Z5 IIvs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
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
Z5 II (2024)
- DSLR photographers making the switch to full-frame mirrorless
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame Z quality at the most accessible price
- Z5 owners wanting significantly improved autofocus and uncropped 4K
- Landscape and portrait photographers stepping up from APS-C
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The z5 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 II (2024) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £600 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 700g body only | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 II | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Street | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — |
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