EOS M5vs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Travel & Portrait — EOS M5 (2016): The EOS M5 was the first EF-M camera with a built-in EVF — and it made the system feel complete. Fast Dual Pixel AF, a 9fps burst, and a high-resolution articulating screen deliver a confident shooting experience. No IBIS and 1080p video only limit its appeal for hybrid work, but for stills photographers it remains one of the most well-rounded EF-M bodies available.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (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.
Who should buy what
EOS M5 (2016)
- Enthusiast photographers who want an EVF in a compact EF-M body
- Photographers switching from DSLR who want familiar handling
- Portrait and travel photographers who value fast AF and good ergonomics
- Used-market buyers wanting a capable EF-M stills camera
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The eos m5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the eos m5 is the most affordable; only the a7s is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | EOS M5 (2016) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £600 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS (Dual Pixel) | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with face detection | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | — | None |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~295 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 427g (body only) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 116.2 × 88.1 × 60.6mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.39" type | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Canon EF-M mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | EOS M5 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Casual | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Astrophotography | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history