S1 IIvs A7S
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.
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
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 (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The s1 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £600 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | Electronic, 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 (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street | ||
| 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