Sony Alpha A7R II Review

See all images of the Sony Alpha A7R II

Main
In additional Alpha A7R II was introduced by Sony in June 2015. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category. Sony is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sony.
Brand	Sony
Category	Mirrorless
Date	06/2015

Sensor Properties
The Alpha A7R II has a Full frame CMOS sensor with size of 36 x 24 mm² (1.41″ x 0.94″). Picture of Alpha A7R II’s sensor compared to popular format. The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm. The Alpha A7R II’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 42 megapixel. The resolution is far above average and will easily be sufficient for years to come. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed in A2 size or larger, even if unwanted parts of the photo have to be cropped. The Sony supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Sony’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images. The Alpha A7R II features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.
Format	Full frame
Sensor area	35.80 x 23.90mm² (1.41″ x 0.94″)
Type	CMOS
Resolution (physical)	43.60 megapixel
Resolution (effective)	42.40 megapixel
Pixel size	20.00 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous	5 frames/second

Lens
Interchangeable lens
Mount	Sony E Mount
Viewfinder Properties
The Alpha A7R II uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use. The magnifcation is c. 0.78x, an excellent value for an electronic viewfinder.
Type	Elektronic
Coverage	100%
Magnification	0.78x
Resolution	2.36 megapixel
Dioptric correction

Shutter
The Alpha A7R II’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.
Max. shutter speed	1/8000s
Min. shutter speed	30s
Sensitivity Properties
The Alpha A7R II’s sensitivity is from 100 ISO and 25600 ISO. Also, Sony’s sensitivity can be boosted to 102400. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.
Automatic
Min. sensitivity	100 ISO
Max. sensitivity	25600 ISO
Boost	102400 ISO
Exposure Modes
The Alpha A7R II supports all general exposure modes. The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.
Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties
The Alpha A7R II’s auto focus processor uses 399 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera). Manual focus is also possible with the Sony, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.
Type	Phase Detection, Contrast Detection
AF points	399
Manual focusing

Flash Specs
The Alpha A7R II doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category. A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Sony’s hotshoe.
Built-in
Hot shoe
Display Specs
The Alpha A7R II features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.29 megapixel. That’s about average. The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations. The Alpha A7R II does not feature a touch screen. Display characteristics at a glance:
Type	LCD
Size	76.00mm (diagonal) (3.0 in.)
Resolution	1.29 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs
Alpha A7R II video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel. Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone. Sony Alpha A7R II Video parameters:
Max. resolution	3840 x 2160 pixel
…with frame rates	24 frames/second 25 frames/second 30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs
The Alpha A7R II has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords. Eventually, if the wifi connection is disabled the wired connection may be used. Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI. The Sony connects to your PC over USB 2.0. Given the high resolution that the camera supports, USB 3.0 would have been a nice addition. Connection parameters:
WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom

Memory
The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards. Sony MemorySticks can be used, too. Memory cards characteristics:
Slots	1
Memory cards	SD SDHC SDXC Micro SD Memory Stick Pro Duo Memory Stick Micro
Battery
The Sony Alpha A7R II has a NP-FW50 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 340 shots. It`s enough for one day or more. The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway. The Alpha A7R II’s battery battery parameters:
Type	NP-FW50 LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life	340 photos
Size
The Sony Alpha A7R II’s size is 126.9 x 95.7 x 60.3mm³. (5.0″ x 3.8″ x 2.4″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.0″ x 3.8″ x 2.4″ grams (625 oz.) without lens weight. Here is front and top view of the Alpha A7R II:


Dimensions Comparison
For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.