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Sony ILCE7S/B Alpha a7S Mirrorless Digital Camera
Brand | Sony |
Model Name | Sony Alpha a7S |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 12.4 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Image Stabilization | No |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Automatic |
Form Factor | SLR-style mirrorless |
About this item
- NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1080mAh)
- BC-TRW W Series Battery Charger (Black)
- AC Adapter
- Micro USB Cable
- Body Cap
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Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.2 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.6 |
Auto focus | — | 4.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
Image stabilization | — | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 3.2 |
Sold By | Chumdog LLC | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | PROCAM | Amazon.com | ThePixelConnection |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) XGA OLED color electronic viewfinder (2,359,296 dots) | Wide Angle | — | Zoom | Zoom Lens | zoom |
shooting modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Auto, Programmed, Aperture, Shutter speed, Manual, Movie | Auto, Programmed AE, Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority, Movie, Slow /amp; quick motion, Scene selection | — | Single Shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracket: Single, Bracket: Cont., White Balance bracket, DRO bracket | Single Shooting, Continuous shooting (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo selectable), Self-timer, Self-timer (Cont.), Bracket: Single, Bracket: Cont., White Balance bracket, DRO bracket |
connectivity tech | NTSC | HDMI, USB | USB | HDMI, Wi-Fi, USB, NFC | Wireless | USB |
video resolution | FHD 1080p | 4320p | 4K UHD 2160p | 2160p, 1080p | 4K UHD 2160p | 4K UHD 2160p |
magnification | 0.71x | 0.78x | 0.70x | — | 0.70x | 1.07x |
wireless tech | ✓ | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Videos
Videos for this product
2:14
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Customer Review: Sony a7S ISO Test
Oresti Tsonopoulos
Videos for this product
6:55
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Sony Alpha a7S Mirrorless Digital Camera
Merchant Video
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2:09
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Sony Alpha a7S Mirrorless Digital Camera - DPReview Overview
DPReview
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13:27
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DPReview: Brand Interview: Kenta Honjo with Sony
DPReview
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35:01
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DPReview: Small Cameras Big Sensors: Part 2
DPReview
What's in the box
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Center, Selective single-point, Face Detection, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Contrast Detection, Live View |
---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 3:2, 4:3 |
Display Resolution Maximum | 921000 |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 12.2 MP |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 12.4 MP |
White balance settings | Auto, Daylight |
Self Timer Duration | 2 seconds, 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Basic, Fine, Normal |
Camera Flash | Integrated Flash |
Image Stabilization | No |
Flash Modes Description | Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 sec |
Supported Image Format | AVCHD, JPEG, MPEG-4, RAW |
Video Capture Format | h.264;mpeg-4 |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Video Output Interface | NTSC |
Batteries Required? | No |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Are Batteries Included | No |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium Ion |
Battery Weight | 20 Grams |
Battery Life | 380 Photos |
Removable Memory | Secure Digital Card |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Audio Input | Microphone |
Connectivity Technology | NTSC |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 5 |
Wireless Communication Technology | Yes |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Special Feature | Travel |
Skill Level | Professional |
Shock Resistant | FALSE |
Form Factor | SLR-style mirrorless |
Hardware Interface | AV Port |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) XGA OLED color electronic viewfinder (2,359,296 dots) |
---|---|
Optical Zoom | 1 |
Digital Zoom | 2 |
Maximum Aperture | 3.5 Millimeters |
Autofocus Points | 25 |
Camera Lens Description | 35 Mm |
Compatible Mountings | Sony FE |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Maximum Focal Length | 70 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 409600 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 50 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Automatic |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Tilting |
Warranty Type | 12 |
---|---|
Mfg Warranty Description Labor | 1 year limited |
Manufacturer Warranty Description Parts | 1 year limited |
Model Name | Sony Alpha a7S |
---|---|
Brand | Sony |
Model Number | ILCE7S/B |
Customer Reviews |
4.0 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #393,478 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #1,033 in Mirrorless Cameras |
ASIN | B00JIWXTXG |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Micro Usb Cable, Ac Adapter, Shoulder Strap, Sony Alpha A7S Mirrorless Digital Camera, Body Cap, Cable Protector |
Lower Temperature Rating | 32 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Upper Temperature Rating | 104 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Processor Description | Bionz X |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5 x 1.89 x 3.7 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.08 Pounds |
Product guides and documents
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Presenting the world’s smallest and lightest1 full frame interchangeable lens camera. With a groundbreaking 35mm large pixel image sensor rated at 15.3-stops of dynamic range and an ISO 409,600 sensitivity2, the α7S reveals astonishing detail and color even in the dead of night. Video excels with Full Pixel Readout, a 4K-optimized sensor and uncompressed 4K output. Fast, intelligent autofocus completes the picture.
Technology
35mm large pixel image sensor with 15.3-stops of dynamic range
The groundbreaking α7S features a 12.2 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor paired with a powerful BIONZ X image processor. The α7S can shoot at a sensitivity range of ISO 100 – 4096004 with low noise and unprecedented 15.3 stops of dynamic range. The extra-large pixels on the α7S collect dramatically more light than traditional cameras to produce beautifully detailed, low-noise images in even the most challenging lighting environments.
12.2MP sensor optimized for 4k and low light video
The α7S is the world’s first 35mm camera to incorporate ‘direct pixel readout’ utilizing the entire width of the full-frame image sensor without line skipping or pixel binning. Therefore in both HD and 4K video acquisition it can read and process data from every one of the sensor’s pixels. This allows video shooters to utilize all of the artistic and creative benefits provided by the unique sensor.
High ISO up to 409,600 w/ fast AF in light as low as EV -4
Equipped with the same high-precision Fast Intelligent AF system as the award-winning α7R camera, the α7S drastically improves AF sensitivity in low-light that can go as low as EV -4.
New-generation RGB filter with gapless on-chip lens design
The larger than normal pixel size on the 35mm full-frame image sensor with effective 12.2MP, employs Sony’s latest image sensor technologies on the α7S. To boost the image sensor’s light collection efficiency, a new-generation RGB color filter has been adopted, in addition to the gapless on-chip lens design, light concentration technology and photodiode expansion technology delivers unprecedented high sensitivity and low-noise levels with high dynamic range in every light condition from severe low light to bright sunlight. By applying an AR coating on the surface of the seal glass over the image sensor, ghosting and flare have been minimized, further contributing to the α7S’s high image quality.
Uncompressed 4:2:2 Full HD and 4K QFHD output via HDMI1
In video mode, the α7S can output 4K video at QFHD (3840x2160) in 4:2:2 to an optional external 3rd party 4K recorder via the HDMI1.
50Mbps XAVC S 1920x1080 at 60P, 1280x720 at 120P
For the first time ever in a Sony α camera, the α7S adopts the workflow-friendly XAVC S recording format in addition to AVCHD and MP4 codecs. XAVC S format allows for full HD recording at a data rate of 50 mbps with lower compression for improved video quality. The α7S can record full HD (1920x1080) at frame rates of 60p, 60i, 30p and 24p directly to a compatible memory card. Video modes can be changed from full-frame to APS-C (super 35mm equivalent) if desired, and in this crop mode, the camera can support high frame rate 120fps shooting at standard HD resolution (1280 x 720p), creating a 5x slow-motion effect.
Additional Features
Silent shutter mode for discreet shooting
Silent shutter mode is ideal when discretionary shooting is required; like capturing a recital or wildlife. Activating the silent shutter eliminates the use of the mechanical shutter and therefore shutter noise by utilizing an electronic shutter in its place.
3.0" 1.23M dot LCD tilts for high and low angle framing
The tiltable 3.0” (1,229k dots) Xtra Fine LCD Display makes it easy to photograph over crowds or low to capture pets eye to eye by swinging up approximately 84 degrees and down approximately 45 . Easily scroll through menus and preview life thanks to WhiteMagic technology that dramatically increases visibility in bright daylight. The large display delivers brilliant-quality still images and movies while enabling easy focusing operation.
Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi or NFC
Connectivity with smartphones for One-touch sharing/One-touch remote has been simplified with Wi-Fi/NFC control. In addition to Wi-Fi support for connecting to smartphones, α7S also supports NFC (near field communication) providing “one touch connection” convenience when transferring images to Android smartphones and tablets. Users need only touch devices to connect; no complex set-up is required. Moreover, when using Smart Remote Control — a feature that allows shutter release to be controlled by a smartphone — connection to the smartphone can be established by simply touching compatible devices.
Pro-workflow w/ Picture Profile, S-Log2 and time code
The α7S is equipped with S-Log2 gamma. Common to Sony’s range of professional video cameras, S-Log2 expands the dynamic range by up to 1300% to minimize clipped highlights and loss of detail in shadows. The α7S includes a picture profile that can adjust settings like gamma, black, level and color adjustment, and can be saved for use in a multi-camera shoot. It also has Full HD and 4K base band HDMI output, time code/user bit for easier editing, synchronous recording feature with compatible devices, various marker and zebra displays on both the LCD screen and viewfinder.
Audio level controls, AAC/Linear PCM2, optional XLR kit
The α7S has a Multi-terminal interface shoe that is compatible with Sony’s XLR Adaptor Microphone Kits (XLR-K1M plus a new model under development), allowing the use of professional microphone systems.
PlayMemories Camera Apps allows feature upgrades
Personalize your camera by adding new features of your choice with PlayMemories Camera Apps. Find apps to fit your shooting style from portraits, detailed close-ups, sports, time lapse, motion shot and much more. Use apps that shoot, share and save photos using Wi-Fi that make it easy to control and view your camera from smartphone, and post photos directly to Facebook or backup images to the cloud without connecting to a computer.11
High contrast 2.4-million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF
View every scene in rich detail with the XGA OLED Tru-Finsder, which features OLED improvements and the same 3-lens optical system used in the flagship Sony α99 Full Frame DSLR. The viewfinder faithfully displays what will appear in your recording, including the effects of your camera settings, so you can accurately monitor the results. You’ll enjoy rich tonal gradations and 3 times the contrast of the α99. High-end features like 100% frame coverage and a wide viewing angle are also provided.
Compatible w/ Sony E-mount lenses and many others3
Directly compatible with the growing family of E-mount Full Frame lenses, the α7S camera can also be used with A-mount and others lens systems with optional adapters. Sony’s complete α lens system includes several premium offerings from Carl Zeiss and G Series Lenses. Sony’s E-mount lens system is particularly well-suited for video shooting, with a variety of models containing “movie-friendly” features like smooth focusing, powered zoom control, and silent iris/aperture control.
1. Requires compatible recorder. 4K movie recording requires a 4K-compatible recorder.
2. Linear PCM in XAVC S
3. Compatibility with lenses other than Sony E-mount requires optional adaptors. Function is not guaranteed and may vary by adaptor.
4. Standard ISO range: Still 100 – 102400, Movie 100-102400; Expandable ISO range: Still 100-409600, Movie 100-409600
11. Requires an active 802.11 Wi-Fi network (802.11n recommended) or PlayMemories Mobile app installed on compatible Android or iOS device. PlayMemories camera app requires download with existing Sony Entertainment Network account. Download available in all countries/areas where Sony Entertainment Network is available. Content is subject to change and may require fees.
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras and lenses on our review pages: Compact System Cameras, Lenses
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, low light performance, and image quality of the digital camera. They mention that it is a very capable camera, that shoots wonderfully in low light situations. They appreciate the noise level, and the ability to capture excellent quality available light image capture. That said, some complain about the battery life, and differ on picture quality, autofocus, and ease of use.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the camera. They mention that it is a very capable camera, that takes great pictures, and that it's well thought out. Some say that the camera is great for video and that the right hand adjustments are well thought-out. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...The finish is almost museum quality.In term of usage, the A7S is a mixed bag...." Read more
"The sony A7S camera is absolutely amazing. It shoots wonderfully in low light...." Read more
"...But I can say that the layout of the right hand adjustments is well thought-out, and the menu structure and available settings are very in-depth...." Read more
"...However around $1500 it's definitely worth it as a backup camera or a main camera for an aspiring photographer or videographer...." Read more
Customers are impressed with the low light performance of the camera. They say it has amazing low light capabilities, and is powerful in low light situations without the need for flashes. Customers also say that it produces natural light photos in low lighting, and has the best low light sensor on the market.
