When Sony launched the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R two years ago, the manufacturer was looking to target two different types of photographer. While the Alpha 7 was out to appeal to enthusiasts looking for a full-frame camera with an ‘all-round' level of performance, the Alpha 7R was aimed at landscape and...

After the introduction of the Sony Alpha 7 II and Sony Alpha 7R II it was only a matter of time before Sony introduced the update to the Alpha 7S, its 12Mp, low light and video-centric model which has become popular in the film and television industry.

I have used the A7SII for over a year and stunning says it all. From stills to video, especially in low light, the system performs as advertised. Have shot in all conditions with no complications save that the sensor is a dust magnet and must be cleaned from time to time.

The A7 II’s stabilisation sets it apart from every other full-frame camera on the market. For shooting handheld video, for shooting with long lenses or for shooting longer exposures in low light conditions, it’s a star. But it’s outstanding in almost all other aspects too. Like the original A7 before it, it’s a masterfully-built, well-designed camera that delivers spectacular stills and excellent video. And all in a fairly compact package, considering its capabilities. It’s not cheap (and don't forget, the price above is for the body without a lens) but if you’re seeking the best all-round system camera Sony has to offer, this is it.

Stellar imaging quality; 5-axis stabilisation massively boosts handheld performance; Top notch build quality and design;

No 4K video option;

Stellar imaging quality; 5-axis stabilisation massively boosts handheld performance; Top notch build quality and design;

No 4K video option;

Stellar imaging quality; 5-axis stabilisation massively boosts handheld performance; Top notch build quality and design;

No 4K video option;

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

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

Great OIS; Excellent dynamic range and image quality; Improved handling;

Quite noisy; Fairly poor battery stamina;

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.