Sony doesn't pull any punches with its second-generation Alpha 7R . The 7R II ($3,199.99, body only) ups its full-frame sensor resolution to 42 megapixels, and it uses a back side-illuminated (BSI) design to keep the low-light performance of its high-res sensor strong.

Excellent 42-megapixel image sensor; Superb high ISO imaging; In-body image stabilization; 5fps continuous shooting; Hybrid autofocus system; Hinged rear display; Excellent EVF; Dust- and moisture-resistant design; 4K video capture

Expensive; Omits PC sync socket; Overly sensitive eye sensor; No built-in flash

Sony has had ambitious plans for the camera market ever since it bought Konica Minolta's camera business in 2006. But after some initial excitement there were only sporadic periods of activity, and the attention of many photographers and industry observers waned somewhat.

High-resolution full-frame sensor; Small; weather-sealed body; High-end video features including in-camera 4K recording

Menu needs streamlining; Video record button awkwardly placed; Relatively limited range of lenses

Sony has turned a lot of heads with the introduction of the Alpha 7R II. It brought so many new features that on the day of announcement, many of us in the office were already thinking 'take my money' - and that was only halfway through the feature list announcement.

Class-leading low light Raw performance; thanks to the first-ever BSI full-frame CMOS; Impressive dynamic range in Raw; even at high ISO; Dramatically improved JPEGs; with sophisticated sharpening and well-controlled noise reduction; DRO and S-Log2 offer extensive dynamic range in JPEG; IBIS and...

No direct AF point control; Lock-on AF still remains unpredictable and often unreliable; Camera focuses stopped down in AF-C; often crippling AF at small apertures or in low light; Eye-AF and Lock-on AF not available with 3rd party lenses; nor in video; Subject tracking in video is poor; while the...

The Sony Alpha A7r Mark II is without a doubt one of the most impressive digital cameras to date: packed to the brim with features and capable of delivering higher quality images and video than anything at its price.

Very high resolution images and a body designed to capture them; 4k video; 1080 at 60p and 720 at 120p; Embedded AF system with broad coverage and good CAF; Built-in stabilisation works with any lens; Large and detailed viewfinder.

Built-in IS only provided one or two stops in my tests, Small dials and buttons; Often confusing menu system, Screen not fully-articulated or touch-sensitive, Smart Remote app needs updating straightaway for manual control, Silent shutter mode reduces RAW dynamic range

The a7Rii has so many options that as a retired truck drive, will probably not use, auto works great for me !! My first DSL camera, CX 100, almost 16yrs old, 14,000 photos, still working good !! I past it on to my daughter, but kept some of the lens that I bought though the years !!

Unbelievable pictures. quality and detail is amazing. Had a bit of an issue witht he purchase. Called the customer service team and I do mean team, resolved under 3 minutes. Where are you going to get that kind of service.

I love this camera!! I know I could've spent a little more money and snagged the a7riii but I felt this would exceed my expectations which is it did and more! I bought this baby and paired it 85mm 1.4 and WOW!

I previously had a Canon PowerShot SX50 HS. I know it is quite a leap to have bought the Sony A7R II however I just LOVE it. It is light compared to the Canon or Nikon that were in the same range of quality. It is easy to use and the quality of my images have increased by 200%.

The Sony Alpha A7R Mark II is the World's first full-frame camera with a 42.4 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor, which should deliver improved noise performance. The camera also offers internal 4K video recording, plus a 399-point hybrid AF system, and an updated design compared to the 36 megapixel A7R...

Excellent image quality possible; 5-axis image stabilisation system; Impressive noise performance considering high resolution; Improved range of high quality lenses available; Includes 2 batteries and a charger in the box; Extended ISO range; 4K video recording; Wi-Fi and NFC; Sony PlayMemories...

5fps continuous shooting could be too slow for some; USB3 would speed up image transfers

Sony has had ambitious plans for the camera market ever since it bought Konica Minolta's camera business in 2006. But after some initial excitement there were only sporadic periods of activity, and the attention of many photographers and industry observers waned somewhat.