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Sony a7 II
67
SCORE
Sony · Mirrorless · 24.3 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video

Sony a7 II

General 68Optics 78Video Performance 56Features and Benefits 57Storage and Battery 35
From $814 — 2 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
Modela7 II
Released2014
Announcement date20/11/2014
Camera typeMirrorless
What We Like
+Excellent built-in image stabilization
+Fast and responsive AF with subject tracking
+Low noise at high ISO settings
+Weather sealed and dust-resistant
+Handy Wi-Fi connectivity
Worth Knowing
−Expensive
−Slow 5 fps burst mode
−A bit heavy for a mirrorless
−Disappointing battery life
−No 4K video recording, only Full HD

General 68

Brand
Sony
Model
a7 II
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2014
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
20/11/2014
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
127 x 96 x 60 mm
Camera weight
599 g

Optics 78

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.3 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 4000
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
23.9 x 35.8
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full Frame
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony E
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz X
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
5030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
512003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
5030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
512003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
1170300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder dots
235900009900000
Read our notes on optics

The Sony a7 II mirrorless camera scores a solid 68/100. Announced in November 2014 and released the same year, this camera initially retailed for $1600. Measuring 127 x 96 x 60mm and weighing 599g (1.32lbs), the a7 II offers a compact and lightweight design. As a camera from 2014, it still holds up decently in today’s market, providing good value for photographers seeking a balance between performance and affordability.

Sony a7 II Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony a7 II receive a score of 78/100. This camera features a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and a Bionz X processor, with a DXOMARK score of 90 for the sensor. The full-frame sensor size, Sony E lens mount, and 3:2 aspect ratio contribute to its performance. The camera has a shooting speed of 5 frames per second and includes image stabilization.

In the current market, the Sony a7 II holds its own with these specifications. The 24.2-megapixel sensor provides high-resolution images, while the full-frame sensor size allows for better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. The Bionz X processor ensures fast image processing, and the image stabilization helps reduce camera shake for sharper images.

The Sony a7 II’s optics prove to be reliable and competitive in today’s market. With its combination of features and performance, this camera remains a solid choice for photographers looking for quality and versatility in their gear.

Sony a7 II Video Performance 56

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
XAVC S
Read our notes on sony a7 ii video performance

The Sony a7 II receives a video score of 56/100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 and a frame rate of 60fps. However, it does not include built-in time-lapse functionality.

Comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a7 II to other cameras in today’s market, it falls short in terms of resolution and features. Many competitors now offer 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse options, making them more versatile for videography.

The Sony a7 II remains a solid choice for photographers primarily focused on still images, but its video capabilities are not as advanced as other options currently available. Users seeking high-quality video performance may want to explore alternative cameras with more robust video features.

Sony a7 II Features and Benefits 57

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
12300001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on sony a7 ii features and benefits

The Sony a7 II scores 57/100 in the features category. With a 3-inch screen and a resolution of 1,230,000 dots, the display provides clear image previews and menu navigation. However, the lack of a touchscreen limits the camera’s user-friendliness. The flip screen adds versatility for shooting from various angles, but the absence of GPS and Bluetooth connectivity restricts location tracking and seamless device pairing.

Despite these limitations, the Sony a7 II includes WIFI capabilities, enabling wireless image transfer and remote control. As a result, it maintains some relevance in today’s market, where connectivity and convenience are highly valued.

Taking all these features into account, the Sony a7 II offers a decent set of specifications, but it falls short in some areas compared to newer camera models. Its score of 57/100 reflects its standing in the current market, making it a suitable option for those who prioritize certain features like WIFI and a flip screen, but not a top choice for those seeking the latest technology.

Sony a7 II Storage and Battery 35

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
NP-FW50
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
350 shots1505000
USB charging
Yes
Read our notes on sony a7 ii storage and battery

The Sony a7 II scores 35/100 in the storage and battery department. It has a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. The battery life amounts to 350 shots, powered by an NP-FW50 battery. The camera has USB charging capabilities which is useful.

Compared to other cameras in today’s market, the storage and battery features of the Sony a7 II are not exceptional. The single memory card slot and limited battery life of 350 shots might not satisfy the needs of professional photographers or avid enthusiasts who require longer shooting sessions and backup storage options.