Sony a7S
Sony · Mirrorless · 12.2 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a7S |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | April 6, 2014 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 127 x 94 x 48 mm |
| Camera weight | 489 g |
Optics60/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony a7S scores a solid 55/100. With dimensions of 127 x 94 x 48mm and weighing 489g or 1.08lbs, it is a compact and lightweight option. Considering the camera’s specifications, it still holds up decently in today’s market. However, newer models have surpassed the a7S in terms of features and performance. Despite this, the Sony a7S remains a reliable choice for those seeking a mirrorless camera from 2014. Sony a7S Overview and OpticsThe Sony a7S receives a 60/100 score for its optics. With 12.2 megapixels, a shooting speed of 5 fps, and a CMOS sensor, this camera offers decent performance. The Bionz X processor and a DXOMARK score of 87 for the sensor contribute to its overall image quality. Utilizing a full-frame sensor size and Sony FE lens mount, the a7S accommodates a variety of lenses. However, it lacks image stabilization, which may prove challenging in certain shooting situations. The camera’s 3:2 aspect ratio is standard and versatile. Despite these specifications, the Sony a7S faces competition in the market. Many contemporary cameras offer higher megapixel counts, faster shooting speeds, and built-in image stabilization. Nonetheless, the a7S remains a viable option for photographers who prioritize low-light performance and compact design. The optics score and specifications provide a clear understanding of the camera’s capabilities and limitations. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4240 x 2832 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5 fps045 |
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 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. | 1024003003280000 |
Min 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. | 5030200 |
Max 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. | 4096003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max 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. | 800080032000 |
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. | 250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
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 |
| Viewfinder dots | 240000009900000 |
Video56/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony a7S receives a video score of 56/100. It offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 and a maximum frame rate of 60fps. However, it lacks built-in time-lapse functionality. In the current market, these video specifications may not meet the expectations of professional videographers. Many competitors now offer 4K resolution, higher frame rates, and additional video features. The absence of time-lapse functionality also limits the creative possibilities for users. The Sony a7S has decent video capabilities, but they do not stand out in today’s competitive market. Users seeking cutting-edge video features may want to explore other options. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max video format ⓘ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 |
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 fps |
Timelapse 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. | No |
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 |
Features54/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony a7S features score is 54/100. Its screen size measures 3 inches with a resolution of 921,000 dots. This camera does not have a touchscreen, but it does have a flip screen. GPS is not available, but it is equipped with WiFi. However, Bluetooth connectivity is absent. In the current market, the Sony a7S has a decent feature set, but it does lack some modern conveniences. The absence of a touchscreen and Bluetooth may be disappointing for some users, while the flip screen and WiFi connectivity are useful additions. The screen resolution is adequate, but higher resolutions are available in other cameras. The Sony a7S remains a solid choice for those who prioritize video and low light capabilities. However, users seeking advanced features and connectivity options may want to explore other options. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
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. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9210001150001500000 |
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. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony a7S scores 21/100 in storage and battery. This camera has a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, as well as Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. The battery life of the Sony a7S is 380 shots, using the NP-FW50 battery type. However, this camera lacks USB charging capabilities. Comparing these specifications to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony a7S falls short in both storage and battery life. Most modern cameras offer multiple memory card slots and longer battery life, making them more convenient for extended shooting sessions. The absence of USB charging further limits the Sony a7S’s flexibility and practicality. Despite the camera’s impressive optics, video, and features, the storage and battery specifications of the Sony a7S are underwhelming when compared to current market standards. This may impact the decision of potential buyers who value convenience and extended shooting capabilities. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 380 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |