Sony to bring uncompressed RAW to a7 II cameras on November 18

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - November 03, 2015) - B&H Photo would like to share the announcement of a new firmware update for the Sony Alpha a7 II Mirrorless digital camera, which is scheduled for release on November 18. This update brings the uncompressed raw option -- first seen in the a7S II and a7R II -- to the a7 II, and provides users with the choice between smaller file sizes via compression or the retention of as much image data as possible for advanced raw file development. Along with this, the camera's AF system sees a massive boost in performance with the 117-point on-sensor phase detection AF array now supporting adapted lenses, such as those from Sony's A-mount line. This is similar to what we have already seen with the a7R II, and ensures fast, accurate autofocus performance with a vast variety of glass, making the move to mirrorless much easier. Additionally, Sony is adding more customization options to the camera, allowing movie recording to be assigned to a custom key.

Sony Alpha a7 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Product Highlights:

• 24.3MP Full-Frame Exmor CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor
• 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
• Enhanced Fast Hybrid AF and 5 fps Burst
• Full HD XAVC S Video and S-Log2 Gamma
• 3.0" 1,228.8k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
• XGA 2.36M-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• Weather-Resistant Magnesium Alloy Body
• Refined Grip & Robust Lens Mount
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC

B&H Photo Video is an authorized Sony dealer, with the most up-to-date Sony product information, product pricing and promotional offers.

Update - here is the official press release from Sony:

New Features to be enabled via firmware update available from 18th November, 2015

Sony today announced that it will release a free firmware update for α7 II cameras on November 18th, 2015 that will add uncompressed 14-Bit RAW image capture and activates phase detection autofocus for faster and more precise autofocus with lenses designed for interchangeable lens cameras such as Sony’s A-mount lenses.

The α7 II becomes the latest Sony full-frame camera, along with α7S II, α7R II and RX1R II to offer uncompressed RAW capture, which becomes a selectable feature[i] within the menu system.

Additionally, it becomes the second Sony camera, along with the flagship α7R II, to offer fully-functional phase detection autofocus with A-mount lenses in addition to E-mount lenses. The firmware update activates the 117-point focal plane phase detection autofocus sensor on the α7 II for lenses beyond native Sony FE lenses. This includes Sony’s extensive collection of A-mount lenses, which can be utilised along with the LA-EA3 mount adapter.

In addition to these feature upgrades, the MOVIE button can now be assigned to a custom button.

The new firmware, version 2.0, will be available for download at no cost through Sony’s e-support site www.esupport.sony.com on the product page for model “ILCE-7M2”.

The α7 II is compatible with Sony’s growing lineup of α -mount lenses, which now totals 64 different models including 13 native ‘FE’ full frame lenses. In 2016, Sony aims to build the native FE lens line-up to over 20 different models.