Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Which One Should You Get?

As usual, we have brought another pair of cameras to review so we can help you make the best decision on what camera to get based on your needs, and, of course, budget. Today, we will be looking at the Sony a7S vs GH4.

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

We’ve compared the Sony a7S a couple of times before but with fellow Sony cameras. If you want to read that you can go here or here or here or here. But today, we are comparing it with a camera from another brand – Panasonic.

These are pro cameras. So you can expect some level of sophistication from them. Of course, pro cameras cost “pro money” as well, if you catch our drift. Hence beginners might not be able to reach any of these cameras just yet. We’ve got comparison reviews on beginner cameras as well which you can check out.

Anyway, we’ve got loads to talk about, so we will just get to this review immediately. Our first stop would be at a comparison overview that summarizes everything we will be discussing while comparing the Sony a7S vs GH4.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Comparison Overview

In this section, we summarize the entire Sony a7S vs GH4 review. Of course, we understand that a number of us might not have all the time to go through this pretty length review. And that’s okay.

But just before we go, here’s something to note. When the comparison of the Sony a7S vs GH4 comes up, most times, what is being compared is the video quality. Both of these cameras shoot in 4K, however, their abilities differ.

Check out the gist of this comparison in the following sections below.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Where Both Cameras Get It Right

These two cameras are pro mirrorless cameras which are definitely big points for these cameras. Being mirrorless, they are more compact, more portable, and less expensive as well.

Of the two cameras, the Sony a7S is the more expensive one though but that’s not to say that it is totally unaffordable. And the reason for its higher cost is the sensor. The sensor is the most expensive part of any camera and a full frame sensor is the most expensive of all the sizes. So, in comparison to the GH4 which is a four thirds sensor, it will, comparatively, be more expensive.

The electronic viewfinders on these guys are pretty good. We are looking at 2359k dot electronic viewfinders. That’s a lot of sharpness we are looking at.

Besides that, these two cameras also shoot in 4K. Plus they have high enough ISO, although that of the a7S is one stop higher. The articulating screen is also a plus, of course. And then we have the built-in wireless connection which allows you to transfer your photos and audio into your other devices for quick editing and web sharing. Of course these cameras also shoot in RAW as well.

Finally, these cameras come with weather-sealed bodies and that is great because it improves the durability of your camera. So, generally, with moderate exposure to the elements and with constant handling, your camera will hold.

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Where The Sony a7S Vs GH4 Does It Better

Further down this article, in the comparison table where we compare the specs and major features of the Sony a7S vs GH4, you’d find that the sensor pixel area of the a7S is by far larger than that of the GH4. This affects low light capabilities just in case you’re not aware.

When the sensor density and pixel area are not good enough, the camera’s low light capability becomes hampered which is what we notice on the GH4. So, the major advantage of the Sony a7S is its low light capability.

Besides that, the Sony a7S comes with a full frame sensor which is a better sensor size than the four thirds sensor of the GH4. Full frame sensors are more the speed of professional photographers than four third sensors.

It’s funny though how the Sony a7S is the lighter camera of the two despite its full frame sensor.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Where The GH4 Does It Better

Although the Sony a7S and the GH4 both shoot in 4K, the GH4 is a better camera by far in 4K. First off, you get to shoot internally. That means you don’t need an external HDMI recorder to record your videos in 4K. This means that you can carry around less gear than if you were recording with the Sony a7S.

Also, with the GH4, you get enough material for postproduction work whether it’s green screen or intense graphics work. You’ll be recording in 200 megabits per second after all.

Also, since it lacks the noticeable rolling shutter of the Sony a7S, this camera makes a fantastic choice for fast panning as well as other similar scenes that contain a lot of sudden movements.

Another advantage of the Panasonic GH4 is its versatility. This camera is compatible with a host of different lenses! This is great as you can use all your other glass with this camera and it would still work.

In comparison, the Sony a7S is only compatible with 5 lenses as of now. To use other kinds of lenses, you’d have to make use of an adapter. Of course that’s extra gear and sometimes you really just want to travel light.

