Sony A7 II Review | 108 Data compared

On the downside, the camera suffers from minor usability and performance limitations that prevent it from being completely flawless. While its shutter release lag is brief at approximately 0.3 seconds, it is still notably slower than some of its market competitors. Users may also find the shutter button irritating to use at first because it lacks a clearly defined pressure point, creating a learning curve for some photographers. Finally, user feedback highlights a specific technical drawback where shooting in silent mode under artificial lighting creates visible horizontal banding issues due to the camera's rolling shutter effect.

Pros and Cons Pros: Exceptional built-in 5-axis image stabilisation. Sharper detail retention in high ISO images. Significantly improved grip and ergonomics. Faster autofocus in low-light environments. Advanced video modes like S-Log2. Cons: Shorter battery life than its predecessor. Increased weight, weighing 625 grams. Slightly higher image noise levels. Lack of Ultra-HD (4K) recording capability. Reduced maximum edge sharpness compared to the older model.

The COMPUTER BILD review highlights the Sony Alpha 7 II as a classic, budget-friendly full-frame mirrorless system camera that offers strong value for money, frequently found for under 1,000 Euros including a kit lens. On the positive side, the camera is praised for its excellent 24-megapixel sensor that delivers detailed images with minimal noise even at higher settings like ISO 6400. Its built-in 5-axis image stabilization is a standout feature, successfully preventing camera shake and allowing sharp hand-held shots at slow shutter speeds down to 1/8 of a second, which is especially useful when using adapted or older prime lenses. Furthermore, the review commends the camera's comfortable ergonomics due to a significantly enlarged handgrip, an autofocus that responds quickly during video recordings, and a respectable continuous burst shooting speed of 5 frames per second. However, the review also identifies several distinct drawbacks, noting that the camera suffers from a sluggish start-up time of 1.5 seconds and an unintuitive, cluttered menu system that requires patience to navigate. Video capture delivers accurate colors and quick automatic white balance, but the built-in microphone...

The digitalkamera.de review characterizes the Sony Alpha 7 II as a budget-friendly entry into full-frame photography, highlighting its excellent 24.3-megapixel image quality and effective 5-axis in-body stabilization. Its robust magnesium alloy build, high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and useful WiFi connectivity are noted as key advantages. However, the review identifies significant drawbacks, including a lack of 4K video recording, limited to Full HD, and a slow autofocus system unsuitable for fast action. Furthermore, the camera suffers from poor battery life and lacks in-camera RAW processing capabilities.

The Sony Alpha 7 II (ILCE-7M2) is a highly capable full-frame mirrorless camera that successfully balances compact design with versatility, serving as a strong all-rounder for photographers. Retailing at 1,499.00 CHF at launch, this 24.3 MP camera stands out as the world's first system camera to pack a 35mm EXMOR CMOS full-frame sensor alongside an internal 5-axis image stabilisation system. The review highlights its improved handling, physical size, and ergonomics over its predecessor, noting that the camera delivers exceptional image quality up to ISO 3200 and performs flawlessly paired with sharp lenses like the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8. However, the review outlines clear limitations, specifically noting poor noise performance above ISO 3200 and an autofocus system that, while generally reliable, lags behind the fast performance found in DSLRs or Sony's own Alpha 6000. Additional downsides include the high cost of original Sony Zeiss lenses and a physical design flaw where the memory card slot cover frequently pops open on its own. On the positive side, its major strengths are the internal image stabilisation, a highly compact and lightweight build (0.556 kg)...

However, several drawbacks ultimately led the reviewer to return the system. A major criticism is directed at Sony for omitting a separate battery charger, forcing users to charge the short-lived battery directly inside the camera using a USB cable. The menu system also feels cluttered and unorganized for non-Sony users. Furthermore, using third-party Canon EF lenses via a Commlite adapter proved to be an erratic "emergency solution"—resulting in a painfully slow 3-to-4-second autofocus that completely failed on a 70-200mm lens, and culminating in the adapter's physical bayonet mount ripping out. Finally, the reviewer notes that because it is a full-frame system, the high-quality lenses remain just as heavy and expensive as traditional DSLR lenses, meaning the setup does not actually offer significant weight savings.

