Sony a7S II
Sony · Mirrorless · 12.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a7S II |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2015 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 11, 2015 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 127 x 96 x 60 mm |
| Camera weight | 627 g |
Optics66/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony a7S II earns a score of 60/100 for its general specifications. Measuring 127 x 96 x 60mm and weighing 627g (1.38lbs), the a7S II is a compact and lightweight option for photographers. In today’s market, the Sony a7S II holds its own with a decent score and quality features. Although it may not be the newest model, it remains a reliable choice for photography enthusiasts. Sony a7S II Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony a7S II receive a score of 66/100. This camera features a 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, coupled with a Bionz X processor. The shooting speed is 5 fps, and it has a full-frame sensor size. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 85, which is a good rating in today’s market. The Sony a7S II uses the Sony FE lens mount, providing compatibility with a wide range of lenses. It also has built-in image stabilization, which is a valuable feature for reducing camera shake and ensuring sharp images. The aspect ratio of this camera is 3:2, which is a standard format for most photography applications. Taking all these specifications into account, the Sony a7S II holds its own in the current market. It may not be the highest-scoring camera, but it offers a solid set of features for photographers looking for a dependable full-frame camera with good optics. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4240 x 2832 |
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. | 23.8 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 FE |
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. | 10030200 |
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. | 1024003003280000 |
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. | 4096003003280000 |
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. | 1690300 |
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 | 235929609900000 |
Video56/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony a7S II has a video score of 56/100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, and a maximum frame rate of 30fps. However, it lacks a built-in time-lapse functionality. In the current market, the Sony a7S II’s video capabilities are decent, but not exceptional. Many similar cameras now offer higher frame rates and built-in time-lapse features. While the 4K resolution is still a strong selling point, the absence of time-lapse functionality puts the a7S II at a disadvantage compared to other cameras in its class. The Sony a7S II is a solid option for videographers, but its video capabilities could be improved to better compete with current market offerings. | |
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. |  4K |
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. | 3840 x 2160 |
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. | 30 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. | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
Features57/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony a7S II has a feature score of 57/100. Its 3-inch screen has a resolution of 1,228,800 dots, providing clear image previews. However, it lacks a touchscreen, which is a common feature in modern cameras. The camera does have a flip screen, allowing for versatile shooting angles. The absence of GPS may be a drawback for some users, but the camera does include Wi-Fi connectivity for easy image transfer. Bluetooth is not present in this model, which could limit remote control options. Considering these features, the Sony a7S II offers a decent set of specifications, but it may fall short in comparison to other cameras in today’s market. While it has some useful features, the lack of touchscreen, GPS, and Bluetooth may affect its competitiveness among newer models. | |
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. | 12288001150001500000 |
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 |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony a7S II scores a 21/100 in the storage and battery category. It has only one memory card slot, accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. This single slot may limit storage capacity for some users. The battery life is 370 shots, powered by an NP-FW50 battery. However, the camera lacks USB charging, which could inconvenience users on-the-go. Comparing the storage and battery to today’s market, the Sony a7S II falls behind other cameras with longer battery life and multiple memory card slots. Despite its exceptional features in other categories, the storage and battery aspects require improvement to compete with modern camera offerings. | |
| 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. | 370 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |