People complain about the "low" megapixel. To me 12mp is more than enough if you know how to compose your shots. Even 4K is just 8mp so you really don't need more. I currently have a 12mp GF1 for 5 years which I love, but i'll move to an A7S. The low light will undoubtedly shock me compared to my micro 4/3rd.
Second best camera of the year. Thanks for the early review. I'm really been anticipating the release of this body. I'm still in the GH4 camp, but the low light performance and dynamic range on the A7s is kind of staggering. cheers.
Not sure I fully agree with the complaints of 12MPix for still.... yes nearly all of today's cameras have more... but this sensor has more Color Depth and DR ... and better high ISO performance...than the 12MPix sensors used in the much lauded Nikon D3S and D700 .... Some of the best pictures I've ever shot were with a 12MPix APS-C sized sensor in the Nikon D300 .... what we lose is the latitude to crop and reframe the shot on the PC...which is a nice thing, don't get me wrong...but maybe this will force us to frame the shot right in the first place.... after all even the D4S, X-T1 and EM1 are all 16MPix.... How much less is 12MPix really?
If the low light is as good as suggested then I think this camera is a good tool for night street shooting. You can keep your high shutter speed to freeze action and stop down your lens to have as much detail as you want. No more thin DOF that lead to miss focus.
now I'm torn, I know i need to upgrade from my t3i. and I'm looking at the 6D,GH3,GH4, and now the As7.. I hope you return to this when you get an actual production line As7.. I also would love to here Jordan's thoughts on it. i love when he talks about video at the end of the show... I'd Love to get a sony fs100 or 700 (way out of the budget).
please, compare it with your fs700. the color match with same picture profile, workflow, low light performance, etc (except the slomo capability haha). oh and just wondering, if this camera have a crop mode like a7 & a7r, it would be interesting to use that crop mode then attach a metabones speed booster + some fast canon glass. usable iso100K + f0.95 = global dommination :) now we can imagine (or even better, create) a non timelapse film with stars as a background. I'll wait for your a7s part II review video Thanks
If you use your photos mostly on social networks and not for printing the 12MP are more than enough. However if you use an APS-C lens e-mount on a full frame Sony a7S or a7S II the resolution is reduced to 5MP which isn't something really good but it is still usable.
Jorge Fernandez Yeah bro you can get adapters for I Leica Cannon and Nikon mounts. So even if you have some Sigmas or Nikon Lenses laying around you can always use those with the appropriate adapter.
Excellent review. Wondering why Sony A7s only have 12Mpx? Believe the main reason is lower pixel density count on a full frame sensor give a larger pixel size, and as a result provide better low light capability and less noise on Ultra high ISO. Sony should focus on one single A7 model with great still, video and lens, instead of so many variation. Many potential buyer including me really keen to purchase this camera but the 12Mpx just spoilt the whole experience.
They can't... that's just it. Higher MP count on the same sensor means smaller pixels.. means worse low light performance. There is no "one size fits all" solution, at least not in the budget/pro-sumer camera range. I will say this.. notice how on the GH4 footage the blades of grass are not discrete? On the A7s you can clearly tell each blade apart but on the GH4 they blend together :)
Is this A7S's high iso in video much better than the Canon 5D mark 3 ? If so, it would be nice to see you guys do a shoot out in high iso video between the A7S and the C100 !
Could you do a demonstration of low light AF performance? Would be nice to see how it focuses in low light (i.e. show us the LCD as you do the focusing).
Everything looks good with this camera except for the rolling shutter and the green looking shadows in regards to video. I want a B cam for video and a backup for stills but the green shadows are making me nervous to buy. I wish I could try it before I buy.
Chris, Thanks for the initial honest review. I can't wait to throw this camera into my Edelkrone rig and an Atomos Shogun recorder. The camera is EXACTLY what I want - 80% for video, 20% for stills. Now if it would just arrive already - I pre-ordered it from your store! ;)
great video. I am in the camp for a new camera for video and I am torn between this and the GH4! I am excited that it is full frame, but a bit disappointed in it being 12mp and having to record to external for 4k...
"The video record button is thoughtfully laid out on the side" + "The menu is sensibly laid out" = Things no one has ever said about Sony A7 cameras gen I and II ever again But goddamn is it still an iconic image. I wouldn't be surprised to see a resurgence in use of these once second hand prices really bottom out, and I think that's a great thing
I think you can use one of BlackMagic's UltraStudios to record 4K externally until the Atomos Shogun comes out. Not sure about which one, Den Lennie used one in his A7s video, forgot the exact name tho..
I have an a7II, and thinking about a second body, I'm torn between this and the 7r. What do you guys think? Thanks! I want a lighter body since the II is considerably larger than this or the r.
Hi, Thanks for the review. Yes that's a great camera for photography and video. I use this camera for video. Could you let me know how to use steady shot option on this camera please? I am using Canon's glass with this camera. It seems like this option is not working at all. The other option I want to access is TC which is also disabled. I returned the first one because those features were not working but the new one also doing the same. Thanks in advance.
