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DC-G97 vs A7S

Quick take: The DC-G97 has the highest resolution at 20MP; the A7S is the most affordable; only the A7S is weather sealed.

16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras

How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.

Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more

Verdictwhich should you buy?

A7S — Astrophotography & Low-Light: 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
A7S (2014)
is the right camera for you if…
  • Astrophotographers
  • Low-light event videographers
  • Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification DC-G97Lumix · 2024A7SSony · 2014
Price £649£600Best
Sensor 20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
Resolution 20.3MPBest12.2MP
Video Unlimited 4K/30p, V-Log L pre-installed1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder)
Autofocus Contrast-detect AF with Depth-from-Defocus, face/eye detectionContrast-detect AF, 25 points
Stabilisation 5-axis IBIS (4-stop)No stabilisation
Burst Rate 6fps (continuous AF)Best5fps
Battery Life 300 shots (CIPA, estimated)~370 shots (CIPA)Best
Weight 530g (with battery and card)474g (with battery and card)Best
Dimensions —126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm
Weather Sealed Not weather sealedYesBest
Viewfinder EVF, 2.36M dotsElectronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification
Screen Fully articulating touchscreen3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots
Mount Micro Four ThirdsSony FE (full-frame E-mount)
Memory Cards Single SD (UHS-II)Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot
Connectivity USB-C, micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, BluetoothMulti/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC

Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.

How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
DC-G97
A7S
Portrait
5.2/10
5.3/10
Street
5.6/10
5.7/10
Travel
5.1/10
5.8/10
Wedding & Events
3.8/10
4.3/10
Vlogging & Video
5.7/10
—
Filmmaking
4.9/10
5.9/10
Documentary
4.7/10
5.6/10
Sports & Action
4.6/10
4.8/10
Landscape
4.3/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
5.3/10
5.4/10
Casual
5.7/10
3.6/10
Food
6.2/10
4.9/10
Macro
6.2/10
4.3/10
Architecture
5.0/10
4.7/10
Astrophotography
4.2/10
6.0/10

Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →

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