Sony Alpha 7S II Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview hands-on review of the Sony a7S II highlights exceptional low-light capabilities, featuring a 12.2-megapixel sensor capable of shooting at an extreme ISO of 409,600 and internal 4K recording with full sensor readout. A significant improvement is the deeper, more comfortable handgrip, alongside highly effective face-detection autofocus for video. However, the review cites ergonomic cons, specifically criticizing the rear control dial for being too deeply recessed and difficult to operate. Furthermore, the lack of pronounced clicks on the control dials, similar to earlier models, leads to a risk of unintentional setting changes. For a deeper look, see the DPReview hands-on article for the Sony a7S II. DPReview

In his EOSHD review, Andrew Reid shares a mixed first impression of the Sony A7S II mirrorless camera. The biggest con highlighted is a massive "sunspot" or "black hole" defect. When shooting video in bright light, overexposed areas like the sun or a bright phone LED turn completely black on screen. This major bug appears mostly when filming in the PAL 25p format. Other major cons include intense color banding when using the flat S-LOG 3 profile, a soft and fuzzy zoomed manual focus assist, terrible battery life that barely hits 45 minutes in 4K, and heavy rolling shutter distortions. The camera also struggles to work reliably with third-party Canon lens adapters, leading to frozen screens and jittery footage. On the positive side, the camera offers several key pros. It serves as an incredible low-light camera that delivers gorgeous, clean full-frame 4K video even at exceptionally high ISO settings. The addition of 5-axis in-body image stabilisation successfully smooths out shaky video across almost any attached lens. It features an improved, durable build quality over the original model and can film...

The What Digital Camera review of the Sony Alpha 7S II highlights major performance upgrades, specifically a contrast-detection AF system with 169 points for improved low-light focusing and a 5-axis in-body image-stabilisation system. Key strengths include exceptional low-light capabilities, 1200-zone metering for accurate exposure, and a dynamic range of 13.3EV at ISO 100, alongside impressive video features. However, the 12.2-megapixel sensor is noted for having lower resolution compared to competitors, and the camera is limited by a slow 2.5-5fps continuous shooting speed. Furthermore, the review identifies the short battery life of the NP-FW50 under heavy 4K usage as a significant drawback.

The ePHOTOzine verdict rates the Sony Alpha A7S Mark II as an exceptional tool for low-light videographers, offering superior noise control and a 12-megapixel full-frame sensor that excels in dark environments. Key advantages include internal 4K UHD recording, 5-axis image stabilisation, improved ergonomics, and faster autofocus compared to its predecessor. However, the 12-megapixel resolution is considered a limitation for those needing high-resolution stills, and the contrast-detection autofocus may not suit all tracking needs. Other cons noted are the lack of 4K DCI CINE resolution and continued reliance on contrast-detection over phase-detection AF.

The Sony A7S II review highlights the camera as an exceptional, feature-rich choice for professional documentary and small-setup filmmaking, balancing 4K internal video capabilities with specialized features. On the positive side (pros), the camera delivers outstanding low-light performance with minimal noise up to ISO 80,000, effective 5-axis SteadyShot sensor stabilization that works well even with adapted third-party lenses, and the inclusion of advanced tools like S-Log3 profiles, Focus Peaking, Zebra exposure indicators, and Gamma Display Assist. Additionally, it features a crisp electronic viewfinder (EVF), high-quality audio preamps with manual controls, and clean 120fps Full HD slow-motion recording. Conversely, the camera suffers from several distinct drawbacks (cons), primarily its internal recording limitations consisting of a low 100Mbps bitrate and a restrictive 8-bit color space, which often lead to visible blocking and banding when aggressively grading or underexposing flat S-Log footage. Ergonomically, the reviewer notes that the movie recording button remains in an awkward, hard-to-hit position, and the high-frame-rate 120fps mode introduces a heavy 2.2x sensor crop. Finally, hardware bottlenecks include poor battery life from the small NP-FW50 cells, a single SD...