There is no in-body stabilization with the Sony A7S. You will need to make sure that your Canon to NEX adapter will allow stabilization. If your lens is stabilized, turn that function on via the switch on the lens. The option for stabilization in the menu is for using Sony stabilized E-Mount lenses. Jordan @ TCSTV
I know one of the A7S's main features is that it's great in low light, but I feel having great ability in bright daylight is just as important and having those low ISO's is also very good to have. With that in mind, can anybody confirm if the A7S, as well as the A7 & A7R, has high speed flash sync capability? I know sony makes flashes with HSS, but I'm not sure if I have ever got firm confirmation if any of the A7 bodies can actually do HSS.. and I'm not talking putting flash on manual and cracking up power and trying to see what's the highest shutter speed you can get without any banding.. that's not HSS.. need the actually HSS flash pulses that will work with really high shutter speeds.. I would need it for shooting outdoor portraits against bright sunlight to make subject's exposure look balance against ambient exposure.
How is the 12mp work for stills? Is it good enough? I shot many night shots with my A7 but thinking of upgrading. A7r, A7 ll or maybe A7s for those higher ISO?
Great videos! You do a great job of boiling it down to the important points. To that end... I shoot mostly in low light (think musicians in bars), stills not much video. Would you buy the A7s or the A7-II?
For a filmmaker, does this completely replace the 5D if I get a metabones adapter for my Canon glass. There are still obvious advantages that the 5D would have over this camera for stills, but if we are strictly talking video... will this camera retire my 5D (I don't do the raw hack).'
If you're not using the 5D RAW hack, this will completely supersede it in every way. The dynamic range is really a treat to work with! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
It can if you get a grip for the a7 to extend battery like. I do a ton of work on 5d and 6d and I love the battery live compared to my sony a99. I can only imagine how much worse the a7s with the much smaller battery. I'm very interested in this camera though, I've got a lot of vintage lenses begging to be used.
TheCameraStoreTV Great recommendation Jordan, I love the camera!! Here are a couple tests I shot with it in the first couple days since I got it. /watch?v=-f_bd8rb-BU
Yet another nice review! Hey... Now that I'm talking about reviews, I'd like to request a Sony A77 II review. I hope you can get around to that. Oh yeah, and get well soon, Jordan.
Thanks! So...is the AF in stills improved or not so much? In the middle you said you don't see much difference but in the end you said you've seen a bit of an improvement. Help me out!
It's a very slight improvement for stills shooting. Nothing close to the A6000's AF performance. Video AF seems to be smoother and drift off subject less though. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
So you guys covered the AF works well in very low-light conditions. When the subject is moving (as in from a photo pit during a heavy metal concert), is it still accurate? Next, I'm reading some stuff from some internet forum photographers who are slamming the A7 series because they don't use 14 bit due to whatever interpolation boring nonsense. The bottom line: if one is constantly shooting at ISO6400 and above, is there any step back?
To clarify your GH4 video claims... Yes, it shoots 4K internally BUT only at 8-bit 4:2:0 (same as Sony and at 2x crop factor, while Sony is full frame). To get 10-bit 4:2:2 4K from the GH4, you need to record externally. In comparison, the Blackmagic 4K Production camera does 4K at 12-bit internally to SSD.
Hello, cool videos. I have one doubt after watching tons of reviews. I am photographer, how ever from time to time I do video. Which would be the best mirrorless camera for photos? I work with kids in a studio so I need a fast focus. For what I read this A7s is great if you need ISO more than 6400, but I don´t need that very often... So, which mirrorless camera would you recomend? I am a Canon 60D user.
Would you guys say the A7S can produce a cinematic image for films? The Gh4 looks a bit too digital video for my liking(over sharpened, digital look) compared to a blackmagic. How do you think the a7s stacks up? I value DR over sharpness.
hi I like your review about a7s, but there are few question I have about a7s. I do video recording with a6000 about after 25 min it gets overheated. I would like to know if A7s if you keeps running it for 2 hrs also if you can show a test between gh4 lowlight autofocusing vs A7s lowlight autofocus Thanks
Im planning on using this for filming but I need to know what mount it is! I think its an A mount but could be an E mount if its going to be a major film shooter
hey. thanks for this. overall if you compare video autofocus on this camera vs. the 70d (not just the low light autofocus, but overall video autofocus) what would you say? thanks!
Hi guys and thanks a lot for your great reviews. Just a question for you... I heard that the Sony A7s was great with Leica lenses. As I'm planning to invest on this combo (with a 50 summilux asph), I'd like to know what are your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your answers.
