameras. Viewfinder magnification factor approx. 0.78x with a 50mm lens set to infinity, -1m-1.As of June 2015, according to Sony research
[iv] According to Sony’s internal tests, when using an electronic front shutter curtain.
[v] Compliant with CIPA standards. Compensates for angular shake movements forward/backward and right/left . Measured with Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA lens with noise reduction turned off at slow shutter speeds.
[vi] Some lenses are not compatible with the 5-axis image stabilization system.
[vii] XAVC S recording requires an SDXC memory card with Class 10 speed or higher, while 100Mbps recording requires UHS Speed Class 3
[viii] In European countries where PlayMemories Camera Apps are currently available
I’m intrigued by the new α7R II mirrorless camera from Sony. Can someone tell me about its standout features? How does it compare to other flagship cameras in terms of image quality and performance? Is it worth investing in for professional photographers or enthusiasts? Any personal experiences or recommendations would be highly appreciated.