Sony A7S Image Quality Analysis: How does the low-res, high ISO A7S stack up against the competition?

 

 

We've just completed our comparative analysis of the Sony A7S's image quality performance as well as print quality chops. Having only a 12-megapixel full-frame sensor, the Sony A7S is rather unique among modern cameras, which tend to pack more and more pixels onto their imaging chips and result in stunningly large image resolutions.

Indeed, in our A7S image quality comparison, it was quite difficult to judge a 12MP A7S image crop to one from say the Canon 5D Mark III, Nikon D750 and Sony A7, which all have over 20 megapixel images. Nonetheless, we felt it was still pertinent to share image comparisons to the popular and competitive cameras. For good measure, we've also included comparisons to other popular mirrorless cameras, the Fujifilm X-T1 and Panasonic GH4. Not only do these share more similar image resolutions, it's also important to compare different sensor types and sizes.

With the Sony's purpose-built 12MP full-frame sensor, which utilizes larger individual pixels and designed for high ISO performance, the camera should trounce the competition, right? Well, you'll have to head to our Sony A7S Image Quality Comparison to find out!

Also, be sure to check out the Sony A7S Print Quality Analysis, as well. While it may have relatlively low-res sensor, the Sony A7S still managed some very impressively large print sizes, especially at lower ISOs.

We're starting to wrap up our Sony A7S review here, with our finalized conclusion of this hot full-frame mirrorless camera coming soon, so stay tuned! In the meantime, if you haven't already done so, now's a great time to check out the A7S Shooter's Report, or go pixel-peeping with some lab sample shots or real-world gallery photos.