The PCMag review highlights the Sony Alpha 7S II as a premier, high-sensitivity tool designed for advanced videographers and low-light photographers. Key strengths include exceptional 4K video quality, effective in-body stabilization (IBIS), a sharp electronic viewfinder, and a rugged, weather-sealed design. Despite its strengths, the camera is criticized for its high cost and a limited 12-megapixel resolution that restricts cropping, according to the review. Additionally, the unit lacks a built-in flash, misses a PC sync socket, and features an overly sensitive eye sensor, hindering overall handling.

The Videomaker review describes the Sony a7S II as a powerful, budget-friendly cinematic tool featuring a 12.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, outstanding low-light capabilities, and 14 stops of dynamic range. Key enhancements include internal 4K recording, S-Log2/3 profiles, and 5-axis image stabilization. Conversely, the review notes functional drawbacks like small, easily adjusted controls and a demanding menu system, alongside a notable banding issue, limited battery life, and potential overheating during intense 4K shooting.

Sony A7s II Review Summary The Sony A7s II stands out as a powerful full-frame mirrorless camera, featuring a 12-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, internal 4K video recording with full pixel readout, and an impressive native ISO range extending up to 102,400. It provides a highly customisable user experience with a magnesium alloy body, a tilting LCD screen, and an excellent XGA OLED electronic viewfinder shared with the A7r II. For filmmakers and low-light photographers, the camera delivers stunningly clean video footage up to ISO 25,600 and highly versatile custom Picture Profiles (such as Cine1 and S-log3) that yield a rich, cinematic look. Additionally, its built-in 5-axis image stabilisation performs remarkably well for still photography, allowing sharp handheld shots at shutter speeds as slow as 1 to 1.6 seconds. However, the camera suffers from several functional drawbacks, particularly regarding autofocus and handling. Its contrast-detection autofocus system frequently struggles in low light, exhibits a tendency to hunt or focus on the background in video mode, and locks the camera into a slow 2.5 fps continuous burst when focus priority is active. The...

Brian Smith’s field test of the Sony a7S II highlights its capabilities as a low-light powerhouse, featuring internal 4K recording with full pixel readout, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and enhanced 169-point contrast autofocus. Key advantages include S-Log3 for high dynamic range and 14-bit uncompressed RAW, packed into a more ergonomic, redesigned body. However, the camera suffers from significantly limited battery life when shooting 4K and can face overheating issues, note user reports and reviews. Furthermore, the 12.2-megapixel sensor limits resolution, and the contrast-detect autofocus system can struggle with fast-moving subjects.

Mark Galer describes the Sony Alpha A7SIIGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. as a specialized "cinema camera" housed in a compact stills body, highlighting its exceptional low-light capabilities and internal 4K recording. Key advantages include 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), uncompressed RAW, and a 12.2MP sensor optimized for high-sensitivity, low-noise performance. Conversely, limitations include the lack of 4K recording in Super 35mm crop mode and a contrast-detection autofocus system that is slower at tracking motion compared to phase-detection alternatives. Consequently, the camera is best suited for videographers requiring extreme low-light performance rather than general action photographers, according to Mark Galer.

Sony A7S II The Sony A7S II stands out as an exceptionally capable full-frame mirrorless camera that breaks conventional trends by prioritizing low-light performance over high pixel counts. Equipped with a 12-megapixel sensor and a highly effective 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, the camera is a versatile option for both 4K videographers and low-light photographers. It is capable of saving 4K 30p recordings directly onto an internal SD card without pixel binning, allowing for clean, artifact-free video. Reviewer Ivo Freriks praises its remarkable autofocus accuracy and exposure metering under extreme low-light situations down to -4 EV, rendering it a literal "king of the night" that outclasses competitors at ISO settings above 400. Additionally, a firmware update allows users to shoot uncompressed 14-bit RAW files, offering immense dynamic range and faster file processing speeds due to their manageable 25 MB size. Despite its stellar low-light capabilities, the camera carries noticeable trade-offs regarding resolution and physical operation. Its chief disadvantage is a limited 12-megapixel resolution, which prevents large print enlargements and heavily relies on downsampling images from higher-resolution models (like the...