"The sony A7S camera is absolutely amazing. It shoots wonderfully in low light...." Read more
"...has commented, this camera has the best low light sensor on the market as of late 2014...." Read more
"...you likely already know enough about what this camera's amazing low light performance and want to know if this camera is still relevant in 2019...." Read more
"...For 120fps shooting I doubled the shutter to 1/250. Worked great during the day -- worked just as good when the sun went down and I jumped past..." Read more
Customers like the image quality of the camera. Some mention that the picture quality is good, the HD video has excellent quality, and the low light capability is amazing. They value a camera that provides excellent quality available light image capture without the intrusion of light. The stills are fantastic, and video from this camera is awesome, especially in low light. It has a usable ISO past 10,000, 120fps 720p video, and 15 steps of dynamic range. The camera body appears OK, but the packaging looks worn.
"...In term of usage, the A7S is a mixed bag. The photo quality is excellent, but it strains to compete with a pro 20 megapixel plus full frame DSLR...." Read more
"...If you value a camera that provides excellent quality available light image capture without the intrusion of flash, then this is the camera worth..." Read more
"...image quality but it allows for far longer hand held stills and smoother video so that it essentially boosts the low light image quality by..." Read more
"...Clean, usable ISO past 10,000, 120fps 720p video, 15 steps of dynamic range, all in a body half the size of my d800...." Read more
Customers like the noise of the camera. They mention that it has a completely silent electronic shutter option, and that the silent shooting mode is great for candids.
"...not even attempt with any other camera/video camera and the result is little noise (when there is practically no light to work with) and no noise..." Read more
"...without a second thought as for using flash because the ISO and low noise were that good." Read more
"...Great dynamic range -- great color accuracy -- no noise. I guess I forgot what 12 megapixels looks like...." Read more
"...photography king for two reasons: High ISO performance and the silent shutter option...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the picture quality of the camera. Some mention that they can still get usable, pleasing images with DXO Optics Pro PRIME, has great color rendition, and the shots look clean and crisp. However, others say that the picturequality suffers slightly to provide low light capability, and that the photos are marginal at best.
"...am blown away with the A7S's ability to capture very usable and meaningful images on average room light...." Read more
"...It's a unique look that few other cameras can really replicate.Dynamic Range - This camera has amazing dynamic range...." Read more
"...Many of my images are out of focus. There are also areas where banding occurs at some medium to high speeds ruining the shot...." Read more
"...I shot video and am so happy with the results. The image came out so clean. The 50mb codec allows for so much latitude...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the autofocus of the camera. Some mention that it works well in good light, while others say that it hunts a bit in low light. The best feature is being able to zoom in to check focus while recording video. However, some say that the auto focus is slow and takes a little bit of time to confirm focus.
"...the sensor's ability to see in the dark and focus in the dark is excellent...." Read more
"...Perhaps this is the lens I'm using. By no means is the autofocus slow, but my previous semi pro DSLR rig, I could mash on the shutter button and..." Read more
"...Autofocus performance is as good or better than that of my A7, especially in low light...." Read more
"...The second big problem is that this camera does not focus fast or accurately in these low light situations. Many of my images are out of focus...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the digital camera. Some mention that it's very customizable and user-friendly, with an easy-to-navigate menu and controls. However, others say that the menu is deep and complex, with a steep learning curve.
"...The menus and layout was all simple enough that I was able to do a lot of shooting with it yesterday...." Read more
"...The menu is easy to navigate, as are the buttons and knobs on the camera body...." Read more
"...it does not have a touch screen like the GH4 which is a huge issue for ease of use...." Read more
"...There's also an option for quick functions button that allows you to manage a top list of functions that you can customize to your liking...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the battery life of the digital camera. They mention that it consumes battery quickly and that the warranty lasts only a year.
