Sony Alpha a7S Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Review

The Sony Alpha A7S Digital Camera features a 35mm sensor with large pixels for high-ISO & Dynamic Range. 12.2MP sensor optimized for 4k and low light video. Fast Intelligent AF in light as low as EV -4. View every scene in rich detail with the high contrast 2.4-million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF. Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi or NFC.

Additional features: Picture Profile, S-Log2, time code, multi-terminal interface shoe, Full HD 1080p video, ISO 50-409600, plus more!

Full-Frame Exmor Sensor and BIONZ X Image Processor
Full Pixel Read-Out with Clean HDMI Out for 4K Recording
Up to 120 fps High Speed Video Recording
Customizable Color Profiles and S-Log2 Gamma
Flexible Timecode Options

Details Sony Alpha a7S:

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 sensitivity, 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 HDMI

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 HDMI.

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.

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 others

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.

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