Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Detailed Comparison

This article is a detailed Sony a7S vs Canon 70D comparison article. The idea is, not just to help you decide which the overall better camera is but to help in your choice of camera. That is, to help you decide which camera better suits your needs.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Canon 70D now!

This is why we have put together the features of these two cameras; comparing those of one camera against those of the other.

We’ve put together a detailed article and recommend that you read through. However, if you need to make a really quick decision we recommend that you check out the comparison overview and comparison table sections with their bite sized information.

One more thing! Go check out some of our other Sony-Canon comparisons to get an even wider frame of reference like the Sony a6300 vs Canon T6i.

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Comparison Overview

Here is a quick rundown of the facts:

Overall Rating Of The Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D

We consider both cameras really good cameras and believe that whichever one you get would be just fine. They both have impressive features that make them a good fit across board; professional and rookie alike.

However, while the Sony a7S has a few features that are better than those of the Canon 70D, we like that the Canon 70D has consistently decent features. Let’s take a look at their features.

Rating Of The Features Of The Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D

While we consider both cameras really good cameras, we have to admit that they both have certain features that are better than those of the other camera.

For the Sony a7S, we have to start with the ISO. This camera’s ISO can go as high as 409600. As a result of how high it can get, there is a higher chance of shooting in a high ISO without noise.

Furthermore, the Sony a7S has a great low light ISO (3702), the Near Field Communication connection, a 100% viewfinder coverage, a headphone port and even a better screen resolution.

On the other hand, we wouldn’t say the Canon 70D has any standout feature exactly. It has a 20 megapixel sensor resolution, a 7 frame per second continuous shooting rate and a 900 shot per charge battery life. However, we like its consistency of decent features and believe that it works for it.

Now, they don’t only have differences, there are a couple of things that are exactly the same with both cameras. They both have an inbuilt wireless connection, a microphone port, Auto Exposure Bracketing, can both shoot RAW and are both dust and water resistant. One more thing! They both do not have an in body image stabilization.

Price/Value – Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D

First off, let’s point out that neither the Sony a7S nor the Canon 70D is exactly affordable. However, the Sony a7S does cost more than the Canon 70D.

And while we understand that the Sony a7S comes with a number of different interesting features and we really do appreciate that (really we do), we still believe that it could have gone for less.

About The Brands

Sony

The Sony brand is a Japanese conglomerate that has been able to expand its reach into the entertainment, electronics and gaming sectors. Its camera producing arm is the electronics arm.

Anyway, Sony cameras have been known to have really good sensor quality. Also, a good number of Sony cameras are mirrorless. Unfortunately, Sony cameras have been known for their not so impressive battery life.

Canon

The Canon brand is also a Japanese brand but its products are restricted to the imaging and optics sector. So, it produces such stud as camcorders, printers and of course, cameras.

Canon is known for having really good lenses and battery life. However, while their camera bodies are usually good quality, they could be quite pricey.

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Comparison Table

	Sony a7S	Canon 70D
Weight	1.08 pounds	1.7 pounds
Dimensions	5 by 3.7 by 1.89 inches	5.5 by 4.1 by 3.1 inches
Battery Life	360 shots per charge	920 shots per charge
Continuous Shooting	5 frames per second	7 frames per second
Headphone Port	Yes	No
Built-In Flash	No	Yes
Articulating Screen	Tilting Screen	Full-Flex Screen
Max Resolution	12 megapixels	20 megapixels
Viewfinder	Electronic	Optical
Near Field Communication	Yes	No
ISO	100 to 409600	100 to 12800 and can be expanded to 25600

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – A Comparison Video

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Canon 70D now!

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Which Is Better For What?

Sony a7S	Canon 70D
First off, if you are looking for the camera that will take the better pictures in low light, consider getting this one. Why? Its ISO can go really high.	On the other hand, if you are in the market for the camera that will allow more room for editing, this is it. Why? Because it has the better sensor resolution.
Also, this is the more portable camera as it is significantly smaller and lighter.	Also, this is the better camera to get if you are a wildlife photographer, sports photographer or you generally shoot subjects that move around a lot. This is because of its high continuous shooting rate.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Canon 70D now!