"...Battery - The gen 1 and gen 2 A7 cameras all have issues with battery life...." Read more
"...I had to make a minor repair. Sony warranty lasts only a year, something they really do not tell you up front...." Read more
"...Battery life could be better, but it's not something that's a big deal. Just make sure you have a spare with you...." Read more
"...Major negative: eats batteries, but I knew that going in. Just buy a set of 2 Vivitar replacement batteries w/charger for $25." Read more
Reviews with images
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The A7S (with Godox flash and 24-70 F/4 lens) is half the weight of my previous DSLR rig. So mission accomplished there.
In terms of usability, it took me an hour or so to get used to the menus and set the camera up the way I like it. People complain about the menus but I really didn't find it any better or worse than any other professional DSLR. If I couldn't find something I googled it and quickly got an answer to direct me to the right menu option.
In terms of build quality, both the A7S and the 24-70 f/4 lens are a class act. It's very apparent this camera is a step above other semi pro cameras. The finish is almost museum quality.
In term of usage, the A7S is a mixed bag. The photo quality is excellent, but it strains to compete with a pro 20 megapixel plus full frame DSLR. The lower megapixel count leaves the image quality in average light about half way between a great aps-c camera and a full frame.
The low light capabilities of the A7S are really quite good. I usually shoot events in dark settings using 1/60th of a second, ISO 1000 at f/4. Most of my shots are at around 24mm. I noticed less noise in the dark areas than a comparable DSLR. My first impression is that the A7S has about a 2 stop noise advantage over the typical DSLR. My old rig, I would comfortably shoot up to ISO 1600 and feel okay handing clients photos. With the A7S I could go as high as ISO 6400 no problem (and perhaps even higher).
I was hesitant to give the D7S five stars because the autofocus is not comparable to a semi pro DSLR. It seems that the autofocus takes a little bit of time to confirm focus. Perhaps this is the lens I'm using. By no means is the autofocus slow, but my previous semi pro DSLR rig, I could mash on the shutter button and be pretty sure to get focus no matter what. I was still able to work okay with it, but there might be a few cases where I might not get the shot because I'm taking that shot in a real hurry.
What really amazed me is that I don't have to touch the photos in post. With my old DSLR, I was always adjusting exposure, adjusting light room sliders, white balance, etc. With this cam, no post adjustment is needed at all. Very, very occassionally I might adjust the exposure, but this is primarily due to the decisions of the flash unit. From that perspective, this cam really speeds up my work, specially when I'm trying to get a lot of photos processed for a client in a very short period of time.
Video from this camera is awesome, especially in low light. I've shot this cam in low light that I would not even attempt with any other camera/video camera and the result is little noise (when there is practically no light to work with) and no noise with a slight amount of light to work with (we're talking candle light). The resulting video in low light looks exactly as I remember seeing the scene with my own eyes, and that was using auto setting!.
Some people complain about battery life but I was able to get about 200 shots before the battery showed 1/4 full. I swapped out the battery and 2 rechargeables in my godox flash and carried on for a while. I could see some gigs where I might go 4 batteries. I have a battery grip that holds two batteries (cheap after-market $35 unit) so I can always go to that if I want to do an 800+ shot day.
The main objectives for me have been met. The rig is small and less than half the weight of my previous DSLR. I gave up on some resolution compared to my 20+ megapixel rig. I gained two stops of low light. The images are rock solid so I don't even have to adjust them in post, that saves me time (and the smaller image size is faster for downloading, etc.). Autofocus isn't such that I could get shots mashing on the shutter in all situations, but workable for event photography. All in all, if you are willing to accept the trade offs between this cam and a large pro DSLR rig, it's a great choice. The cam is really the "king" of low light, for both stills and video, which is quite commendable and in a small package to boot.
As soon as I started working with the camera I fell in love with it. It practically sees in the dark.
Buyer beware tho, the camera does everything and packing everything into a small interface means there are allot of settings that do not seem apparent out of the box. Sony has an app store that allows developers the ability to build in extra functions, but it ships missing a few key features.
You must download an app to perform time lapse photography. Once in this app you have to exit the app to return to normal shooting. Not a deal breaker, but kind of annoying especially since I'm an amateur photographer and when I'm shooting, I want to be taking shots not setting up the camera.
As far as customization, the A7S does allow you to set up 3 buttons to match your shooting style, putting features you use most at your fingertips.
