With a cutting-edge full frame sensor design that utilizes large pixels, the a7S is able to capture images up to 409,600 ISO. It also has an S-log gamma curve and is able to capture 14 stops of dynamic range, making it ideal for low light and for creating a cinematic look under high contrast situations. Additionally, the a7S can output 4K video via HDMI up to 60p and HD up to 120 fps.
Lens Adapters | Lenses | Support Systems | External Recorders | Batteries & Power Options | Audio | Additional Accessories
Lens Adapters
Canon EF to Sony E
The a7S has a native Sony E-mount but can be adapted to Canon EF using the new Metabones Canon EF to Sony NEX Mark IV. The Mark IV allows for full electric aperture control and supports the auto-detect APS-C feature when using Canon EF-S lenses.
Nikon F to Sony E
Novoflex and Metabones both make adapters that allow Nikon F mount lenses to be attached to the camera and feature an iris control ring for any lenses that do not have external control. Since the a7S can shoot in full-frame or APS-C modes, these adapters will work with both Nikon FX and DX lenses.
PL mount to Sony E
You can easily adapt the a7S to PL-mount with adapters from Wooden Camera, 16x9, Solid Camera, and Vocas.
Sony Alpha to E
Sony A-mount lenses can be used on the a7S using adapters from Sony. The LA-EA3 has an aperture mechanism and supports auto exposure. Like the LA-EA3, the LA-EA4 allows for aperture control but adds a built-in translucent mirror that allows for phase detect auto-focus.
Lenses
Sony E Mount Lenses
Sony has an ever-increasing line of E-mount lenses, and they have teamed up with Zeiss on the design of several of their newest models. Two versatile additions are the full-frame Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/a ZA OSS lens and the APS-C Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4. Sony's G series lenses feature high-end optics and superior in-focus image quality, one good choice in the G series is the 70-200 f/2.8 G SSM II.
Additionally, Sony has also introduced several power zoom lenses, including the full frame 28mm - 135mm f/4 and the APS-C sized 18mm - 105mm f/4. The 28-135mm is especially unique because it's built like a traditional video lens, with minimal breathing while focusing and a large focus ring with a full manual mode for for precise focus.
Zeiss CP.2 Lenses
Zeiss CP.2 lenses are lightweight and built for cinema applications, each featuring a 14-blade iris plus a long focal range. With their unique interchangeable lens mounts - available in Sony E - these lenses make a great choice for the a7S.
Zeiss ZF.2 Lenses
Zeiss designed these high quality lenses for the still photography world, but they also work very well for video. These lenses are completely manual, no electronics are required for iris control. The ZF.2 lenses have manual aperture rings and the focus ring has hard stops, which makes pulling focus much easier. There are many different lenses to choose from including 18mm, 21mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 50mm macro, 85mm and 100mm. The lenses vary in size and speed, but they all match in terms of color and contrast.
Canon EOS Lenses
The ever expanding line of Canon EOS lenses are all supported on the a7S, when used with the Metabones Mark IV adapter. From specialty lenses like the various tilt-shift options to fast f/1.2 primes, there are over 60 Canon EF lenses to choose from. For versatility, our perennial favorites include the 16-35mm f/2.8, 24-70m f/2.8 II, and the 70-200mm f/2.8 II. The 17-40mm f/4, 24-105mm f/4, and 70-200 f/4 lenses are great options for the run-&-gun shooter since the lenses are a bit lighter.
Support Systems
Designed with versatility in mind, the Wooden Camera Quick Cage Small can work with multiple camera systems, including the a7S. The Quick Cage provides numerous mounting points for accessories and can be paired with the DSLR 15mm Base for use with 15mm rods.
Vocas makes a great full size and compact support kit for Sony Alpha A7 cameras, providing a complete shoulder mounted solution that's nicely finished in leather.
Movcam makes a form-fitting cage solution for the a7 series cameras that provides a top handle and still allows access to the Multi Interface (MI) shoe for smart accessories. The Movcam can also be equipped with a standard cold shoe, which lets you mount the Sony XLR-K1M next to the top handle. The cage can be outfitted for 15mm rods via the included riser block and the optional Universal LWS Base Plate System.
Zacuto has several great options with various ergonomic styles, such as the "gun stock" style Marauder and Enforcer rigs, both of which collapse for transport. The DSLR Recoil is a more traditional "on-the-shoulder" design, and includes the popular Mini DSLR Baseplate and Recoil Handgrip Kit.
External Recorders
To fully take advantage of the a7S' 4K output capabilities, the soon-to-be-released Atomos Shogun can be used for 4K raw (Cinema DNG) and 4K ProRes, and features a full HD 7.1" LCD screen. In addition to the 4K HDMI input, the Shogun also supports 12G-SDI, making it a great option for future high resolution cameras. The Shogun also supports HD recording up to 120 fps and records to either 2.5" SSDs, RAIDed HDDs, or CFast cards.
Batteries & Power Options
The Wooden Camera Gold-Mount Plate for Sony a7, a7r and a7s features a dummy battery with internal voltage regulation, allowing the user to power their a7S with a gold mount-style battery. Combined with the Wooden Camera battery slide, Zacuto Zwiss plate, or Anton Bauer Matrix plate, the gold mount plate can be mounted on 15mm rods behind the camera. Switronix also makes a dummy battery solution for the a7S that it is compatible with P-tap.
Audio
Sony has two exciting new products that allow for cable-free audio solutions. The a7S utilizes Sony's new MI hot shoe technology, which allows direct mounting of the Sony XLR-K2M Adapter and Microphone Kit to the camera. This gives the user two XLR inputs with switchable mic or line level. The new SMAD-P3 MI Hot Shoe adapter combined with the Sony UWP-D11 wireless receiver allows for ultra-light cable free audio connection to the camera. With this solution, the camera can also power the wireless receiver.
Additional Accessories
Filters
For daytime shooting, ND filters are also a great addition to an a7S kit, and they are available from Tiffen, Schneider, and Formatt Hitech.
