Sony Alpha a7R II
Manufacturer: Sony Type: camera — full-frame mirrorless Year introduced: 2015 Sensor: 42.4MP BSI CMOS (back-side-illuminated, world’s first full-frame BSI) Key specs: On-sensor phase-detection AF (399 points), 4K UHD internal video, 5-axis in-body IS, ISO expandable to 102,400 Price at launch: $3,200
Overview
The Sony a7R II is a 42.4-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera announced on June 10, 2015 ([1]). It featured the world’s first back-side-illuminated full-frame sensor, combining high resolution with high sensitivity — a landmark achievement at the time. On-sensor phase detection across 399 focal-plane points provided AF speeds up to 40% faster than the original a7R.
For underwater photographers, the a7R II represented a pivotal shift. The Sony a7-series mirrorless system offered full-frame image quality in a smaller, lighter package than equivalent DSLRs. The a7R II specifically triggered a housing race from the major manufacturers who had begun investing in the Sony E-mount ecosystem after the earlier a7/a7R/a7S generation. Its combination of high resolution, 4K video, and 5-axis stabilization made it attractive for both stills and video-focused underwater shooters.
The camera was announced June 10, 2015 and became available from August 2015 at $3,200.
Housing ecosystem
Housing support began building from early 2015 around the a7 Mark II body, then extended to the a7R II variant:
- Nauticam NA-A7II — $2,750, shipped March 6, 2015, covering the a7 II / a7R II / a7S II body family ([2]).
- Sea & Sea MDX-a7II — $2,895, announced May 1, 2015 ([3]).
- Subal — Announced using for Sony a7 family, March 30, 2015 ([4]).
- Aquatica — Announced housing for the a7R II specifically, October 30, 2015 ([5]).
- Ikelite — Shipping housing for Sony Alpha a7 II / a7R II / a7S II, announced December 21, 2015 ([6]).
- Seacam — Announced housing for Sony a7 II/S/R, January 20, 2016 ([7]).
Reviews & Discussion
- [8] — Announcement coverage. Article (editorial source).
- [9] — First major housing to ship for a7 II family. Article (editorial source).
- [10] — Article (editorial source).
- [11] — Article (editorial source).
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jun 10, 2015: Sony Announces The A7r Ii Mirrorless Full Frame Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 6, 2015: Nauticam Ships Housing For Sony A7 Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 1, 2015: Seasea Announces Housing For Sony A7 Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 30, 2015: Subal Announces Using For Sony A7 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 30, 2015: Aquatica Announces Their Housing For The Sony A7r Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 21, 2015: Ikelite Is Shipping Housing For Sony Alpha A7 Ii A7r Ii A7s Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 20, 2016: Seacam Announces Housing For Sony A7 Ii S R ↩
- Sony announces the a7R II mirrorless full frame camera (article) ↩
- Nauticam ships housing for Sony a7 Mark II (article) ↩
- Sea & Sea announces housing for Sony a7 Mark II (article) ↩
- Aquatica announces their housing for the Sony a7R II (article) ↩
- Sony announces the a7R II mirrorless full frame camera (article) ↩
- Nauticam ships housing for Sony a7 Mark II (article) ↩
- Sea & Sea announces housing for Sony a7 Mark II (article) ↩
- Subal announces housing for Sony a7 (article) ↩
- Aquatica announces their housing for the Sony a7R II (article) ↩
- Ikelite is shipping housing for Sony Alpha a7 II / a7R II / a7S II (article) ↩
- Seacam announces housing for Sony a7 II S R (article) ↩