Sony · Camera History

Sony A7S Series

Sony's low-light specialist full-frame mirrorless — three generations.

The Sony A7S line is built around one idea: maximum low-light performance. The original A7S launched in 2014 with a 12.2MP sensor and photosites so large it reached ISO 102,400 cleanly — the moment mirrorless became a serious filmmaking tool. The A7S II added IBIS and in-camera 4K; the A7S III was a complete rethink, with a new 12.1MP BSI stacked sensor, phase-detect AF, 4K/120p, and 10-bit internal recording.

📷 3 generations 💷 £ → £2999 current

Generation 1

Sony A7S

£600 Released 2014 The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.

12MP 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF None 5fps ~370 shots (CIPA) Weather sealed 474g (with battery and card)

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Generation 2

Sony A7S II

£799 Released 2015 A landmark in mirrorless history — the first Sony with IBIS and internal 4K, its low-light video capability still impresses today at a used-market price.

12MP 4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3 169 phase-detect + 25 contrast AF — limited by modern standards 5-axis IBIS — 4.5 stops (first Sony mirrorless with IBIS) 5fps continuous ~370 shots (CIPA) Weather sealed 584g body only

What's new in this generation

IBIS added
Video: 4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3
Price: +£199 vs previous

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Current generation

Sony A7S III

£2999 Released 2020 If video is your primary discipline, the A7S III is the camera. 4K/120p at 10-bit in a weather-sealed body with a 9.44M dot EVF is an extraordinary package. The 12MP sensor isn't limiting for video — and it's usable at ISO 409,600 in a pinch.

12MP 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p Phase-detect, 759 points, real-time Eye AF (human & animal), subject recognition 5.5-stop IBIS 10fps mechanical ~600 shots (CIPA) / ~70min continuous 4K recording Weather sealed 699g (body, battery, card)

What's new in this generation

Stabilisation improved (5.5-stop IBIS)
Burst rate: 10fps mechanical
Video: 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p
Price: +£2,200 vs previous

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All generations at a glance

Spec	A7S (2014)	A7S II (2015)	A7S III (2020)
Price	£600	£799	£2999
Resolution	12MP	12MP	12MP
Video	1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder)	4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3	4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p
Stabilisation	None	5-axis IBIS — 4.5 stops (first Sony mirrorless with IBIS)	5.5-stop IBIS
Burst Rate	5fps	5fps continuous	10fps mechanical
Battery	~370 shots (CIPA)	~370 shots (CIPA)	~600 shots (CIPA) / ~70min continuous 4K recording
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight	474g (with battery and card)	584g body only	699g (body, battery, card)