The Sony Alpha A7S II is a full-frame camera with a difference. Where its brother the A7R II uses a 42-megapixel sensor for massive amounts of detail, this camera pares the resolution all the way down to 12 megapixels to radically improve low-light performance.

Great low-light performance; Excellent for video; Much-improved ergonomics

Limited detail capture among full-frame cameras; Unimpressive burst performance

Sony continues to take a three-camera approach with its second-generation full-frame mirrorless system. At one end of the spectrum sits the high-resolution, 42-megapixel Alpha 7R II ($1,198.00 at Amazon) , and at the other is the 12-megapixel Alpha 7S II ($2999.99, body only). The low pixel count goes a long way to improve image quality at extremely high ISOs—the camera can be set as high as ISO 409600—and also improves the quality of 4K video. Our Editors' Choice for full-frame mirrorless cameras is still the Alpha 7 II ($1,198.00 at Amazon) . This third musketeer in the group features a 24-megapixel image sensor, a low price, and solid all-around performance, but it doesn't support 4K video capture. DesignThe Alpha 7S II shares the same physical design, interface, and controls as its two twin siblings. For information on how the camera handles, you can refer to our review of the Alpha 7R II. Similar Products 4.5 Outstanding Sony Alpha 7 II ...

The Sony Alpha 7S II full-frame mirrorless camera excels at 4K video and high ISO imaging, but it's priced at a premium.

Full-frame 4K video recording; Incredible high ISO image quality; 5fps burst shooting; In-body image stabilization; Hinged rear display; Sharp EVF; Dust- and moisture-resistant design

Expensive; 12-megapixel resolution can be limiting; Omits PC sync socket; Overly sensitive eye sensor; No built-in flash

We didn't get to review the original Sony ILCE-7S (α7S) camera, which was released in April 2014 so it's nice to receive its successor, the α7S Mark II, which was announced on 11 September 2015. The updated camera improves on its predecessor in several important ways.

At the "core" of the Sony Alpha A7S Mark II is the same full-frame 12 megapixel CMOS sensor from the A7S, which offers an extended ISO range of ISO50 up to ISO409,600 (Native ISO100 to ISO102,400).

Improved handling and design; Excellent image quality; Excellent ISO range; 4K video can be recorded internally; MicroUSB charging / power; 5-axis image stabilisation; Wi-Fi and NFC; Sony PlayMemories Apps; Dual-axis electronic level

12 megapixels may not be enough for stills photographers; Camera video fussy about memory cards; Shorter battery life than previous model; Focus struggled in low-light at times

Overall, despite its very high price, we love the Sony A7S II and for users who want a superb compact mirrorless camera for low light video and photo shooting, we pretty much can't recommend a better device.

Absolutely superb nigh and low light shooting ability; Excellent EXMOR full-frame sensor; Robust build; 169 AF points; Massive ISO; Remarkably crisp 4K and Full HD video quality

Expensive; very expensive; Could use better organized touchscreen menu controls

I don't know that a more capable videography/photography device exists in this size. The a7S is back with everything the first generation was missing (I had one). This is the ultimate low-light shooter for video and photography.

Now with Internal 4K; LUTs and IBIS! Low light monster Gorgeous video and photo Small and light package Adapt lenses from almost any system ever

Internal recording codec could be better Menus still mostly suck Limited system lenses 12MP limits post-processing options

I am a video guy, so I almost never take photos. This works great with 4k with focus assist. I wish the screen were bigger but I guess if you are doing a bigger production you would have a monitor. The negatives are that this thing eats batteries especially when recording video.

I have owned a A7s for 18 months and love it. While I do take a lot of photographs my main interest is video. I live and travel on a sailboat and spend time in remote locations. I needed a new second camera and decided to stay with Sony. I have only used it a few days, but so far it's great.

Amazing camera for video! If you are looking for photography look at the A7II or the A7RII. Though this camera will still take awesome stills if you are just at a family event or for some Behind the Scenes photos. Internal 4K and Slog3 is fantastic!

Easy to use; Compact; Build quality; Screen size

Battery life

Scammers. Wouldn't supply proper the documentation for accounts.