Welcome to my Sony a7S (ILCE-7S) resource page. Here you will find the latest firmware version for the a7S, user guides, FAQs and product images.
| Latest Firmware | Manual | Accessories | Price Check & Buyer Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Version 3.20 | PDF / Online | Accessories | Amazon | B&H |
Sony a7S Forum & Facebook Group
If you are looking for further help and advice on the a7S or would simply like to share your photos and videos, then please head over to our friendly Sony a7S Forum. If you prefer Facebook then I also run the Sony Alpha Shooters Group and the Sony Alpha Video Shooters Group.
Sony a7S Overview
The Sony a7S was announced on April 6th, 2014 and offers 8-bit 4:2:2 4K video over HDMI at up to 30p, without the need for line skipping or pixel binning.
It can also record 1080p video (at up to 60p) internally and offers the XAVC S system, with bitrates of up to 50Mbps.
The ‘S’ in the camera’s name denotes ‘sensitivity’ and for movies it offers an ISO range of 100 to 409600. For stills it offers ISO 100 – 102400 extendible to ISO 50 – 409600.
The a7S also includes time code with userbit (user-applied metadata to help at the editing stage) and a range of movie-centric S-Log2 gamma, along with several Picture Profiles.
DPReview awarded this camera their Gold Award and concluded their in-depth review with the following:
Its 1080p footage is the cleanest, most detailed we’ve yet seen, with virtually no moiré and often jaw-dropping low-light performance. Some of the low light advantage is undercut if you need to stop-down to achieve sufficient depth-of-field but, unlike smaller sensor systems, you have the choice over whether to do this or whether to embrace the shallow-depth-of-field and low light capabilities.
DPReview
If you are looking for a low cost full-frame 4k video shooter that excels in low light, then the a7S is still a fantastic piece of kit.
If you have a little more money in your pocket then you might want to take a look at my Sony a7S II vs a7S III comparison.
Sony a7S Key Specs
- 12.2 MP full-frame Exmor™ CMOS sensor
- Focuses at light levels to -4EV
- 1080 footage at up to 50Mbps (XAVC S)
- S-Log2, Black Level, time code
- Video ISO Range 100 – 409,600
- Stills ISO Range 50–409600
- Uncompressed 4:2:2 Full HD and 4K video output over HDMI
- 2.36M dot OLED viewfinder
- Mic and headphone sockets
- 720/120p option for slow-mo capture
- Wi-Fi with NFC
- 489 g / 17.25 oz with battery and memory card
You can find the full Sony a7S details and specifications over on Sony’s product page.
Sony a7S FAQs
The Sony a7S was announced on April 6th, 2014.
The single memory card slot supports SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards.
Sony NP-FW50 lithium ion rechargeable battery.
Yes. The Sony a7S is a full-frame 35-mm camera.
Sony claim that the a7S is dust and moisture resistant, they don’t claim that it is fully waterproof and you should therefore use a rain cover if using the camera in wet weather.
The Sony a7S has a 12.2 megapixel sensor.
The a7S can only record 1080p video (at up to 60p) internally, but it does support external 8-bit 4:2:2 4K video over HDMI at up to 30p, without the need for line skipping or pixel binning.
489 g / 17.25 oz with battery and memory card
The Sony a7S box only includes: rechargeable battery NP-FW50, cable protector, AC adaptor AC-UD10, battery charger BC-TRW, shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, eyepiece cup, micro USB cable.
The maximum fps (frames per second) for the mechanical shutter of the a7S is 5 fps.
The recording limit of the a7S is 29 minutes and 59 seconds.
Yes. The a7S does have a silent / electronic shutter option.
