History and Evolution of the Sony A7S Series

Jul 16, 2024

History of the Sony A7S Series

Introduction

  • Revolutionary camera in the film industry over the last 7 years
  • Brought Sony into the game of video hybrid cameras
  • Competitor to Canon’s 5D series
  • Recent model: Sony A7S3

Origins of the A7S

  • Released in 2013
  • Third alpha mirrorless camera from Sony
  • Preceded by the A7 and A7R

Key Features

  • 12 megapixels
  • Capable of high ISO (up to 10,000 ISO) for low light conditions
  • Capable of shooting 4K (required Atomos Shogun Recorder for 4K)
  • Internal recording limited to 1080p

Reception and Challenges

  • Enabled shooting in dimly lit conditions
  • Had issues with dynamic range and color information at high ISOs
  • Output was limited to 8-bit 422 signal

Color Science Issues

  • Initial issues with color science compared to Canon and Sony cinema cameras
  • Required custom profiles to improve color (e.g., EosHD’s Pro Color)
  • Bad battery life (approx. 40 min)
  • No autofocus for video, only focus peaking

Sony A7S II

  • Released in October 2015
  • Internal 4K recording and In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
  • Body was chunkier and easier to grip
  • Same poor battery life
  • Continuous autofocus introduced (contrast-based)
  • Issues with color science persisted
  • 1080p at 120 fps slow motion
  • Incremental upgrade over the A7S

Rumors and Hype

  • 2017: Release of A7R III with new battery, dual card slots, better AF, and improved IBIS
  • Expectations for A7S III were high
  • Delay and rumors until 2020

Arrival of the A7S III

  • Released in Summer 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • High demand despite economic uncertainty
  • Competed with Canon R5 (which had overheating issues)

Specifications and Improvements

  • Dual card slots (CF Express Type A and SD)
  • 4K at 120 fps
  • Full-sized HDMI port
  • Improved color science, EVF, and IBIS
  • Excellent battery life and autofocus (eye tracking)
  • Flip screen added

Conclusion

  • A7S III is a near-perfect hybrid camera
  • Ideal for video-focused users like YouTubers
  • Retained 12 megapixels but upgraded to dual native ISO sensor
  • Compatible with a wide range of Sony E-mount lenses

Sponsor

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Presenter

  • Dave Mays (Twitter: @davemaze, Instagram: @davemays_)