The previously leaked Sony A7 II has been officially announced by Sony Japan. It’s not coming to the US just yet; however, I think Sony is probably saving the A7 II US launch for CES 2015 in a couple months.
Overall, the A7 II is a modest upgrade over the A7; however, there are a couple of exciting new features and several smaller ones that makes the refresh worthwhile.
First, Sony added 5-axis in-body image stabilization to the sensor, which provides up to 4.5 stops of shake reduction with any lens. That’s a big deal and the first time we have seen this tech in a full frame camera. For a demo of how the 5-axis stabilization works, check out the video below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svbUXedWsbA&w=700]Next, the camera gets a significant bump in video features with the addition of the XAVC S codec and 50Mbps bit rate. Picture profiles now include S-Log2 and S-Gamut, which will offer much greater dynamic range. It essentially matches the video features of the Sony A7S without 4K.
Other less-drastic updates include improved AF algorithm for faster focus and subject tracking. It still has the hybrid AF system with 117 phase-detection pixels and 25 contrast detection points. The grip has been redesigned for a more natural fit and the body has received an overall improvement in weather-sealing, along with a magnesium alloy top and front like the A7R and A7S models.
Again, there is no word yet on pricing or availability for the US market; however, I would be willing to bet that Sony launches it in the US market at or around CES 2015 in early January.
Brian says
Maybe the A7IIs will be the 4K version? A bit disappointing, for sure, but I would probably pick this up over a 5DMk3 if I were buying a stills camera right now…
jojo says
It may be this is the only 7 series mk2 camera, and that more specialist requirements (4K video, A7R & A7S features, etc) will be met by the rumoured to be coming soon A9
Gordon Brown says
You guys are a little late-Sony has announced delivery of this camera in the next week or so!