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A7S vs A7S II
Quick take: The A7S has the highest resolution at 12MP; the A7S is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·14 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Sony
A7S II 2015
Best for Low-light video, documentary & available-light filmmaking
£381
used today at Wex Photo Video
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
A7S — Astrophotography & Low-Light: 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.
A7S II — Low-Light Video, Documentary & Available-Light Filmmaking: A landmark in mirrorless history — the first Sony with IBIS and internal 4K, its low-light video capability still impresses today at a used-market price.
Who should buy what
A7S (2014)
is the right camera for you if…
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
A7S II (2015)
is the right camera for you if…
- Filmmakers and videographers who want legendary low-light performance at a used-price discount
- Documentary shooters working in unpredictable available light conditions
- A7S III shooters who want a second Sony FE body for backup or B-camera use
- Budget-conscious video producers who want full-frame 4K with S-Log at an accessible price
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | A7SSony · 2014 | A7S IISony · 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £303 usedBest | £381 used |
| Sensor | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.2MPBest | 12.1MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) | 4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3 |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, 25 points | Contrast-detect AF, 169 points; limited by modern standards |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS — 4.5 stops (first Sony mirrorless with IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 5fps continuous |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 474g (with battery and card)Best | 584g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm | 126.9 × 95.7 × 60.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot | Dual SD UHS-I slots |
| Connectivity | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth (via app), Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic jack |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
A7S
A7S II
Portrait
5.3/10
5.8/10
Street
5.7/10
5.3/10
Travel
5.6/10
5.2/10
Wedding & Events
4.3/10
5.6/10
Filmmaking
5.9/10
6.2/10
Documentary
5.6/10
5.8/10
Sports & Action
4.8/10
5.2/10
Landscape
5.0/10
5.0/10
Wildlife
5.4/10
5.6/10
Casual
3.7/10
3.5/10
Food
4.9/10
5.2/10
Macro
4.3/10
4.8/10
Architecture
4.7/10
4.8/10
Astrophotography
6.0/10
6.8/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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