Sony a7S vs a7S II Comparison
Sony a7S
Sony a7S II
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Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Model | a7S | a7S II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 | 2015 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | April 06, 2014 | September 11, 2015 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7S II emerges as the winner with a score of 60/100, while the Sony a7S trails behind at 55/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were announced in 2014 and 2015, respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the a7S II being slightly larger at 127 x 96 x 60mm and heavier at 627g compared to the a7S at 127 x 94 x 48mm and 489g.
The a7S II outshines its predecessor with better features and performance, justifying its higher launch price of $3000 compared to the a7S’s $2499. On the other hand, the a7S has the advantage of being lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around.
Taking all these factors into account, the Sony a7S II is the superior camera due to its enhanced features and performance. However, the Sony a7S remains a viable option for those seeking a lighter and more affordable alternative.
Sony a7S vs a7S II Overview and Optics
The Sony a7S II wins in the optics comparison with a score of 66/100, while the Sony a7S scores 60/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as 12.2 megapixels, a shooting speed of 5, a CMOS sensor type, a Bionz X processor, a full-frame sensor size, and a Sony FE lens mount. However, there are differences that make the Sony a7S II a better choice in terms of optics.
The main advantage of the Sony a7S II is its image stabilization feature, which the Sony a7S lacks. Image stabilization is crucial for reducing camera shake and producing sharper images, especially in low-light situations or when using a telephoto lens. This feature makes the Sony a7S II more versatile and reliable for various shooting conditions.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S has a slightly higher DXOMARK score for the sensor, with 87 compared to the Sony a7S II’s 85. This means that the Sony a7S may produce marginally better image quality in certain situations. However, this small difference is not significant enough to outweigh the benefits of image stabilization in the Sony a7S II.
Considering these factors, the Sony a7S II is the better choice for photographers who prioritize image stabilization and versatility in various shooting conditions. The Sony a7S may still be an option for those who value a marginally higher sensor score, but the overall advantages of the Sony a7S II make it the superior camera in terms of optics.
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Optics
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Sony a7S
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Sony a7S II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.2 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. | 4240 x 2832 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. | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | 23.8 x 35.8 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. | 102,400 | 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. | 409600 | 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. | 25 | 169 | |
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 | 2,400,000 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
Sony a7S vs a7S II Video Performance
The Sony a7S and Sony a7S II both have a video score of 56/100, indicating that their video capabilities are equally strong. They share several features, such as a maximum video frame rate of 60fps and no built-in time-lapse functionality. However, there are some differences between these two cameras that may make one more suitable for certain users.
The Sony a7S II has an advantage in terms of video resolution, as it can record 4K video at a maximum dimension of 3840 x 2160. This is a significant improvement over the Sony a7S, which can only record Full HD video at a maximum dimension of 1920 x 1080. The higher resolution offered by the a7S II allows for more detailed and sharper video footage, which is especially beneficial for professional videographers or those who want to create high-quality content.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S has a higher maximum video frame rate at 60fps, compared to the a7S II’s 30fps. This means that the a7S can capture smoother motion in its videos, which can be important for filming fast-moving subjects or creating slow-motion effects. However, this advantage is limited due to the lower resolution of the a7S’s video.
In comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a7S and Sony a7S II, it is clear that the a7S II’s 4K video resolution is a major advantage. While the a7S has a higher maximum frame rate, this benefit is diminished by its lower video resolution. Users who prioritize video quality and detail should consider the a7S II, while those who require smoother motion capture may find the a7S sufficient.
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Video
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Sony a7S II
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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 |  4K | |
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 | 3840 x 2160 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 | 30 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, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
Sony a7S vs a7S II Features and Benefits
The Sony a7S II outperforms the Sony a7S in features with a score of 57/100, compared to the a7S’s 54/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, no touchscreen, a flip screen, no GPS, WIFI, and no Bluetooth.
The a7S II excels with its screen resolution of 1,228,800 dots, significantly higher than the a7S’s 921,000 dots. This higher resolution provides a sharper and clearer image on the screen, allowing for more precise framing and focusing during shooting. The a7S II’s advantage in screen resolution contributes to its higher feature score.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S does not have any notable advantages over the a7S II in terms of features. Both cameras have the same screen size, lack of touchscreen, flip screen, and connectivity options. The a7S’s lower screen resolution is the main factor contributing to its lower feature score.
Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a7S II is the better camera in terms of features due to its higher screen resolution. The a7S does not offer any particular advantages over the a7S II, which makes the a7S II the preferred choice for those seeking a camera with better features.
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Features
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Sony a7S II
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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. | 921,000 dots | 1,228,800 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 a7S vs a7S II Storage and Battery
The Sony a7S and Sony a7S II both score 21/100 in storage and battery, indicating no difference in this category. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, as well as Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.
The Sony a7S has a slight advantage in battery life, offering 380 shots compared to the a7S II’s 370 shots. Both cameras use the NP-FW50 battery type, and neither offers USB charging. Despite this advantage, the difference of 10 shots is not significant and may not impact the overall performance or user experience.
In this comparison, neither camera stands out as a clear winner in terms of storage and battery. Both cameras share the same specifications, with the a7S having a marginally better battery life. However, this small difference is unlikely to be a deciding factor when choosing between these two cameras.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony a7S II
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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. | 380 shots | 370 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony a7S
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Sony a7S II
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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.' | 23.9 bits | 23.6 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.' | 13.2 EVs | 13.3 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' | 3702 | 2993 |
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Scores
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Sony a7S
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Sony a7S II
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Sony a7S vs a7S II Alternatives
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User Scores
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Sony a7S
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Sony a7S II
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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