{"id":9664,"date":"2016-01-26T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2016-01-26T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/?p=9664"},"modified":"2016-01-27T15:24:04","modified_gmt":"2016-01-28T01:24:04","slug":"sony-a7s2-accessories-video-core","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/blog\/sony-a7s2-accessories-video-core\/","title":{"rendered":"Gear Up: 10 Essential Accessories for the Sony a7S II"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting the camera is only half the story. You also need the right accessories to use the Sony a7S II<\/strong> to its fullest.<\/p>\n

Selecting a new camera is a big decision, but the real work actually begins after<\/em> you choose your camera and begin rounding up the various accessories you’ll need to use the camera for video production. It can seem like there are so many items to keep track of, that choosing the camera feels like child’s play by comparison.<\/p>\n

This guide is your map to help you cover all of your bases when getting the accessories you need to shoot video with the Sony a7S II<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Memory Cards<\/h2>\n

\"Transcend<\/a><\/p>\n

Compared to its predecessor, the a7S II puts several new recording capabilities into your hands such as internal 4K, 120fps HD video, and more. The a7S II records to SD memory cards, but not just any SD card will do<\/strong>— these new features also bring new memory card requirements:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Card Type:<\/strong> SDXC<\/li>\n
  • Speed Class:<\/strong> UHS Speed Class 3 (U3)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The memory card manufacturer also matters as Sony’s cameras are quite finicky about which memory cards are compatible. Cards from some manufacturers may not work even if they claim to meet the above requirements.<\/p>\n

    The a7S II shoots at a maximum bitrate of 100Mbps, which means a 64GB card can hold about 1.5 hours of video. 128GB cards may also work, but they don’t provide any savings over 64GB cards, but you stand to lose much more footage if a 128GB card ever fails (3+ hours vs 1.5 hours of footage).<\/p>\n

    \n

    Memory Cards<\/strong> (options)<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Best bang for your buck:<\/strong> Transcend 64GB U3 SDXC Card<\/a> — great performance and reliability at an affordable price.<\/li>\n
    • Name recognition:<\/strong> SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB U3 SDXC card<\/a> — good cards, but know that you are paying a premium for the name.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Quantity:<\/strong> Get at least four (4) 64GB cards to allow you to shoot all day.<\/li>\n
      • Protection:<\/strong> Pelican 915 SD Card Case<\/a> — this shock-resistant hard case keeps up to 12 SD cards safe and organized.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

        Batteries<\/h2>\n

        \"Sony<\/a><\/p>\n

        The a7S II includes 2 batteries in the box, but you’ll need several more to make it though a full day of shooting. It’s not so much that the a7S II uses a lot of power, but rather that its batteries are so small<\/em> (about half the size and capacity of the Panasonic GH4’s batteries).<\/p>\n

        As a result, you need at least 6 batteries<\/strong> to keep the a7S II running for a full day of production.<\/p>\n

        \n

        Batteries & Chargers<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Sony NP-FW50 Battery<\/a> (4 minimum)<\/li>\n
        • Sony BC-TRW Battery Charger<\/a> (2 minimum) — Sony NP-FW50 batteries take about 250 minutes (4.2 hours) to fully charge, so it’s a good idea to pick up 2 (or more) additional chargers to cut down on total charging time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Avoid aftermarket batteries<\/strong> — 3rd-party batteries have a shorter runtime than official Sony batteries, and reports of exploding aftermarket batteries means you are putting the camera (and your safety) at risk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

            Bonus: USB Battery Backup<\/h3>\n

            The a7S II can also be powered via its micro-USB port, which means you can power the camera with USB battery packs that are commonly sold for charging mobile phones and tablets.<\/p>\n

            USB battery packs give you a lot of juice in a compact and affordable package. For example, a 20,100mAh USB battery pack like Anker’s PowerCore 20100<\/strong> is the equivalent of nearly 20 Sony batteries for less than $40.<\/p>\n

            \"Anker<\/a><\/p>\n

            A 20,000mAh USB battery pack will definitely get you through an entire day of shooting, but they are not really set up for mounting on your camera. As a result, USB battery packs may be better-suited as a backup power option for the a7S II unless you are shooting with a camera rig set up for mounting them.<\/p>\n

            \n

            USB Battery Backup:<\/strong> Anker PowerCore 20100<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

            Screen Protector<\/h2>\n

            \"Sony<\/a><\/p>\n

            Though it can be tilted up and down, the a7S II’s screen is always exposed whether it’s being used or just sitting in a bag. Additionally, while smartphones and some other camera manufacturers have adopted sturdy scratch-resistant glass, the a7S II’s screen seems somewhat prone to scratches.<\/p>\n

            You need protection.<\/p>\n

            \n

            Screen Protectors<\/strong> (options)<\/p>\n

              \n
            • Sony-branded:<\/strong> Sony PCKLM15 LCD Protector<\/a> — Sony’s official screen protector for the a7S II.<\/li>\n
            • Glass:<\/strong> GGS Sony a7S II LCD Protector<\/a> — this screen protector uses real glass which may provide better clarity and protection than Sony’s plastic screen protector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

              Camera Strap<\/h2>\n

              \"BlackRapid<\/a><\/p>\n

              The a7S II comes with a standard neck strap, but a sling strap<\/strong> provides much better positioning at your side. Also, the sliding clip on a sling strap lets you bring the camera up to your eye more smoothly and quickly when you’re ready to shoot.<\/p>\n

              \n

              Camera Strap:<\/strong> BlackRapid Cross Shot Sling Strap<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

              Alternative: Wrist Strap<\/h3>\n

              I’ve used sling straps for years and they’re great, but if you’re looking for something a bit more minimal, a wrist strap<\/strong> may be a good option.<\/p>\n

              The nice thing about a wrist strap is that you can even make it yourself. For example, here’s a strong and adjustable wrist strap made with some paracord:<\/p>\n

              \"Wrist<\/a><\/p>\n

              Just slip your hand into the wrist strap whenever you pull your camera out of the bag, and you’ll have a secure tether in case you ever lose your grip on the camera. I also added a small loop of paracord on the other side of the a7S II for clipping to a carabiner on my belt when I need both hands free.<\/p>\n

              Here’s a video by Quick FX<\/strong> that shows you how to make your own adjustable camera wrist strap:<\/p>\n