A7 IIvs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Travel, Portrait — A7 II (2014): The camera that proved full-frame IBIS was possible in a compact body.
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
A7 II (2014)
- Photographers upgrading from APS-C who want full-frame on a budget
- Film shooters adapting vintage lenses (IBIS helps enormously)
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The a7 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7 II (2014) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £549 | £600 |
| Sensor | Full-frame BSI CMOS 35mm | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 1080p 60fps | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | 117-point phase-detect hybrid AF | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 4.5 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 5fps |
| Battery Life | 350 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 599g (body only) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 95.7 × 59.7mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.71× 2.36M-dot | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.23M-dot | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Sony E-Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | SD / Memory Stick Pro Duo | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, NFC, Micro USB, Micro HDMI | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7 II | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with A7 II
Camera family history