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Common Features

In this section, we get to see if the Sony a7S and the Canon 70D are similar in anyway. We’ve put together those features that you are sure to find in both cameras. Now, while some of these features might be exactly the same, some others will be slightly different.

1. Viewfinder

The viewfinder is a little screen on the camera that you look through as you try to focus your camera. Through/on the viewfinder, you frame your subject and get to correct any lighting or position issues before you shoot.

A good number of cameras have a viewfinder but certainly not all. While it is unusual to find a DSLR without one, it is not odd at all to find a mirrorless camera without one. And this has a lot to do with the kind of viewfinder they spot.

There are basically two kinds of viewfinders; the optical, which the Canon 70D has, and the electronic viewfinder, which the Sony a7S has.

Now, an optical viewfinder is kinda like a window or a pair of binoculars in that images appear on this viewfinder as they would to the naked eye. As a result, optical viewfinders do not need to run on battery power. However, they do not offer the most accurate representation of what your sensor sees.

On the other hand, an electronic viewfinder is basically a small LCD screen, hence why it can be forgone for the camera’s LCD screen. So, images on the electronic viewfinder are digital and a real close representation of what your sensor sees. However, electronic viewfinders are usually slower in response than optical viewfinders.

Whatever the kind of viewfinder, though, we consider it a better idea than the CD screen which you’d have to stick with if your camera didn’t have a viewfinder. If you use the LCD screen under really bright light, you’d struggle to see what’s on the screen.

2. Articulating Screen

An articulating screen is that kind of screen that can be moved in certain directions, independent of the camera body. And although an articulating screen doesn’t really do much for the quality of your photos, it sure helps with creativity.

That said, there are basically two kinds of articulating screen. There is the tilting screen which can only be moved upward and then back down again and the full-flex screen which can basically be rotated.

The idea of an articulating screen is to help you take shots from such interesting angles. And depending on how much flex your articulating screen allows, you’ll probably be able to record yourself by yourself.

That said, the Sony a7S has a titling screen while the Canon 70D features a full-flex screen. Because of its full-flex screen, the Canon 70D could be a good asset for vloggers and basically anybody who needs to record themselves by themselves.

3. Auto Exposure Bracketing

This one has to do with your camera automatically taking more than one shot of a particular subject. Now, unlike the continuous shooting mode, this Auto Exposure Bracketing mode allows your camera take more than one shot in different exposures.

Basically, when your camera does this, you can then choose which photo has the best exposure to keep. Furthermore, it comes in handy when you need to shoot in tough light situations or you need to shot HDR.

4. Flash Shoe

You probably already know how important perfect lighting has to do with taking the perfect picture. Even if you’ve never used a camera before, you’ve most probably used your phone or some other device to take photos.

If you have, you’ve definitely made use of the flash feature in bad light situations. However, there is something that some cameras come with that will do more for you in taking care of bad light situations than the inbuilt flash and that is the flash port.

The flash port is not a light source but is a provision for you to attach an external flash. An external flash is an all-around better idea for that quick burst of light than the inbuilt flash. And this is due in no small part to the fact that it has a longer reach than the inbuilt flash.

5. Wireless Connection

We like that both the Sony a7S and the Canon 70D have an inbuilt wireless connection; at least the online kind. The whole world is practically online now. So, it makes sense that as many devices as possible have some form of internet access.

Now, this internet access allows the camera access to a lot of apps online and stuff. But aside that, you are able to transfer some files from your camera to an online location; allowing you to quickly free up space.

Since we are on the topic of connectivity, let us also mention that both cameras can be controlled using a smartphone. All you need do is download the appropriate app on your smartphone and establish a connection via the app.

Once that connection has been established, you can make quick changes on the camera from the smartphone. You can even take mock shots from your smartphone just to see how things will come out.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Canon 70D now!

6. Weather Sealing

There are a number of things that weather sealing suggests. It could mean that a camera is dust resistant, dustproof, water resistant, waterproof, a combination of some or a combination of all.

In the case of this article, both the Sony a7S and the Canon 70D are both dust resistant and water resistant. What this implies is that either camera can survive a bit of accidental splashes or dust.

However, you do not want to use either of the cameras under really extreme circumstances like under the sea or in the desert.

