Decision tools · Compare
1 J5 vs A7S
Quick take: The 1 J5 has the highest resolution at 21MP; the 1 J5 is the most affordable; only the A7S is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·14 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.
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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 | 1 J5Nikon · 2015 | A7SSony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | £303 used |
| Sensor | 20.8MP 1-inch (CX) BSI CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.8MPBest | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K UHD/15p, 1080p/60 | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF: 171 areas, 105 with phase detection; face detection, subject tracking | Contrast-detect AF, 25 points |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 20fpsBest | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~250 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 265g (with battery)Best | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 98.3 × 59.7 × 31.5mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | None (rear screen only) | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Nikon 1 | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single microSD slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB, micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, NFC | Multi/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
1 J5
A7S
Portrait
4.3/10
5.3/10
Street
6.7/10
5.7/10
Travel
6.1/10
5.6/10
Wedding & Events
2.9/10
4.3/10
Filmmaking
3.2/10
5.9/10
Documentary
4.1/10
5.6/10
Sports & Action
4.9/10
4.8/10
Landscape
3.9/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
5.1/10
5.4/10
Casual
5.0/10
3.7/10
Food
4.8/10
4.9/10
Macro
3.4/10
4.3/10
Architecture
3.9/10
4.7/10
Astrophotography
3.0/10
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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