Decision tools · Compare
A7S vs A7S III
Quick take: The A7S has the highest resolution at 12MP; the A7S is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·15 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 III 2020
Best for Professional video & low-light filmmaking
£3389
new 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 III — Professional Video & Low-Light Filmmaking: 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.
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 III (2020)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | A7SSony · 2014 | A7S IIISony · 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £303 usedBest | £3,389 |
| Sensor | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS (12-bit, back-illuminated) |
| Resolution | 12.2MPBest | 12.1MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) | 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, 25 points | Phase-detect, 759 points, real-time Eye AF (human & animal), subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | 5.5-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 10fps mechanicalBest |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | ~600 shots (CIPA) / ~70min continuous 4K recordingBest |
| Weight | 474g (with battery and card)Best | 699g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification | OLED EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification — best EVF Sony has made |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.44M dots |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II (both slots) |
| Connectivity | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
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 III
Portrait
5.3/10
7.5/10
Street
5.7/10
6.2/10
Travel
5.6/10
6.0/10
Wedding & Events
4.3/10
7.5/10
Filmmaking
5.9/10
8.2/10
Documentary
5.6/10
7.7/10
Sports & Action
4.8/10
7.4/10
Landscape
5.0/10
5.5/10
Wildlife
5.4/10
7.5/10
Casual
3.7/10
4.9/10
Food
4.9/10
6.8/10
Macro
4.3/10
5.8/10
Architecture
4.7/10
5.5/10
Astrophotography
6.0/10
7.8/10
Vlogging & Video
—
5.9/10
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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