Sony a7 II
Announced November 20, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Sony a7 II is a capable full-frame mirrorless camera that integrates five-axis in-body image stabilization into a compact, weather-sealed body. Although its autofocus and battery life performance can be inconsistent for demanding users, it remains a versatile and well-built all-rounder for photography.
Weighted from 38 reviewer scores
Pros
- Improved ergonomics and comfortable, larger grip
- High-quality full-frame sensor and image output
- Effective five-axis in-body image stabilization
- Durable, weather-sealed build quality
- Flexible and customizable control layout
Cons
- Unreliable autofocus in challenging conditions
- Poor battery stamina
- Awkward placement of video record button
- Overly complex and difficult menu system
- Lack of 4K video recording
- Launch price $1,699 (USD)
- Sensor 24.3MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 5 fps electronic 5 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 38 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 82/100
The Alpha 7 II continues to push Sony's full frame mirrorless line of cameras into ground-breaking territory. It is the only full frame mirrorless camera to offer in-body image stabilization systems and its performance is excellent.
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Sony has yet another winner on their hands with the A7 II.
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I will be honest, I expected to see better performance from the Sony A7 II in my lab tests.
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The early mistakes of dreadful user interface and awkward controls is now mostly past, and instead the A7 MKII has emerged as one of the most usable mirrorless cameras on the market.
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[T]he A7 II is a highly recommended full frame CSC that improves where it was needed and offers huge imaging potential in a lightweight body.
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I think we can agree that if you're looking at the a7 system and you want something that's affordable and capable all-round, I think this is the best choice right now. Hey, yeah, I would agree with that.
- The Verge 7.8/10
Those comparisons still apply to the A7 II: it’s a more compact full-frame camera than any other camera maker provides.
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The Sony Alpha A7 Mark II offers improved handling as well as built-in image stabilisation making the camera better than ever.
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All-in-all, we're impressed with the ergonomic improvements that have been introduced on the A7 II, and feel that the resulting increase in size and weight is a worthwhile compromise.
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The Alpha A7 II is a great camera that builds on the strengths of the original Alpha A7. It’s a great alternative to a DSLR, but it’s not perfect.
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As well as having a high-quality feel, a durable build and generally excellent control layout out (apart from the irritating video record button), the Alpha 7 II produces superb-quality images.
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The Sony Alpha A7 II is a superb camera that has all the benefits of a full-frame sensor without the bulk. It has good AF, superb image stabilization and produces very high quality images in a wide range of conditions.
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If shooting high-end video is part of your repertoire, Canon is a better way to go (or Samsung or Panasonic, if you want 4K). But for quality still photography, no other camera offers so much capability in so small a package.
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So the Sony a7 II, it's a hit. It's not for everybody. I love it, but for walking around camera, beautiful image quality and a small package.
- Digital Trends 8/10
For a $400 price premium over its predecessor, Sony’s A7 Mark II, with improved performance and stellar image stabilization, is worth it.
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The A7 Mark II is a nice upgrade from the original A7. The ergonomics are better, the button layout is much improved and the 5-axis stabilisation is a great addition.
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In general, the Sony A7II is a real find for lovers of manual optics, as well as an excellent thing for amateurs and professionals who are engaged in video shooting.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
Like its siblings, the Sony is designed for experienced photographers and its price tag dictates that most potential purchasers will be well-heeled enthusiasts and professional photographers who are attracted by the compact body size, high resolution and large image sensor.
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The Sony A7 II is a refinement of the original A7, and doesn’t break a ton of new ground. However, the refinements bring what was a very good camera and turn it into a truly outstanding camera.
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[T]he A7II is a fantastic update and well worth the $1698 price tag.
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[I]f you want Sony's best all-around, most versatile full-frame mirrorless performer, you need the new Sony a7 II.
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I'm gonna leave you guys with the last big question that everyone's been asking me and that is, am I going to switch to Sony with the a7 II? The short answer is no.
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I highly recommend the camera, that's the bottom line.
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With a revised exterior design sporting a more beefy DSLR-like grip, buttons and dials more ergonomically friendly, as well as a state of the art five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system, the compact Sony A7 series had officially arrived as a true competitor to the DSLR.
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I said, it's a fantastic camera, it's priced right, and it's definitely something that you should be adding to your camera bag.
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Its perfect resolution, great high ISO performance and great handling makes this A7 II Sony's best buy in full-frame cameras. If you already own Nikon, Canon or LEICA lenses, the best results are had shooting them on their own bodies.
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[T]he a7 II is an impressive camera and at its price point unmatched in the industry like the a7 before it.
- ExpertPhotography 67/100
The Sony a7 II is still a capable still-photo camera. We would consider it for landscapes, travel, or posed portraits when the body is in good condition and the saving over a newer kit is substantial.
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[I]f you're shopping now, I'd say this is the Sony a7 to get, unless you are a videographer, and then the Sony a7S would be a better pick because of a lot of different reasons, but it's a good bit more money.
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I honestly enjoyed shooting with the A7II, far more than I thought I would.
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The ergonomics changes add a clunkier grip and that's all I noticed.
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The a7 II features a resigned body with larger grip which makes it easier to securely grip the camera when shooting with large telephoto lenses.
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I think for 97% of photographers out there who are into, let's say, lifestyle photography product photography, even sports photography, this camera is more than enough for them. Way more than enough.
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So for me, this is probably the best option if you are on a budget, you want full-frame and you want mirrorless camera.
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We are at the end of the day, and I really enjoy using this camera.
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If only I wasn't already so heavily invested in the Canon system of cameras and lenses [...] or if I wasn't so cash-strapped, I would already have gone out to buy a new Sony α7ii, it's that worth the money!
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You have the Sony a7 II which is in the middle, 24 megapixel; it has a good ISO or a good noise value, also in the higher ISO values. It has good sharpness, good detail; it's the all-rounder.
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For the the the ability to have this weight and this quality and and be able to carry it around in that manner like a travel photographer or even like just a hobbyist, I think it was it it's great.
