The previously rumored Sony a7 II mirrorless camera with with 5 axis in-body stabilization is now officially announced only in Japan for now. Shipping will start on December 5th, 2014. The new camera will be announced for the rest of the world in few months.
Sony a7 II camera specifications (sample photos can be found here and here):
| Type name | "Α7 II" | |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | E mount | |
| Imaging unit | Imaging element | 35mm full size (35.8mm × 23.9mm) Exmor CMOS sensor |
| Effective pixels | About 24.3 million pixels | |
| Record format | Still image | JPEG (DCF Ver.2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline) compliant, RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format) |
| Animation | XAVC S / AVCHD standard Ver.2.0 compliant / MP4 | |
| Video features | Picture profile | Picture Profile (OFF / 1-7, black level, gamma (Movie, Still, Cine1-4, ITU709, ITU709 [800%], S-Log2), black gamma, knee, color mode, saturation, hue, color of depth, detail, copy, reset) |
| Other video features | Time code / user bits, Lek control, auto slow shutter function, simultaneous video recording, marker |
|
| HDMI Clear output format | 1920 × 1080 (60p / 60i / 24p) | |
| YCbCr 4: 2: 2 8bit / RGB 8bit | ||
| Recording medium | Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo, SD memory card, SDHC memory card (UHS-I compatible), SDXC memory card (UHS-I compatible) |
|
| Focus | Detecting scheme | Fast hybrid AF (phase difference detection method / contrast detection method) |
| Ranging points | 35mm full size at the time: 117 points (phase difference detection method) APS-C size at the time, 99 points (phase difference detection method) / 25 points (contrast detection system) |
|
| Detection brightness range | EV -1 ~ 20 (ISO100 equivalent, F2.0 lens used) | |
| Exposure control | Metering | 1200 split live view analysis photometry |
| ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) | During still image shooting: ISO100-25600 (Expanded ISO50 / 64/80), AUTO (ISO100-25600: upper / lower limit setting possible), multi-shot NR (extended up to ISO51200), when shooting movies: ISO200-25600 equivalent, AUTO (ISO200-25600 equivalent: upper / lower limit setting Allowed) | |
| Shutter | Shutter speed range | During still image shooting: 1 / 8000-30 seconds, valve, when shooting movies: 1 / 8000-1 / 4 seconds |
| Electronic first curtain shutter | (On / Off) | |
| Camera shake correction function | Method | Image sensor shift method 5-axis correction (by the correction method lens specification) |
| Correction effect | 4.5 stage (CIPA standard compliant. Pitch / yaw direction, Sonnar T * FE 55mm F1.8 ZA when mounted, when noise reduction off when long seconds) |
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| Drive | Continuous shooting speed | During continuous shooting Hi: up to about 5 frames / sec., During continuous shooting Low: up to about 2.5 frames / sec. |
| Maximum burst for continuous shooting | [During continuous shooting Hi] JPRG L size Extra Fine: 50 sheets, JPEG L size Fine: 77 sheets, JPEG L Size Standard: 80 sheets, RAW: 25 sheets, RAW & JPEG: 23 sheets [during continuous shooting Lo] JPRG L size Extra Fine: 69 sheets, JPEG L Fine size: 200 sheets, JPEG L Size Standard: 200 sheets, RAW: 30 sheets, RAW & JPEG: 27 sheets |
|
| Finder | Format | Electronic view finder (XGA OLED Tru-Finder) |
| Number of dots | 2,359,296 dot | |
| Field of view | Hundred percent | |
| Magnification | About 0.71 times (50mm lens, infinity, diopter -1 m -1 ) | |
| Monitor | Format | 7.5cm (3.0-inch) TFT LCD drive |
| Number of dots | 1,228,800 dot | |
| Angle adjustment function | Above about 107 ° with respect to the camera back, below about 41° | |
| Voice | Built-in microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Monaural | |
| Interface | Multi Interface Shoe, HDMI micro terminal (type D), microphone jack (3.5mm stereo mini-jack), headphone jack (3.5mm stereo mini-jack), multi / micro USB terminal |
|
| Wireless LAN support (built-in) | Compliant with Wi-Fi, IEEE802.11b / g / n (2.4GHz band) | |
| NFC | Conforms to the NFC Forum Type 3 Tag | |
| Use battery | Rechargeable battery pack "NP-FW50" | |
| Mass | About 599g (including battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo), about 556g (body only) | |
| Dimensions (width × height × depth, CIPA compliant) |
About 126.9 × 95.7 × 59.7mm | |
| Operating temperature limit | 0-40 ℃ | |
Additional images:
Additional information:
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Sony has released the α7 II (ILCE-7M2), the next in the α7 series of interchangeable-lens models and the world’s first camera with optical 5-axis image stabilization designed for a full-frame image sensor. The camera offers outstanding image quality in a compact size and light build, and it carries on the traditions of the α7 series, which includes the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable-lens full-frame camera (α7R). A 24.3 effective megapixel 35 mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor moves along five axes to compensate for camera shake, providing optical image stabilization equivalent to up to 4.5 steps faster shutter speed of correction for still images. Shooting sharp handheld stills and video is now possible under conditions that may have required a tripod in the past. In this and other scenarios, users can enjoy beautifully rendered images from the full-frame sensor with the convenience of image stabilization. In-camera image stabilization also offers sharper images for those using A-mount lenses on an optional lens adapter. World’s first full-frame camera with optical 5-axis image stabilization Detects and corrects various camera shake along five axes for still images and video, including angular shake (pitch and yaw) that tends to occur when shooting with a telephoto lens, shift shake (along the X and Y axes) that becomes noticeable as photographing magnification increases, and rotational shake (roll) that often affects shots at night or when recording video. The full-frame image sensor moves to compensate for these kinds of camera shake. For still images, stabilization is equivalent to up to 4.5 steps faster shutter speed of correction. Optical 5-axis image stabilization ideal for a variety of α lenses Handheld low-light shooting at slower shutter speeds becomes possible, allowing for greater creativity and mobility without the need for a tripod. The camera’s in-body image stabilization is therefore effective even in