Sony Adds Uncompressed RAW and Phase Detect AF for Faster and More Precise Autofocus to α7 II Full Frame Camera
New Features to be enabled via firmware update available November 18th
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 4, 2015 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has announced plans to release a free firmware update for α7 II cameras on November 18th that will add uncompressed 14-Bit RAW image capture and activates phase detection AF for faster and more precise autofocus with lenses designed for interchangeable-lens cameras including Sony’s α mount system.
The α7 II becomes the latest Sony full-frame camera, along with α7S II, α7R II and RX1R II to offer uncompressed RAW capture, which becomes a selectable feature (uncompressed/compressed RAW) within the menu system.
Additionally, it becomes the second Sony camera, along with the flagship α7R II, to offer fully-functional phase detection AF to A-mount lenses in addition to E-mount lenses. The firmware update activates the 117-point focal plane phase detection AF sensor on the α7 II for lenses beyond just the native Sony FE lenses. This includes Sony’s extensive collection of A-mount lenses, which can be utilized along with the LA-EA3 mount adapter.
“We’re continuing to innovate, with a clear focus to ensure we are meeting the needs and demands of Sony α customers,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President for Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics. “The addition of Uncompressed 14-Bit RAW processing and the activation of phase detection AF brings a level of performance and versatility to the α7 II that is well beyond any camera in its class.”
In addition to these feature upgrades, the MOVIE button can now be assigned to a custom button.
The new firmware, version 2.0, will be available for download at no cost through Sony’s e-support site www.esupport.sony.com on the product page for model “ILCE-7M2”.
The α7 II is compatible with Sony’s growing lineup of α -mount lenses, which now totals 64 different models including 13 native ‘FE’ full frame lenses. In 2016, Sony aims to build the native FE lens lineup to over 20 different models.
A variety of exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new a7R II cameras plus other Sony α products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, Sony’s new community site built to educate, inspire and showcase all fans and customers of Sony α brand.
Does the new phase detection work in video as well?
I will love Sony forever if fully-functional phase detection AF for A-lenses via LA-EA3 is available to A7, too.
Has this firmware update been released yet? I’m not seeing it on the sony support site.
Does this mean that my Canon lenses will work / autofocus just as nicely on my A7II as I have seen others using on the A7RII with a metabones adapter?
It should!
I have the dilemma that I really would like to get at Sony A7 camera. The thing is not so easy though, should I wait for the A 7 Mk III to get some things right? Or just get the A7 II right now. In Sweden where I live you can see that Sony has dropped the price quite a lot since introducing the camera, that tells me that Sony probably will release something new in just a few months time. I am hoping for an even quieter camera, less shuttershock, better AF and even better lowlight capabilities. The sensor in A7 II is the same as in the model before it. I hope they replace it in the next iteration. 24 Mpixel is more than enough for me.
Cheers!
There will always be something better down the road. I just upgraded to the II from the I. Its more than worth using.
What do you think is wrong with the a7II? Also, no shutter shock on anything but the a7r.
Hi Tyler!
Do you feel that the A7 II was the upgrade you wanted, I mean since you already had a good camera with the same sensor? What are the main benefit of A7 II would you say? I have a friend who want to sell his A7 since he wants the new A7r Mk II. Coming from Olympus I really like their IBIS and I therefor lean towards the A7 II as you did. Imagewise I would imagine they are idential?
If the shuttershock is gone in the A7 II I might actually buy one and be done with it.
Cheers!
Stefan
Guys. I hate to say this but Sony is in its infancy… Love.
they’re making lots of money for being babies
man, i thought they would add “silent shutter” to the A7ii as well… disappointing!
Unfortunately that is a hardware feature, no software feature
I’ve been wondering why the A7II (a more accessible MP count than its siblings) doesn’t get a lot of attention. Still no lossless compressed though, which is really unacceptable.
It’s just so tragic! So unacceptable! Whatever will we do?!?!?
Get a camera from another manufacturer? They seem to be able to provide that service, which is very helpful.
Not sure why this story only takes about the focusing updates, but the A7ii will ALSO be getting 14bit lossless RAW support in the upcoming firmware update. User selectable, so if you don’t want the bigger RAW files, you can continue to use the smaller compressed RAW’s.
Will the 14 bit uncompressed RAW be only available for the a7 series II only? Or will this eventually be available for the original a7, a7r and the a7s, or am I wrong in assuming the original cameras can be updated too? Regards
As I understand, no backward firmware upgrades from Sony, so no.
There is no official information from Sony about this. It’s possible, but I also tend to think no