A7S IIIvs Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
Which should you buy?
Professional Video & Low-Light Filmmaking — A7S III (2020): If video is your primary discipline, the A7S III is the camera. 4K/120p at 10-bit in a weather-sealed body with a 9.44M dot EVF is an extraordinary package. The 12MP sensor isn't limiting for video — and it's usable at ISO 409,600 in a pinch.
Portraits & Everyday — Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 (2016): The most affordable full-frame prime in the Sony FE system — f/1.8 subject separation and linear motor AF at an entry-level price.
Who should buy what
A7S III (2020)
- Filmmakers and videographers who need 4K/120p at 10-bit
- Event videographers who shoot in dark venues regularly
- Documentary filmmakers who need reliable AF and weather sealing
- Hybrid shooters where video is primary and stills are secondary
Quick take: The sony fe 50mm f/1.8 is the most affordable; only the a7s iii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7S III (2020) | Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,999 | £199 |
| Sensor | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS (12-bit, back-illuminated) | f/1.8 (max aperture) |
| Resolution | 12.1MP | — |
| Video | 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p | 45cm minimum focus distance |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 759 points, real-time Eye AF (human & animal), subject recognition | Linear motor (fast and quiet AF) |
| Stabilisation | 5.5-stop IBIS | None (relies on body IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical | — |
| Battery Life | ~600 shots (CIPA) / ~70min continuous 4K recording | — |
| Weight | 699g (body, battery, card) | 186g |
| Dimensions | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8mm | 68.6 × 59.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | OLED EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification — best EVF Sony has made | — |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.44M dots | — |
| Mount | Sony E-mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II (both slots) | — |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth | — |
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