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Sony Alpha A7s – Sample Photos

a7s

I just received the latest installment of the full frame Sony Alpha A-series, which is known as the Sony A7s and I did some High ISO Testing!

So, what sets the Sony A7s apart from the A7 and A7r is the new 12.2mp full frame processor! This lower pixel dense sensor allows for the individual pixels to be physically larger than those on the 36mp A7r for example. With larger pixels comes better High ISO sensitivity and dynamic range theoretically.

Sony A7s Sample Photos

I took a few random shots in the few minutes I had today 😉
This first scene offered some nice dynamic range and 35mm worked out perfect.

Click the photos!

Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/11, 1/125sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/11, 1/125sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/1250sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/1250sec, ISO 100, Jpeg

Another cool Zacmax Sculpture popped up near where my wife Michele works. This one has some really nice character to it 😉

Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/1250sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/1250sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/1250sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
100% Crop
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/1000sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/1000sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/1000sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
100% Crop

Driveway flowers and coolers in the distance waiting to go in the shed 😉

Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/160sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/160sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
Sony A7s w/ 35mm,, f/2.8 lens @ f/2.8, 1/160sec, ISO 100, Jpeg
100% Crop

I just took this image and was amazed by using f/8 in such low light! I was using Auto ISO, so I raised the High parameter in the menu t0 ISO 100400. The camera chose ISO 32000 for this next image using Auto ISO once I raised the maximum in the menu. I also took this in jpeg quality!

Sony A7s - High ISO Testing - ISO 32000, f/8, 1/60sec, Jpeg fine
Sony A7s – High ISO Testing – ISO 32000, f/8, 1/60sec, Jpeg fine
Sony A7s - High ISO Testing - ISO 32000, f/8, 1/60sec, Jpeg fine
100% Crop

Really Dark

This is what the scene looked like from the hallway, just so you can see how dark it was in the room.

Note the ISO in the caption just below thew images!

Sony A7s - High ISO Testing - ISO 10000
Sony A7s – High ISO Testing – ISO 10000
Sony A7s - High ISO Testing - ISO 10000
100% Crop

Here is the same scene with the camera at the door looking into the dark.

Sony A7s - High ISO Testing - ISO 204800
Sony A7s – High ISO Testing – ISO 204800
Sony A7s - High ISO Testing - ISO 204800
100% Crop

Closing Remarks

So far I’m very impressed with the Sony A7s High ISO and I think when I calibrate the WB and use better lighting it will look even better. ISO 102400 looks better than I was expecting and beyond that is not really usable, but nice to have available in those impossible situations. Real world also needs to be tested and that is what ultimately matters in the end. So far the 35mm f/2.8 lens is proving to be razor sharp as you can see in the sample photos.

That is all for now and please feel free to ask questions and comment below as always,
Jay

The New Full Frame E-Mount Sony Alpha A7s is now In Stock @ BHphoto | Amazon | Adorama

  1. I can’t believe how impressive the noise level is in the higher ISO images. Thank you so much for posting. You really make me want to invest in some Sony equipment.

    1. Thanks Kelly and I totally agree you should invest in some Sony equipment 😉 lol! Seriously, though this camera is incredible and the best I have ever in the High ISO department by far.
      Sony Also has the best sensors and that is why so many other manufactures use them nowadays.
      Thanks again,
      Jay

  2. Jay, this is more of a question. I’m sorely tempted by the A7S, since it seems I’m always struggling with slow shutter speeds and high ISO in low light, and shooting handheld.
    It seems that my E-M1 with its great IBIS may have about a 3 stop advantage in terms of slower shutter speeds (at comparable focal lengths and apertures) over the A7S. So, would that mean that the A7s would have to be better at 12,800 than the E-M1 at 1600? And do you think it is?
    I feel like there’s a flaw in my logic, but can’t see it.
    Thanks,
    Mike

    1. Mike,
      That is an excellent question and hard to answer exactly, because of the crop factor and math. However, I think the A7s would be much better in low light due to the larger individual pixels and overall sensor size, but it would also be harder to hand hold for that same reason. If the lens had OSS it would help, but full frame is still harder than the smaller 4/3 sensor cameras to hand hold.
      Looking at what DXOMark has to say on the matter:
      A7s vs OMD-EM1
      I hope that helps a little,
      Jay

      1. Thanks a lot, Jay, I sure appreciate the detailed answer. I guess there are so many variables to consider, I may just have to get an A7S and check it out. 🙂
        I look forward to any follow on reviews of the A7S …
        Mike

        1. Anytime Mike and I think you will really be blown away with it honestly. Especially if you get one of the killer Zeiss primes as well 😉
          Jay

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