Sony a7R II
Announced June 10, 2015
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 a7R II is a high-resolution, full-frame mirrorless camera that packs professional stills and 4K video capabilities into a compact, stabilized body. While it offers groundbreaking autofocus and image quality that rivals medium format, the experience is hindered by poor battery life, a complex menu system, and sluggish operation.
Weighted from 46 reviewer scores
Pros
- Stunning image quality with high resolution and dynamic range
- Versatile 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- Advanced hybrid autofocus with eye-tracking
- High-quality 4K video recording
- Large, detailed electronic viewfinder
Cons
- Complex and unintuitive menu system
- Sluggish performance and slow startup
- Ergonomic issues including button and grip placement
- Short battery life
- Overheating issues during 4K video recording
- Launch price $3,199 (USD)
- Sensor 42.4MP Full-Frame
What the Reviewers Say
All 46 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 90/100
The a7R II brings 42MP stills and 4K video to a small, lightweight body. Electronic shutter and in-body image stabilization make for high quality images and video you'll work harder to get, if you get it at all, from comparable DSLRs.
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Sony's full-frame A7-series cameras have been a smash hit.
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The new embedded AF system is nothing short of miraculous considering the previous generation.
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While the original A7R felt like an experiment to me personally, this new A7R II cannot be considered as such, since it is no longer a “beta” product by any means – it is a very capable camera that not only rivals high-end DSLR cameras for some photography needs, but also [...]
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It’s a highly competent tool for creating images that gives up almost nothing to any competitor, and while it doesn’t win every race, it places in the top three if not the very top in every category.
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While there are some cameras that offer incremental upgrades over their predecessors, the Sony Alpha 7R II isn’t one of them.
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There's been enough here to wet my appetite that I will be very carefully watching when the next generation of this camera comes out with serious consideration for potentially adding one to my own kit.
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I am a big fan of the Sony a7R II with the qualification that you need to learn to use the camera. With that in mind, I think it's one the best options out there.
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If you’ve been waiting for a better alternative to your big, bulky DSLR, this might finally fit the bill. I’ve been hesitant to say that for the a7S, a7R, and the a7 II, even though I love those cameras, but the a7R II, I think this is the one.
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With this, the latest camera in the Sony Alpha 7 series, the Sony Alpha A7R Mark II has got pretty much everything right.
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The Sony A7R II certainly succeeds in its attempt to turn the heads of DSLR owners.
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The Sony Alpha 7R II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that delivers absolutely incredible image and video quality, but it will cost you.
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The Alpha 7R II isn't perfect, but it's a very good all-rounder that's capable of delivering top-quality high-resolution images in a wide variety of situations – and it weighs a heck of a lot less than its DSLR competition.
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The Sony a7R II is a big leap forward in a camera line that continues to make leaps forward with significant improvements in areas like focus control and button customization while at the same time retaining many of the great improvement of the previous cameras.
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[T]his camera was up to the task.
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At $3,200, the a7R II is a little pricier than the original model but offers so much more that we think it’s worth it.
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The Sony A7Rii does all that I need it to do and way more, and by that merit its hard not to have a strong appreciation for it. But at the same time, it still manages to represent everything I dislike in modern camera equipment.
- CNET 8.4/10
It needs a little more refinement, but overall the Sony A7R II is a great camera for folks who need a high-resolution full-frame model in a more compact design than a dSLR.
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I think it is honest to conclude that the Sony A7r II delivers some of the best, if not the best image quality I’ve seen on a mirrorless camera as far as stills are concerned.
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Just hold on to your money, right? Well, if you want the best, you'll never get it. If you want a really bloody good camera that is here and now, well, you're looking at it.
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I want to say that I'm thrilled with this camera as a photo shooter. If you mainly do photography, buy this camera like right now.
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I was on a journey to look for the perfect all-around camera, the ones that can take great stills and can still do really great 4K videos and the Sony a7R II has fit all those criteria and I've been super happy with it. It's my daily driver.
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While it’s not perfectly executed, the Sony A7R II is currently the best mirrorless camera on the market. If you can swing the price of the camera and the price of the outstanding glass needed to fully realize its potential, it’s well worth a look for the serious shooter.
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Depends on your needs and wants, and for me, it is the one I would choose if I was buying ANY 35mm format full frame digital camera today.
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It’s hard to rate the a7R II because there’s not much to compare it with.
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We know what you’re thinking: this camera costs over two and half grand, and that doesn’t even include a lens. But it’s just so, so good.
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[T]his camera is a great contender for videographers looking for something lightweight that they can use in a run and gun type situation but that also gives them the option of producing something very cinematic with great dynamic range and high quality imagery.
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To run things up, Sony a7R II is a camera of extreme differences; you will either love it or hate it, probably both at the same time.
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[T]he new Sony a7R II is totally worth the investment if you're in the market.
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The A7R was a pathetic prototype that was not built for rugged handling. It was a gimmick, and Sony got us. But the Sony A7R II is the real deal. The camera is great and feels like you’re holding a little tank.
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I was quite happy that the Sony a7R II not only met my high hopes, but surpassed them. The quality of the images and video alone made me want to become a Sony convert.
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So if you haven't already committed to a lens system, you are just getting into photography and you're not really sure what you want, yes, I definitely can recommend the Sony a7R II. You won't know what you're missing from the bigger cameras and you're gaining so much.
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No doubt about it, Sony has created a beast with the refresh of the A7r into Mark II form.
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The Sony A7R II is the world's best camera for hobbyists, but DSLRs make better pictures faster for serious work.
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If you’re outgrowing your current DSLR, or thinking of adding a second camera, that can produce superb images, the Sony A7RII is a logical choice if you can afford the asking price.
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You can also add another 0.5-1 stop since there’s an electronic front curtain shutter, too.
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The Sony A7R II is a fascinating camera and tons of fun to shoot with. [...] Astounding 42MP photos, completely new sensor and internal 4K recording from a full frame sensor, despite heat issues.
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Unlike previous a7-series cameras that each have particular strengths or features, the flagship a7R II does everything well.
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[A] really good camera that's worth taking a look at if you're in the market for a new whether it's a stills or video camera.
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For me, the Sony has been doing that, and I’m really happy with my switch.
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The Sony a7R II is the evolution of cameras and technology. It's great, it's epic.
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The a7R II is essentially the culmination of all the previous a7 cameras that Sony has released to date.
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I really think this is the best camera that is a hybrid, meaning photo and video, on the market right now for around $3,000.
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It’s a really pricey camera and it certainly has it’s limitations. But it performs every bit as well as I was hoping.
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In my opinion only, this is the best camera in the world, especially for the money.
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The camera functions amazing other than the buffering and like overall I loved it. I I will shoot a thousand more weddings with this camera.
