OM-1vs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Wildlife, Sport, Outdoor — OM-1 (2022): OM System's statement camera — class-leading weather sealing and the best IBIS in the business.
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
OM-1 (2022)
- Wildlife and bird photographers who need fast burst and pro weather sealing
- Outdoor photographers who work in challenging conditions
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The om-1 has the highest resolution at 20mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | OM-1 (2022) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £600 |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS stacked BSI | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.4MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K 60fps 10-bit | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | 1053-point cross-type phase-detect, AI subject recognition | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops (8 stops with sync IS) | None |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 50fps electronic, 120fps Pro Capture | 5fps |
| Battery Life | 520 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 599g (body only) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 134.8 × 91.6 × 72.7mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.83× 5.76M-dot | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M-dot | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II / CFexpress Type B | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C 3.1, HDMI, 3.5mm mic/headphone | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | OM-1 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Casual | — | |
| Astrophotography | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Street | — |
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