S1 IIvs A7S II
Sony
A7S II (2015)
Starting from £799 new
Best for Low-light video, documentary & available-light filmmaking
View A7S II
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Hybrid & Video — S1 II (2025): The S1 II is the full-frame L-mount hybrid camera Panasonic's system has been waiting for — phase-detect AF, 4K/120p, class-leading IBIS, and a professional build in one complete package. It addresses every weakness of the original S1 and positions Lumix firmly back in the conversation for serious hybrid shooters.
Low-Light Video, Documentary & Available-Light Filmmaking — A7S II (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.
Who should buy what
S1 II (2025)
- Hybrid photographers who need excellent stills and serious video capability
- Video professionals who want full-frame quality with 4K/120p
- Landscape and portrait photographers who want maximum stabilisation
- L-mount system users upgrading from S1 or S5 II
A7S II (2015)
- Filmmakers and videographers who want legendary low-light performance at a used-price discount
- Documentary shooters working in unpredictable available light conditions
- A7S III shooters who want a second Sony FE body for backup or B-camera use
- Budget-conscious video producers who want full-frame 4K with S-Log at an accessible price
Quick take: The s1 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | A7S II (2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £799 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3 |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | 169 phase-detect + 25 contrast AF — limited by modern standards |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | 5-axis IBIS — 4.5 stops (first Sony mirrorless with IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 5fps continuous |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 584g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 126.9 × 95.7 × 60.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-I slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth (via app), Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic jack |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | A7S II |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Wedding | — | |
| Sports | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with S1 II
Camera family history