Sony’s full-frame, high-ISO Alpha 7s II can record 4K video

Sony has revealed the mirrorless full-frame Alpha A7s II, the successor to one of its most unusual cameras. The original Alpha A7s carried a maximum 409,600 max ISO setting, allowing images to be captured in near darkness. The new model fixes the biggest problem with the original: for 4K video, you needed an external recorder. The A7s II now has internal 4K recording at 24 or 30fps, and also uses a full-sensor readout with no pixel binning at both 4K and 1080p resolutions. In layman’s terms, that means you’ll get sharper 4K video with no moire or jagged lines. Slideshow-318723

The A7s II retains the same 12-megapixel sensor and 409,600 ISO light sensitivity of the original model. It can shoot 1080p video at 120fps with a full readout, which Sony says is a first in its Alpha A7 series. It also introduced a new shooting mode called S-Log3, which allows for 14-stops of dynamic range, making shooting possible in a wider variety of lighting conditions.

Another new feature is 5-axis stabilization, which it borrowed from the recent Alpha 7 II. That means you’ll get less jitter on shots taken at night or with long, telephoto lenses. The camera also has a new autofocus system with 169 AF points for quicker and more accurate focusing. In addition, the high ISO sensor’s lack of noise means you can often focus on objects that you can’t even see with the naked eye, as Sony points out. There’s also a new OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.78x magnification that should also make for easier manual focusing at night.

This is not a camera for everyone, of course. For one, it costs a considerable sum, €3,400 (we’re still waiting for US pricing). The relatively low 12-megapixel resolution for still images will also discourage most photographers. However, if you need good quality 4K video and ultra-high light sensitivity — and many videographers would love those features — then it’ll be arriving to Europe sometime in November.

Filed under:
Cameras, Sony

Comments

Source:
Sony

Tags: A7s II, Alpha, AlphaA7sII, Full-frame, Mirrorless, sony