A7Svs Sony FX30
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.
Video Creators & Filmmakers — Sony FX30 (2022): The Cinema Line entry point — S-Cinetone colour science, 4K/120p, and XLR audio in a compact, affordable body that punches far above its price.
Who should buy what
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Sony FX30 (2022)
- Filmmakers and video creators who want a dedicated cinema-style APS-C body
- Content creators who need S-Cinetone and S-Log3 in a compact form factor
- A6700 owners who want cinema-style ergonomics and a full-size HDMI port
- Video professionals who want Sony's colour science without full-frame pricing
Quick take: The sony fx30 has the highest resolution at 26mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7S (2014) | Sony FX30 (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £600 | £1,799 |
| Sensor | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 26.1MP APS-C BSI Exmor R CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.2MP | 26.1MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) | 4K/120p, 4K/60p S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF | Real-time tracking AF, 759-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | None | 5-axis Active IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 20fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | 740 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 474g (with battery and card) | 579g body only |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm | 129.7 × 77.8 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification | None (EVF optional via XLR handle) |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE (E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C 3.2, HDMI A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7S | Sony FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Documentary | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — |
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