Sony
Alpha 7S
12MP low-light video legend that changed indie filmmaking with incredible high ISO performance.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Apr 2014
Sony
Alpha 7S II
12MP low-light video pioneer before the A7S III revolution.
$2,999
Launch priceReleased Sep 2015
Alpha 7S II is 1.4 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
Alpha 7S
Wins
Alpha 7S II
8 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 7S has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 169)
- BAlpha 7S II has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 25,600)
- AAlpha 7S has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 5 fps)
- AAlpha 7S has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 310 shots)
- AAlpha 7S has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareAlpha 7S
127 × 94 × 48 mm
489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 7S II
127 × 96 × 60 mm
627 g (1.38 lb / 22.12 oz)
Alpha 7S is 1mm shorter and 12mm thinner than Alpha 7S II.
Alpha 7S is 138 g lighter than Alpha 7S II.
Depth (front-to-back): 48mm Alpha 7S · 60mm Alpha 7S II
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7S
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Alpha 7S II
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7S
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7S II
✓ 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 7S
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
759 vs 169 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Animal, Bird, Vehicle
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265, ProRes
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 94.4, 48.2
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 310 shots — higher is better
Animal / bird AF
Only Alpha 7S supports it
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7S II
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD, MP4
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 95.7, 60.3
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 12.2 MP
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓RAW buffer depth — Both 120 frames
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
Alpha 7S II
Pros
- ✓Legendary low light
- ✓4K internal
- ✓Compact files
Cons
- –12MP stills limit
- –Old AF
- –8-bit 4K
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Alpha 7S and Alpha 7S II at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 7S
Sony Alpha 7S II
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Alpha 7S or Alpha 7S II?
Alpha 7S scores 8.0/10 versus 1.5/10 for Alpha 7S II — 20fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7S and Alpha 7S II?
Both cameras share the same 12.2 MP resolution.
Do the Alpha 7S and Alpha 7S II have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7S has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 7S II has 4.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7S or the Alpha 7S II?
Alpha 7S reaches 20 fps electronic. Alpha 7S II reaches 5 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7S and Alpha 7S II?
Alpha 7S weighs 489 g and Alpha 7S II weighs 627 g, so the Alpha 7S is 138 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7S and Alpha 7S II record 4K video?
Alpha 7S: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7S II: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Alpha 7S and Alpha 7S II weather sealed?
Alpha 7S: Yes. Alpha 7S II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7S and 310 shots for the Alpha 7S II, giving the Alpha 7S the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7S launched at $2,499 and Alpha 7S II at $2,999. The Alpha 7S is $500 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 7S vs Alpha 7S II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.