Sony a7s. Better than needed

25.12.2014 18:05

The first significant bonus that is in the box in addition to the Sony Alpha A7S and the usual accessories is two batteries.

You quickly get used to the good, as they say, but as practice has shown, even from a seemingly flawless thing you can get tired, or rather cool down to it. This statement is purely subjective and concerns the product reviewed today - Sony Alpha A7S. But for sure, it can be close to those users who, having received the coveted device in their hands and having played enough with it, understand that there is no practical application for this thing in the future.

What to do: continue to use a professional solution for purely yourself, getting nothing but enthusiastic emotions from the process and sometimes the result, or get rid of an expensive toys, realizing that taking with you, in addition to a bunch of interchangeable lenses, is a miracle, so that sometime, in 20 years, to look at the received frames, there is no particular reason. This question must be answered by each individual.

The essence of the camera called Sony Alpha A7S, which came to us in the Body configuration, will not change from this. Some time ago, this particular device was the top full frame solution Sony's line of mirrorless products. Now the collection has versions and , matrices in the mentioned solutions of higher resolution, but the shooting technology has remained the same. In principle, there is not much difference (and having looked at the pictures taken from both cameras, this becomes even more obvious) between the Sony Alpha A7S and the very first camera in the series - . Neither in terms of functionality, nor in terms of digital results (frames). Nevertheless, an improved model with the S suffix can offer the user something important, which is currently estimated at 100,000 rubles.

The first iconic bonus that is in the box in addition to the Sony Alpha A7S and the usual accessories is two batteries. It is known that devices from Sony live during the shooting process is not very long, for example, on a full charge, the reviewed solution allows you to make approximately 350 frames. In such a situation, an additional battery will come in handy. In addition, there are a couple of different types of chargers in the box with the device.

You can charge the Sony Alpha A7S using a USB input, both from a PC and from the network (the converter is included), in addition, it is possible to feed only the battery corresponding to the charger itself in the kit.

In terms of functional controls and soft menus, there is no difference compared to the Sony Alpha A7 in the newer camera.

Sony Alpha A7S compact camera with full frame Exmor CMOS sensor and resolution 12.2 MP offers the user a durable metal housing with plastic and rubberized inserts for a comfortable grip. This is necessary so that the device fits organically in both one and two hands. Still, for clear and confident shooting, one palm will not be enough, if only because without a Sony Alpha A7S lens it weighs almost 500 g.

Bayonet E allows you to install any lens with the appropriate connector here (you can also use lenses with A-mount, for Sony SLR cameras, but you need a special adapter). The range of such glasses is growing year by year, but the variety of SAL models is still far away. In addition, SEL lenses are quite expensive, especially premium lenses from Zeiss.

In any case, we advise you to use only full-frame lenses, and not all in a row, for example, those designed for the NEX series of products. Otherwise, you are depriving yourself of the increased optical space (thanks to essentially a single crop factor) that the Sony Alpha A7S matrix can cover.

The device allows you to receive frames (exposure range - 1/8000 - 30 s) with maximum resolution 4240×2832 pixels for full frame (picture formats: RAW, RAW & JPEG, JPEG Extra fine, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard). Video shooting is possible in Full HD resolution.

Sony Alpha A7S is an uncompromising solution for professionals and wealthy lovers of quality photography. Possibly the best mirrorless camera on the market right now.

A revolutionary breakthrough according to Sony is an incredible, at first glance, range of ISO adjustment. ISO 50-409600 units. However, the pictures at the end of the material prove the fact that even at ISO 64000 the final picture cannot be considered at least somewhat suitable, even during daylight hours.

On the other hand, the ISO value of 25600 units is quite readable and may be recommended for use if ambient light is insufficient. The result will not be of printing quality, but many details, without a significant increase, remain very clear.

We note the high quality of video shooting, which offers the Sony Alpha A7S, and even more impressive sound quality, which records the built-in stereo microphone. On any speaker system, the resulting recording sounds great, many high-level voice recorders, even semi-professional ones, cannot guarantee such a clear sound with a wide range of reproducible frequencies.

According to Sony, a revolutionary breakthrough is the incredible, at first glance, ISO sensitivity adjustment range of 50-409600 units.

In terms of functional controls and soft menus, there is no difference compared to the Sony Alpha A7 in the newer camera. There is no great need to parse the vicissitudes of the menu interface if you are used to shooting in M ​​mode (that is, manual). All controls (shutter speed, aperture, sensitivity, white balance, exposure compensation) are at hand, for each of the options there is either a separate circular control or a key.

