• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Sony A7S advantages over Sony A77 II

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.40 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    48 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    62 vs 26 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    409600 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony A77 II advantages over Sony A7S

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 2.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 480 vs 380 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.5 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Outstanding high ISO performance; excellent dynamic range; 4K video recording (via uncompressed HDMI); XAVC S option for HD video; Slightly improved battery life over A7/A7R; Built-in Wi-Fi & NFC connectivity.

  • 4K video requires expensive external recorder; Sluggish startup time; Loud shutter; Silent Shooting mode hurts image quality; Lacks a built-in, pop-up flash; Limited selection of native Sony FE lenses.

  • Excellent image quality, especially lower ISOs; Improved high ISO performance when using RAW; Very good dynamic range; High-resolution images; Very fast single-shot autofocus; 12fps burst mode with C-AF; Good value for its class.

  • Lackluster continuous AF performance; Strong NR processing in high ISO JPEGs; Sluggish buffer clearing; Short battery life compared to most DSLRs; Joystick control easy to press accidentally.

The Competition

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Sony A7S
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • More pixels
Sony A77 II
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Sony A7S
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1647
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Sony A77 II
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1647
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compared to Nikon D7200

Sony A7S
Nikon D7200
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1043
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Sony A77 II
Nikon D7200
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1043
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compared to Sony A7S II

Sony A7S
Sony A7S II
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
Sony A77 II
Sony A7S II
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica M (Typ 262)

Sony A7S
Leica M (Typ 262)
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Sony A77 II
Leica M (Typ 262)
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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