It works brilliantly with Leica lenses and other M-Mount glass (Zeiss, Voigtlander) at 28mm and up. It does suffer when used with ultra-wide lenses, the corner falloff is very noticeable. With a 50mm Lux though, you'll get gorgeous images. Jordan @ TCSTV
As a stills shooter who doesn't do video, and rarely go over iso6400, would you recommend the a7S or a7R? I need "higher" ISOs from iso1600 to about iso6400 for events but (again) rarely over 6400
I'd go with the A7R. With all extra resolution, you can be a bit more aggressive with noise reduction, and you have a lot more resolution to work with at low ISOs. Where the A7S earns its keep is between 25600-102400ISO. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Hello, I love your reviews. What camera would you recomend for filming on a trip around the world? animals, jungle, people etc. The Sony A7S or the Panasonic GH4?
Tough choice. If its going to be a very fast paced sort of trip. I would go with the GH4. Smaller and more compact, plus the internal 4k if you are going to be doing video. If pace and price and how much you are carrying isn't an issue. I would go with the a7s. The GH4 is a wonderful camera for fast paced, plus 4k. However, if you are just wondering with pictures. a7s all day.
Since you guys shoot yours videos with FS700, how's the image quality of the a7s compared to the fs700? I'm not talking about the form factor or the XLR mice, just the image quality recorded in body with 1080p. I don't need 4k yet but can't decide whether to stick with my fs100 or get a7s.
I actually prefer the image from the A7S to the FS700 when recording internally, the XAVC-S is much more robust for grading than the AVCHD in the FS700. However, the native sensitivity of 3200 ISO and lack of ND filters means you need to pack filters around for anything but the lowest light shoots. I'll look at this comparison in more detail when we do our follow-up A7S video. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Thanks for the review, hope everyone's favorite camera man gets back in action soon! One question: how did you find the viewfinder compared to the A7? Better? Was it very responsive in low light?
Hello Guys! Great Review! I just ordered mine, but I was wondering if you might be able to give me some advice on which SDXC card to get, I understand that I need a 64g but not sure if a UHS-I would work? Thank you all in advance
We've tested the Sandisk Extreme Pro 64GB UHS-1, and Panasonic UHS-3. Nothing else seems to work for XAVC-S capture. The screwed up thing is, no lower capacity cards seem to work, regardless of write speed. This is an issue I'll take up with Sony before out final A7S review. Jordan @ TCSTV
TheCameraStoreTV Thank you very much for taking the time to respond and doing so that quick. I look forward to seeing the final A7s review and learning more about this camera. Thanks for everything!
We'll hopefully be able to do one earlier with a pre-release Shogun. Then we'll be looking at the 4K, RAW stills, and comparing the image to the GH4 and FS700. I also have some thoughts about the camera which I want to get on-camera! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
TheCameraStoreTV I highly wish that you could also compare it with the Blackmagic 4K camera. And it'd be great if you could compare its 1080p with bmpcc too. Thank you!
Michael Tapp Yes also thinking about buying this combination! Great for weddings and events, wondering i've it will extend the maximal record time of 29 minutes..
Nearly all the A7S footage was shot in SLOG2. I can certainly attest to the A7S having more dynamic range than the GH4, especially in the highlights. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Hey Chris, Love your videos. All around great and informative, but I have a question about the A7s. Does is have built in Image stabilization like most Sony cameras? I'm looking at getting one of these bad boys for video and I can't seem to find the answer to my question anywhere. Thanks
tsproduction2010 A Glidecam HD-2000 was used for the walk & talks. Levi has inspired me to start dragging the Glidecam out again, it looks really nice! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Thanks for a great comprehensive review! Had no idea about the terrible rolling shutter... now I'm wondering if I get this, or save up for the c100 to have, and I quote Philip Bloom, "a proper, PROPER video camera" ...hmmm decisions Thanks again! Really appreciate this.
This was mostly shot on the Zeiss FE 24-70 F4. The ND filter was a Genus Eclipse Fader. I have no idea what the glowing sculpture is called. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
TheCameraStoreTV This comment relates to the last comment above recommending going with the A7R, as well. I was thinking of going with an A7 or A7R, and I'd like a quality fast constant aperture zoom lens that isn't that big. The Zeiss FE 24-70 F4 should fit the bill as good all around lens, but the max aperture of F4 seemed a bit conservative and I worry if it would hang well enough in low light situations, was kind of deterred from it, but I understand keeping it at F4 would allow it to remain compact for such a compact system.. if it were an F2.8, it would be significantly larger and if you wanted to keep things as compact as possible, that would seem like not the right route to go. With the A7S now, I was thinking maybe the extra light sensitivity of the A7S would make up for an other wise less than ideal F4 aperture working in low light conditions... enhancing the performance out of an F4 lens compared to it's larger MP A7 models. Perhaps, technically working as if you it were like a F2.8? I know, DOF is not the same and I'm not comparing that, just the ability to work with a "slower" lens in low light conditions and get cleaner shots and perhaps have better AF performances as well. But, from your experience with the A7S so far, I feel like it may perhaps not be as much of an advantage as I might have originally believed or was hoping.. the A7/A7R's are capable enough where you could probably work the RAW files enough to obtain the same results from an A7S, noise & DR wise?.. unless you work at really high ISO's, anything low to mid-high range the A7 & A7R's can do just as well as the A7S?