combination with E-mount lenses without Optical SteadyShot (OSS). For A-mount lenses as well (using an optional mount adapter such as LA-EA4 or LA-EA3), camera shake is compensated for along five axes within the camera body. Users can thus make the most of the beautiful rendering power of various α lenses with the α7 II. Verify image stabilization results with live view functionality Monitor the corrected image in real-time on the camera’s LCD screen or in the OLED viewfinder, thus allowing for fine-tuned framing and focusing even when using a telephoto or macro lens. Speedy, accurate autofocus with Fast Hybrid AF Wide AF coverage with the employment of a 117-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor (in combination with a 25-point contrast detection AF points) 117-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor and 25 contrast detection AF points are placed over a wide area of the screen, making use of the superb tracking capabilities of the phase detection AF and therefore enabling clear capture of moving subjects that might otherwise evade focus. 30% faster AF responsiveness A more advanced algorithm is used to detect the subject position, enabling optimal lens drive. In a variety of scenarios, autofocus is very responsive – 30% faster than in previous models. 1.5 times the tracking ability of previous models4 with an improved motion-prediction algorithm An improved, original Sony algorithm for the prediction of moving bodies results in a 1.5 times improvement in performance in tracking a subject and predicting its next movement. Additionally, AF and automatic exposure (AE) continue to track the subject during high-speed continuous shooting (up to 5 fps), so that a sudden movement or expression of the subject is never missed. Finally, greatly improved tracking ability and subject capture are made possible through the advances in image analysis technology with “lock-on AF,” a feature that optimizes focusing on the subject in accordance with its size. Superior image quality and enriched video recording functionalities with the full-frame sensor and BIONZ XTM image processing engine 35 mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor for high resolution and sensitivity, with minimal noise The camera is equipped with a full-frame Exmor CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.3 effective megapixels. High resolution and larger pixels enhance sensitivity and reduce image noise to release the full potential of lens’ optical performance. Images are rendered beautifully and bokeh effects attainable only with full-frame sensors become possible. BIONZ X image processing engine for superb detail and natural textures, less noise Loaded with an advanced BIONZ X image processing engine. The fast processing enabled by this engine enhances images in several ways, through “detail reproduction technology,” which recreates natural-looking textures even in the minute details of an image; “diffraction-reducing technology,” which prevents loss of detail when aperture stopped down; and “area-specific noise reduction,” which greatly reduces noise while maintaining exceptional detail and texture even under low light conditions such as night time and indoors. Supports high bit rate XAVC-S recording In addition to recording in AVCHD Ver. 2.0 Full HD (1920×1080) 60p (50p)/60i (50i)/24p, the camera records in XAVC-S, a consumer format derived from the professional XAVC® format. This offers outstanding Full HD video quality at a high bit rate of 50 Mbps. Long GOP compression is used, targeting differences between frames, along with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video. Regarding audio recording, linear PCM is used and files are saved in the MP4 format. Full-featured video recording that suits professional workflows Picture profiles enable convenient in-camera tone adjustment. The α7 II also supports the S-Log2 gamma function, which preserves a wide dynamic range, and a wide S-Gamut mode. Other features include Time Code/User Bit (useful in editing), Rec Control (for synced recording with compatible external recorders), marker display/settings, and dual video recording. Enhanced usability and reliability Refined usability Grip shape and height keep the camera steady even when using a large telephoto lens. The shutter button has been shifted toward the front, to a position that feels more natural. This, along with the button’s increased size, helps reduce camera shake. Shooting comfort and convenience were a priority in design. Ten customizable buttons can be assigned to any of 56 functions. The tilting display features a White MagicTM LCD screen for exceptional visibility even under bright sunlight. Sharp, high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder for accurate previewing An XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder with a 2.36 million dot equivalent resolution and high contrast, enabling faithful reproduction of setting adjustments, fine-tuned focusing using magnified display or peaking features, and bokeh effects. The viewfinder also allows for clear review of previous shots. Because the camera is fully APS-C-compatible, it displays the entire view even when APS-C lenses are used. Reliability that professionals can appreciate Sturdy magnesium alloy construction of the top, front cover, and internal structures ensures that the camera is both durable and light. The robust mounting structure easily handles large telephoto lenses, heavy video lenses, and many others. Main buttons and dials are also sealed to help keep out moisture and dust, and an interlocking double layered construction of media and port covers as well as body seams ensures greater moisture and dust resistance. Overall, the camera is designed to be used by photographers in any number of situations without having to worry about the safety of their cameras. Quick startup time – 40% fasteriv After the camera is switched on, it is ready to shoot 40% sooner than current models. Wi-Fi and NFC enabled for connectivity with mobile devices; support for PlayMemories Camera Apps that allow the camera to evolve even further - Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for mobile linking - Features can be expanded with PlayMemories Camera Apps By installing an updated Lens Compensation app (enabling the storage of lens information in Exif data, compensation of recorded video, and import/export of lens compensation values), users can manually set correction values for lens peripheral shading, chromatic aberration, and distortion. |
