Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7? If you’re in the market for a full-frame, mirrorless compact system camera, the Sony A7 range has to be top of your hitlist. But which A7 model is right for you: Sony A7s or A7R or A7? Marcus Hawkins takes a look at the three contenders in our Sony A7 comparison.
The Sony A7s, Sony’s new full-frame E-mount compact system camera, sits at the top of the flagship ‘expert’ line of Alpha models.
A highly-specified camera that offers full-frame 4K video shooting capabilities and high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 409,600, the Sony A7s is a tempting prospect for digital film-makers as well as photographers who need a camera that can essentially see in the dark.
SEE MORE: Sony A7s: new full-frame compact adds 4K video recording, ISO 409,600
The A7s release date and price have yet to be confirmed, but it shares much in common with the already-available Sony A7 and A7R, including a BIONZ X image processor, a full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor and the same compact camera body.
SEE MORE: Sony A7 / A7R review
The Sony A7s lacks the ultra-high resolution of the A7R and the hybrid phase detection/contrast detection autofocus system of the A7, but it introduces a newly developed sensor that offers a similar sensitivity range to the Nikon D4s.
So is the Sony A7s the best camera for your needs, or should you consider either the A7R or the A7 instead? Do you need 4K video or is Full HD more than enough?
Is the ability to shoot handheld in low light important or are do you always shoot with a tripod and need high resolution images instead?
Hopefully, this Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7 comparison will highlight the key differences that will make your buying decision easier…
Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7 comparison: 01 Sensor resolution and ISO
At 12.1MP, the Sony A7s’s newly-developed CMOS sensor has the lowest resolution of the three cameras. The Sony A7 offers twice the resolution at 24.3MP, while the A7R’s sensor packs in 36.4MP – the same as the Nikon D800.
SEE MORE
Sony A7r vs Nikon D800 – which full-frame camera should you buy?
Sony A7r vs Nikon Df – which full-frame camera should you buy?
With the trend for high-resolution full-frame sensors, the A7s seems a step backwards. After all, Nikon’s previous generation FX-format DSLRs – the Nikon D700 and Nikon D3 – both offered the same 12.1MP resolution.
However, with fewer, larger pixels on the Exmor CMOS sensor, the Sony A7s offers the potential for an improved signal-to-noise ratio, and as a result should deliver a better low-light performance.
The A7s offers a native ISO sensitivity range of ISO 100-102,400 for stills (expandable to ISO 50-409,600), and ISO 200-102,400 for movies (expandable to ISO 200-409,600).
In comparison, the A7R offers a native ISO range of ISO 100-6,400 for stills, which can be boosted to give a low ISO of 50 and high ISO of 25,600.
The ‘s’ in A7s stands for ‘sensitivity’, and for good reason: it offers a native ISO performance that’s 4 stops better than the A7R.
How often you’re likely to need – or be desperate enough to use – the maximum ISO of 409,600 is debatable though.
PAGE 1 – Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7 comparison: 01 Sensor resolution and ISO
PAGE 2 – Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7 comparison: 02 Video
PAGE 3 – Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7 comparison: 03 Design and build quality
PAGE 4 – Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7 comparison: 04 Continuous shooting and battery life
PAGE 5 – Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7 comparison: 05 Autofocus and metering
PAGE 6 – Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7 comparison: 06 Price
PAGE 7 – Sony A7s vs A7R vs A7 comparison: our conclusion
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