All in all, grab a few lenses and this camera will take care of the rest.
All photos below shot on a ZYKKOR WIDE ANGLE 28MM F2.8 with a MD>E-Mount adapter.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E5T5BJW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2016
As soon as I started working with the camera I fell in love with it. It practically sees in the dark.
Buyer beware tho, the camera does everything and packing everything into a small interface means there are allot of settings that do not seem apparent out of the box. Sony has an app store that allows developers the ability to build in extra functions, but it ships missing a few key features.
You must download an app to perform time lapse photography. Once in this app you have to exit the app to return to normal shooting. Not a deal breaker, but kind of annoying especially since I'm an amateur photographer and when I'm shooting, I want to be taking shots not setting up the camera.
As far as customization, the A7S does allow you to set up 3 buttons to match your shooting style, putting features you use most at your fingertips.
All in all, grab a few lenses and this camera will take care of the rest.
All photos below shot on a ZYKKOR WIDE ANGLE 28MM F2.8 with a MD>E-Mount adapter.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E5T5BJW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
To start, I am blown away with the A7S's ability to capture very usable and meaningful images on average room light. I purchased this camera hoping to shoot indoors in available and low light situations without the intrusion of flash, which was disruptive and intrusive to the events I wished to capture. Most of the images from my indoor work are posted on the web or printed 11"x14" or smaller. I recently shot about 300 images in a hospital room lighting situation, which is low to average indoor lighting. I shot in the RAW/ARW format. I used it with the Sony 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 FE OSS Interchangeable Standard Zoom Lens.
First, these images cleaned up very nicely with some noise reduction and other adjustments in Lightroom. Most images were shot at f4.0-5.6 at ISO ranges of 6400-51200.
As Mr. Reid of http://www.reidreviews.com/index.html has commented, this camera has the best low light sensor on the market as of late 2014. I have to agree that Sony has hit one out of the park with this camera and sensor. His commentary on the camera tipped me over to purchasing this camera as his work is similar to mine. (reidreviews.com is a fabulous inexpensive subscription site for following the commentary on cameras and lens by a very knowledgeable professional photographer. Highly recommended if you are serious about your camera work!)
I cannot speak highly enough of this camera. As a fine art photographer, I have been a Canon 5D Mark II and 6D user for many years with all usual f2.8 Canon lenses and have been very pleased with my Canon/Zeiss lens system for image quality up to ISO 800. However the A7S makes me want to grab the A7R and perhaps change (gasp!)camera and lens systems (unless Canon comes up with something similar soon.)
If you want to be able to capture images on most available indoor lighting circumstances without the intrusion of flash photography, there is no question in my mind that this is the only camera to purchase. I have shot up to ISO 6400 with the Canon 5D MarkII and ISO 12800 on the Canon 6D, but the images from the A7S at higher ISO's are far superior to those from the Canon cameras at lower ISO's.
The main downside is the cost, but if the priorities for your image capture are stealth and non-intrusion in the events you wish to document, then this is the camera for you. Save your pennies, and you will never look back. This camera has changed the landscape of available light photography, and I have to agree with other commentators that this camera brings a new era into photography with a full frame, high ISO sensor.
The other downside is the 12.2MP sensor. This limits the resolution quite a bit. But my initial prints up to 8"x10" are very good in remarkably low light situations. So you're not going to be able to print a high quality 20"x30" prints. But if enlarging your images is important, there are other options, e.g. Photoshop and onOne software's Photo Resize. I just haven't tested them yet.
According to my understanding, you can't have a high ISO sensor with high resolution without being ungodly expensive and large. So as of the end of 2014, you can have a high sensitivity sensor with lower resolution (like the A7S) or high resolution with lower sensitivity (like the Pentax 645z). You can't have both at the present time without altering the laws of the universe.
I have not tested the camera in depth, especially the video capabilities. But I can say that the layout of the right hand adjustments is well thought-out, and the menu structure and available settings are very in-depth. I have also not used it outdoors at lower ISO settings, so cannot comment at present on its low ISO image quality.
If you value a camera that provides excellent quality available light image capture without the intrusion of flash, then this is the camera worth saving for.