Even when your project is in 1080, you’ll be able to crop different formats while still shooting in 4K. This is fantastic for shooting interviews and other such footage.

Again, another area where the GH4 really shines is in its LCD screen. Just like the Sony a7S, it is articulating. However, in this case, it’s a touch screen which means that you can make adjustments to your camera on the fly. The menu is right in front of you and literally just one tap away.

One more thing, this camera has a longer battery life than the Sony a7S. You get 500 shots from a single charge in comparison to the Sony a7S’ 360 shots for one charge.

The major challenge with this camera though is its low light capabilities. It’s not as good as the Sony a7S in that regard.

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Where Both Cameras Get It Wrong

Where do these two cameras get it wrong? Just one major area actually – neither of these cameras comes with image stabilization. This is a bit of a problem especially if you’re not using a tripod or any form of rig to hold the camera. If you’re going to be shooting with long lenses, then you might want to go for IS lenses to help you stabilize your images.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Our Opinion On The Price/Value Ratio

These are decently priced cameras when you come to think of it. The price difference between the Sony a7S vs GH4 is more than half of a grand which seems kinda wide but we will explain why.

Now, even though it seems that from all that you’ve seen so far, the GH4 is a better camera overall. You might want to keep in mind that the Sony a7S is a full frame camera and full frame cameras are expensive.

The sensor is the most expensive of all the parts of a camera to make. So, of course, the larger the size of the sensor, the more the manufacturer would spend making the camera which is why it’s still considered something of a miracle to get a full frame camera for anything even around one grand.

So, that said, considering all the features we have considered and with the above information, we are guessing you already know our opinion on the price/value ratio of the Sony a7S vs GH4. These are decently priced cameras well worth the money.

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Comparative Brand Strengths

Comparing Sony to Panasonic, Sony has the larger market share. Of course both of them still do not compare to the biggest in the industry, especially in Europe and North America – Canon and Nikon.

The two Japanese companies have their strengths for which they are mostly known in the market. Sony is mostly known for its full frame cameras while Panasonic, like many other camera brands, mostly focuses on crop sensors and four thirds. However, recently, a few other companies, including Panasonic, have decided to give Sony a run for their money in the full frame camera space.

When it comes to video though, Panasonic seems to dominate the industry with Sony being the bigger brand among users when it comes to stills. However, there’s some sort of argument about that – the stills. One school of thought believes Panasonic stills are crap but there are some who refute that vehemently. It’s mostly subjective so we will allow you make that decision for yourself.

However, it’s a universal sentiment that Sony cameras lead the market when it comes to low light photography, over Panasonic, that is.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Comparison Table Of Major Specs And Features

	Sony a7S	Panasonic GH4
Announcement Date	6th April, 2014	7th February, 2014
Sensor Size	Full frame CMOS sensor	Four thirds CMOS sensor
Sensor Resolution	12 megapixels	16 megapixels
ISO	100 – 49600	200 – 25600
LCD Screen	3 inch articulating screen	3 inch fully articulating screen
LCD Screen Resolution	1.230k dots	1.036k dots
Continuous shooting	5 Frames per second	12 Frames per second
Video Resolution	3840 x 2160	4096 x 2160
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Touch screen	No	Yes
Focus Points	25	49
Battery Life	360 shots	500 shots
Flash Sync Port	No	Yes
4K Photo Mode	No	Yes
Post Focus Mode	No	Yes
Color Depth	23.9	23.2
Dynamic Range	13.2	12.8
Low Light ISO	3702	791
Sensor Pixel Area	71.24µm2	14.12µm2
AE Bracketing Range	±5 EV	±3 EV
NFC Connection	Yes	No
	Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – What Situation Is Each Camera Best For?