Automatic switching between the XGA OLED Tru-Finder and the screen is there, of course, but the user is unlikely to want to shoot from the display, because the image quality in the window truly incredible. Do not deprive yourself of such pleasure.

We shot with the lens . The results are presented at the end of the material. Of the subjective sensations, there is nothing but enthusiastic emotions. Fast auto focus operation, instant display of the perspective of the picture with the applied settings and parameters in real time, simple and intuitive operation and navigation - this is the Sony Alpha A7S.

Fast auto focus operation, instant display of the perspective of the picture with the applied settings and parameters in real time, simple and intuitive operation and navigation - this is the Sony Alpha A7S.

In short, the reviewed camera is an uncompromising solution for professionals and wealthy lovers of quality photography. Possibly the best mirrorless camera on the market right now.

For a sports photographer, this solution may not be suitable only because of the not very high shooting speed, the small number of compatible lenses and some subtleties of the hardware-functional plan that are inherent in SLR devices. In all other cases, Sony Alpha A7S should be recommended as an indispensable, lightweight and compact assistant for work and leisure.

It is a pity that not every person is able to afford such a product, perhaps it is precisely such solutions that could put an end to low-quality photographs that are created by millions of lovers of simple shooting from smartphones and soap dishes.

But having touched something big, there is a possibility of another return to the simple, albeit with a different, overestimated view of the old things. Thus, a cyclic process is launched, the beginning of which is described in the introduction to this article.

Sample shots from the Sony Alpha A7S camera:

f/2.5, ISO 160, shutter speed 1/160 s

f/2.5, ISO 160, shutter speed 1/320 s

04.05.2014 21723 Tests and reviews 0

Before the first mirrorless full-frame cameras had time to shake the minds of photographers, Sony once again offered amateur and professional photography another innovative system camera aimed at video enthusiasts. Sony Alpha A7s - this is the name of the new product, which differs from its predecessors by the letter "s" in the name, which means "sensitivity".

The Alpha A7s features a brand new 12MP full-frame sensor that allows you to shoot 4K videos using virtually the entire area of ​​the sensor. Videographers will also appreciate a number of specific options such as S-Log2 Gamma and timecode output. But that's not all. Let's take a closer look at the novelty.

Specifications Sony Alpha A7s

Sony traditionally, as for the NEX series, uses body design for a whole line of cameras. The Sony A7s is no exception, and has the same chassis as the Sony Alpha A7 and A7R, which is a bit heavier.

On the front, in addition to the Sony E mount, there is a small rubberized grip (which is clearly not enough for balanced video shooting), at the top of which a front control wheel is mounted. Closer to the bottom of the handle is an infrared sensor window, and at the very top there is an autofocus illuminator. There are no differences from previous models, only the logo in the upper right corner.

On the top panel are the mode selector, exposure compensation dial, shutter button with power lever and one of the programmable buttons. Above the viewfinder are a connector for connecting an external flash and a stereo microphone. The camera does not have its own flash.

Most of the rear area here is occupied by the display, which has not undergone any changes compared to the Sony A7 / A7R - A7s is equipped with a three-inch LCD display (non-touch) with a resolution of 921,600 dots and a tilt mechanism that allows you to set the screen at an angle of 45 degrees down or tilt it up 85 degrees. Above the display is a menu entry button and another customizable key. The thumb rests on the rear scroller, immediately below which lies the focus mode switch. A little lower is the button for calling the quick menu, the disk navigator and the buttons for entering the playback mode and deleting pictures. On the left edge there is a button for quick start of video recording.

The camera also, like its predecessors, has an electronic viewfinder, the OLED matrix of which contains 2.36 million dots, which is equivalent to a resolution of 1024x768. The viewfinder provides 100% frame coverage and a magnification of 0.71x. Especially for the Sony A7s, a full-frame sensor with a modest 12 megapixel resolution was developed. This is half that of the Sony A7 and three times that of the A7R, which is due to improved ISO and dynamic range. The ISO range has reached the limit value of 409.600 units. The camera sensor also boasts a new dynamic range auto-adjustment technology based on lighting conditions.

The camera interface has been slightly modified to reflect the new video capabilities of the camera - includes a main menu, a quick menu, as well as several information screens, an electronic horizon function, a histogram and a volume level.

