Sony a7S II
Announced September 11, 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
The Sony a7S II is a compact, full-frame workhorse that excels in low-light environments and delivers high-quality 4K video. While it offers impressive sensitivity and built-in stabilization, its reliance on an older battery system and complex menu architecture can hinder the user experience.
Weighted from 35 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional low-light performance and high ISO capabilities
- High-quality internal 4K video recording with S-Log profiles
- Effective 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- Compact and ergonomic, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- Versatile lens compatibility and silent shutter mode
Cons
- Confusing and cumbersome menu system
- Poor battery life and short recording times
- Contrast-based autofocus struggles with tracking and low light
- Limited to 8-bit 4:2:0 internal recording causing potential banding
- Lack of second card slot and touch-sensitive screen
- Launch price $2,999 (USD)
- Sensor 12.2MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 5 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 35 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
A7S II at a glance 5/5 Dave's Pick The Sony A7S II takes the A7S to the next level. The redesigned camera body, improved autofocus, and bevy of new.
-
Today the A7s Mark II is the best camera at its price for filming 4k video in low light and comes recommended, but do compare it very closely with the A7r Mark II as you could find it already does everything you need while offering more besides.
-
The Sony a7S II feels like a matured product. It is truly amazing to see how much technology is packed inside this little thing. As a documentary film shooter, this will become my preferred working tool.
-
The introduction of the 5-axis stabilisation transforms handheld shooting to the extent that it’s possible to shoot sharp still images at as slow as 1/4sec and record extremely smooth video footage without always having to rely on a tripod.
-
[...] I don't think the A7S is a good allround choice. Great for full-frame video, nice slow-mo capabilities and a low light beast.
-
The A7S Mark II can focus in low light conditions, however, we found that due to the lack of a phase detection focussing system the success rate was much lower than when shooting with a traditional Digital SLR.
-
[...] though, the A7S II certainly benefits from Sony's incredibly aggressive strategy in the cmera market, and is an essential purchase if you're predominantly a low-light stills shooter or videographer.
-
The Sony Alpha A7S II is a great camera for those who want to shoot in low light.
-
The a7S II is the best video shooting stills camera available right now. It has more professional-level features than any other and it performs amazingly well in low light.
-
The new Sony a7S II is a great follow-up to the a7S in that it is basically the same as the a7S but in 4K with less noise.
-
Tony and I took our copy out on the town to test it’s low-light capabilities and overall usability and, overall, were really pleased with the a7SII performance.
-
I would definitely highly recommend that.
- Digital Trends 8/10
Sony’s A7S II is the ultimate low-light shooter for night owls.
-
The Sony A7s II is a stunning camera for low-light shooting especially in video mode.
-
In this three thousand or thirty-one hundred-dollar price range, it is a superb camera. You can do some pretty professional work with this for all around kind of cinematography if you want.
-
[T]he Sony a7S II is basically everything you could ask for in a small form factor camera.
-
This, the Sony a7S II, neatly rounds up the second series of a7 cameras by adding a brilliant video camera to accompany the already brilliant stills camera that is the a7R II and the, well, the other one that is the a7 II.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
Like the α7S, the α7S II is designed for both stills and video shooting, with an emphasis on the latter.
-
In the case of the Sony a7SII, the ability to shoot in any light, with almost any lens made and having 5 Axis IS inside with a great EVF and LCD along with perfect button and control placement, well it just makes it a cool and very capable camera.
-
The A7S II is certainly more of a specialist’s camera than its sibling the A7R II.
-
The Sony a7S II may not have the flashiest specs anymore, but what it does, it does exceptionally well.
-
This Sony A7S II is Sony's best camera. It's fast and sure, and shoots in the dark.
-
I used the word amazing at the beginning of this review. I know that I have some usability issues and I chafe against some of the limitations, but what you can do with the A7S II is amazing, particularly for video.
-
The A7S II is reliable, it holds up well, it takes wonderful photos, it records incredible video, and the 12-megapixel images hit way above their weight class, especially in low light.
-
Despite the A7S II being the world's worst camera to shoot the sun in the sky, there's obviously a lot to like about the specs.
-
So if you're looking to upgrade from that camera or maybe you're looking to invest into a new camera that you can possibly use for professional film work, I think this is the best choice right now on the market.
-
[...] I do recommend this camera in 2020 as a big camera or for a camera if you can find it in a good condition, especially in 2020 there are a lot of those cameras on the market for a pretty reasonable price.
-
[T]his camera is a real workhorse. [...] I’m in love with it.
-
The a7S II is designed for use in challenging lighting conditions. Wedding and event photographers, photojournalists, and others who need a camera that overcomes the constraints posed by limited light will find it up to the task.
-
Even as a pure stills camera, especially if you do any kind of event photography where you need to use available light, this is a fantastic solution for those type of photographers.
-
If you're buying your first mid-range camera for making videos or short films, this is a fantastic option. Possibly the best on the market at this price range.
-
So again, the pros heavily outweigh the cons for this and a lot of the cons are just little nitpicky stuff like battery life and viewfinder and little things like that.
-
So having tested this camera out yesterday on a very dark location, I can say that this is a great camera. I really love this camera.
-
Yeah, for the under $5,000 price range I would definitely say it's one of your best options.
-
This is just a great camera overall.
