• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A7S advantages over Nikon Z 30

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.40 vs 4.22 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    409600 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon Z 30 advantages over Sony A7S

  • Less expensive
    $697 vs $1998*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    2 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    390g vs 507g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.9 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Outstanding high ISO performance; excellent dynamic range; 4K video recording (via uncompressed HDMI); XAVC S option for HD video; Slightly improved battery life over A7/A7R; Built-in Wi-Fi & NFC connectivity.

  • 4K video requires expensive external recorder; Sluggish startup time; Loud shutter; Silent Shooting mode hurts image quality; Lacks a built-in, pop-up flash; Limited selection of native Sony FE lenses.

  • Read our Sony A7S Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Sony A7S
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • More pixels

Compare Sony A7S vs Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Nikon Z 30
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Compared to Sony A7S II

Sony A7S
Sony A7S II
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A7S vs Sony A7S II

Nikon Z 30
Sony A7S II
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Sony A7S II

Compared to Leica M (Typ 262)

Sony A7S
Leica M (Typ 262)
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Sony A7S vs Leica M (Typ 262)

Nikon Z 30
Leica M (Typ 262)
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Leica M (Typ 262)

Compared to Canon EOS M50 II

Sony A7S
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $646
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony A7S vs Canon EOS M50 II

Nikon Z 30
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Newer
  • $646
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Canon EOS M50 II

Compared to Nikon Z fc

Sony A7S
Nikon Z fc
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A7S vs Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z 30
Nikon Z fc
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Nikon Z fc

Compare Other Cameras?