Sony a7s Review

There are currently three full-frame compact system cameras available from Sony, giving photographers an option based on the characteristics that are most important to them as individuals.

The Sony Alpha a7R, with its 36 megapixels of resolution, is the best choice for photographers who place a premium on the highest possible level of detail resolution. On the other hand, the Sony Alpha a7S, with its 12 megapixels of resolution, is the best choice for photographers who place a premium on low-light performance and video quality.

The Sony Alpha a7 with 24 megapixels is positioned as the camera that best represents the middle ground since it can record great detail while still providing faster reaction times than the A7R.

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Sony a7S Mirrorless Digital Camera

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 2:16 am

The Sony E-mount is present in the A7S, just like on the A7 and the A7R. However, the full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor on the A7S has 12.2 million effective pixels. This is combined with the most recent processing engine from Sony, Bionz X, which enables Sony’s diffraction-reducing technology to provide better images when the aperture size is reduced.

Sony a7s Video features.

Additionally, Sony has crammed significant video technology inside the A7S. To begin, it can record 4K video to an external device linked through an HDMI connection. This feature alone will make it appealing to both amateur and professional filmmakers.

An audio level display that allows sound to be changed over 32 steps Live (real-time) and Lip-sync settings, and an optional XLR Adaptor kit that connects professional microphones via the camera’s hot shoe all contribute to the camera’s pro appeal.

In addition, there is a stereo headphone port for monitoring the sound. This zebra view shows regions that are getting near to burning out and focus peaking that assist with manually focusing the camera.

It is also the first full-frame camera to include full-pixel readout without pixel binning, which should result in improved image quality and a more appealing bokeh. Sony released the A7S.

The resolution of the videos that the camera may capture is restricted to either full high definition or a lesser setting. Recording in the XAVC S format is now feasible, thanks to Sony. This paves the way for Full HD recording at 50Mbps, which results in improved image quality and lower overall noise levels.

Sony a7s Build Quality.

The Canon 6D and the Nikon D610 have significantly reduced the size of full-frame cameras during the past several years. However, Sony’s Alpha 7-series of compact system cameras (CSC) establishes a new standard for the length of full-frame cameras.

The Micro Four Thirds sensor in the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is smaller than the APS-C format devices in CSCs, such as the Fuji X-T1 and the Samsung NX30. On the other hand, the Sony A7S and the A7 and A7R camera bodies are very similar in size to the Olympus OM-D E-M5, except for a slightly more bulbous grip.

The A7S has a sturdy and reliable sensation when held in hand due to the use of magnesium alloy in constructing the top and front covers and some interior areas. The texture of the little control buttons dispersed around the body’s surface is exceptionally high-quality, and each of the dials has a knurled edge that increases the purchase that can be achieved with them.

Sony a7s Performance

Even while the Alpha 7S has a lower pixel count, which means that it cannot resolve nearly as much detail as either the Alpha 7 or 7R or the 16-megapixel Nikon D4S, the photographs nevertheless look sharp right after they are taken and have enough detail to generate high-quality prints on an A3 size paper.

Noise is very nicely managed, and although I wouldn’t advocate using ISO 409,600 unless you have to, the results when photographing real-world situations appear a tiny bit better from the 12Mp A7S than they do from the Nikon D4S. This is because the noise is better controlled on the A7S.

Even when set to a high level of sensitivity, JPEGs have a relatively low amount of chromatic noise, as we have seen from the results of other contemporary Sony cameras. However, a stippled texture appears at 100% (actual pixels) on the screen and becomes more pronounced when the sensitivity is increased. This may not seem comforting when viewed at 100%, but it successfully conveys the idea of detail at more typical viewing sizes.

Sony a7s Image Quality.

During this evaluation, the Sony A7S captured photographs of exceptionally high quality. The ISO range of the Sony A7S can go from 50 to 409,600, which is rather large and helpful. Furthermore, ISO 50-3200 is noise-free, while ISO 6400 and 12,800 yield more than satisfactory results, and even ISO 25,600 and 51,200 are appropriate for usage in an emergency.

Although the most sensitive settings of 102,400, 204,800, and 409,600 have a lot of background noise, they let you take photos in almost complete darkness. However, the RAW examples show how much processing the camera undertakes by default since they are significantly noisier than their JPEG counterparts across the board, regardless of the ISO value.

The 312-megapixel photographs come out of the camera slightly soft when using the default creative style. For the best results, you should sharpen them some more by utilizing an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you may adjust the degree of sharpening that the camera applies automatically.

The night shot turned out well thanks to the camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and its Bulb mode, which allow lots of room for creative experimentation during nighttime shooting.

The efficient Dynamic Range Optimizer function may extract additional data from an image’s shadow and highlight sections without adding any noise or other artifacts that aren’t wanted.

The High Dynamic Range mode combines the results of two separate images taken at various exposures into a single image. The result is an image that has a higher dynamic range than what would be produced by a single photograph. However, it does yield some excellent effects even though it can only function with JPEGs and stationary subjects. Even after all these years, using Sony’s Sweep Panorama is still a delightful experience.

While the many Picture Effects enable you to create unique looks in a short amount of time, which would generally need you to spend a significant amount of time in the digital darkroom, the Creative Styles make it simple and quick to adjust the JPEG photos captured by the camera.

Sony a7s Specs

Body typeSLR-style mirrorless
Body materialMagnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution4240 x 2832
Other resolutions4240 x 2384, 2768 x 1848, 2768 x 1560, 2128 x 1416, 2128 x 1200, 1376 x 920, 1376 x 776
Image ratio w h3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels12 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors12 megapixels
Sensor sizeFull frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ProcessorBionz X
Color spacesRGB, AdobeRGB
Color filter arrayPrimary color filter
Image
ISOAuto, 100-102400
Boosted ISO (minimum)50
White balance presets10
Custom white balanceYes
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsExtra fine, fine, standard
File formatJPEG (DCF 2.0, EXIF 2.3)RAW (ARW 2.3)
Image parametersContrast, saturation, sharpness
Optics & Focus
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View.
Autofocus assist lampYes
Digital zoomYes (2x)
Manual focusYes
Number of focus points25
Lens mountSony E
Focal length multiplier
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCDTilting
Screen size3″
Screen dots921,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typeTFT-LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification0.71×
Viewfinder resolution2,400,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed30 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/8000 sec
Exposure modesAutoProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual
Scene modesPortrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur
Built-in flashNo
External flashYes (via Multi Interface shoe)
Flash X sync speed1/250 sec
Drive modesSingle, continuous, speed priority constant, self-timer, bracketing (AE, white balance, DRO)
Continuous drive5.0 fps
Self-timerYes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures))
Metering modesMultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±5 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
WB BracketingYes
Videography features
ResolutionsXAVC S 1080/60p(50Mbps), 30p (50Mbps), 24p (50Mbps). 720 120p (50Mbps). AVCHD 60p (28Mbps), 60i (24Mbps/17Mbps), 24p (24Mbps/17Mbps)
FormatMPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Videography notesXLR support via adapter
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Connectivity
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (micro-HDMI port with 4:2:2 8-bit 4K or 1080 video output)
Microphone portYes
Headphone portYes
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless noteswith NFC and wireless control via smartphone
Remote controlYes (wired)
Physical
Environmentally sealedYes
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionNP-FW50 lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)380
Weight (inc. batteries)489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz)
Dimensions127 x 94 x 48 mm (5 x 3.7 x 1.89″)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingNo
GPSNone

Sony a7s Verdict

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Sony a7S Mirrorless Digital Camera

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 2:16 am

Compared to the Sony A7 and the Sony A7R, the pixel count of the A7S is significantly lower, and its price is also considerably more. As a result, I do not believe that the A7S will find widespread favor among photography enthusiasts. Wedding photographers will appreciate its low-light capability and rarely need to produce prints larger than A3. However, it could be very popular with enthusiasts and professional videographers who want to build a rig around a small camera. Wedding photographers also rarely need to produce prints larger than A3 size.

These users will discover that the camera can deliver high-quality photographs and video recordings in various settings and environments. However, to get the most out of the A7S’s video capabilities, the camera has to be integrated into a setup that also consists of an external recorder. Only then will it be possible to store 4K footage? In addition, experimentation with the wide variety of video parameters will also be required of users to get a look that is pleasing to them or one that is acceptable for grading after capture.

The A7S also benefits from having the same lens mount as the higher-resolution A7 and A7R. This allows professional users who invest in the range to choose which model to use based on the shoot’s requirements, such as low-light capability (with the A7S), maximum detail resolution (with the A7R), or a more responsive all-rounder (A7).

Sony a7s FAQs

What is Sony A7S used for?

Because of its high sensitivity and dynamic range capabilities, the Sony A7S is primarily utilized for low-light photographs and video recording.

Is Sony A7S still good?

Even though it’s a few years old, the Sony A7S is still a decent camera for taking photos and videos in low light, even though it’s been discontinued.

Is that the Sony A7S full-frame?

There is a 35mm sensor housed within the Sony A7S, making it a full-frame camera.

Is a Sony A7S a DSLR?

No, the Sony A7S is not a DSLR; instead, it is a mirrorless camera.

What is the price of the Sony A7S?

When it was first made available, the Sony A7S had a suggested retail price of approximately USD 2,500. However, this number has since changed depending on location in which it is sold.

Is Sony A7S waterproof?

Although not watertight, the Sony A7S has been weather-sealed to ensure it is protected from the elements and can withstand humidity and grime.

Does Sony A7S have autofocus?

The Sony A7S has an autofocus system that utilizes 25 contrast-detection points.

Does A7S overheat?

When recording for prolonged periods, the Sony A7S camera may become too hot to handle; however, it is equipped with sophisticated heat management technology that helps mitigate this risk.

Does Sony A7S have a silent shutter?

The Sony A7S has a silent shutter option, which is helpful when photographing in peaceful settings or documenting spontaneous moments.

Is Sony A7S discontinued?

Although the Sony A7S has been out of production since September 2018, the model is still sold in some countries and regions.

What year did Sony A7S come out?

The Sony A7S was first made available to consumers in April 2014.

Does Sony A7S have WIFI?

Yes, the Sony A7S is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables users to easily transmit files and take control of the camera remotely using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Does Sony A7S have eye AF?

Yes, the Sony A7S is equipped with Eye AF (autofocus), which finds and follows the subject’s eye to achieve precise and clear focusing.

What lens mount is the Sony A7S?

The Sony A7S is equipped with a Sony E-mount, allowing interchangeable lenses to be used.

Is Sony A7S good for astrophotography?

Yes, the Sony A7S is a capable camera for astrophotography thanks to its high sensitivity, low noise performance, and full-frame sensor. This is particularly true when the camera is coupled with fast lenses with a broad field of view.

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