The processor remains the same - the latest generation BIONZ X, as in Sony A7 and A7R. In terms of image processing, nothing new is offered by the company: continuous shooting is 2.5 frames per second in full resolution with continuous autofocus, a focal-type shutter with a shutter speed range from 1/8000 s to 30 s, Fast Intelligent AF for contrast 25 points, and for manual focusing, there are focus peaking tools and a frame magnification of 5, 9 or 12 times. It is worth noting that the focusing system has been improved and now works in extremely low light down to -4EV, that is, even in weak moonlight.

The left side wall is occupied by a pair of compartments with connectors for external connections. The top one hides the headphone and microphone jacks, while the bottom hides the microUSB and microHDMI connectors. The memory card is installed in the compartment on the opposite sidewall, where the Wi-Fi and NFC modules are located. Also nothing new.

The main distinguishing feature of the Sony Alpha A7s is advanced video shooting capabilities. The camera is capable of working both in full frame and in APS-C matrix mode. In the second case, it is possible to record videos in HD quality at 120 frames per second. In full-frame video resolution is 3840x2160 at 30 frames per second, but you can only record such video using an external 4K recorder via the HDMI port. In Full HD resolution, the frame rate can be 60p, 60i, 30p and 24p. Such clips can be simultaneously recorded to a memory card and output via HDMI in uncompressed form. In addition to AVCHD and MPEG4 codecs, the camera can compress video with less loss using the XAVC S codec, and the bitrate in this case reaches 50 Mbps for Full HD resolution.

Preliminary conclusions

The Sony A7s sets a new standard for cameras with video recording and focusing in low light at an affordable price. The quality of photographs, no doubt, will be quite high, but the independent laboratory DxOLab will give a real assessment of the capabilities of the new sensor - we are looking forward to the results!

Official test video:

• High ISO performance for photography and video recording
• Superb JPEG image quality at low to moderately high ISO
• Excellent dynamic range
• Picture Profiles, including SLog2 technology for professional-level dynamic range and picture adjustments for video and photos
• XAVC S Full HD very high quality video with high bitrate
• 4K video recording
• Uncompressed HDMI output of 8-bit 4:2:2 video in 4K resolution (Ultra HD 3840x2160) and 1080 HD
• AF capability in very low light conditions (-4EV at F/2)
• Fast One-Shot AF and Minimal Shutter Lag
• Burst speed up to 5 frames per second
• Large buffer
• Large, clear viewfinder
• Decent battery life for its class
• High speed flash sync 1/250 sec
• Silent shooting mode
• DRO technology for high-contrast scenes
• Good HDR mode
• Useful modes Hand-held Twilight (twilight from the hands) and Anti Motion Blur (smoothing background blur)
• Sweep panorama function.

Disadvantages:

• 12 megapixel resolution is not enough for large print sizes
• 4K video recording only available with external recorder (not recorded internally)
• No Cinema 4K (4096x2160)
• Very limited selection of native full-frame lenses
• Sluggish startup time
• AF tracking is not supported in "speed-priority continuous shooting" mode at 5fps
• Warm tint in Auto White Balance under incandescent lighting
• Loud shutter release
• Silent shooting reduces image quality
• One memory card slot (supports SD or MS Pro Duo cards)
• To enable XAVC S video format, you need a 64 GB SDXC memory card or more
• No built-in flash.

In test and field shooting, the Sony A7S fully justifies the declared capabilities for both stills and video recording, allowing you to shoot in almost any lighting conditions, even in almost complete darkness.

• Video: Aurora borealis shot with Sony A7S at ISO 25600 without noise reduction

Of course, approaching maximum sensitivity - ISO 409600 - the A7S produces noisy images. But the fine details in the frames are displayed even at extremely high ISO values. Impressive. Autofocus performance in low light has also been greatly improved. The A7S can focus at -4EV with an F/2 lens, compared to 0EV and F/2.8 on the A7.

The Sony A7S full-frame camera is packed with features for professional-level video recording. Its video features include ultra high definition 4K video recording, high bitrate Full HD, support for Picture Profile (taken from Sony's professional line of camcorders) with unique SLog2 gamma color correction technology for a very wide dynamic range (also expands post-processing potential). ).

In terms of video performance, the 4K format attracts particular attention, providing high detail, excellent color reproduction and dynamic range. The sensor in the A7S is specifically designed for 4K recording with direct pixel readout across the entire sensor width without binning.

