A7 IVvs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Portrait & Wedding Photography — A7 IV (2021): The full-frame portrait benchmark — 33MP, AI Eye AF, and exceptional skin-tone rendering in a pro-grade hybrid 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 IV (2021)
- Working photographers who want a reliable full-frame all-rounder
- Portrait, wedding, and event photographers needing 33MP and fast AF
- A7 III owners ready for a major upgrade in resolution, AF, and video
- Hybrid shooters who want 4K/60p and 33MP stills in one dependable body
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The a7 iv has the highest resolution at 33mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7 IV (2021) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,299 | £600 |
| Sensor | 33MP Full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 33.0MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K/60p oversampled, 10-bit internal, S-Log3, S-Cinetone | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | 759-point phase-detect, AI subject recognition | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~580 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 659g body only | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 131.3 × 96.4 × 79.8mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.78× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: CFexpress Type A + SD UHS-II | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7 IV | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Portraits | — | |
| Outdoor Portraits | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Travel | — | |
| Portrait | — |
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