Alpha a7S II

Alpha Series

Sony FS5

PXW-FS5 II

Sony FS7 II

PXW-FS7 II

Sony FX9

PXW-FX9

Sony FS7

PMW-F55

Sony VENICE

VENICE

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Sony Alpha A7S II Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Sony α7S II


What is the difference between the A7S and the A7S II?
The A7S and the A7S II share many of the same features; sensor resolution, ISO range, recording codecs, etc. There are, however, a few key differences between the two cameras. The A7S II has internal 4k recording, 120fps full HD, 5 axis on sensor image stabilization, S-log3 and S-Gammut3, more auto-focus points, and improved ergonomics over the original A7S.

What is the difference between the A7S II and the A7R II?
In many respects the A7S II and A7R II are essentially the same camera. The biggest difference is the resolution of the sensor. The A7S II as a 12.2 megapixel sensor while the A7R II’s sensor is 42 megapixels. The A7S II has more options for log shooting with S-Log3 and S-Gammut3 in addition to S-log2 which is available on the A7R II. The last big difference is that the A7S II is able to shoot HD up to 120fps.

Is there an issue with overheating?
Under certain conditions the A7S II and A7R II cameras can overheat when recording 4k internally. This is more likely to happen when the ambient temperature is higher. The good news is that your footage is still written to the SD cards before the camera shuts down. At least in our experience, no guarantees.

Is the HDMI output 10-bit?
No. It is however Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 instead of 4:2:0.

What kind of SD cards are needed for 4k recording?
Both the A7S II and A7R II require SDXC (64gb+) cards that are UHS I speed class 3. We recommend using SanDisk ExtremePro cards for the best performance and reliability.

How do I get into log mode?
Unlike other Sony cameras finding the log settings on the A7 cameras is not very straight forward. The log settings are under the Picture Profile menu. Picture Profile 7 is S-log2 (A7R II, A7S II), Picture Profile 8 is S-log3 (A7S II), and Picture Profile 9 is S-Gammut3.cine/S-log3 (A7S II).

How long do the batteries last?
It depends on how you are using the camera, but generally each battery will last for about 60 minutes. If you are recording with an external recorder the batteries will last about 90 minutes.

How long does it take to charge a battery?
About 90 minutes for a full charge.

Can I use my old lenses?
The answer is likely yes. One of the greatest advantages to Sony’s E mount system is that it has a very short mount flange to sensor distance, much shorter than most other lens mounts. The A7S II and A7R II can be adapted to work with modern lenses like Canon’s EF mount or Nikon mount lenses, and you can get adapters for older manual lenses like Olympus OM, Leica R, Nikon, Canon FD, or 42mm screw mounts. The one thing that you do need to be conscious of is whether or not the lens will cover a full frame. Most modern professional lenses will, and nearly all older lenses will.

How long can I record for?
Like all DSLR’s the A7S II and A7R II are limited to 29 minutes and 59 seconds of continuous recording, regardless of codec, bit rate, or media space.

How many minutes can I fit on a card?

Approximate Recording Times
Format Frame Rate Bit Rate 64gb 128gb 256gb 512gb
4k XAVCS 24p/30p 60mbs 130 min 260 min 520 min 1040 min
24/30p 100mbs 80 min 160 min 320 min 640 min
1920×1080

XAVCS

24p/30p/60p 50mbs 160 min 320 min 640 min 1080 min
120p 100mbs 80 min 160 min 320 min 640 min
120p 60mbs 130 min 260 min 520 min 1040 min
1920×1080

AVCHD

24p 17mbs 515 min 1030 min 2060 min 4120 min
24p 24mbs 375 min 750 min 1500 min 3000 min
60i 17mbs 515 min 1030 min 2060 min 4120 min
60i 24mbs 375 min 750 min 1500 min 3000 min
60p 28mbs 320 min 640 min 1080 min 2160 min
1920×1080

MP4

24p 16mbs 525 min 1050 min 2100 min 4200 min
60p 28mbs 335 min 670 min 1340 min 2680 min

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