7. Video Resolution

This gives us an idea of the quality of videos that a camera can record. Both cameras have the same video resolution; 1920 by 1080. And videos recorded with cameras that have this video resolution are referred to as 1080 videos.

While 1080 videos are not as sharp as 4K videos, they are actually really good quality and you might not even miss the difference. However, while both cameras have the same video resolution, the Sony a7S can shoot in 60 p (frames per second) while the Canon 70D can shoot in 30 p.

As a result, the former is better suited for fast paced shooting like wildlife and car races while the latter is alright for more basic video recordings.

8. Microphone Port

This one will come in handy when you need to record videos. A good number of cameras have their own inbuilt microphone which makes them double as video recorders.

However, those inbuilt microphones are usually not the best at recording audio as they end up catching some unwanted background noise. This is why some, including both the Sony a7S and the Canon 70D, have a microphone port.

So, you can attach an external microphone that you can be sure will give you good quality audio and just do your thing, really.

9. RAW Support

Both cameras can shoot in RAW. First off, basically every camera can shoot in jpeg which isn’t an altogether bad photo format. However, jpeg isn’t favored by many professionals because jpeg pictures are usually compressed which reduces their quality.

On the other hand, RAW photos maintain their original quality. So, all other factors (lighting sensor resolution, aperture) being good, RAW photos will come out really nice. However, bear in mind that because RAW photos are not compressed, they are usually large files and take up quite some space.

10. Face detection

Finally, both cameras can detect faces as you get ready to snap. When this happens, they focus on such faces so that when you shoot the picture does not come out looking blurry. This is a neat picture for when you want to take portraits.

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – A Sony a7S Demonstration Video

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Unique Features

In this section, we want to see how different the cameras are from one another. So, we’ve put together those features that you’ll find in one camera but not the other or those features that are in both but are very different.

1. Mirrorless Vs DSLR

We cannot talk about the differences between the Sony a7S and the Canon 70D without mentioning that the latter is a mirrorless camera while the former is a DSLR. This difference is very fundamental as it is the core of what each camera is.

The basic difference between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR is the absence/presence of a mirror and an optical viewfinder. And just to be clear a mirrorless camera usually doesn’t have either of those features while a DSLR usually does have them.

That said, how do things work? With a DSLR, light passes through the lens and hits on the mirror which is present within. From the mirror, light splits; part of it bounces onto the Autofocus sensor while the other part goes onto the optical viewfinder. The part that hits the viewfinder is what allows you see the image you’re focusing on.

On the other hand, with a mirrorless camera, light goes on straight through the lens and to the sensor. Now, instead of light, the sensor sends a digital image to the electronic viewfinder. And this accounts for the little bit of delay that you experience with an electronic viewfinder.

Now, because of the presence of a mirror, DSLRs are usually heavier than their mirrorless counterparts.

2. Weight

We know that this isn’t exactly a feature. However, we do believe that this is an important factor in deciding which camera one decides to go for. That said, you know what we said about DSLRs being heavier that their mirrorless counterparts, well, it applies to this article.

With the Sony a7S weighing 1.08 pounds and the Canon 7D weighing 1.7 pounds, we can see that there is about 6 pounds of weight difference between these two cameras. And in our opinion, this difference is really significant.

Allow us mention that the weight we mentioned is just for the camera body. Being interchangeable lens cameras, both cameras will need lenses to be attached to them for them to be of any use. And those lenses sure do have their own weight.

However, what we want to know is if that weight will affect the comparative weight of the cameras. To do this, we look at the sensor size of the cameras.

The camera with the larger sensor will need lenses that are heavier and larger which will definitely affect the comparative weight of the cameras; making the heavier one that much heavier or making the lighter one almost as heavy as the heavier one.

That said, the Sony a7S has a full frame sensor while the canon 70D has an APS-C sensor. The implication of this is that when lenses are added, the Sony a7S could come close to being as heavy as the Canon 70D.

3. Sensor Resolution

This one has something to do with the eventual outcome of the photos you take. The better the sensor resolution of your camera, the more details you’ll have left if you crop your photos.

Every camera has a sensor which means they all have a sensor resolution. However, some sensors have better resolution than others. And in this case, the Canon 70D does better than the Sony a7S with its 20 megapixels against the a7S’ 12 megapixels.