Sony a7S	Panasonic GH4
The Sony a7S has one major advantage which makes it particularly tailored to certain kinds of users and sceneries.   The camera’s low light capability is truly remarkable, So, for that reason, it’s a fantastic camera choice for photographers who cover weddings a lot. Also, if you take most of your pictures or videos indoors with little or no control over light, then this camera would make a fine choice.   Also, this is a full frame camera which, of course, is good news. Although it makes the camera more expensive and heavier, it does have it benefits.   Pictures are clearer with a better depth of field which is aesthetically appealing when compared to the four thirds sensor of the GH4.   Although the 4K video resolution is not as amazing as that of the GH4, the a7S is still one of the best low light cameras you can ever get for the money.	The Panasonic GH4 is so affordable which is the first major attraction of the camera. And then when you come to the performance of the camera, it simply knocks most cameras in this price range out of the park. We will be focusing on the video capabilities of this camera since that’s what most of you are here for.   So, basically, we will be recommending the GH4 to you if you need a versatile camera that’s sweet to move around. This camera works with literally all kinds of lenses regardless of the make. Plus, since it comes with a four thirds sensor, the camera is lightweight and also less expensive than the Sony a7S. This, of course, increases portability.   Besides that, the 4K quality of this camera is amazing. It records internally. So you won’t need to carry an external HDMI recorder every time you need to shoot in 4K. Also, being able to shoot at 200 megabits per second internally, there’s so much you can do professionally with your video footage. From green screen, to intense graphic work, the GH4 is your guy.   The major flaw of this camera is the fact that it does not do as well in low light. But for those seeking a versatile camera with excellent video quality in great to average lighting, then bank on the Panasonic GH4.
Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Which Features Do They Have In Common?

In this section of the Sony a7S vs GH4 comparison review, we want to look at the features these two cameras have in common. Much as they differ in many aspects, they also have a number of areas where they share similar qualities. Let’s see them.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 1: Great Sensor Resolution

The very first common feature we will be checking between the Sony a7S vs GH4 is their sensor resolution. Megapixels might not be the ultimate deciding factor when considering picture quality. However, they are important any way.

There are two major things that the megapixel rating of your camera decides. The first is how large your camera can print. The second is how heavily you can crop your photo.

If you want to print really large and you also want to do heavy cropping, then go higher in resolution. However, if you’re just taking photos for the web and you don’t intend to aggressively crop, then a lower megapixel rating won’t be too much of a challenge.

Now, to do the comparison between the Sony a7S vs GH4, the Sony a7S comes with a sensor resolution of 12 megapixels while the GH4 comes with a sensor resolution of 16 megapixels. For a pro camera, both megapixel counts are a bit low when you consider it.

With these cameras, you’ll be able to print your pictures in a size of about 11 by 14 inches.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 2: High ISO

The ISO of the Sony a7S vs GH4 differs, nonetheless, they are both high which is why we have placed them under the common features. However, we will come to see how their specific ISO affect their low light capabilities.

Like we said, at max ISOs of 25600 and 49600, you could call these cameras high ISO cameras. In fact, by standards, a max ISO of 25600 is considered high and some experts don’t go higher than 12800 because of the chances of noise which could render images useless.

In fact, when shooting in RAW, it becomes worse, the noise that is. Thankfully, all that can be fixed simply by working with certain special software like Photoshop.

But then higher ISOs have their advantages. You’d need them to work with faster shutter speeds and smaller aperture settings.

That said, in comparing the Sony a7S vs GH4, we did find that the a7S is way better than the GH4, in low light situations. And there are several reasons why. We already can see that the max ISO of the Sony a7S is higher than that of the GH4. Also, the low light ISO of the a7S as well is higher than that of the GH4. While the a7S has a low light ISO of 3702, the GH4 only has a low light ISO of 791. That’s more than 3 times better.

Besides that, when you consider the pixel density and area of the Sony a7S vs GH4, the Sony a7S wins again and by a landslide. So, there’s no question about it. When it comes to low light situations, the G4 doesn’t even hold a candle to the GH4. It might work for good to average light situations but in really low light, there’s really no comparison.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 3: LCD Screen

The Sony a7S and GH4 both come with LCD screens which is normal for most cameras. This LCD screen has a number of uses as you know. However, to make camera use even more convenient for photographers, and with the advancement in technology, LCD screens have evolved in their sophistication over time.

