Sony Alpha a7S

The low-light master of full-frame mirrorless

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79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Sony
Model ILCE-7S

Key Features

SENSOR 12.2MP Full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor optimized for low light
PROCESSOR BIONZ X image processor for high-speed processing
AUTOFOCUS 25-point contrast-detection AF system
PHASE DETECTION Not available on this model
VIDEO Full HD 1080p up to 60fps, 4K output via HDMI
STABILIZATION None (relies on lens-based OSS)
BURST RATE Up to 5 fps continuous shooting
VIEWFINDER 0.5-inch XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, 2.36M dots
DISPLAY 3.0-inch tilting TFT LCD, 921k dots
CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi, NFC, Micro-HDMI, USB 2.0, mic/headphone ports
MEMORY CARD Single slot for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
WEATHER SEALING Dust and moisture resistant magnesium alloy body
Approx. 380 shots per charge (NP-FW50)

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Sony Alpha a7S

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✓ Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Via command dials
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Via command dials
AF-ON Button ✓ Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✓ Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✗ Not Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✓ Present
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present

How-to Use Sony Alpha a7S

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Sony Alpha a7S Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Sony Alpha a7S

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor Full-frame CMOS
Resolution 12.2 Megapixels
ISO Range 100-102,400 (expandable to 409,600)
Autofocus 25-point Contrast-detect
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 5 fps
Video 1080p 60fps; 4K via external recorder
Stabilization None
Viewfinder 0.5-inch EVF
LCD 3.0-inch Tilting LCD
Memory Card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity Wi-Fi, NFC, HDMI, USB
Battery Life 380 shots
Weight 489g
Dimensions 127 x 94 x 48 mm