06Apr Sony Alpha a7s 4k camera announcement. Does not record 4k internally!
Well the Sony press conference didn’t provide much in the way of information about the Sony a7s. Here’s what we have learned.
- Ultra-High ISO sensitivity of ISO 50 to 409,600 (standard setting of ISO 200 to 104,400 in movie mode)
- Clean 4k HDMI video output “using the worlds first full pixel read-out without pixel binning”
- The a7s will be compatible with Sony’s XLR-K1M audio adapter interface
- Recording format S-log2, XAVC-S 50Mbps 1080p and 720p
- Supports 120fps at 720p
- Does not record 4k internally
Overall the information is pretty vague. Sony showed off some ISO 12,800 shots that looked pretty darn good, but didn’t mention release date, pricing, or cover any of the other in depth information about the camera. Seems like Sony simply wanted to say “me to” in the face of the Panasonic GH4 announcement.
Very disappointing that the camera is unable to record 4k internally. No idea what Sony was thinking on that one. With no sign of release in the near future, no internal 4k, and no pricing the Sony a7s seems to be a no go for video at this point. I’ll keep you posted as i find out more.
Update: Looks like pricing is out $2500 for the body, shipping in the next 2 months.
April 6th, 2014 at 6:04 pm
By the way Atomos just announced Shogun the first 4K HDMI Recorder that works with both a7s and GH4
http://www.eoshd.com/content/12540/announcing-atomos-shogun-first-4k-hdmi-recorder-compatible-sony-a7s
So 2500$ for body only a7s and under $2k for Atomos. That’s a lot for 4K.
Sample video too: (the iso is crazy!!!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEA_8A9TBGM
I really prefer the GH4. Still I really want to see Canon’s answer to these two cameras.
April 6th, 2014 at 6:49 pm
Ouch…. those low light capabilities will have to be groundbreaking to justify that price.
April 6th, 2014 at 8:10 pm
I thought rumors said this would be ~$1600?
$2500 would mean this is going up against the 5dmkiii
April 6th, 2014 at 8:22 pm
When I google for rumors of price, this is what I get:
UPDATE: I am hearing the price has been confirmed at just $1699. If true that is quite a bargain. But don’t forget the cost of external recorder for 4K. These are expected to be announced at NAB on Monday.
source: http://www.eoshd.com/content/12535/sony-a7s-4k-sample-video
This is kinda in line with the rumored pricing prior to announcement
April 8th, 2014 at 5:26 am
Never trust EOSHD, I find they’re always quick to judge with unvetted reports to get attention.
April 6th, 2014 at 9:03 pm
I don’t understand the negativity about this announcement. Obviously there are some features that it lacks in comparison to the GH4, but it’s a high end full frame sensor in a very small package with plenty of pro-level video features. I understand why it demands a premium price. The comparison to the 5D Mk. III is apt in more ways than price. Just because it is compact, does not mean it fits in a less premium price point for Sony.
April 8th, 2014 at 5:43 am
$2500 does sound quite high for an A7 (I expected $2k) funny how it’s the exact street price for a used 5D3 heh (like they’re saying sell your 5D3 and get this).
Though $2500 for 8bit HD internal and 8bit 4k external promises at least the same image quality as a C100/C300/C500 for half the price of the cheapest one plus the better signal to noise ratios, wider DR, and slog makes it sound like a no brainer.