Firstly, these screens are now articulating in most cameras. This means you can bend the screen to a more convenient angle when shooting or taking photos. This is a really big deal especially when you consider the fact that photographers, sometimes, have to bend inconveniently just to get a good shot. An articulating screen helps with that.

That said, there are still ways to make an articulating screen even more convenient and that way is to make the screen fully articulating. Between the Sony a7S vs GH4. The GH4 is the one with the fully articulating screen. This means that you can move the screen around 360 degrees. It also means that the GH4 would make a great camera for taking selfies and the likes since you can fully rotate it to face you.

Also, there are cases where camera makers can add a touch feature to the LCD screen of the camera just like in the GH4. This touch screen, of course, further increases convenience. You’ll be able to make real time adjustments on the go. So, if you constantly find yourself in fast scenes where you need to make snappy decisions at the drop of a hat, then you’d be better off going with the Panasonic GH4.

Sharpness is also another thing we tend to look at when comparing LCD screens. Thankfully, both are sharp and the GH4 is only slightly sharper.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 4: Dynamic Range

As much as low light capabilities are important when comparing cameras, another feature that is also quite important is the dynamic range of the camera. If the range is good enough, then the camera would be great for taking pictures outdoors in the bright light.

Cameras with poor dynamic ranges usually have a harder time getting great pictures in the sun. This is because the range isn’t wide enough to capture all the details and so these details are lost to the shadows and the highlights. So, just as ISO is important to taking indoor photos, dynamic range is important for taking outdoor photos.

As with most other features, the higher the dynamic range of the camera, the more details it will be able to capture. Conversely, the lower the range, the more details it would lose.

Generally, this range falls between 12 and 15 stops with 12 being good and 15 being amazing. When we compared the Sony a7S vs GH4, we found that both cameras do great in their dynamic ranges. The GH4 clocks in at 12.8 but the a7S only comes in slightly higher at 13.2.

As you can see, that’s pretty good from both cameras.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 5: RAW Support

RAW support is important for every camera because, come on, everyone is shooting in RAW these days and for good reason. RAW photos are amazingly clear and truly beautiful. Plus, picture quality is really clear and sharp and editing is sweet.

Unlike JPEG, RAW photos are unprocessed and uncompressed. Though this has its drawbacks, these attributes of RAW photos make shooting in RAW really beneficial for the photographer.

In the first place, if you made a few errors while shooting and say the white balance isn’t great or your picture is a little over- or underexposed, it’s easy to fix that. Because RAW photos come out muted and flatish, they usually have to be worked on using special software before they can go public. Your choice of software, therefore, can help you correct such errors. In fact, even with noise, Photoshop or Lightroom can help you fix noise issues especially when it comes to RAW photos.

Besides that, RAW photos show what we call non-destructive editing. That is, even when edited, they don’t lose that original quality they possessed in the first place. So, even if you choose to undo the edit, you still get the same quality of image you got at the beginning before the edit and that’s just great.

That said, shooting in RAW has its requirements pretty much like shooting in 4K. In the first place, you need to get a computer with loads of space because RAW files run large. Also, you need to get a computer with high speed else postproduction is going to be frustrating. But then again, most photographers picking between the Sony a7S vs GH4 probably already have that. So, it, most likely, won’t be a deal breaker for most.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 6: 4K Video Resolution

When comparing the Sony a7S vs GH4, you might not understand it when someone says both shoot in 4K except you’re well versed in cameras. This is because the Sony a7S comes in the usual 3840 x 2160 while the GH4 comes in 4096 x 2160. The truth is, both resolutions are 4K and the benefits and drawbacks of one are applicable to the other.

Before we look at each of these cameras accomplish their 4K, because they are actually quite different in 4K performance, let’s get an overview of what 4K is, shall we?

4K is a really interesting resolution to shoot in and everyone is fawning over them right now. But don’t get us wrong though. Fact is not many people are actually shooting in 4K right now. Many more people are actually still shooting in full HD now. Only a few are actually shooting in 4K.

4K does require some work when it comes to post production which is more demanding than full HD. However, 4K is definitely the future. In fact, 8K is already available at the moment. So, yes videography is getting crazier by the moment.