The Sony A7 II is a full-frame mirrorless system camera featuring a 24.3-megapixel sensor and a BIONZ-X processor, making it a strong choice for advanced photographers shifting to mirrorless systems. The expert review highlights several prominent advantages, including sharp image quality with low noise, a rapid and precise advanced autofocus system capable of continuous tracking, and an ergonomic design with a secure rubber grip that enables easy one-handed operation. Additionally, users benefit from an electronic 5-axis image stabilisation system that works with any lens to reduce motion blur, real-time exposure adjustments visible directly through the viewfinder, and seamless wireless connectivity via the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app for remote control and automatic smartphone photo sharing. However, the review identifies a few clear drawbacks to consider before purchasing. At a total weight of 600 grams, the camera is noted as being relatively heavy and is no longer among the lightest full-frame mirrorless models on the market. Image noise also begins to impact quality and becomes noticeably visible once the ISO setting reaches approximately 3200. Finally, buyers should be aware of logistical shortcomings:...

The Digitalkamera.de review of the Sony Alpha 7 II highlights the camera's 5-axis in-body stabilization and improved ergonomics, including a deeper grip and revised layout, as significant upgrades for stability and handling. The 24.3-megapixel sensor delivers excellent image quality, supported by a durable, weather-sealed body, enhanced screen brightness, and integrated Wi-Fi/NFC functionality. Conversely, the camera is notably bulkier and heavier than its predecessor due to the added stabilizer, and it lacks native in-camera RAW development. Other drawbacks include a complex menu system, an over-sensitive eye sensor, and visible noise reduction at high ISO settings.

The Sony Alpha 7 II review highlights a well-rounded full-frame mirrorless camera that balances excellent image quality with innovative hardware improvements. Its standout feature is the 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation, providing 2 to 3 stops of compensation and making it highly attractive for adapting older or unstabilised lenses. Backed by a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, the camera delivers exceptional detail and low noise up to ISO 1,600, with acceptable performance extending to ISO 6,400. Ergonomically, the magnesium-alloy body has been redesigned with a more comfortable grip, a better-positioned shutter button, and extensive button customisation options. Furthermore, autofocus speeds see a noticeable 30% boost compared to its predecessor, bringing locking times down to a swift 0.19 seconds. However, the camera falls short in terms of overall speed and modern multimedia capabilities. The continuous shooting speed remains stagnant and mediocre at 5 frames per second. Once the initial buffer clears, writing speeds drop significantly, slowing down sequential shooting. While the autofocus is snappy in ideal conditions, it struggles and slows down in low-contrast environments. Video performance is another area of compromise; the Alpha...

The Sony Alpha 7 II is a mirrorless full-frame camera featuring a 24.3 MP sensor that delivers excellent image details and low-noise performance up to ISO 3,200, making it capable of large-format prints. A major highlight of this model is the introduction of a 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system, which allows users to capture shake-free shots across a wider range of shutter speeds using any attached lens. Additionally, Sony significantly improved the hybrid autofocus system, which utilizes 117 phase-detection points to deliver much faster and more accurate focusing in dark environments compared to its predecessor. The camera's ergonomics are highly praised due to a more pronounced, rubberised handgrip and the smart physical inclusion of an external battery charger in the box. Despite these positive updates, the review highlights several distinct disadvantages. Sony chose not to include a touchscreen functionality for the 3-inch tilting display, missing an opportunity for more convenient menu navigation and handling. The extensive menu structure avoids annoying scrolling by sorting options page-by-page, but it remains overwhelmingly complex and requires a steep learning curve. For travellers and studio...

The Sony a7 II is reviewed as a highly capable all-rounder that provides a solid entry into the full-frame mirrorless system, though it forces users to accept notable compromises. On the positive side, the camera stands out for its excellent 24 MP full-frame image quality—which rivals competing DSLRs like the Nikon D750—and its compact, lightweight body that offers a massive weight advantage for a full-frame sensor. The integrated 5-axis in-body image stabilisation is highly praised for supporting all mounted lenses, making it particularly appealing for landscape, architectural, and video applications. However, several drawbacks prevent it from being a flawless system replacement. The reviewer notes that the size advantage diminishes quickly when paired with fast, high-quality lenses, which remain large and heavy. Ergonomically, the camera falls short due to poorly positioned control dials and a tedious, multi-button process required to move the autofocus points. Additionally, the autofocus tracking is laggy compared to rival sports and action systems, a proprietary hot shoe limits third-party flash trigger compatibility out of the box, and user comments point out poor battery life due to the...