When showing sample images on a 1080p video, always include a 100% crop as even a cheap $500 DSLR will look clean at high ISO if the image is downsampled to 1080p
During our ISO ramp up, we always crop into the images. For other sample images, I think it would be tedious to zoom into every image. These videos are close to too long already! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
TheCameraStoreTV Good to know :) though it would be great to get longer videos :) really like the videos (longer videos will allow everyone to enjoy them longer :) ) If possible, if it possible to upload some test images (raw files) or pretty much anything want to pixel peep at an ISO 25600 imge from both the a7R and and the a7S. Might make a cool indoor camera for a professional that has moved to mirrorless especially if the 12.2 megapixel images can maintain enough detail at high ISO to ultimately resolve more detail than a camera with a higher resolution sensor (when in very low light)
TheCameraStoreTV I have to disagree with you on the videos being too long Jordan. :) Your content and production quality is so good I would happily watch them even longer. Thanks for putting out great stuff!
Hammerhaus Kennel I Agree you! Philipp Blooms super long videos are lovely to watch. Or you (the camera store) make two videos. The second video could contain just a few comparison and sample shots? Would be very cool!
What is the higher usable iso on the a7s? if it get soft at high iso what the point? the canon 6d also do high iso at video, but 3200 and above the images get very soft
I'd consider ISO 51 200 to be the maximum usable ISO in video. That may change when we have 4K recording, as I'll be able to be a bit more aggressive with noise reduction. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Why was he so happy when he said "personal problems"
I hope Jordan gets better soon. Awesome job yet again... You all never disappoint. I thank you.
People complain about the "low" megapixel. To me 12mp is more than enough if you know how to compose your shots. Even 4K is just 8mp so you really don't need more.
I currently have a 12mp GF1 for 5 years which I love, but i'll move to an A7S. The low light will undoubtedly shock me compared to my micro 4/3rd.
Second best camera of the year. Thanks for the early review. I'm really been anticipating the release of this body. I'm still in the GH4 camp, but the low light performance and dynamic range on the A7s is kind of staggering.
cheers.
This is probably one of the best videos for the A7S. I bought two. Thanks to this video, Philip Bloom and Film Riot.
Do you still use it ? What are the pros and cons if I want to buy it second-hand now ?
awesome and I am eagerly waiting for the inevitable GH4 vs A7s review!
If I don't shoot events where I can't control lighting is the A7S really a better choice over my original A7 for stills ?
Not sure I fully agree with the complaints of 12MPix for still.... yes nearly all of today's cameras have more... but this sensor has more Color Depth and DR ... and better high ISO performance...than the 12MPix sensors used in the much lauded Nikon D3S and D700 .... Some of the best pictures I've ever shot were with a 12MPix APS-C sized sensor in the Nikon D300 .... what we lose is the latitude to crop and reframe the shot on the PC...which is a nice thing, don't get me wrong...but maybe this will force us to frame the shot right in the first place.... after all even the D4S, X-T1 and EM1 are all 16MPix.... How much less is 12MPix really?
The Camera Store which one would you pick The GH4 Or the A7s? If you had to pick one.
If the low light is as good as suggested then I think this camera is a good tool for night street shooting. You can keep your high shutter speed to freeze action and stop down your lens to have as much detail as you want. No more thin DOF that lead to miss focus.
now I'm torn, I know i need to upgrade from my t3i. and I'm looking at the 6D,GH3,GH4, and now the As7.. I hope you return to this when you get an actual production line As7.. I also would love to here Jordan's thoughts on it. i love when he talks about video at the end of the show... I'd Love to get a sony fs100 or 700 (way out of the budget).
please, compare it with your fs700.
the color match with same picture profile, workflow, low light performance, etc (except the slomo capability haha).
oh and just wondering, if this camera have a crop mode like a7 & a7r, it would be interesting to use that crop mode then attach a metabones speed booster + some fast canon glass. usable iso100K + f0.95 = global dommination :)
now we can imagine (or even better, create) a non timelapse film with stars as a background.
I'll wait for your a7s part II review video
Thanks
Woah get well soon Jordan!
If you use your photos mostly on social networks and not for printing the 12MP are more than enough. However if you use an APS-C lens e-mount on a full frame Sony a7S or a7S II the resolution is reduced to 5MP which isn't something really good but it is still usable.
i got a question should i get the canon 6d or the sony a7s? which one has better quality videos?
get a dedicated video camera if you want to do videos
g steiner Great suggestion! Tell us which one has better low light video than the A7S!
Jordan @ TCSTV
Jorge, the A7S has better video than the 6D in every regard.
Jordan @ TCSTV
TheCameraStoreTV thank you! ill be getting one soon! is there any adapter for canon lenses?
Jorge Fernandez Yeah bro you can get adapters for I Leica Cannon and Nikon mounts. So even if you have some Sigmas or Nikon Lenses laying around you can always use those with the appropriate adapter.
Actually, I want this as still because of the small megapixels. 12 on this camera is way way more than adequate for I shoot.
What do you shoot or used to… back then, if I may ask?
Did he say 15 stops of dynamic range at 9:20 ??? Also, if you use an external recorder, can you record at 10bit?
I've noticed that at 9:50 the videographer is walking with Chris. How did you get the video so stabilised?
Excellent review. Wondering why Sony A7s only have 12Mpx? Believe the main reason is lower pixel density count on a full frame sensor give a larger pixel size, and as a result provide better low light capability and less noise on Ultra high ISO. Sony should focus on one single A7 model with great still, video and lens, instead of so many variation. Many potential buyer including me really keen to purchase this camera but the 12Mpx just spoilt the whole experience.
They can't... that's just it. Higher MP count on the same sensor means smaller pixels.. means worse low light performance.
There is no "one size fits all" solution, at least not in the budget/pro-sumer camera range.
I will say this.. notice how on the GH4 footage the blades of grass are not discrete?
On the A7s you can clearly tell each blade apart but on the GH4 they blend together :)
I’ve been eyeing the Sony A7 for a long time for my RUclips shooting. I’m sold 👍🏾
Is this A7S's high iso in video much better than the Canon 5D mark 3 ? If so, it would be nice to see you guys do a shoot out in high iso video between the A7S and the C100 !
What lens was on the a7s when shooting this review?
YESS!!! Been waiting for this.
Any chance you could post the Stills from this shoot? I would love to have the still at 1:44 for a wallpaper...
Get well, Jordan! Great job Chris and Levi!
Great video! Did you say ...D7s at 5:15min? :)
Could you do a demonstration of low light AF performance? Would be nice to see how it focuses in low light (i.e. show us the LCD as you do the focusing).
Congrats to the video guy, he handled that part very well.
Great video work. Get well Jordan
Everything looks good with this camera except for the rolling shutter and the green looking shadows in regards to video. I want a B cam for video and a backup for stills but the green shadows are making me nervous to buy. I wish I could try it before I buy.
Great Video, I just got the A7s and agree with everything.
Chris, Thanks for the initial honest review. I can't wait to throw this camera into my Edelkrone rig and an Atomos Shogun recorder. The camera is EXACTLY what I want - 80% for video, 20% for stills. Now if it would just arrive already - I pre-ordered it from your store! ;)
great video. I am in the camp for a new camera for video and I am torn between this and the GH4! I am excited that it is full frame, but a bit disappointed in it being 12mp and having to record to external for 4k...
Love that Chris was so thrilled that Jordan was at hospital.
Chris, the lens you have on the A7s seems big and unbalanced to the body. Was it front heavy?
"The video record button is thoughtfully laid out on the side" + "The menu is sensibly laid out" = Things no one has ever said about Sony A7 cameras gen I and II ever again
But goddamn is it still an iconic image. I wouldn't be surprised to see a resurgence in use of these once second hand prices really bottom out, and I think that's a great thing
Most TVs are only 8bit anyway right? Except for computer monitor (IPS) displays yeah?
I think you can use one of BlackMagic's UltraStudios to record 4K externally until the Atomos Shogun comes out. Not sure about which one, Den Lennie used one in his A7s video, forgot the exact name tho..
Great video. I have an A7. Is it worth to get this for video features alone or am I better off with the A7 and a crop camcorder? Thanks!
I have an a7II, and thinking about a second body, I'm torn between this and the 7r. What do you guys think? Thanks! I want a lighter body since the II is considerably larger than this or the r.
Want one really really bad...can't decide between this, gh4 or fs700..
Is there by any chance the Sony A77 mk 2 can be reviewed please?
whys it covered in water?
Hi,
Thanks for the review. Yes that's a great camera for photography and video. I use this camera for video.
Could you let me know how to use steady shot option on this camera please? I am using Canon's glass with this camera. It seems like this option is not working at all. The other option I want to access is TC which is also disabled.
I returned the first one because those features were not working but the new one also doing the same.
Thanks in advance.
There is no in-body stabilization with the Sony A7S. You will need to make sure that your Canon to NEX adapter will allow stabilization. If your lens is stabilized, turn that function on via the switch on the lens. The option for stabilization in the menu is for using Sony stabilized E-Mount lenses.
Jordan @ TCSTV
Does anyone know what mic is being used for the dialogue in this video? Sounds amazing!
