Sony A7S vs Sony A5100

Sony A7S advantages over Sony A5100

• Larger sensor
  35mm vs APS-C
  More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
• Eye-level viewfinder
  Eye-level vs Rear display only
  You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
• Bigger pixels
  ~ 8.40 vs 3.92 microns
  Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
• Higher effective ISO

  Higher effective ISO

  Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

  Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

  You can learn more at our glossary entry.

  Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  A7S test data on DxO Mark A5100 test data on DxO Mark
  3,702 vs 1,347 iso
  Take photos in low light with less noise
• External Mic Jack
  Jack vs No jack
  Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
• Higher max flash sync
  1/250 vs 1/160 sec
  Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
• Higher-res screen
  307k vs 230k pixels
  More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
• Hot shoe
  Hot shoe vs None
  Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
• Headphone jack
  Yes vs No
  Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
• Bigger RAW buffer
  39 vs 25 shots
  Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
• Slow-motion videos
  Yes vs No
  Shoot slow-motion videos
• Faster shutter
  1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
  Shoot wide open in bright light
• Higher extended ISO
  409600 vs 25600 ISO
  Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility