Sony a7S
Announced April 6, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony a7S is a specialized full-frame camera that excels in low-light environments, offering impressive high ISO performance and dynamic range. While it is a standout tool for video production, the lack of internal 4K recording and a reliance on external devices may limit its appeal for some users.
Weighted from 24 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional low-light sensitivity and high ISO performance
- Extensive dynamic range and high-quality video output
- Highly customizable controls and features
- Silent electronic shutter mode
- Compact, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
Cons
- Requires external recorder for 4K video
- Awkward placement of record button and menu navigation
- Pronounced rolling shutter effects
- Short battery life
- Limited native lens selection
- Launch price $2,499 (USD)
- Sensor 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
- Video 4K 30p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 5.5 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 10 fps electronic 5 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 24 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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Rather than chasing ever more pixels, the Sony A7S takes a conscious step back, featuring an all-new 12.2-megapixel sensor with huge pixels -- by current standards, at least -- as well as some unique tweaks aimed at increasing dynamic range.
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As such, the A7S joins the existing A7 models and forms a formidable line-up of full frame models which meet the demands of enthusiast and professional photographers and one – once there are more lenses available – looks like one of the most impressive on the market.
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It's video where you're going to love this camera. The Sony a7S is just giving you amazing high ISO performance, incredibly good dynamic range, far improved this season, and this camera's got great handling and great customizability.
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The Sony Alpha A7S bucks the trend for more megapixels, by offering a 12 megapixel full-frame sensor, this gives it impressive light capturing abilities, with low noise right up to ISO25600 and above.
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If low-light shooting is your thing, then the Sony A7S should be right at the top of your shopping list.
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It's a great camera but its comparatively low pixel count and high price mean it's unlikely to have wide appeal amongst enthusiast photographers. However, it will find favour with those who need to be able to shoot in near-dark conditions or want lots of control over video.
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The Sony a7S is one of the most amazing cameras I've used; it definitely is a low light king with all of the features that I could want.
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I have been shooting with the Sony A7s for almost two months now, and the truth is I have really been delighted with it.
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It comes down to budget and then if you're a wedding person I'd probably go for the Sony a7S because the low light is crazy and you guys know what you have to have when you shoot receptions and you need to get that low light first dance.
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The A7S is perhaps as important for mirrorless cameras as the announcement of fullframe mirrorless. The fantastic low light performance just goes to show that you don't need a DSLR to achieve that kind of performance.
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It's a fantastic camera if it works for you. If you can work those limitations, awesome, absolutely great.
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[T]he idea of shooting on the beach in near darkness at 9 p.m. (I've done it,) at 100,000 ISO and getting an acceptable image appeals to you, and you'd like to lighten your load with a super compact, yet high quality pro-level camera, take a good look at the A7S.
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The best camera, for my purposes, that I have ever tested, used, or reviewed.
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The A7s isn’t for everyone. It’s Sony’s priciest compact system camera – and yet it feels specialised towards low-light shooting and professional video. It’s very good at both of those things, but given the outlay required you’d expect it to be.
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This camera is a low light monster, and for anyone shooting video at night or if you can't cart around lights, I would venture to say that at this price point you could do no better than the Sony a7S.
- Jason Hermann 4.5/5stars
So this is like a low-light monster, especially for video.
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It's very capable camera, an incredibly capable camera I talk about. It's amazing for the price and what it does is exceptional.
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The A7s is your choice if low light work and video are your primary needs.
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The Sony A7S is the first camera to really beat the Canon 5D Mark III across the board at almost every level for both stills and video, especially the latter.
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The whole world knows the answer to this one, but if you don’t, then here it is: This is the number one low light consumer camera available for videography worldwide.
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I'm really happy with this camera. I think the image quality that it produces is really nice HD video.
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I've had the Sony a7S for four long years. I've put it to the test, I've beat the out of it and I have to say it's an amazing filmmaking tool.
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If you're looking to retire your noise reduction plugin and turn nighttoday shooting on every occasion, the Sony A7S doesn't disappoint as it's the greatest lowlight camera ever made. Guys, the Sony A7S is remarkable.
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I think the 7R and the a7S gives you a good choice between high details, top detail reproduction, and high ISO setting and 4K video.