The advantages of 4K include the fact that they are much clearer and sharper. They also record at a higher bitrate in comparison to full HD which is great for reducing color banding. Let’s now take a look at each of these cameras to see how they fare.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S

Panasonic GH4

The Sony a7S is a wonderful camera and with its full frame sensor, the camera does an amazing job with picture quality.   Now, the major benefit the Sony a7S brings to the table is its low light capability. The Sony a7S is a low light rock star. That much is obvious from its ISO and low light ISO. However, for pretty much most other stuff, the GH4 does better and we will explain how in the next column.   But now that we’re here…   The Sony writes in XAVCS and records at 50 megabits per second. Now, while 50 megabits per second is great professionally. There’s really a limit to how far you can push that during post production.   Also, another reason the Sony a7S is a bit lacking is the fact that it requires an external HDMI recorder to record in 4K. This could be a small inconvenience when you really aren’t in the mood to lug extra gear to your already heavy rig.   Another thing you might need to take note of in the Sony a7s is that the rolling shutter is quite obvious in full frame mode. This could be a bit hampering to fluid movement especially when you need to move quickly. So recording documentaries where there’s fast panning or unpredictable movement can be a bit frustrating.   As a way to manage that, you’d have to sacrifice the delicious quality of the full frame for the APS-C crop mode and then shoot at 60 frames per second. It’s limiting but it’s also your best bet.   In summary, the Sony a7S is your go to in low light or unpredictable lighting situations. If you aren’t in control of the lighting or you constantly shoot in dark settings, grab the Sony a7S.

The Panasonic GH4, on the other hand, takes amazing ultra HD/DCI quality 4K internally! This is amazing news. So you don’t need to carry around an external HDMI recorder which means less gear and a more convenient travel.   Besides that, if you need to do your project in 1080, you can simply crop different framing options while still using the 4K setup. And that’s also really cool as well.   Unlike the Sony a7S, the Panasonic GH4 can record up to 200 megabits per second and that’s intra as well! (You can also record a variety of bitrate options internally). So, at 200 megabits per seconds, you have enough material to work with in postproduction. For green screen, color grading, and intense graphic work, 200 megabits per second will over-deliver.   For fast panning and the likes, the GH4 is definitely the better camera. It doesn’t have that rolling shutter effect that the Sony a7S has.   Additionally, the GH4 is quite versatile. It can work with a number of different lenses. And in fact, right now, Metabone has a series of adapters specially made for the GH4 to be compatible to certain lenses. Of course speed boosters and the likes are other gear the GH4 is adaptable to. The Sony a7S, on the other hand, only has about 5 lenses right now that it is compatible with. Of course, you can always use an adapter to make the camera more versatile.   In summary, the GH4 is the camera you want to go to if you need fantastic 4K video quality that records internally. It’s also a great versatile camera. However, it will only do so-so in low light.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 7: Electronic Viewfinders

Usually, in a conventional camera, there is a mirror which reflects the light sent from the lenses to the optical viewfinder. When looking though this optical viewfinder, the image appears like the human eye sees it. It’s practically like you’re looking through an open window. Everything is exactly as is behind the camera.

These cameras are called DSLR cameras and are typcially bulky, heavy, and definitely not compact. Nonetheless, their image quality is somewhat hard to beat but then again, technology is really and truly advancing.

Now, the challenge with optical viewfinders is that they only show you the image in front of the lens as your eyes would see it. They are not really showing you the image as the camera sees it. So, in the end, the resulting image is slightly different from what you expect. You’d need some level of practice to be able to efficiently use the camera to take great shots.

When it comes to mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, there is no optical viewfinder or mirror. Instead, mirrorless cameras come with electronic viewfinders which show you images as your camera sees them. Because they lack mirrors, mirrorless cameras are more compact, more lightweight, and therefore, easier to lug around.

