Sony Alpha 7 II

PROS

5-axis in-body stabilization system. 24-megapixel full-frame image sensor. Compact design. 5fps burst shooting. Clean, detailed high ISO images. Sharp, tilting rear LCD. Focus peaking and magnification. Sharp OLED EVF. Improved ergonomics. Dust and moisture-resistant design. Adds 3-axis stabilization to adapted lenses. High bitrate 1080p video.

CONS

Lacks PC sync socket. No built-in flash. External battery charger not included. Battery life is disappointing. Sensor design includes OLPF. Hyperactive eye sensor.

BOTTOM LINE

The Sony Alpha 7 II improves on its predecessor with in-body stabilization, faster autofocus, and a better ergonomic design, and earns Editors' Choice honors in the process.

Review:

The Alpha 7 II ($1,699.99, body only) is the latest camera in Sony's full-frame mirrorless series, and it's a marked improvement over its predecessor, the Alpha 7. It takes everything that we loved about the original A7 and improves upon it. The autofocus system is a bit snappier when tracking moving targets, the grip is more substantial for comfortable handheld shooting, and there's now an in-body stabilization system that steadies any lens that's attached to the camera, even ones that aren't native to the Sony system. That makes the Alpha 7 II our Editors' Choice in the full-frame mirrorless category.

Editors' Note: This review has been updated after testing the Alpha 7 II withupdated firmware released in November 2015. The score has not changed.

Design and Features

The Alpha 7 II is the fourth camera in the family—joining the 7S, Alpha 7R, and the 7, which is remaining in production at a lower price point. It's the first Alpha 7 family member to undergo a serious change in body design—a deeper handgrip and a refined control layout go a long way to make the camera more comfortable with which to shoot. But that does mean that if you opt to use a vertical shooting grip, you'll have to buy a new one; the grip for the A7 II is priced at $350, holds two batteries, and includes vertical shooting controls.