As a disadvantage in terms of the convenience of shooting 4K with the A7S, we note that there is no way to save the recording of this format inside the device. In an effort to keep the body thin and slender, Sony decided to support 4K video recording via HDMI to an external recorder, as recording a 4K video with such a huge sensor threatens to overheat. The A7S can transfer uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 video in 4K resolution (Ultra HD 3840x2160) via HDMI to external media.

Therefore, it is difficult to shoot spontaneous 4K video with the A7S. To do this, you will always have to carry an external, not always portable, recording device with you. At the time of this writing, external 4K recorders are not only expensive, but there are few choices. There are several options from companies such as Blackmagic Designs and Atomos. The target audience of the Sony A7S is mostly advanced and professional videographers. So, if you're planning to create full-blown 4K video products and you already have an external recording device, then the need for logistics won't be a disadvantage. Otherwise, recording 4K video with the A7S is difficult.

In addition to 4K, the A7S offers higher quality and higher bit rates for XAVC S 1080p and 720p HD video, in addition to standard AVCHD and MP4 formats (you'll need a 64GB or larger SDXC memory card to use this format). HD video recorded on the internal memory card looks great, is high quality with great detail and wide dynamic range, even without using Picture Profile gamma correction.

The dynamic range is impressive in both stills and video. RAW files lend themselves to flexible settings, allowing you to extract details in shaded areas. Picture Profiles and SLog2 technology produce raw images that require little post-processing - but you have a lot of options for post-processing the footage.

As for the rest of the characteristics, physical parameters and ergonomic indicators, the Sony A7S mirrorless camera is almost identical to the A7 and A7R (both advantages and disadvantages). Ergonomics are good, but not perfect in terms of the size of some of the controls and button placement. The recently announced A7 II camera eliminates almost all the ergonomic features that were criticized in previous models. Perhaps we will see an updated design in a future version of the A7S "Mark II"?

By default, the shutter is still loud, as with other A7-series cameras. Fortunately, you can turn on the electronic front shutter or activate the silent shooting mode (unfortunately, the image quality is slightly degraded in silent shooting mode).

Finally, the choice of native full-frame FE lenses remains very limited, but the A7S has ample opportunity to accept third-party lenses. The bayonet socket in the A7S is stronger and stronger than the two previous A7 models (see..

CompanySony introduced a new full-frame camera with interchangeable lenses - Sony α7S. With a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, each light-receiving element has been significantly enlarged to enhance its ability to capture light.

Combined with the camera's powerful BIONZ X image processor, this reduces noise while increasing the effective sensitivity range of the α7S to ISO 50 - ISO 409600 in extended mode (ISO 200 - 409600 for video).

Key features of the cameraSony Alpha A7 s:

• Newly designed sensor with wide dynamic range for exciting artistic possibilities for serious photographers and videographers

• Wide ISO sensitivity range from 50 to 409600 and impressive dynamic range
• The world's first full-frame sensor capable of full pixel-per-pixel readout and stacking for video and HDMI signal output for 4K compatible devices (QFHD: 3840×2160)
• Professional video features including 50Mbps XAVC S Full HD recording, timecode and additional XLR audio inputs
• A high ISO sensitivity allows you to slow down the shutter speed when shooting in low light.
• The α-mount system is compatible with a wide range of high-quality lenses, including a powerful zoom lens ideal for video shooting
• Improved Fast Intelligent AF performance in low light up to EV-4
• Ultra-compact, lightweight body for comfortable professional shooting

Continuing the acclaimed α7 and α7R series - the world's smallest full-frame interchangeable lens cameras - Sony's α7S puts serious photo and video enthusiasts in the hands of exceptional sensitivity, low noise and impressive 4K image quality (QFHD: 3840×2160) .

Great for photography and low-budget filmmaking, the α7S delivers stunning artistic shooting capabilities in the world's smallest body for full-frame interchangeable-lens digital cameras.

Key to the exceptional sensitivity of the α7S is the specially designed new full-frame 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor.

With an effective resolution of 12.2 megapixels, the size of each light-receiving element is greatly enlarged to enhance its ability to capture light. Combined with the camera's powerful BIONZ X image processor, this reduces image noise while increasing the effective sensitivity range of the α7S to ISO 50 - ISO 409600 in extended mode (ISO 200 - 409600 for video).

This unsurpassed sensitivity and ultra-low noise enable the α7S to take great pictures in low-light conditions where slow shutter speeds would be required for a conventional camera. Thanks to the camera's enormous sensitivity, you can capture crisp photos and videos with low noise levels at faster shutter speeds. Its immense dynamic range is also ideal for shooting high-contrast scenes, where the camera effortlessly handles brightly lit objects and objects in deep shadows in the same frame.