I know one of the A7S's main features is that it's great in low light, but I feel having great ability in bright daylight is just as important and having those low ISO's is also very good to have. With that in mind, can anybody confirm if the A7S, as well as the A7 & A7R, has high speed flash sync capability? I know sony makes flashes with HSS, but I'm not sure if I have ever got firm confirmation if any of the A7 bodies can actually do HSS.. and I'm not talking putting flash on manual and cracking up power and trying to see what's the highest shutter speed you can get without any banding.. that's not HSS.. need the actually HSS flash pulses that will work with really high shutter speeds.. I would need it for shooting outdoor portraits against bright sunlight to make subject's exposure look balance against ambient exposure.
two great choices you give us showing and filming panny vs Sony. great review
Great review. Still waiting for your A7s vs GH4 shoot out!
=)
How is the 12mp work for stills? Is it good enough? I shot many night shots with my A7 but thinking of upgrading. A7r, A7 ll or maybe A7s for those higher ISO?
Great videos! You do a great job of boiling it down to the important points. To that end... I shoot mostly in low light (think musicians in bars), stills not much video. Would you buy the A7s or the A7-II?
How does the rolling shutter compare to a 5d mark 3?
So, will Jordan return as Jordame?
How can the video have 15stops of dynamic range when raw files got "only" 13.2 stops of DR?
hi can u do a video comparison on the canon 6d,sony a7 and sony a7 r please
For a filmmaker, does this completely replace the 5D if I get a metabones adapter for my Canon glass. There are still obvious advantages that the 5D would have over this camera for stills, but if we are strictly talking video... will this camera retire my 5D (I don't do the raw hack).'
If you're not using the 5D RAW hack, this will completely supersede it in every way. The dynamic range is really a treat to work with!
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
It can if you get a grip for the a7 to extend battery like. I do a ton of work on 5d and 6d and I love the battery live compared to my sony a99. I can only imagine how much worse the a7s with the much smaller battery. I'm very interested in this camera though, I've got a lot of vintage lenses begging to be used.
TheCameraStoreTV Thanks for the feedback. Can't wait to see what the extra DR will do for my footage.
TheCameraStoreTV Great recommendation Jordan, I love the camera!! Here are a couple tests I shot with it in the first couple days since I got it.
/watch?v=-f_bd8rb-BU
i think we need another review with the RAW and the 4k
Yet another nice review! Hey... Now that I'm talking about reviews, I'd like to request a Sony A77 II review. I hope you can get around to that. Oh yeah, and get well soon, Jordan.
What the song at 1:17 - 2:09?
Thanks! So...is the AF in stills improved or not so much?
In the middle you said you don't see much difference but in the end you said you've seen a bit of an improvement. Help me out!
It's a very slight improvement for stills shooting. Nothing close to the A6000's AF performance. Video AF seems to be smoother and drift off subject less though.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
So you guys covered the AF works well in very low-light conditions. When the subject is moving (as in from a photo pit during a heavy metal concert), is it still accurate?
Next, I'm reading some stuff from some internet forum photographers who are slamming the A7 series because they don't use 14 bit due to whatever interpolation boring nonsense. The bottom line: if one is constantly shooting at ISO6400 and above, is there any step back?
"Shot in the Dark" is a song by heavy metal solo artist Ozzy Osbourne, from his 1986 album The Ultimate Sin.
To clarify your GH4 video claims... Yes, it shoots 4K internally BUT only at 8-bit 4:2:0 (same as Sony and at 2x crop factor, while Sony is full frame). To get 10-bit 4:2:2 4K from the GH4, you need to record externally. In comparison, the Blackmagic 4K Production camera does 4K at 12-bit internally to SSD.
Hello, cool videos. I have one doubt after watching tons of reviews. I am photographer, how ever from time to time I do video. Which would be the best mirrorless camera for photos? I work with kids in a studio so I need a fast focus. For what I read this A7s is great if you need ISO more than 6400, but I don´t need that very often... So, which mirrorless camera would you recomend? I am a Canon 60D user.
Love it guys - great music too!!
Would you guys say the A7S can produce a cinematic image for films? The Gh4 looks a bit too digital video for my liking(over sharpened, digital look) compared to a blackmagic. How do you think the a7s stacks up? I value DR over sharpness.
hi I like your review about a7s, but there are few question I have about a7s. I do video recording with a6000 about after 25 min it gets overheated. I would like to know if A7s if you keeps running it for 2 hrs also if you can show a test between gh4 lowlight autofocusing vs A7s lowlight autofocus Thanks
bad timing with the external 4k recorder...hope they start shipping soon because the a7s is already shipping!!
This is a high quality review. Thnx guys
Im planning on using this for filming but I need to know what mount it is! I think its an A mount but could be an E mount if its going to be a major film shooter
It is an E-Mount camera. Great for filmmakers!
Jordan @ TCSTV
Hi,
What lens is that seems very good :)
Hello :-) Which external monitor would you recommend with the Sony Alpha 7s?
Good work guys.
