A7R VIvs A7S
Sony
A7R VI (2025)
Starting from £4399 new
Best for Studio, landscape and commercial photographers needing maximum resolution
View A7R VI
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Studio, Landscape And Commercial Photographers Needing Maximum Resolution — A7R VI (2025): The A7R VI cements its place as the resolution flagship of the Sony full-frame range — 61MP, AI-driven autofocus, and 8K video make it as capable for video and action work as it is for studio and landscape photography. The price reflects its position at the top of the lineup, but the capability is hard to match.
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
A7R VI (2025)
- Studio and commercial photographers who need maximum resolution for large prints and heavy cropping
- Landscape photographers who want best-in-class dynamic range and detail
- Hybrid shooters who need 8K video alongside a 61MP stills sensor
- Professionals upgrading from the A7R V who want faster AI-driven autofocus
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The a7r vi has the highest resolution at 61mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7R VI (2025) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,399 | £600 |
| Sensor | 61MP full-frame stacked back-illuminated CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 61.0MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 8K 30fps, 4K 120fps oversampled | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | AI processing unit — subject recognition for people, animals, birds and vehicles across the frame | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | In-body 5-axis IS, up to 8.5 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 8fps mechanical / 7fps electronic with full AF/AE tracking | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~530 shots (CIPA, NP-FZ100) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 723g (body with battery and card) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 131.3 × 96.9 × 82.8mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 9.44M-dot, up to 120fps | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2-inch 4-axis multi-angle touchscreen, 3.69M-dot | 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 (10Gbps), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.5GbE | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7R VI | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Street | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Casual | — | |
| Astrophotography | — |
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