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Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/1000, F1.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

SONY α7S II / SHOOTING REPORT

Following the Alpha 7II and the Alpha 7RII, the long-awaited Alpha 7SII has finally been released. This camera supports internal 4K video recording and extended sensitivity up to ISO409600. It's designed to capture the dimmest light by employing mechanisms including the 5-axis built-in image stabilizer and the low-vibration shutter. In addition, accuracy of focusing has improved by the Fast Intelligent AF with 169 AF points. Plus, the True Finder sporting the world's largest magnification has the ZEISS T* coating (I'm not talking about a lens, but a viewfinder). This coating significantly reduces reflection inside the viewfinder and assists manual focusing with the clear high-resolution image. The number of pixels is 12.2 megapixels which is 1/4 of the 42.4 megapixels for the Alpha 7RII, but the larger pixel-pitch has extra room to realize delicate rendition with richer tonal gradation. Now, let's explore the taste of images that are bit different from high-megapixel cameras.

( Photography : Z II / Text : Rica )

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/2000, F2.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Wonderful reproduction of the waves, vivid yellow kayak, trees, and the rock surface. The shadow without clipping has a tonal gradation adding to the depth of the image.

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/3200, F1.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Look at the splashes. Any problem with the resolution of 12.2 megapixels?

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/50, F2.8, ISO 200, Photo by Z II

I don't need words to describe the 3D quality of the leave and drops.

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II


Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/125, F2.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

The soft morning light illuminates the little pair of boots. The image looks so realistic that I can tell the difference of materials at a glance. The tone between the highlight and the shadow is soft and natural, too.

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/4000, F1.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

It clearly discriminated between different textures of wood and cloth.

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/2000, F2.5, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

There's no clipping on the cat and the camera captured the whole scene surrounding it faithfully.

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/1600, F3.2, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

The shadow tone is remarkably beautiful and it makes me want to try shooting in monochrome as well. The rendition of the metal texture of the table speaks about the coldness of the surface.

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/800, F1.8, ISO 51200, Photo by Z II

At ISO51200. The dynamic range is amazingly wide. The advantage of high sensitivity is enormous. And, the powerful 5-axis further reduces camera shaking. Thank you SONY!

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/400, F1.8, ISO 400, Photo by Z II

ISO400. For the Alpha 7SII, ISO400 is a low sensitivity.

Sony α7S II, Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA, 1/160, F1.8, ISO 1600, Photo by Z II

ISO1600 is a regular sensitivity. What a 3D quality of the back of the walking old man and his dog.


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Artistic image quality beyond high image quality

The Alpha 7SII draws a variety of textures and the wide range of tonal gradation from highlight to shadow in an exceptionally startling fashion. The image quality is not only natural but also realistic. Compared to high-megapixel cameras, this 12.2-megapixel Alpha 7SII can receive more light with wider receptive field per pixel. Of course, without the supporting technologies, it will just cause saturation. But, this camera is armed with technologies that support the outstanding high sensitivity performance and the rich tonal reproduction. Unlike high-megapixel cameras, the still shots of this camera even contain the moisture and the air of the scene and sometimes they are breathtaking. The Alpha 7SII proves that the number of pixels isn't always justice. Whether you shoot movies or not, why don't you choose the Alpha 7SII purely for shooting still images? You'll never regret, once you experience this artistic image quality.

( 18.10.2015 )