Decision tools · Compare
A7S vs Sony FX5
Quick take: The Sony FX5 has the highest resolution at 17MP; 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.
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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.
Who should buy what
A7S (2014)
is the right camera for you if…
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | A7SSony · 2014 | Sony FX5Sony · 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £600Best | £4,699 |
| Sensor | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 16.6MP full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.2MP | 16.6MPBest |
| Video | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) | 5K/60p open-gate, 4K/120p, internal RAW/X-OCN, 10-bit Log, triple base ISO |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, 25 points | AI-powered hybrid phase-detect AF (759 points) with subject tracking |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | IBIS with Dynamic Active Mode |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 10fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA)Best | ~105 min actual recording, ~170 min continuous (LCD) |
| Weight | 474g (with battery and card)Best | 734g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm | — |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification | Optional detachable EVF (DVF-EL1), OLED |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots | Fully articulating touchscreen (4-axis arm) |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot | CFexpress Type A + SDXC (dual) |
| Connectivity | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C, full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, 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
Sony FX5
Portrait
5.3/10
6.9/10
Street
5.7/10
5.3/10
Travel
5.8/10
6.2/10
Wedding & Events
4.3/10
7.0/10
Filmmaking
5.9/10
8.7/10
Documentary
5.6/10
8.3/10
Sports & Action
4.8/10
6.8/10
Landscape
5.0/10
5.1/10
Wildlife
5.4/10
6.8/10
Casual
3.6/10
5.1/10
Food
4.9/10
7.4/10
Macro
4.3/10
5.2/10
Architecture
4.7/10
6.1/10
Astrophotography
6.0/10
6.7/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.1/10
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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