On what camera was the interview shot?
hey. thanks for this. overall if you compare video autofocus on this camera vs. the 70d (not just the low light autofocus, but overall video autofocus) what would you say? thanks!
If you were to get one ND filter, how many stops down would you recommend it be for working with SLOG2 at native 3200 ISO?
I use a 5 stop filter outside on bright days. My aperture usually ranges from F4-F8 in the sun.
Jordan @ TCSTV
i love the 12mp, i think is the perfect mp count for casual shootings, i shoot weddings, d700 is still my fav to go camera.great review!
How the dynamic range of the A7S compared to the A7/R?
Hi guys and thanks a lot for your great reviews. Just a question for you... I heard that the Sony A7s was great with Leica lenses. As I'm planning to invest on this combo (with a 50 summilux asph), I'd like to know what are your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your answers.
It works brilliantly with Leica lenses and other M-Mount glass (Zeiss, Voigtlander) at 28mm and up. It does suffer when used with ultra-wide lenses, the corner falloff is very noticeable. With a 50mm Lux though, you'll get gorgeous images.
Jordan @ TCSTV
TheCameraStoreTV
Thanks a lot!
Nice hands on preview. May I ask what you used to record sound? Thanks :D
As a stills shooter who doesn't do video, and rarely go over iso6400, would you recommend the a7S or a7R? I need "higher" ISOs from iso1600 to about iso6400 for events but (again) rarely over 6400
I'd go with the A7R. With all extra resolution, you can be a bit more aggressive with noise reduction, and you have a lot more resolution to work with at low ISOs. Where the A7S earns its keep is between 25600-102400ISO.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
if you do not go over ISO6400, then no point getting this low resolution special purpose camera. Go for the 7R.
guys what are you using to shoot the moving shots?
Is the A7S weather sealed?
Hello, I love your reviews. What camera would you recomend for filming on a trip around the world? animals, jungle, people etc. The Sony A7S or the Panasonic GH4?
Tough choice. If its going to be a very fast paced sort of trip. I would go with the GH4. Smaller and more compact, plus the internal 4k if you are going to be doing video. If pace and price and how much you are carrying isn't an issue. I would go with the a7s. The GH4 is a wonderful camera for fast paced, plus 4k.
However, if you are just wondering with pictures. a7s all day.
Since you guys shoot yours videos with FS700,
how's the image quality of the a7s compared to the fs700?
I'm not talking about the form factor or the XLR mice,
just the image quality recorded in body with 1080p.
I don't need 4k yet but can't decide whether to stick with my fs100 or get a7s.
I actually prefer the image from the A7S to the FS700 when recording internally, the XAVC-S is much more robust for grading than the AVCHD in the FS700. However, the native sensitivity of 3200 ISO and lack of ND filters means you need to pack filters around for anything but the lowest light shoots. I'll look at this comparison in more detail when we do our follow-up A7S video.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
TheCameraStoreTV
Thanks for the reply and the review. I'll be waiting for the follow up review of this camera.
Thanks for the review, hope everyone's favorite camera man gets back in action soon! One question: how did you find the viewfinder compared to the A7? Better? Was it very responsive in low light?
Hello Guys! Great Review!
I just ordered mine, but I was wondering if you might be able to give me some advice on which SDXC card to get, I understand that I need a 64g but not sure if a UHS-I would work?
Thank you all in advance
We've tested the Sandisk Extreme Pro 64GB UHS-1, and Panasonic UHS-3. Nothing else seems to work for XAVC-S capture. The screwed up thing is, no lower capacity cards seem to work, regardless of write speed. This is an issue I'll take up with Sony before out final A7S review.
Jordan @ TCSTV
TheCameraStoreTV Thank you very much for taking the time to respond and doing so that quick. I look forward to seeing the final A7s review and learning more about this camera. Thanks for everything!
Hi,
Which lens were you using with it ?
Thanks :)
Are you guys going to do another video with the Atomos Shogun in September with Jordan? I was pooped he wasn't on this video.
We'll hopefully be able to do one earlier with a pre-release Shogun. Then we'll be looking at the 4K, RAW stills, and comparing the image to the GH4 and FS700. I also have some thoughts about the camera which I want to get on-camera!
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
TheCameraStoreTV I highly wish that you could also compare it with the Blackmagic 4K camera. And it'd be great if you could compare its 1080p with bmpcc too. Thank you!
TheCameraStoreTV What about using it with a ninja star to get a 1080 4:2:2 signal? I think the 7 inch shogun monitor will be silly for handheld work.
Michael Tapp Yes also thinking about buying this combination! Great for weddings and events, wondering i've it will extend the maximal record time of 29 minutes..
TheCameraStoreTV Please include a speedbooster on the gh4 for the comparison.
