Sony announced the Sony A7S – 12MP full-frame mirrorless camera designed for both stills and video. The camera can read out its entire sensor fast enough to output 4:2:2 4k video over HDMI at up to 30p, without the need for line skipping or pixel binning.
This also promises higher quality for the 1080p video (at up to 60p) it can record internally. Unlike the A7 and A7R, the latest model is not constrained by the AVCHD standard, also offering the XAVCS system, with bitrates of up to 50Mbps. Details are still being announced: more to follow.
The ‘S’ in the camera’s name denotes ‘sensitivity.’ In movie shooting, it offers an ISO 200 – 102,400, with extended range to to 409,600. In stills it offers ISO 100 – 102,400, extendable to ISO 50 – 409,600. That’s right Spinal Tap fans, the numbers go to 409,600!
But the thing that really geeked out my fellow Sony Artisan David McLain is that the α7S camera is also equipped with S-Log2 gamma. Until now, only found on Sony’s professional video cameras, S-Log2 expands the dynamic range by up to 1300% to minimize clipped highlights and loss of detail in shadows. Also, for the first time ever in a Sony Alpha camera, the α7S adopts the workflow-friendly XAVC S recording format in addition to AVCHD and MP4 codecs. XAVC S format allows for full HD recording at a data rate of 50 mbps with lower compression for improved video quality.
Sony Alpha line-up of A-Mount and E-Mount cameras and lenses
The S stands for Sensitivity with ISOs up to 409,600
Sony A7S will have the same compact fullframe body design as the A7 and A7R
FE Lens Announcement: FE 28-135 F4 Power Zoom
Press Release:
Sony’s a7S Full-Frame Camera Realizes a New World of Imaging Expression
Features newly developed, wide dynamic range sensor with awe-inspiring sensitivity
SAN DIEGO, April 6, 2014 – Joining the acclaimed a7 and aR family of the world’s smallest full-frame interchangeable lens cameras1, Sony’s new a7S model puts extraordinary sensitivity, low noise and spectacular 4K video quality into the hands of professional photographers and videographers.
The innovative a7S camera features a newly developed, 12.2 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor paired with a powerful BIONZ X image processor, allowing it to shoot at a sensitivity range of ISO 50 – 409,600 with unprecedented dynamic range and low noise.
The new model is also the world’s first camera to utilize the entire width of a full-frame image sensor in 4K video acquisition, and does this without cropping or line skipping as it can read and process data from every one of the sensor’s pixels. This allows 4K video shooters to utilize all of the artistic and creative benefits provided by the unique sensor.
“The a7S gives Sony the most complete, versatile lineup of full-frame cameras in market today,” said Neal Manowitz, director of the interchangeable lens camera business at Sony Electronics. “Between the a99, VG900, RX1, a7, a7R and now a7S models, we have completely revolutionized what it means to be a ‘full-frame’ camera, bringing a new level of quality and portability to enthusiast photographers and videographers.”
Wide ISO Sensitivity (ISO 50 – 409,600) and Impressive Dynamic Range
Sony, the world’s largest manufacturer of image sensors, has developed a unique 12.2 MP sensor with extraordinary sensitivity that allows the α7S camera to collect dramatically more light than traditional cameras and to produce beautifully detailed, low-noise images in even the darkest environments.
The camera also features a newly developed on-sensor technology that allows it to optimize the dynamic range throughout the entirety of the ISO 50 – 409,600 sensitivity range. This on-sensor technology also broadens the range of tonal gradation in bright environments and minimizes noise in dark scenes, allowing the camera to deliver impressive results in these extreme conditions where other cameras (and image sensors) typically struggle.
World’s First Full-Frame Camera with Full Pixel Read-out3 (without pixel binning) during Movie Shooting
With the new a7S camera, the high-speed read out of the 35mm full-frame image sensor combined with the high-speed processing of the BIONZ X processor enables significant improvements in video quality.
These powerful components allow the camera to process data from all of the sensor’s pixels and output stunning HD and 4K (QFHD 3840 x 2160 pixels) video3 while utilizing the full-width of the sensor. In addition to the benefits for low-light shooting, the read out of all pixels frees the video from aliasing, moire and false color artifacts (as opposed to pixel binning) to achieve the highest quality video.
Additional Pro-Quality Video Functions
In video mode, the a7S can output 4K video4 at QFHD (3840×2160) to an optional external 3rd party 4K recorder, and can record full HD (1920×1080) at frame rates of 60p, 60i, 30p and 24p directly to a compatible memory card. Video modes can be changed from full-frame to APS-C (super 35mm equivalent) if desired, and in this crop mode, the camera can support high frame rate 120fps shooting at standard HD resolution (1280 x 720p), creating a 5x slow-motion effect.
The a7S camera is also equipped with S-Log2 gamma. Common to Sony’s range of professional video cameras, S-Log2 expands the dynamic range by up to 1300% to minimize clipped highlights and loss of detail in shadows. Additionally, for the first time ever in a Sony Alpha camera, the a7S adopts the workflow-friendly XAVC S recording format in addition to AVCHD and MP4 codecs. XAVC S format allows for full HD recording at a data rate of 50 mbps with lower compression for improved video quality.
Other specialist video functions on the new camera include a picture profile that can adjust settings like gamma, black, level and color adjustment, and can be saved for use in a multi-camera shoot. It also has Full HD and 4K base band HDMI® output, time code/user bit for easier editing, synchronous recording feature with compatible devices, various marker and zebra displays on both the LCD screen and viewfinder and can dual record XAVC S as well as MP4 (1280×720 @30p).
The camera also has a Multi-terminal interface shoe that is compatible with Sony’s XLR Adaptor Microphone Kits (XLR-K1M plus a new model under development), allowing the use of professional microphone systems.
Low-light Shooting Advantages
The high ISO sensitivity range of the a7S camera is extremely effective for still image shooting, especially in low-light conditions, where the camera can shoot at high shutter speeds while keeping noise as low as possible. This is particularly useful for shooting indoor, dimly lit sporting events or other situations where most cameras typically struggle.
The camera is also equipped with the same high-precision Fast Intelligent AF system as the a7R camera, with drastically improved low-light AF sensitivity that can go as low as -4EV.
Expanding Alpha Mount System and New Power Zoom Lens for Movie Shooting
Directly compatible with the growing family of E-mount lenses, the a7S camera can also be used with A-mount and others lens systems with optional adapters. Sony’s complete Alpha lens system now includes 54 total lenses for both A and E mounts, including several premium offerings from Carl Zeiss and G Series Lenses.
As a whole, Sony’s E-mount lens system is particularly well-suited for video shooting, with a variety of models containing “movie-friendly” features like smooth focusing, powered zoom control, and silent iris/aperture control. Building on this, Sony has announced development of a brand new, full-frame power zoom 28-135mm F4 lens E-mount lens that is an ideal match for the powerful movie capabilities of the α7S model.
Pricing and availability of the α7S full-frame interchangeable lens camera will be announced at a future date. To learn more about the product in the meantime, please visit www.store.sony.com, and follow #SonyAlpha on twitter for the latest Alpha camera news.
