A7Svs RX100 VI
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.
Travel & Vlogging — RX100 VI (2018): The RX100 VI trades fast apertures for a remarkable 24-200mm zoom range — giving it more versatility than any previous model. 4K/30p, 24fps burst, a pop-up EVF, and an articulating screen round out an exceptional compact package. Variable aperture limits low-light performance at the long end, but for travel and events where reach matters, there is no practical alternative at this size.
Who should buy what
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
RX100 VI (2018)
- Travel photographers who need versatile reach in a pocketable body
- Vloggers and content creators who need 4K and an articulating screen
- Event photographers who want discreet, capable wide-to-tele coverage
- Wildlife and sports enthusiasts who want a compact travel option
Quick take: The rx100 vi has the highest resolution at 20mp; the a7s is the most affordable; only the a7s is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7S (2014) | RX100 VI (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £600 | £700 |
| Sensor | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 20.1MP 1-inch BSI Stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.2MP | 20.1MP |
| Video | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p, 960fps HFR |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF | Fast Hybrid AF, 315 phase-detect points, Eye AF |
| Stabilisation | None | Optical SteadyShot |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 24fps |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | ~240 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 474g (with battery and card) | 301g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm | 101.6 × 58.1 × 42.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification | Pop-up EVF, 2.35M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Fixed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 |
| Memory Cards | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot | Single SD / Memory Stick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7S | RX100 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Casual | — | |
| Wildlife | — |
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