Because the sensor is ultra-sensitive, the amount of light it can capture is much greater than conventional cameras. The newly designed sensor provides photo/video enthusiasts with a wide dynamic range in all conditions from the weakest light to the brightest sunlight.

Since the camera reads data from every pixel on a 35mm full-frame sensor (24p and 25p frame rates), the 4K images captured by the α7S are impressively detailed, with remarkable rich color and vibrant textures in every frame. The high bit rate processed by the BIONZ X processor allows the α7S to output 4K resolution video via its 4:2:2 color-switched HDMI output for recording to an external device or viewing on a compatible monitor.

Full pixel readout across the entire 35mm full-frame sensor eliminates the unwanted moiré effects and jagged lines common in low-resolution video. You can record stunningly clear XAVC S images to your memory card in Full HD quality at the 50Mbps data rate that professional videographers appreciate.

In "truncated" APS-C mode, the α7S supports shooting at a high frame rate of 120 fps with HD resolution (1280×720 pixels). The footage can be played back at 24p frame rate with 5x slow motion - perfect for capturing the details of the movement of athletes or the graceful dance of a ballerina.

Many other special features are provided to satisfy professional videographers, such as Picture Profile™ for wide control over how the image looks and S-Log2 gamma functions. Timecode/user bit (additional user information) functions ensure professional-style editing, while an optional microphone kit with XLR adapter provides high-quality audio recording.

The fast, high-precision Fast Intelligent AF already experienced in the α7R has been further enhanced to take full advantage of the new camera's extraordinary low-light capabilities up to EV-4. Other features familiar to α7 users include a high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder, Wi-Fi/NFC wireless connectivity, and compatibility with a growing collection of downloadable PlayMemories Camera Apps.

A growing family of lenses will take full advantage of the almost limitless creativity of this camera. An all-new 28-135mm, F4 E-mount full-frame high-power zoom lens is currently under development that will appeal to those video enthusiasts who value quality. In addition, Sony is working with other companies to support professional-quality 4K video processing technologies. A new XLR adapter kit is also being developed.

The new Sony α7S full-frame digital camera with interchangeable lenses will go on sale in Russia in the summer of 2014.

Sony α7S basic specifications:

The rejection of the optical viewfinder and pentaprism is a bold move by Sony, carried out at the time of the release of the first Alpha with a translucent mirror. Since then, all Sony cameras have been equipped exclusively with an electronic viewfinder. In this case, it is an OLED-matrix with a resolution of 2.36 million dots, which in terms of pixels is 1024x768 pixels. The viewfinder covers the entire frame, and the magnification is 0.71x. This is one of the best electronic viewfinder sensors available today. Only Fujifilm can compete with Sony in terms of the quality of the output image. The same information is displayed in the viewfinder as on the camera display. The image refresh rate is 60 frames per second and no unpleasant flicker is noticeable to the eye. In most cases, such a viewfinder successfully replaces the classic pentaprism viewfinder, and sometimes even surpasses it.

The software shell of the Sony A7s is practically no different from the shell of the A7 and A7R models. We already got acquainted with it during the testing of the Sony A7R and even then we were pleasantly surprised by the wide possibilities of adjusting the interface for ourselves. A total of 47 functions are available for reprogrammable keys. We respect the menu of Nikon DSLRs, but Sony is doing great with soft ergonomics. The quick menu consists of 12 slots, each of which can be filled with one of the 27 available functions. Probably, Sony will stop at the current form of menu organization and in the coming years we will not have any experiments.

Functionality

Before the release, almost nothing was heard about the upcoming camera. Therefore, the decision to use a 12-megapixel sensor was initially unexpected. The camera uses a brand new full frame sensor with a top ISO of 409600. The sensor demonstrates a dynamic range of 15.3 EV and is able to adjust the signal gain depending on the illumination. Is 12 megapixels enough for today's needs? On the one hand, the relatively low resolution imposes restrictions on the maximum print format. On the other hand, it offers tremendous opportunities when shooting in low light conditions. And since the camera is also positioned as a solution for shooting video, the user will only benefit from a moderate resolution.