It was just me or GH4 seemed to have more DR than the A7s? Or not filmed in S-Log with the Sony? Thanks! Nice video by the way! ;)
Nearly all the A7S footage was shot in SLOG2. I can certainly attest to the A7S having more dynamic range than the GH4, especially in the highlights.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
GH4 codec isn't as good as XAVCs
hello sir thanks to reply me....im confused,,,5d mark 3, a7s, panasonic gh4 which one is the best for wedding and short film videography
5d - good for photos , but no 4k , gh4 - very good for videos (uhd and cine4k) but is a 4/3 , a7s - good enough for both
Hey Chris, Love your videos. All around great and informative, but I have a question about the A7s. Does is have built in Image stabilization like most Sony cameras? I'm looking at getting one of these bad boys for video and I can't seem to find the answer to my question anywhere. Thanks
cool review, thanks for that..what camera was used to shoot this ? and what stabilizer or brush less gimbal used? thanks
Just saw the bottom gh4 used to film .cool . Stabilizer or gimbal ?
tsproduction2010 A Glidecam HD-2000 was used for the walk & talks. Levi has inspired me to start dragging the Glidecam out again, it looks really nice!
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Yes it does .very nice work guys.pro work
Terrific review and great presentation. I'm going to buy oe.
Thanks
Thanks for a great comprehensive review! Had no idea about the terrible rolling shutter... now I'm wondering if I get this, or save up for the c100 to have, and I quote Philip Bloom, "a proper, PROPER video camera" ...hmmm decisions Thanks again! Really appreciate this.
Rockin' the Craig Federighi hair style, nice! What lens did you use? Was that an ND filter on it? What is that glowing art piece?
This was mostly shot on the Zeiss FE 24-70 F4. The ND filter was a Genus Eclipse Fader. I have no idea what the glowing sculpture is called.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
TheCameraStoreTV This comment relates to the last comment above recommending going with the A7R, as well. I was thinking of going with an A7 or A7R, and I'd like a quality fast constant aperture zoom lens that isn't that big. The Zeiss FE 24-70 F4 should fit the bill as good all around lens, but the max aperture of F4 seemed a bit conservative and I worry if it would hang well enough in low light situations, was kind of deterred from it, but I understand keeping it at F4 would allow it to remain compact for such a compact system.. if it were an F2.8, it would be significantly larger and if you wanted to keep things as compact as possible, that would seem like not the right route to go. With the A7S now, I was thinking maybe the extra light sensitivity of the A7S would make up for an other wise less than ideal F4 aperture working in low light conditions... enhancing the performance out of an F4 lens compared to it's larger MP A7 models. Perhaps, technically working as if you it were like a F2.8? I know, DOF is not the same and I'm not comparing that, just the ability to work with a "slower" lens in low light conditions and get cleaner shots and perhaps have better AF performances as well. But, from your experience with the A7S so far, I feel like it may perhaps not be as much of an advantage as I might have originally believed or was hoping.. the A7/A7R's are capable enough where you could probably work the RAW files enough to obtain the same results from an A7S, noise & DR wise?.. unless you work at really high ISO's, anything low to mid-high range the A7 & A7R's can do just as well as the A7S?
Can you do selfies with this camera?
what's the best setting on the NEX for most information for post processing?
What NEX?
NEX6
xilefx You do realize this is a video about the A7S?
João Soares Of course. And they're talking about these color presets and I want to know what profile is best for my NEX
xilefx You could probably get more useful information if you posted that question in their video about the NEX6. Just sayin'.
When showing sample images on a 1080p video, always include a 100% crop as even a cheap $500 DSLR will look clean at high ISO if the image is downsampled to 1080p
During our ISO ramp up, we always crop into the images. For other sample images, I think it would be tedious to zoom into every image. These videos are close to too long already!
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
TheCameraStoreTV Good to know :)
though it would be great to get longer videos :) really like the videos (longer videos will allow everyone to enjoy them longer :) )
If possible, if it possible to upload some test images (raw files) or pretty much anything want to pixel peep at an ISO 25600 imge from both the a7R and and the a7S. Might make a cool indoor camera for a professional that has moved to mirrorless especially if the 12.2 megapixel images can maintain enough detail at high ISO to ultimately resolve more detail than a camera with a higher resolution sensor (when in very low light)
TheCameraStoreTV I have to disagree with you on the videos being too long Jordan. :) Your content and production quality is so good I would happily watch them even longer. Thanks for putting out great stuff!
STOP SMOKING CRACK
Hammerhaus Kennel I Agree you! Philipp Blooms super long videos are lovely to watch. Or you (the camera store) make two videos. The second video could contain just a few comparison and sample shots?
Would be very cool!
What is the higher usable iso on the a7s? if it get soft at high iso what the point? the canon 6d also do high iso at video, but 3200 and above the images get very soft
I'd consider ISO 51 200 to be the maximum usable ISO in video. That may change when we have 4K recording, as I'll be able to be a bit more aggressive with noise reduction.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
TheCameraStoreTV what is the noise like at 12800 & 25600 in video invisible? what about the battery life for video?
What kind of lens did you use?