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Sony a7 vs a7S Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Sony a7

Sony a7 camera image
Winner!
63%

Sony a7S

Sony A7S camera image
55%
Sony a7
vs
Sony a7S
Price
Brand
Sony
Sony
Model
a7
a7S
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2013
2014
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
October 16, 2013
April 06, 2014
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony a7 outperforms the Sony a7S with a score of 63/100 compared to 55/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share the same dimensions of 127 x 94 x 48mm. They were released within a year of each other, with the a7 in 2013 and the a7S in 2014.

The Sony a7 has the advantage of a lower launch price at $1700, as opposed to the a7S’s $2499. Additionally, the a7 is lighter, weighing 474g, while the a7S weighs 489g. These factors contribute to the a7’s higher score.

On the other hand, the Sony a7S, despite its lower score, may offer some unique features not found in the a7. However, based on the general specifications provided, the Sony a7 seems to be the better choice due to its lower price and lighter weight.

Sony a7 vs a7S Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 wins in the optics comparison with a score of 70/100, while the Sony a7S scores 60/100. Both cameras share several specifications. They have the same shooting speed of 5 frames per second, sensor type (CMOS), processor (Bionz X), sensor size (full frame), lens mount (Sony E for a7 and Sony FE for a7S), and lack of image stabilization.

The Sony a7 outperforms the a7S in some areas. It has a higher megapixel count of 24 compared to the a7S’s 12.2, enabling the a7 to capture more detailed images. The a7’s sensor also has a higher DXOMARK score of 90, compared to the a7S’s 87. This difference suggests that the a7 has better overall image quality.

In contrast, the Sony a7S has a lower megapixel count, which can be beneficial in certain situations. Lower megapixels can result in better low-light performance and less noise in images. This advantage makes the a7S a more suitable choice for photographers who frequently shoot in low light conditions or prioritize noise reduction.

To conclude, the Sony a7 is the winner in this optics comparison due to its higher score, which reflects its superior image quality and detail capturing capabilities. The Sony a7S, however, may be more suitable for those who prioritize low-light performance and noise reduction. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.

Optics
Optics
70%
60%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24 MP
12.2 MP
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 FE
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.
100
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.
25,600
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.
100
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.
25600
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 vs a7S Video Performance

The Sony a7 and Sony a7S both have a video score of 56/100, indicating no clear winner in this category. These cameras share several video specifications, including Full HD max video resolution, max video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and a max video frame rate of 60fps. Additionally, neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.

Despite their identical scores, the Sony a7S does have some advantages over the Sony a7 in video capabilities. The a7S is known for its excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for shooting videos in darker environments or at night. This feature is not as prominent in the Sony a7, which may struggle in low-light situations.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 also has its strengths. This camera offers a higher megapixel count, which can result in more detailed still images. However, this advantage does not directly impact the video capabilities of the camera, as both cameras share the same video specifications.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7S is better suited for videographers who often shoot in low-light conditions, while the Sony a7 may be more appealing to those who prioritize higher resolution still images. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Both cameras offer solid video capabilities, but neither outshines the other in this category.

Video
Video
56%
56%
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
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.
AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4
XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4

Sony a7 vs a7S Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 wins in terms of features with a score of 57/100, while the Sony a7S scores slightly lower at 54/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 3-inch screen size, no touchscreen, flip screen, no GPS, WIFI, and no Bluetooth.

The Sony a7 outperforms the a7S primarily in screen resolution. The a7 boasts a higher resolution of 1,230,000 dots, which offers a clearer and more detailed display compared to the a7S’s 921,000 dots. This difference in screen resolution allows for better image review and menu navigation on the a7.

On the other hand, the Sony a7S does not have any significant advantages over the a7 in terms of features. Both cameras share the same set of specifications, apart from the screen resolution where the a7 is superior. Therefore, the a7S does not provide any additional benefits in this aspect.

To conclude, the Sony a7 is the better choice when considering features, mainly due to its higher screen resolution. This advantage enhances the user experience, allowing for improved image review and smoother menu navigation. The Sony a7S, while having similar specifications, does not offer any noteworthy benefits over the a7 in this category.

Features
Features
57%
54%
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
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 vs a7S Storage and Battery

The Sony a7 and Sony a7S both score 21/100 in storage and battery, indicating no clear winner in this category. They share several specifications, including having one memory card slot, accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards, using the NP-FW50 battery type, and lacking USB charging capabilities.

Despite the tied scores, the Sony a7S has a slight advantage with a battery life of 380 shots, compared to the Sony a7’s 340 shots. This means the a7S can capture more images before requiring a battery change or recharge.

However, the Sony a7 does not have any specific advantages in storage and battery over the a7S. Both cameras have the same limitations and capabilities in this aspect.

Considering these points, the Sony a7S is slightly better in terms of battery life, while the Sony a7 offers no specific advantages. Potential buyers should weigh the importance of the longer battery life in the a7S against other factors when choosing between these cameras.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
21%
21%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
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.
340 shots
380 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
90%
87%
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.'
24.8 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.'
14.2 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'
2248
3702
Scores

Alternatives to the Sony a7 and a7S

Sony a7 vs a7S Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 or the Sony a7S:

User Scores
B&H photo video
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