A7Svs FX3
Sony
FX3 (2021)
Starting from £3799 new
Best for Professional video, documentary & cinematic filmmaking
View FX3
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
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.
Professional Video, Documentary & Cinematic Filmmaking — FX3 (2021): The definitive run-and-gun cinema camera — A7S III sensor quality in a body built specifically for video professionals.
Who should buy what
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
FX3 (2021)
- Professional videographers and filmmakers who need cinema-quality colour science in a compact body
- Documentary and run-and-gun shooters who need 4K/120p and built-in XLR audio
- Sony A7S III owners who want a purpose-built video body alongside their stills camera
- Gimbal and drone operators who need a compact full-frame cinema camera
Quick take: The a7s has the highest resolution at 12mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7S (2014) | FX3 (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £600 | £3,799 |
| Sensor | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS (same as A7S III) |
| Resolution | 12.2MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) | 4K/120p, 4K/60p 10-bit, 12-bit RAW output, S-Log3, S-Cinetone |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF | Real-time tracking with subject recognition (human, animal) |
| Stabilisation | None | 5-axis IBIS — 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | ~640 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 474g (with battery and card) | 715g body only (with XLR handle) |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm | 129.7 × 78.0 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification | None — monitor/external EVF use only |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots | 3.0" touchscreen, fully articulating |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C (10Gbps), full-size HDMI, XLR via handle, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7S | FX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Wedding | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with A7S
Camera family history