A7Rvs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Studio, Tripod Landscape & Camera History — A7R (2013): The world's first 36MP full-frame mirrorless — a landmark camera that launched the A7R series, despite contrast-detect AF and significant shutter shock limitations.
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 (2013)
- Collectors and photographers interested in the camera that started the A7R lineage
- Studio photographers who work on a tripod and can manage contrast-detect AF
- Landscape photographers who prioritise resolution over autofocus performance
- Sony FE system users who want a historical body at a very low used price
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The a7r has the highest resolution at 36mp; the a7r is the most affordable; only the a7s is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7R (2013) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £349 | £600 |
| Sensor | 36.4MP Full-Frame CMOS (no OLPF) | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 36.4MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF only (no phase-detect on sensor) | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | None | None |
| Burst Rate | 4fps | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~340 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 465g (with battery and card) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots (no tilt, no touch) | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7R | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Architecture | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| 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