Sony a7R II Review

Touting really serious specs like a 42.4-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and ISO sensitivity topping at 102400, this full-frame mirrorless compact camera means business when it comes to using it as a point-and-shoot device. Read our full review of the Sony a7R II to know more about its capabilities and to see what kind of images it could produce from straight out of the camera.

Design and Construction

Coming from the same alpha 7 series of compact cameras, the a7R II shares almost identical looks as the a7 Mark II that we briefly fiddled around with during its SEA launch.

Most of its body is made up of magnesium alloy that now has improved weather-sealing enclosure with a reinforced lens mount so it could handle bigger, weighty lenses.

Up top, we have the dials for shooting mode and exposure squeezed on the right side of the body. Also found in this area are programmable buttons for switching between different shooting settings with ease. Inside, the shutter is made with a reduced vibration design that results to making less sound every time the curtain moves.

Connectivity ports and slots are strategically placed around the enclosure. The lower right side is for the miniSD, while the base of the shooter is for the battery pack. Opening the flap on the left reveals the ports for connecting it to and with other electronics.

Controls and Ergonomics

With its positioning of buttons and dials, navigating the a7R II was pretty easy and comfortable. Holding it, one would notice the heft that it packs even though it has a compact body. This isn’t all bad since having a bit of weight contributes to being able to hold it steady while shooting.

Just like what we’ve mentioned with the a7 Mark II, the housing now feels deeper compared to its previous model but adds comfort when the hand starts gripping the body. Up front, we see the repositioned dial an inch away from the shutter release button which is well- and ergonomically-positioned.

Next page: Viewfinder and Live View, Autofocus Performance, and Noise and ISO Performance