Sony
Alpha 7
The original full-frame mirrorless that started the E-mount revolution — 24MP in a compact body.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Oct 2013
Sony
Alpha 7S
12MP low-light video legend that changed indie filmmaking with incredible high ISO performance.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Apr 2014
Alpha 7S is 6 months newer.
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Wins
Alpha 7
Wins
Alpha 7S
10 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7S has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- AAlpha 7 has higher Resolution (24.3 MP vs 12.2 MP)
- BAlpha 7S has higher EVF resolution (3,690,000 vs 2,360,000)
- BAlpha 7S has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 6 fps)
- BAlpha 7S has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 15 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareAlpha 7
127 × 94 × 48 mm
474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 7S
127 × 94 × 48 mm
489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz)
Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S share virtually identical body dimensions.
Alpha 7 is 15 g lighter than Alpha 7S.
Depth (front-to-back): 48mm Alpha 7 · 48mm Alpha 7S
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
Alpha 7S
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7S
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7
Resolution
24.3 MP vs 12.2 MP — higher is better
Weight
474 g vs 489 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7S
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 7S supports it
EVF resolution
3,690,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds ProRes
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Max video bit rate
200 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 6 stops — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 759
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 7
Pros
- ✓Historic first FF mirrorless
- ✓Compact for era
- ✓24MP full-frame
- ✓Affordable used
Cons
- –Slow AF by modern standards
- –No IBIS
- –Superseded many times
Alpha 7S
Pros
- ✓Legendary low light
- ✓12MP optimized for video
- ✓Full-frame
- ✓Historic video body
Cons
- –12MP for stills
- –No IBIS
- –Superseded by a7S series
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 7
Sony Alpha 7S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Alpha 7 or Alpha 7S?
Alpha 7S scores 7.5/10 versus 6.0/10 for Alpha 7 — 4K recording.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S?
Alpha 7 is 24.3 MP and Alpha 7S is 12.2 MP, so the Alpha 7 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 7S has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7 or the Alpha 7S?
Alpha 7 reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 7S reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S?
Alpha 7 weighs 474 g and Alpha 7S weighs 489 g, so the Alpha 7 is 15 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S record 4K video?
Alpha 7: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7S: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7S weather sealed?
Alpha 7: Yes. Alpha 7S: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7 and 640 shots for the Alpha 7S, giving the Alpha 7S the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7 launched at $1,699 and Alpha 7S at $2,499. The Alpha 7 is $800 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 7 vs Alpha 7S vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed November 2026.