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We have tested the Sony A7RII, the latest camera of the Japanese brand that is intended to satisfy even the most demanding users.
Last year we met Sony‘s new bet on the world of the image, something that was to be expected after knowing the lines that the Japanese company had marked with its first camera without full-frame mirror. This time it is the A7R II, of which we already value its characteristics and why it should be considered an important device in photography.
On paper, the Sony A7RII has all the necessary ingredients to satisfy a large number of users. The R range stands out for having a wide resolution, but this time has tried to go further, as they also include some of the functions that some photographers loved the Sony A7S, such as the ability to use high sensitivities to counteract the Low luminosity of night scenes.
Among its star characteristics we can highlight its Exmor R CMOS sensor backlit 42.4 megapixels and 399 focus points. But do they really live up to their promise? We have been able to test a model of the Sony A7R II still in the testing phase, so maybe make some last minute adjustments, but it gives us an idea of what awaits us in the final product.
Sensitivity
With a full frame sensor, it was expected that when using high ISOs we would obtain very fine granules and great quality even in dimly lit environments. With the Sony A7 II already happened, and the Sony A7R II improves it.
The CMOS Exmor R backlit, seems to work. Obtaining a luminous image in a dark area is becoming easier and as proof of this we have this test performed with the A7R II, where we obviously lose quality as we raise the sensitivity, but I believe that none of its values are unusable because it shows an excessive granulation or poor definition.
It is clear that we would have to test the camera in different night situations to check its actual performance, but for now, its sensor seems to show results that live up to what we were promised.
Quality
On the other hand, its 42.4 megapixels should be easily usable to make different cuts in our photos, being able to obtain an image totally different from the one we were in the beginning.
As we see in the example, it does not matter too much that the object belongs to a small part of the photo, since we can expand maintaining much of its qualities. The negative thing is that a greater amount of information will inevitably affect the size of the files, although we can also reduce it from the adjustments.
Another advantage of having a full size sensor is that the dynamic range of the shots should be wider than that of a conventional one. Thus, the difference between the whitest point and the blackest point turns out to be wider, resulting in a snapshot with fewer areas burned and underexposed.
Image Credit: www.sony.com
Focus
Although we have not been able to test in depth, the 399 focus points are one of the great qualities of the Sony A7RII for both photography and video. The first impression is that the speed at which the camera is able to focus on an object has improved dramatically, something not quite optimal with the A7 II. On this occasion, the camera even has the possibility to create a tracking pattern to focus on what interests us while we record a video.
However, it seems that some aspects of this section still need to be polished, as perhaps the continuous focus on video does not change its focus at the speed we may need. However, we must remember that this is a device in the test phase.
Ergonomics
Maintains the attributes of the Sony A7 II. For example, its grip is quite pronounced, which helps us to support it without this being a big problem. With the rear and the front dial, located near the handle, we can quickly change the shutter speed and aperture.
Its magnesium alloy body causes that when we catch it we have the sensation of being in front of a very robust and resistant camera, with quality materials that give us safety against a possible impact.
Usually, the keypad is well distributed, and can even be customized at our whim. What does not end up liking is the button to start recording in video mode, which continues in the same place since the first Sony A7. The main problem is that it is very close, in a position difficult to access if we want to press, so it is almost impossible to start a video without before not abruptly move the image.
Has it met expectations?
It is known that the new Sony camera introduced in August’2015 with a price that will be around 3.500 €. Due to all that it offers, I think we are facing one of the most advanced cameras that can be accessed today, but we must also be clear that it does not compete in a league with the D7200, GH4 or even the Sony A7 II, But within that where we find cameras higher than 3.000 €.
The Sony A7R II complies with what they showed us during their presentation
For this reason, the requirements with this device must be somewhat higher. You cannot compare a Sony A7R II with a Fuji X30, just as neither can an iPhone 6 with a Moto G, each has its category.
So, at the moment it seems that the Sony A7R II complies with what they showed us during their presentation, but that is just a first impression. To analyze a product as premium as this takes time and explore each of its characteristics individually, something we hope to be able to do in the future.
Comparison of performance: Sony A7RII vs. Canon 5Ds vs Phase One XF with IQ3 – very interesting
I was going to delight you as you savor the performance test between three sensors of the most resolute in the market today: the 42 Mpixels of the Sony A7RII FF, versus the 50 Mpixels Canon 5Ds Also in FF, versus the Phase One XF with the IQ3 CMOS support of 50 Mpixels of medium format.
Sadly, as is usually the norm, the white balance of the three cameras (WB) is wrong and, in addition, different from each other. Even for a same pattern defined, either this flash or color temperature equivalent pushed into the menu. In Sony and Canon shows a warm dominant and in Phase One a trend blue / green.
The JPEG Fine version of the files of the Sony A7RII demonstrate excellent processing, which greatly enhances the sharpness sensation thanks to the effect of global contrast and focus mask, which is still a more localized contrast adjustment at the level of contour pixels, Which rivals even the RAW versions of the 50 mega px models that show a larger but no sharper file.
The overall quality of the patches of the new Sony A7RII is really remarkable until it reaches the threshold of 6400 / 12,800 ISO (depending on context), value that we put as a stop to this equipment of 42 Mpx … those 102,400 ISO do not leave To be – in our opinion – a marketing claim with no real application possible. Both their JPEG and RAW versions, these files do not have enough quality to take it into account.
I only think of adding two things:
Thing 1: all indications are that the new Sony Alpha 7R II is on track for all records.
Thing 2: since I think it is not a good idea for manufacturers to present their products with such a dispersion of c color management and the calibration of the devices. Then the users go crazy.
