Sony Introduces the α7 II, with 5-axis image stabilization 

The just-launched Sony α7 II (ILCE-7M2) is the latest in Sony’s α7 series of interchangeable-lens line. It offers the world’s first camera with optical 5-axis image stabilisation designed for a full-frame image sensor. Simply put, less shake means better pictures, less reliance on tripods for low light shots, and better videos. The video below shows what 5-axis image stabilization means for your pictures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svbUXedWsbA&feature=youtu.be

The α7 II (ILCE-7M2) sells for Php 89,999.00 (Body Only) and Php 105,999.00 with 28-70mm kit lens. Check the specs below, followed by the full press release that explains in detail the features of this splendid camera.

Sony α7 II Quick Specs

For the detailed specs, visit the Sony website.

Full Press Release - Click to View

Welcome The New Breed: Sony Introduces the α7 II, the World’s First Full-Frame Camera with Optical 5-Axis Image Stabilization

Manila, PHILIPPINES (29 January 2015) – Sony has released the α7 II (ILCE-7M2), the newest in the α7 series of interchangeable-lens model, offering the world’s first camera with optical 5-axis image stabilisation designed for a full-frame image sensor.

“The arrival α7 II marks Sony’s commitment towards continuous innovation; we have already witnessed this when we launched the α7S and α7R–the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable-lens full-frame camera,” said Nobuyoshi Otake, President and Managing Director, Sony Philippines. “With the new α7 II, we carry on the traditions of the α7 series of outstanding image quality and compact sized cameras that set new standards for professionals and enthusiasts around the world.”

World’s first1 full-frame camera with optical 5-axis image stabilization

Detect and correct 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 24.3 effective megapixel 35 mm full-frame Exmor® CMOS sensor moves to compensate for these kinds of camera shake. For still images, stabilisation is equivalent to up to 4.5 steps faster shutter speed of correction2.

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 stabilisation is therefore effective even in combination with E-mount lenses without Optical SteadyShot (OSS).

For A-mount lenses using optional mount adapters such as LA-EA4 or LA-EA3, camera shake is compensated for along five axes within the camera body. Users can enjoy unparalleled freedom with a wide-range of lenses without worrying about camera shake.

They can even monitor the corrected image in real-time on the camera’s LCD screen or in the OLED viewfinder for fine-tuned framing and focusing even when using a telephoto or macro lens.

In this and other scenarios, users can enjoy beautifully rendered images from the full-frame sensor with the convenience of image stabilisation. In-camera image stabilisation also offers sharper images for those using A-mount lenses on an optional lens adapter.

Speedy, accurate autofocus with Fast Hybrid AF

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.

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 models4. An improved 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 optimises focusing on the subject in accordance with its size.

Superior image quality and enriched video recording functionalities with the full-frame sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine

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.

Loaded with an advanced BIONZ X image processing engine, the α7 II 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.

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.

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

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 customisable buttons can be assigned to any of 56 functions.

The tilting display features a White Magic™ LCD screen for exceptional visibility even under bright sunlight.

An XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder with a 2.36 million dot equivalent resolution and high contrast enables faithful reproduction of setting adjustments and fine-tuned focusing using magnified display or peaking features, and bokeh effects. The viewfinder also allows clear review of previous shots and because the camera is fully APS-C-compatible, it displays the entire view even when APS-C lenses are used.

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.

After the camera is switched on, it is ready to shoot 40 percent sooner than current models .

The α7 II (ILCE-7M2) is priced at Php 89,999.00 (Body Only) and at Php 105,999.00 with 28-70mm kit lens.

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[1] Among 35 mm full-frame interchangeable-lens cameras, according to Sony research as of November 2014.

[2] XAVC-S recording requires an SDXC memory card rated at Class 10 or higher.

[3] S-Log2: Original Sony gamma curve designed for HDR recording. Even under conditions when detail would otherwise be lost in highlights or shadows, images canbe edited to recover detail.

[4] Compared to the α7. Based on Sony’s internal metrics.