Sony a7 II vs a7S Comparison
Sony a7 II
Sony a7S
Price | |||
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7 II | a7S | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | November 20, 2014 | April 06, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7 II outperforms the Sony a7S with a score of 69/100 compared to 55/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2014. They share the same dimensions, with the a7 II being slightly heavier at 599g compared to the a7S at 489g.
The Sony a7 II’s higher score signifies its superior performance. It offers better value with a launch price of $1600, while the a7S originally cost $2499. However, the Sony a7S does have an advantage in being lighter, making it more portable for photographers on the go.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 II is the stronger choice for most users due to its better performance and affordable price. The Sony a7S may be a better option for those who prioritize portability above all else.
Sony a7 II vs a7S Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 II triumphs over the Sony a7S in the optics department with a score of 78/100 compared to the latter’s 60/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, shooting speed of 5fps, full-frame sensor size, and the same lens mount. Despite these similarities, the Sony a7 II outperforms the a7S in certain aspects.
One of the main advantages of the Sony a7 II is its higher megapixel count of 24.2, compared to the a7S’s 12.2. This results in better image resolution and detail, allowing for larger prints and more cropping flexibility. Additionally, the a7 II boasts a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 90, which implies superior overall image quality and better low-light performance than the a7S with its score of 87.
Another significant difference is the presence of image stabilization in the Sony a7 II. This feature helps reduce the impact of camera shake, enabling sharper images even at slower shutter speeds. The Sony a7S, on the other hand, lacks this function, making it more prone to blurry images due to camera shake.
However, the Sony a7S does have its merits. Its lower megapixel count allows for better high ISO performance and less noise in low-light situations, making it a suitable choice for videographers or those who frequently shoot in dimly lit environments.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 II emerges as the superior choice in terms of optics, offering a higher megapixel count, better overall image quality, and image stabilization. The Sony a7S, while not as versatile, still provides excellent low-light performance, making it a viable option for specific shooting conditions.
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Optics
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7S
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.3 MP | 12.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 4240 x 2832 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.9 x 35.8 mm | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5 fps | 5 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E | Sony FE | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz X | Bionz X | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 50 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 51,200 | 102,400 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 51200 | 409600 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 117 | 25 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |  | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,000 dots | 2,400,000 dots |
Sony a7 II vs a7S Video Performance
The Sony a7 II and the Sony a7S both have a video score of 56/100, indicating that their video capabilities are quite similar. Both cameras share common specifications, such as Full HD maximum video resolution, 1920 x 1080 maximum video dimensions, and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. Additionally, neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.
Despite having the same video score, the Sony a7 II offers some advantages over the a7S. The a7 II’s in-body image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in smoother and more stable videos. This feature is particularly useful when shooting handheld or in low light situations.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S has its own strengths, such as its exceptional low light performance. The a7S is known for its ability to capture clean, noise-free footage in dimly lit environments, making it an ideal choice for videographers who frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions.
Taking these factors into consideration, it is clear that both cameras have their own unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to video capabilities. The Sony a7 II’s in-body image stabilization may be more appealing to those who prioritize smooth and stable footage, while the a7S’s low light performance will be more attractive to videographers who often shoot in poorly lit environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
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Video
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Sony a7S
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD | Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | XAVC S | XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Sony a7 II vs a7S Features and Benefits
The Sony a7 II wins in the feature comparison with a score of 57/100, while the Sony a7S scores slightly lower at 54/100. Both cameras share several specifications, making them comparable in many aspects. They both have a 3-inch screen size, lack a touchscreen, feature a flip screen, do not have GPS, and include WIFI connectivity. Additionally, neither camera offers Bluetooth capability.
The Sony a7 II outperforms the a7S in screen resolution, boasting 1,230,000 dots compared to the a7S’s 921,000 dots. This higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image when reviewing photos on the camera’s screen. This advantage enhances the user experience, making it easier to review and adjust settings during shooting sessions.
The Sony a7S, despite its lower feature score, has its own strengths. Although it has a lower screen resolution, the camera still offers a flip screen and WIFI connectivity, making it suitable for photographers who prioritize these features. However, it is important to note that the a7S does not surpass the a7 II in any specific feature.
Based on the feature comparison, the Sony a7 II is the stronger camera due to its higher screen resolution. The Sony a7S may still be a suitable option for some photographers, but it does not offer any distinct advantages over the a7 II. Therefore, the a7 II is the recommended choice for photographers seeking a camera with better features.
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Features
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Sony a7S
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,230,000 dots | 921,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Sony a7 II vs a7S Storage and Battery
The Sony a7 II and Sony a7S show similar performance in this area. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. They also utilize the same NP-FW50 battery type. The a7 II has USB charging capabilities.
However, the Sony a7S has a slight advantage with a battery life of 380 shots, compared to the Sony a7 II’s 350 shots. This difference may not be significant for casual users, but it could be crucial for photographers who require longer shooting sessions without changing batteries.
The Sony a7 II does not have any advantages over the Sony a7S in terms of storage and battery. Both cameras share the same specifications, with the exception of the a7S’s marginally better battery life. This similarity in performance indicates that storage and battery should not be the deciding factors when choosing between these two cameras. Instead, potential buyers should consider other features and specifications to determine the best fit for their needs.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony a7S
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 350 shots | 380 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a7 II
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Sony a7S
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24.9 bits | 23.9 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13.6 EVs | 13.2 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 2449 | 3702 |
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Scores
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7S
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Sony a7 II vs a7S – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 II or the Sony a7S:
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User Scores
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Sony a7 II
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Sony a7S
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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