With 20 megapixels, you’ll be able to crop your photos to certain extents without losing quality. However, 12 megapixels? We would have expected better, especially for a camera that was introduced to the market as a pro camera.

4. Continuous Shooting

Kinda like the Auto Exposure Bracketing, the continuous shooting mode allows you take more than one shot in quick succession. However, in this case, the camera shoots in the same exposure.

This feature usually comes in handy for wildlife photographers, sports photographers and generally anybody who shoots subjects that tend to move around a lot, including those that shoot toddlers.

That said, with the Sony a7S, you can shoot 5 shots in one second while the Canon 70D can shoot 7 frames in one second. While none of them is the most exceptional continuous shooting rate, they are both somewhat impressive.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Canon 70D now!

5. Inbuilt Flash

We’ve already mentioned that you can attach an external flash to either the Sony a7S or the Canon 70D which is fine and might actually be all you need.

However, the inbuilt flash has an advantage to it as it is always in handy. Since it is built in, there can be no leaving your flash behind.

We also like that it doesn’t contribute to the weight of the camera which is a good thing for the Canon 70D that is already significantly heavier than the Sony a7S. And just so we are clear, of the two cameras in this review, only the Canon 70D has an inbuilt flash.

6. Near Field Communication Connection.

The Near Field Communication (NFC) connection is another kind of wireless connection, howbeit, offline.

A camera that has this feature can automatically connect with another device that has same feature just by bringing them within inches of each other. And via this connection, photos and videos can be sent to the connected device quick and easy.

7. ISO Range

This one has to do with light. But unlike the flash which provides light, the ISO controls how much light the camera lets in at a particular point in time.

Here’s how it works. The ISO exists as a spectrum or a range; so it progresses from low to high numbers. And every number in that spectrum will probably come in handy at one point or the other.

For instance, the darker your shooting space, the higher the ISO you need to choose. This is because, set to a high ISO, your camera automatically lets in as much light as it can, compensating for the apparent lack in the environment.

This already supposes that the brighter your shooting space, the lower the ISO you need to choose. If your shooting space is too bright, you definitely do not want all that light in your photo. A low ISO tells your camera to only let in as little light as is needed to take the photo.

Having known all these, you’ll agree with us, and a host of other people, that the wider the ISO range, the better for everybody, seeing as it allows room to maneuver.

This is why a lot of people rave about the Sony a7S’ ISO range. It has a really wide ISO range which spans between 100 and 409600. The Canon 70D doesn’t do so badly, though, with its between 100 and 12800 which can be expanded to 25600.

8. Available Lenses

Finally, the Canon 70D has more lenses available with it than the Sony a7S. The Canon 70D has 319 lenses available while the Sony a7S has only 102 (59 of which are full frame lenses).

Furthermore, neither camera has an in body image stabilization feature. And as a result, if the camera is jostled mid-shot, photos taken could come out looking blurry. To prevent this blur, you’ll want to get optical stabilization lenses. The Sony a7S has 23 of those available while the Canon 70D has 91 of them available.

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – A Canon 70D Demonstration Video

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Unique Pros

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Pros Of The Sony a7S

• First off, the Sony a7S has a really impressive ISO range. Its ISO can go as high as 409600.
• Furthermore, this camera has a headphone port. So, you need not bother too much with the built-in speaker.
• Also, this camera has the Near Field Communication feature which will allow for wireless transfer of files to another NFC enabled device.
• The Sony a7S has a slightly better screen resolution (1230k dots) than the Canon 70 (1040k dots).
• Furthermore, this camera has a better dynamic range (13.2) than the Canon 70D (11.6).
• Finally, this camera is significantly lighter and smaller than the Canon 70D. So, it would be easier to carry this one around.

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Pros Of The Canon 70D

• First off, the Canon 70D has an inbuilt flash which, if nothing else, is always handy.
• Furthermore, this camera has a touch screen which really helps make manipulation of the camera easier.
• Also, there is the top level LCD screen that allows you make quick changes on your camera while seeing the changes that you are making.
• The Canon 70D has a way better battery life (920 shots per charge) than the Sony a7S (360 shots per charge).
• Furthermore, this camera has the better sensor resolution.
• It also has the better continuous shooting rate.
• The Canon 70D has more lenses available with it than the Sony a7S.
• And finally, the Canon 70D is the more affordable camera.

