Sony Alpha A7r Mark II review - a quick overview!

[cameralabs]

*Sony Alpha A7r Mark II Hands On video!*

Hi everyone, I spent some time with Sony's fifth full-frame mirrorless camera today, the Alpha A7r Mark II! This grabbed headlines when it was announced late last week with its 42 Megapixel resolution, 4K video, 399-point embedded AF system, 5fps shooting and large viewfinder. The specs sounded great, but how would it perform in practice? In particular I wondered how the embedded AF would work with adapted lenses, whether Sony A-mount, or third parties like Canon EF. I'm pleased to report the answer is very well indeed! So I decided to film a short video to tell you all about it and a few of the other headline features. I've also made a written-update to my preview at Cameralabs which has more details, so please do check it out! PS - I filmed this in the John Barry cinema at Pinewood studios using the Alpha A5100.

Sony #SonyAlpha

[matthewblessssss]

Best review of the year.!! All we need in a video!! Well done Gordon!!

[setaside]

Really enjoyed this initial preview. Well done from your Sony friends in the field :) We can't wait, either. It's a phenomenal entry into the prosumer full frame category.

[DrRishikeshMajumder]

hi Gordon...feeling happy to see you again here. Missing you since a long time.Being a fan welcoming you and hope your regular presence here. Thank u again.

[kelleybarrymedia]

You're always getting the inside scoop well in advance, very cool. Thanks for this great overview Gordon!

[dalibormrkic]

Great review Gordon Laing 
Looking forward to this technology in new APS-C body, a6XXX/a7000

[berto]

This is a MONSTER camera! Very good, Sony. This is a GAME CHANGER camera. With the stabilizer into the camera, every old lens becomes "stabilized". The 42.4 MP back-illuminated full-frame sensor is FANTASTIC! Sony A7R II can record 4K videos internally, which means: you don't have to buy an extra expensive external recorder!

[jean-michelargentin]

Hi Gordon where have you been??
Please don't stop making those great review.
Thank You.

[Napoleon-Blownapart]

Absolute beast of a camera. The a7 line has changed the face of modern photography & videography already but this is like a whole other level yet again. Canon & Nikon may still get the sports market (for now!) but everything else is covered by this. Just a damn shame I can't afford it 😉

[pablowasserman]

Gordon Laing Clip length is still 30 minutes max?
This camera looks almost perfect, wouldn't mind a vari-angle screen added.

[haji]

Great review. In my eyes you are the best reviewer. I can't wait to see your full review. At that time I will determine if I will purchase this camera. Thanks again....you have been missed.

[skydriver]

One thing to mention with the Metabones adapters, Metabones now has new firmware for the MK IV version that will allow the user to select EITHER the lens OR the camera stab. system. Without that firmware upgrade you will either have both systems functioning, which is not good, or both OFF.

Name: Firmware update V0.41 for EF-E Smart AdapterTM MARK IV
Release date: 1 Jun 2015
Benefits and improvements:
User may choose between lens OIS and IBIS using the lens' IS switch (except for some Tamron lenses). If the lens' IS switch is ON, lens OIS is used and IBIS is turned off automatically. If lens' IS switch is OFF, IBIS is used instead. To turn off all IS, hold down the WO button on the adapter while switching the lens' IS to the OFF position.
IS is always turned on during magnified focus assist for ease of manual focusing
Added autofocus support for some legacy lenses on A7 series.

[arthuar]

Well done interesting preview.
.Have You had any issues on focusing in the dark room, using EVF?
Thanks a lot.

[naturepi]

Thanks, nice preview video, Gordon! So, the point again, new body is the best breed of 3 old ones, with some enhancements, best suitable for none Sony lenses. And, funny, with the other 2 camera releases, Sony says, they are 5 years ahead of the market with new sensors technology, maybe, but, like you said, no touch screens! My 4 y.o. old GX1 has it. Maybe Sony should start listening what people say and finally make a complete working solution once, with good native glass and other features which people been using for years.

[StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Well at the very least this will help Canon with lens sales. ;)

It truly is a superb looking and feature-rich camera that as of June 2015 is the front-runner for CAMERA OF THE YEAR 2015...

[lanepelissier]

Hi Gordon!  Has Sony added any additional aspect ratios to the A7RII?  I believe the other A7 cameras only have 3:2 and 16:9.  I'm a square format fan, shooting mostly film but I would like a high resolution digital camera capable of shooting 1:1.  I know what most people will say to this, " Crop After"   I don't want to crop after.  I'm used to shooting square and I don't want the distraction of the unwanted areas.  Thanks!!!

[shakesnbake]

Gordon Laing So good to see the fps part of your review :) Great review as always

[MikeNormanMJP]

..and any further news on when it will hit UK shores?  Thanks (great review btw!)

[ricardogomes]

Mr. Gordon, great review! Do you think this camera is capable to do highly detailed fotos like the Canon 5DS R?

[sliedude]

Hi Gordon

Thanks for the great review. What Metabones adaptor  were you using with the canon lens? Was it the version IV, or an earlier incarnation? 

I look forward to your reply

Regards

Simon