Sony Adds Uncompressed RAW and Phase Detection AF for Faster and More Precise Autofocus to α7 II Full Frame Camera

Sony today announced that it will release a free firmware update for α7 II cameras on November 18^th, 2015 that will add uncompressed 14-Bit RAW image capture and activates phase detection autofocus for faster and more precise autofocus with lenses designed for interchangable lens cameras such as Sony’s A-mount lenses.

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[i] within the menu system.

Additionally, it becomes the second Sony camera, along with the flagship α7R II, to offer fully-functional phase detection autofocus with A-mount lenses in addition to E-mount lenses. The firmware update activates the 117-point focal plane phase detection autofocus sensor on the α7 II for lenses beyond native Sony FE lenses. This includes Sony’s extensive collection of A-mount lenses, which can be utilised along with the LA-EA3 mount adapter.

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 line-up to over 20 different models.

[i]Uncompressed/Compressed RAW