Mirrorless Camera News

The 24.3-megapixel Sony Alpha A7 II mirrorless, full-frame camera, which was announced in Japan nearly a week ago, made its official debut in the U.S. this morning. The Sony A7 II uses the same, 35mm-sized, 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor as the previous model but the new camera adds 5-axis image stabilization, making it the first full frame camera with this feature.

According to Sony, 5-axis image stabilization gives photographers compensation against camera shake equivalent to using a 4.5-step faster shutter speed. The A7 II also has a 117-point phase detection autofocus (AF) system, a larger camera grip, a revamped shutter button, and a durable, magnesium alloy weather-sealed body. It can shoot at 5 frames per second with AF tracking, records full 1080p HD video at 60p, 50p, 25p, and 24p and has an ISO range of ISO 100 to ISO 25,600, with an expanded option down to ISO 50.

While most of the details and specifications on this compact system camera were revealed during the A7 II announcement in Japan on November 20th, Sony today announced U.S. pricing and availability for this model. The good news for holiday shoppers is that the Sony A7 II will go on sale in the U.S. on December 9, 2014 for $1,700 (body only), or as a kit with the FE 28-70mm F3.5 – F5.6 OSS zoom lens (model SEL2870) for $2,000.

Sony also announced U.S. pricing and availability for the new 70-300mm F4.5 – F5.6 G SSMII telephoto zoom lens for Sony’s A-mount cameras. It goes on sale in February 2015 for $1,150.

Sony said it has not yet determined pricing for the new Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSMII and the Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSMII lenses, but they should go on sale by Spring 2015.