Sony a7 II Mirrorless Camera Body, Black {24.3MP} Menu Defaults to Korean

First full-frame Sony with in-body stabilization, rated 4.5 stops

The a7 II paired a 24.3MP full-frame sensor with sensor-shift image stabilization rated at 4.5 stops, a first for Sony's full-frame mirrorless line. That stabilization works with any lens mounted, adapted glass included, which makes handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds practical in ways a bare sensor never allowed.

Autofocus combines 117 phase-detect points with contrast detection, and the system holds focus reliably on moving subjects as long as they stay near the middle of the frame where those phase-detect points live. Face detection is a particular strength, locking onto and following faces across the frame even wide open at f/1.4. The electronic viewfinder, at 2,359,000 dots with 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification, stays clear and readable in bright daylight, and the tilting 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD adds framing flexibility for low or high angles.

Video shooters get 1080p up to 60p in XAVC S at 50Mbps, plus S-Log2 for flat, gradable footage, along with microphone and headphone jacks for real audio monitoring. Weather sealing and a magnesium-alloy build mean the body holds up to regular outdoor use. At 599g, it's a full-frame camera that doesn't punish you for carrying it all day.

Who It's For

Portrait and event shooters gain from the reliable face-tracking autofocus, which held focus on moving subjects even at f/1.4 with fast primes. Travel and documentary photographers benefit from the 599g body and sensor-based stabilization, letting them shoot handheld in low light without hauling a tripod. Videographers get access to S-Log2 picture profiles and 1080p60 XAVC S recording at 50Mbps for footage with room to grade in post, plus physical mic and headphone ports for monitoring audio on location. Adapted-lens shooters, including those running older manual-focus glass, get in-body stabilization that works regardless of what optic is mounted, something native lens stabilization alone can't offer.

Key Features

• 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor with Bionz X processor
• 117-point hybrid AF system with phase-detect and contrast detection
• 4.5 stops sensor-shift image stabilization
• 1080p 60p video at 50Mbps XAVC S with S-Log2
• 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder, 100% coverage, 0.71x magnification
• Tilting 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD with 1.23M dots
• 5.0 fps burst rate, ISO 100-25,600 expandable to 50
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body at 599g

FAQ

What autofocus system does the a7 II use?

It pairs 117 phase-detect points with contrast detection, a hybrid setup that gives it faster, more reliable focus tracking than earlier Sony full-frames. Phase-detect coverage is strongest in the central frame area, and face detection works reliably even at f/1.4.

How does the in-body stabilization perform?

It's rated at 4.5 stops and works with any lens you mount, including adapted glass. That means handheld shooting at shutter speeds you'd normally need a tripod for becomes practical without worrying about what lens you've got attached.

Can you shoot S-Log with the a7 II?

Yes, it supports S-Log2 for flat, gradeable footage. You access it via Picture Profile 7 in the menu, not the quick menu. Video records up to 1080p at 60p in XAVC S at 50Mbps with stereo audio input and headphone monitoring.

What's the battery life like?

The NP-FW50 battery is rated for approximately 350 shots per charge. That's typical for mirrorless, especially with the electronic viewfinder always active. Carry a spare.

Does the a7 II use lossless Raw compression?

No, it uses lossy compressed Raw files, which can produce artifacts around high-contrast edges, particularly when pushing exposure in post-processing. This is a limitation of Sony's implementation at the time.

How fast does it shoot in burst mode?

It maxes out at 5.0 fps, which is adequate for most work but not competitive if you're tracking fast action or sports. The buffer depth is reasonable for short sequences.

What video formats and resolutions does it record?

The a7 II records 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 60i, and 24p via XAVC S, AVCHD, and MPEG-4. XAVC S at 50Mbps gives you the best quality and post-production flexibility.