The electronic viewfinders of these two cameras are pretty sharp. At 2359k dots, you’d love composing scenes and all that using these viewfinders.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 8: Shutter Speed

As with most pro cameras, the Sony a7S vs GH4 are nearly the same when it comes to shutter speed. These cameras both have super fast shutter speeds and slower speeds as well. The cameras go as fast as 1/8000 second which is great but also slows down to about 30 seconds. With this range, there are many opportunities available to you with these cameras.

First up, a faster shutter speed is great for taking perfect stills of objects in motion. Unlike with slower shutter speeds, fast shutter speeds enable you to take photos of moving objects without any of the blur. Plus, with a faster shutter speed, it’s also easier to work with higher ISO to prevent noise as well.

But then again, slower shutter speeds also have their uses even with the blurring of moving parts. They can be used to create a sense of speed when taking photos for the purpose of marketing automobiles and the likes.

That said, a shutter speed of 1/8000 second is great for all kinds of scenes including sports, action, and wildlife.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 9: Focus Points

Focus points are important for keeping your camera focused on the subject or scene. You don’t want to take a photo and have the focus off what you actually wanted to capture.

Say you wanted to capture the beautiful moment when father and daughter were dancing and a tear dropped from daddy’s eye. If the camera doesn’t focus properly, the resulting image could come out with the focus on a soiled napkin instead.

Now, the question usually is do you need more or less focus points? Well, there are pros to both sides. With more focus points, the camera’s autofocus is faster which is great. Slow autofocus can be really annoying.

Also, more focus points are great for shooting scenes with a lot of movement. These are action scenes like wildlife, sports and the likes. Even shoots involving children and pets would require cameras with more focus points as these guys can wiggle their way out of focus in the blink of an eye.

Now, to the Sony a7S vs GH4 showdown, these cameras pretty much fall into the same category when you talk about focus points. Although the GH4 has nearly twice the number of focus points as the a7S, both cameras still have few focus points. The GH4 more than the Sony a7S, definitely.

With its continuous shooting feature and more focus points though, the GH4 will make a great camera at action scenes.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 10: Continuous Shooting Feature

Continuous shooting is something that mostly photographers in scenes of action would appreciate. As you know, in such scenes, a whole lot can happen in one second which the photographer wouldn’t want to miss out on and so they need as many frames per second as they can possibly get for continuous shooting.

Now to the Sony a7S vs GH4, the GH4 would be the better choice in this case. With 12 frames per seconds, it has more than twice the number of frames per second the Sony a7S captures. This means that when the shutter release button is pressed and held down, the Sony a7S would take 5 photos per second while the GH4 would take 12 photos. Guess who would cash in on more action? You got it. The GH4.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 11: Time Lapse Recording

The Sony a7S and GH4 have pretty amazing time lapse recording ability. However, you find a small challenge when comparing the Sony a7S vs GH4 with the Sony a7S. Although it comes with time lapse recording, it’s an optional feature that is actually on the app. But that’s the only challenge.

You can use these cameras to take fantastic time lapse videos that will mesmerize anybody. The time lapse recording speeds up a sequence of events by up to a factor of tens of thousands or millions in some cases. You can check out this video to see how time lapse recording works.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 13: Weather-Sealed Bodies

To keep your camera rugged and long lasting, camera manufacturers usually weather-seal their cameras. This process involves covering up vulnerable parts of the camera as well as buttons with rubber. By doing this, manufacturers are able to ensure that whatever happens, if the camera comes in contact with the elements (snow, rain or humid air) the camera’s body remains intact. This is also to slow down the deterioration that is known to come with continued handling over a period of time.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 Common Feature 14: No Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

Lastly, on the common features, these two cameras share, this is actually a non-feature by the way. We found that the Sony a7S and GH4 both do not have image stabilization which is just sad.

Stabilizing your image is pretty important especially when you’re shooting handheld with long lenses. If you’re shooting on your tripod or you’re using any kind of rig to support your camera, it’s easier to get a stable image.

Most times for Sony, the image stabilization system used is the sensor-shift. It’s a built-in stabilization system which means that it is not affected by the kind of lens in use. In essence, any kind of lens you use, IS or not, the image comes out stabilized because the stabilization occurs in the sensor of the camera.

