Sony Alpha a7S II

Legendary low-light performance and internal 4K recording

Sony Alpha a7S II
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Sony
Model ILCE-7SM2

Key Features

SENSOR 12.2MP Full-Frame Exmor CMOS sensor optimized for low light
PROCESSOR BIONZ X image processor for high-speed processing
AUTOFOCUS 169-point contrast-detection AF system
PHASE DETECTION None; relies on contrast-detection autofocus system
VIDEO Internal 4K 30p recording with full pixel readout
STABILIZATION 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE in-body image stabilization
BURST RATE Up to 5 fps continuous shooting
VIEWFINDER 0.5-inch XGA OLED Tru-Finder with 2.36m dots
DISPLAY 3.0-inch 1.23m-dot tilting TFT LCD screen
CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi, NFC, Micro-HDMI, USB 2.0, 3.5mm mic/headphone
MEMORY CARD Single SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I slot
WEATHER SEALING Dust and moisture resistant magnesium alloy body
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 310 shots per charge (NP-FW50)

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Sony Alpha a7S II

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✗ Not Present Accessed via custom button or menu
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Controlled via front/rear dials
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Controlled via front/rear dials
AF-ON Button ✓ Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✓ Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✗ Not Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✓ Present
Drive Mode Control ~ Limited Via rear dial/menu

How-to Use Sony Alpha a7S II

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Sony Alpha a7S II Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Sony Alpha a7S II

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor Full-Frame CMOS
Resolution 12.2 Megapixels
ISO Range 100-102,400 (Expandable to 50-409,600)
Autofocus 169-point Contrast-Detection
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 5 fps
Video 4K at 30p, 1080p at 120p
Stabilization 5-Axis In-Body
Viewfinder 0.78x magnification OLED
LCD 3-inch Tilting LCD
Memory Card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity Wi-Fi, NFC, HDMI, USB 2.0
Battery Life 310 shots
Weight 627g
Dimensions 126.9 x 95.7 x 60.3 mm