Reading the PDF file on this cam. Some highlights
16-bit image processing and 14-bit RAW output
Area-specific noise reduction
Pro-quality XAVC S format
Full-frame expression without the bulk
Picture Profile
Clean HDMI output
S-Log2 gamma setting
Time code / User bit
16-bit image processing and 14-bit RAW output help
preserve maximum detail and produce images of the
highest quality with rich tonal gradations. The 14-bit RAW
(Sony ARW) format ensures optimal quality for later image
adjustment (via Image Data Converter or other software).
When your subject is moving fast, you
can beautifully capture the decisive
moment with sharp, well-exposed results
via 5fps continuous AF/AE shooting.
A dramatically improved algorithm
accurately predicts subject movement
so you can steadfastly track the subject
with 1.5x more accurate performance*
when shooting continuously. 117 focal
plane phase-detection AF points ensure
accurate tracking over a wide area
for up to 77 frames (JPEG Fine L) at 5fps.
Moreover, a continuous AF Display lets
you confirm which AF point is active.
Sony AF captures your subject and
doesn’t let go
FAST
AF captures your subject
without fail
Autofocusing is amazingly fast. Just
point, shoot and let Sony’s sophisticated
Fast Hybrid AF system instantly
capture your fast-moving subject with
razor-sharp clarity. Speedy phase-detection
AF, highly accurate contrastdetection
AF and high-speed BIONZ
X image processing contribute to
outstanding AF performance, while a
more advanced algorithm enhances
the accuracy of subject detection,
leading to optimization of lens drive
movement that results in a 30%
faster AF speed*.
I've done some "spec diving" on the A7 II, I was sort of 50/50 if I should trade my A6000 for A7 II as I'm still struggling with ergonomic differences between A7R and A6000, we won't see much light for next 6 months so FF rules here and I'm not that much of an action shooter. But it seems outside IBIS the A7 II is not that much different from A7
- AF sensitivity is the same, so low light AF same. The -1EV sensitivity got hyped in for example dpreview a bit, but Sony changed how it specifies the sensitivity between A7/A7R and A7S.
* A7/A7R are 0-20EV ISO F/2.8 lens
* A7S is -4-20 EV ISO100 F/2.0 lens
* A7 II is -1-20 ISO100 F/2.0 lens.
1 EV is one stop so A7S has 3 EV better sensitivity than others that are all same. This makes perfect sense since low light AF is always CDAF and since sensor has practically same ISO performance same the AF sensitivity does not change. A7S is much better due to its huge ISO advantage
- RAW is still compressed, same old ARW 2.3. There has been quite heated discussions in dpreview about this lately about whether or not it matters, but no change there
- sensor-PDAF is not gonna be on level of A6000; much less PDAF points grouped in center of the frame ==> no PDAF tracking in the edge of the screen and less samples due to less dense PDAF "grid". sensor-PDAF points are way smaller (thus less light sensitive and less accurate) than those in saparate AF system in floppy-mirror/SLT camera so density matters; the more PDAF points cower your target the more accurate rangefing PDAF gets. Sony has admitted that with less PDAF points A7 II cannot do all the magic A6000 can
- all the area specific NR stuff were already in A7/A7R, those are Bionz X features
- no improvement on Auto-ISO, still no configurable min shutter speed. This should have been really easy fix, but it did not materialize
- no changes in bracketing, still limited, again should have been really easy fix
So to my eye outside IBIS there is not that much there for a still photog, video guys should be excited about new codec etc.
I just ordered APO Sonnar 135/2 ZE for my metabones adapter, that lens would like IBIS a lot but I still want the 36 MP sensor with it and I mostly shoot with speedlites/strobes during winter so IBIS does not do much; the EVF stabilization would be nice for focusing but still...