Pixel area is directly related to dynamic range and noise levels, and this is where the Sony A7s takes the lead. For still photography, the ISO setting range is 50-409600, and for movie recording, values ​​from ISO 200-409600 are selected. By the way, during testing, an interesting feature of the camera and its sensor was noticed. At low ISOs, images can be inferior in quality to their closest competitors, but it is worth exceeding the ISO 6400 threshold - and the camera has no equal. What does this give the average user? At least, confident shooting with low-aperture optics. With an aperture of F3.5, you can rely on the automatic ISO selection and go shoot the evening city. It is also worth noting that DxO experts thoroughly tested the camera and, according to the test results, the Sony A7s sensor took the lead in terms of low-light performance. Of course, we conducted our own tests - we will talk about the results below.

Shutter noise is an important nuance for a certain category of photographers, and here the Sony A7s excels. A completely silent shutter is set in the camera settings, however, the rolling shutter effect makes itself felt. This effect is related to the peculiarity of reading information from the CMOS sensor - the data is read line by line and not instantly, so the risk of "floating away" frame fragments is relevant. When shooting fast-moving subjects, it is recommended to disable the Silent Shutter mode. The shutter itself is able to work out shutter speeds from 1/8000 s to 30 s and is equipped with an electronic front curtain. Flash sync is available at shutter speeds down to 1/250s, just like the Sony A7.

As for the processor, it is the same as that of its closest relatives - the Sony A7 and A7R cameras. Sony does not label processors with a generation designator, and in press releases says that "the latest generation BIONZ X processor was used." For us, it is not the marking that matters, but the capabilities of the chip. So, the burst rate is 2.5 frames per second in full resolution with active autofocus. The focus fixed on the first frame will allow you to achieve a rate of fire equal to 5 frames per second. To put it bluntly, the values ​​are quite modest for 12 megapixels. The processor works in full force when shooting video, reading a full frame without skipping lines and pixel binning in 4K resolution.

The Sony A7s focuses the optics exclusively with a contrast method, unlike the original Sony A7, where hybrid autofocus is available. The focusing system works on 25 points and, by and large, has not gone far from the autofocus of the Sony RX1. In practice, this means a noticeable delay after partially pressing the shutter button, but once again we were convinced of the superiority of the autofocus system in Panasonic and Olympus mirrorless cameras. At the same time, it is worth noting the confident operation of the system in low light - the merit of large sensor pixels that perfectly capture light. What Sony excels at is manual focus. For owners of manual optics, all conditions for comfortable work are created. In the presence of a well-implemented focus peaking function, as well as the ability to increase the frame by 5, 9 and 12 times.

Sony A7s was created specifically for the needs of videographers. It would be an exaggeration to talk about complete satisfaction of requests, especially if you compare the camera with the Panasonic Lumix GH4. However, the Sony A7s has no full-frame rivals yet.

Let's take a closer look at the video modes and start with the analysis of the 4K format. Formally, there is a recording function in 3840x2160/30p resolution, but you can't save a video file to a memory card, and this severely limits the use of this format. All that the developer offers is output of uncompressed data via HDMI port in 4:2:2 8 bit format to an external recorder, and there are practically no portable recorders capable of receiving and processing such data today. The recently announced Atomos Shogun Display Recorder costs nearly $2,000 and is scheduled to go on sale later this year. Of course, more affordable solutions will appear in the near future, but for now, the 4K video recording function with the Sony A7s looks like an almost useless marketing statement. A comparison immediately suggests itself with the Panasonic GH4, which can record 4K video on a memory card. To capture a video frame, almost the entire sensor area is used without downsampling and binning. This guarantees a low depth of field when needed, and also eliminates artifacts associated with skipping lines when reading sensor data.

Full HD recording is available on a memory card with simultaneous uncompressed output via the HDMI port. The following set of frequencies is available: 60p, 60i, 30p and 24p. For Full HD, compression with the professional XAVC S codec and a bit rate of 50 Mbps is also applicable. In addition, the video can be shot in the mode of one and a half crop of the matrix. In this case, shooting is available in 1280x720 resolution at 120 frames per second. The Sony A7s supports custom video setting profiles that can be copied from unit to unit, and has a timecode recording function. Of course, fully manual exposure settings are available for work.

The camera doesn't include a built-in flash, but that's forgivable. The lack of light is successfully compensated by increasing the ISO, and no one has canceled the “hot shoe”. The "shoe" is combined with the multi-interface connector, so all kinds of accessories are installed here. Worth mentioning is the brand new XLR-K1M interface box, designed for connecting external professional recording equipment.