Key Features
Apr 06 2014
Announced
12 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Sony |
| Sensor Type | Full frame |
| Sensor | CMOS |
| Weight | 489g |
| MSRP | $2500USD |
Other similar cameras
Sony Alpha 7
Released Jan 22 2014 | 24MP resolution
Sony Alpha 7R
Released Feb 13 2014 | 36MP resolution
Sony Alpha A7S II
Released Oct 12 2015 | 12MP resolution
Overview of the Alpha A7S
When it comes to low-light photography, finding the right camera can make all the difference. That's where the Sony Alpha A7S comes in; it's widely recognized as one of the best cameras for shooting in low-light conditions. This camera boasts an impressive ISO range of 100-409,600, ensuring you can capture stunning images in even the darkest environments. In this review, we'll explore the Sony Alpha A7S in-depth and look at how it performs in different scenarios. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting, read on to discover everything you need to know about this incredible camera.
The Sony Alpha Series Lineup
Sony Alpha A7S
Released Apr 06 2014 | 12MP resolution
Sony Alpha A7S II
Released Oct 12 2015 | 12MP resolution
Sony Alpha A7S III
Released Jul 21 2020 | 12MP resolution
Sony Alpha A7S Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Alpha A7S camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Sony Alpha A7S
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 127 x 94 x 48mm |
| Weight | 489g |
| Thickness | 48mm |
Weather Sealing
The Sony Alpha A7S camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Alpha A7S is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
| View Finder | Electronic |
| Screen Type | Tilting |
| Screen Resolution | 1,230k dots |
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,230k dots. This makes the Sony Alpha A7S not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
Alpha A7S includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.71x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Sony Alpha A7S has a 12MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Sony Alpha A7S has a native ISO range of 100 - 409600 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Apr 06 2014
Announced
100 - 409600
ISO Range
| Sensor | Full frame |
| Extended ISO | null - null |
| Max resolution | 4240 x 2832 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
87 / 102
Color Depth
23.9 / 26.5
Dynamic Range
13.2 / 14.8
Low Light ISO
3702 / 4505
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Alpha A7S camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is above average, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Alpha A7S is above average
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: Full frame
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo |
| Battery Life | 360 shots |
| Battery Model | NP-FW50 |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Sony Alpha A7S supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Sony Alpha A7S uses the NP-FW50 model of battery pack. This is rated for 360 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Sony Alpha A7S does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Sony Alpha A7S boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Sony Alpha A7S includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 25 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Sony Alpha A7S features a CMOS sensor
Yes the Alpha A7S does have weather sealing.
The Sony Alpha A7S was announced on Apr 06 2014
No the Alpha A7S does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The Alpha A7S has a native ISO range of 100-409600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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