This method is also less expensive than when compared to optical stabilization. You won’t need to spend extra getting IS lenses and you won’t have to carry extra baggage also.

Besides all that, another thing we really love about Sony’s sensor-shift image stabilization is that it is a 5-axis image stabilization system!

So, when the camera’s accelerometer detects a shake from the camera, it calculates the magnitude and speed of the shake and then moves the sensor correspondingly to counter the movement. For Sony cameras with sensor-shift stabilization, it usually occurs as a 5-axis image stabilization. So, whether the movement is upward, downward, left, right, or rotational, Sony’s sensor-shift image stabilization has you covered.

Unfortunately, neither has any form of image stabilization. This means that you’d have to buy separate IS lenses. It adds to your expenses and also adds to your gear. But then again, with IS lenses, even when you use long lenses, your image as you see it through the lens is always stable. Unlike with sensor-shift where a small shake of the long lenses could result in an erratic movement of the subject as viewed through the lens. As a result, it could lead to difficulty in composing your scenes.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Features Unique To Each Camera

Here are the features of the Sony a7S vs GH4 that are unique to the each camera. Of course, as expected, you will most likely make a decision on what camera to go for in this section. So, pay attention and let’s get to it.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Features Unique To The Sony a7S

Full Frame Sensor

A full frame sensor has a lot of benefits for the photographer. So, trust us when we say you want to shoot with a full frame camera. The angle is wider, depth of field is also shallower as well. So, altogether, shooting with a full frame camera brings out pictures that are absolutely amazing in quality.

Full frame is the industry standard when it comes to cameras. Although they are bulkier and more expensive, they are also worth it. Full frame cameras produce better image quality, and are also better in low light than other smaller sensors.

They also have a better dynamic range than other sensor sizes. So, outdoors as well, these cameras are great.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Features Unique To The GH4

Micro Four-Thirds Sensor Size

Just like its big brother, the GH5, the GH4 also uses a four thirds sensor, talking about the size now, of course. A four thirds sensor measures at 17.3 x 13 millimeters which is a decent size but definitely not as large as a full frame. The sensor size, though, is common among Panasonic Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras.

Four third sensors are larger than 1 inch sensors but smaller than APS-C sensors. So, they sort of fall in between these two sensor sizes in features and in performance. It’s a new format, no doubt, but it’s smaller and great for compact cameras.

The four-third sensor, being a smaller frame, typically gives an even tighter field of view than the APS-C sensor which is also a cropped frame. Also for depth of field, the four thirds sensor has an even shallower depth of field than the SPS-C crop sensor.

Despite all these though, micro-four-third cameras have their advantages. For one, they are less expensive than full frame and APS-C cameras. Plus, they are lighter in weight which makes them easier to carry around. This way, you’re able to access DSLR kinda shooting without spending DSLR money, if you get what we’re saying.

Get the Sony a7S here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Unique Pros

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Pros Unique To The Sony a7S

• The Sony a7S has a higher max ISO than the Panasonic GH4.
• It also has a sharper LCD screen resolution than the GH4.
• It’s the lighter camera of the two.
• Comes with better color depth.
• Its dynamic range is also better.
• Low light capabilities is a whole lot better than that of the GH4.
• Much larger sensor pixel area as well.
• Comes with NFC connection.

Get the Sony a7S here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Pros Unique To The Panasonic GH4

• It comes with built-in flash.
• LCD screen is a touch screen.
• Has a higher max sensor resolution.
• It also has a higher number of focus points.
• At 12 frames per second, the GH4 has a better continuous shooting feature.
• The GH4 has a much better battery life with 500 shots per single charge.
• Better overall 4K video quality than that of the Panasonic GH4.
• Also comes with a 4K photo mode and post focus mode.

Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Unique Cons

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Cons Unique To The Sony a7S

• No built-in flash.
• LCD screen isn’t a touch screen. Plus it’s not fully articulating.
• A 12 megapixel sensor resolution is only mediocre.
• Focus points are quite few at 25 points.
• Battery life is quite poor at 360 shots per recharge.
• It’s the more expensive camera.
• The 4K video quality isn’t as good as it gets on the GH4.
• No 4K or post focus modes.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Cons Unique To The GH4

• Max ISO is one stop lower than that of the a7S.
• Low light capability does not compare with that of the Sony a7S at all.
• It’s the heavier camera of the two but that’s because of its full frame camera though.
• Sensor pixel area is not quite large and that also affects low light capability.
• Does not feature an NFC connection.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Common Pros

Sony a7S	Panasonic GH4
This camera comes with wireless connection. You’ll be able to snappily send photos and videos to your other devices, quickly edit them, and share with the world instantly.	Same goes for the Panasonic GH4
Also features an articulating screen for added convenience.	Screen is fully articulating and is also touch screen.
Comes with an external flash shoe	Also comes with an external flash shoe
Comes with an electronic viewfinder	Also comes with an electronic viewfinder.
Features RAW support	Also features RAW support.
Comes with face detection focus	Also comes with face detection focus
Features both microphone and headphone ports	Same goes for the GH4.
Weather-sealed for increased durability	Also weather-sealed for increased durability
Smartphone remote control available	Same goes for the GH4
Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – Common Cons

Sony a7S	Panasonic GH4
This camera does not come with image stabilization which could be a little challenging especially when using the camera handheld.	Same goes for the GH4.

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – General Feeling Among Users

Sony a7S	Panasonic GH4
The Sony a7S is an amazing camera for sure. Customers seemed to particularly enjoy the camera for shooting 4K video though. So, from the customer vibes we read, most customers who got this camera, got it for the purpose of shooting video, especially in 4K.   That said, users certainly did enjoy working with this camera in 4K. Especially in low light, videographers were mesmerized by how well the Sony a7S was able to record and take amazing footage.   So, that said, this camera did not go without a few complaints here and there.   In the first place, the camera’s tilt screen was not fully articulating. Plus, no touch.   Furthermore, the menu was really cramped which made it a bit difficult to access buttons and change settings on the fly. The screen is only 3 inches in size after all.   Be that as it may, we did see some comments from customers who had been using the camera for a number of years straight. Guess what? They say it still works. Talk about value, right?	There were so many commendations for the Panasonic GH4. Most customers were happy campers that’s for sure.   In the first place, it’s compact and it’s lightweight. And these two features of the camera definitely got some applause for these.   Plus, the camera is also really versatile as many happily noted. By simply getting a fairly inexpensive adapter, a Nikon user was able to use all the Nikon glass they owned. And of course they were excited about that.   Battery life? Awesome. Especially when shooting in 4K, customers were happy to find that the camera lasted fairly long.   A confusing thing about this camera for many people was the fact that the autofocus for photography is excellent. However, when shooting video it became less than stellar.   But altogether, many considered this a terrific bang for the buck. Could Panasonic have improved on the low light capability? Most customers thought so. In all though, the general feeling towards this camera from customers was pretty great. 5 star reviews all over the place!
Get the Sony a7S here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7S Vs GH4 – In Conclusion

When the issue of comparing the Sony a7s vs GH4 comes up, we mostly compare in terms of video quality. These two are more videography cameras than they are photography cameras. They have fantastic 4K ability. However, they are still two totally different cameras and so will appeal to different kinds of users.

Let’s begin with the Sony a7S. It’s a fantastic low light camera. This camera sees in the dark excellently! So, if you’re constantly in places where the lighting is unpredictable, you might want to go for the Sony a7S. It would be a better fit for you. The only problem is that if you’re shooting in 4K, you’d have to increase your gear since you’ll be carrying extra luggage in the form of an external HDMI recorder.

As for the Panasonic GH4, this camera is also an excellent one. It doesn’t exactly see in the dark like the Sony a7S, but it will be okay in average lighting though. The camera is more versatile than the Sony a7S since you can use all kinds of lenses on it easily. Plus, it’s also lighter and less expensive. But the biggest of all advantages this camera has is its 4K video. It’s insanely off the hook, especially when compared to the Sony a7S.

Get the Sony a7S here!

Get the Panasonic GH4 here!