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Unique Cons

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Cons Of The Sony a7S

• First off, this camera doesn’t have a very impressive sensor resolution.
• And it also doesn’t have a very impressive battery life.

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Cons Of the Canon 70D

• The Canon 70D weighs a lot more than the Sony a7S.

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Common Pros

	Sony a7S	Canon 70D
Viewfinder	The Sony a7S has an electronic viewfinder which we consider a better idea for framing photos than the LCD screen.	Same as the Sony a7S. However, this camera has an optical viewfinder.
Articulating Screen	We also like that this camera has a tilting screen. If you angle the screen just right, you’ll be able to take photos from some interesting angles.	Same as the Sony a7S. However, this camera has a full-flex screen. So, you can even rotate it to shoot yourself by yourself.
Flash Shoe	The flash shoe is an awesome idea as it allows you make use of an external flash. An external flash has better reach and provides better light than the inbuilt flash.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Weather Sealing	This camera is both dust resistant and weather resistant. So, while you wouldn’t take this camera diving or use it to take shots as you hike through the desert, you can use this camera in mild moisture and dust situations.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Auto Exposure Bracketing	In this mode, this camera will be able to take more than 3 photos, all of them in different exposures. This affords you the luxury of choosing and keeping which one(s) you believe has the best exposure.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Wireless Connection	The Sony a7S has an inbuilt wireless connection that allows it access to the internet. You can download apps from the internet and even transfer your files to an online location. We also like that this camera can be controlled via a smartphone, provided the both devices are connected. The said devices have to be within close range of each other.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Microphone Port	If you don’t like the quality of audio you get with the inbuilt microphone, you are allowed to attach an external microphone that will allow for better audio quality.	Same as the Sony a7S.
RAW Support	This camera can shoot photos in RAW which allows the photos taken to retain their original quality.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Face Detection	Finally, this camera can detect faces and focus on them, reducing blur when you take portraits.	Same as the Sony a7S.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Canon 70D now!

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Common Cons

	Sony a7S	Canon 70D
Image Stabilization	The Sony a7S does not have an in body image stabilization feature. And as a result, if the camera is jostled mid shot, photos taken could come out looking blurry. However, you can prevent this by getting any of the optical image stabilization lenses.	Same as the Sony a7S.

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – What People Think About Both

Sony a7S	Canon 70D
The Sony a7Sis a really appreciated camera among professionals, semi-professionals and noobs alike. One of its most praised features is its ISO. Basically everybody likes that its ISO can go really high. In fact, one customer said that if you set the ISO high enough, you can take shots in the dark without using the flash. Some people talked about the weight. Apparently, the camera’s weight is just right; not too heavy that you feel like you’re carry too much and not too light that you feel like you’re carrying too little. A good number of people have really nice things to say about this camera.	Most of the positive feedback on this camera looks to be about its video recording capability. It has a decent video recording and an external microphone can be attached to it. However, what people seem to really like is the full-flex screen. In fact, one customer says they got it because it can be used for a one man show. That is, they can basically do all their recording by themselves.
However, what seems to be the common not so nice thing people seem to point out is the sensor resolution. Apparently, the sensor resolution doesn’t do much for the professionals.	However, some people have mentioned that this camera isn’t the easiest camera to figure out.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Canon 70D now!

Sony a7S Vs Canon 70D – Our Take

Sony a7S	Canon 70D
We consider the Sony a7S a really impressive camera and believe it will appeal to professionals and rookies alike. Professionals might not consider this a main camera just because of its sensor resolution. However, it could make a really good professional backup camera. And we really like that it is portable; you can basically use it anywhere.	We also consider this camera an impressive camera. And while it doesn’t have as wide an ISO range as its opponent, we would actually go with this one if we were hard pressed. That is because we believe that this camera has an even distribution of good features; it takes good photos and good videos as well.
Do you also consider this camera impressive? You can get the Sony a7S now!	Do you also consider this camera impressive? You can get the Canon 70D now!