Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 – Which Is Better For You?

In this review, we will be looking at how two entry level cameras, Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810, fare in comparison with each other. The idea is aimed at guiding you on the choice of camera.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

This has always been the major headache for photographers (beginners and experts) as the choice of camera is dependent on the different type of job you want to do. It has been observed that some cameras are well suited for photography while some are best suited for video coverage.

As a result of this, we have placed the different features of one camera against those of the other camera. This is the basis of this comparison review.

However, we know some people do not have enough time to spare to read through the whole article. It is with this in mind that we ensured our comparison overview and comparison table sections contain concise information that will take you no time to go through.

However, we recommend, that you read through the entire article. You could also check out some of our other Sony-Nikon reviews, like the Sony a7 vs Nikon D500, for a wider frame of reference.

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Comparison Overview

Here is a quick overview of the basic idea in this article

Overall Review of the Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810

Firstly, we would say that both the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 are great cameras. We would love to point out that the Sony a7S is a pro mirrorless camera while the Nikon D810 is a semi – pro DSLR camera.

As a matter of fact, rookies and professional photographers alike look forward to using these two camera types because of their exciting features. It is interesting to note that the two cameras can be used in tough conditions due to their environmentally sealed body.

From the detailed comparison of the two cameras done in the latter part of this review, we’ll see that the two cameras do not really have that much to separate them in terms of image quality (although the Nikon D810 is slightly better in that aspect).

The specifications are borderline similar, even though there is still some sort of difference in their values and ratings.

Comparing the two cameras, in terms of sensor resolution also, the Nikon D810 has a sensor resolution that is three times that of the Sony a7s (Sony a7S has 12 megapixels while the Nikon D810 has 36 megapixels). The Nikon D810 has an in built flash while the Sony a7s does not have that feature.

Considering that the aperture, shutter speed and ISO rating are the three most important features that determines how good a camera will be when it comes to photography let’s look at them.

The Nikon D810 and the Sony a7S cameras both have good shutter speeds (the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 both have a rating of 1/8000 seconds). However, the Sony has a higher low ISO rating and a higher high ISO rating than the Nikon D810.  

The two cameras also have a very good auto focus point rating. As a result of differences in Focus points, continuous shooting, ISO rating (low), dynamic range, color depth and sensor pixel area, we consider the Nikon D810 the better camera for photography overall.  

Price/Value Ratio — Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810

The Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 cameras are pretty affordable despite the difference in their respective prices. We are of the opinion that their respective prices are justified by the features, specifications and level of performance you’ll get with either camera.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

About The Brands

Sony

Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational company. It has a diversified business system which includes consumer and professional electronics, entertainment and gaming. The company also offers financial services.

Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of electronic products for both consumer and professional markets. It is a leading player in the film industry that has a reputation of producing standard products such as lenses and cameras.

Nikon

Nikon is a Japanese multinational corporation that specializes in the production of optical and precision equipment. It happens to be one of the leading manufacturers of cameras. And because Nikon has been around for quite some time, it has been able to grow a pretty impressive catalog of camera spare parts and lenses. So, replacing bad parts won’t be a problem.

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Comparison Table

	Sony a7S	Nikon D810
Announcement Date	06-04-14	24-11-13
Body Type	Mirrorless	DSLR
Screen type	Tilting Screen	Fixed Screen
Max Sensor Resolution	12 MP – APS – CMOS sensor	36 MP  APS – CMOS sensor
Weight	489g	980g
Dimensions	(127 x 94 x 48)mm	(146 x 123 x 82)mm
ISO	100 to 409600	64 to 12800
Continuous Shooting	5 Frames Per Second	5 Frames Per Second
Focus Points	25	51
LCD Screen Resolution	1230k dots	1229k dots
Low Light ISO	3702	2853
Viewfinder	Electronic	Optical
Battery Life	360 shots	1200 shots
External Flash Shoe	Yes	Yes
LCD Screen Size	3”	3.2”
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity	No	32 ISO
Viewfinder Resolution	2359k dots.	None
Color Depth	23.9	25.7
Dynamic range	13.2	14.8
Number of Available Lenses	102	302
Storage Slot	1	2
Top LCD	No	Yes
Flash Sync Port	No	Yes
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Wireless Connection	In Built	Optional
Autofocus at f/8 aperture	None	Center point
Support for UNS Memory Cards.	None	UHS-I
Smartphone Remote Control	Yes	No
Cross Type Focus Sensors	No	15
Auto Focus Tracking	No	Yes
Time-lapse Recording	With downloadable app	Yes
GPS	None	Optional
DxO Overall Score	87	97
Max Flash Synchronization	None	1/250 seconds
Auto Focus center	Yes	No
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity	No	51200 ISO
AF Phase Detection	No	Yes
Available lenses	102	302
AF Contrast Detection	Yes	No

Sony a7S vs Nikon D810 — A Comparison Video

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Which Is Better Under What Circumstance?

Sony a7S	Nikon D810
The Sony a7s has Near Field Communication (NFC). Near Field Communication is a technology which allows for contactless communication between devices which are equipped with this technology. In situations where a user wants seamless transfer of files without having to spend extra bucks on wireless adapters, we would advise that such an individual opt for the Sony a7s.	The Nikon D810 has a top LCD display feature which allows users to alter essential tasks like the exposure to light, sensitivity, aperture, etc.
The Sony a7s is also the less expensive of the two cameras. It is easily affordable for people who want a blend of quality features and price flexibility.	The Nikon D810 has very good focus points. With this feature, the Nikon D810 is the more reliable camera to use when it comes to focusing on targeted objects.  This feature ensures a better imaging quality in the Nikon D810 camera which helps in photography types like wildlife photography or portrait photography.
The Sony a7s is the lighter of the two cameras. At a weight of 489 grams, the Sony a7s is considerably lighter than the Nikon D810 which has a weight twice that of the Sony a7s (980 grams). This advantage in weight makes the camera suitable for daily photography as it has been proven by past records that users prefer carrying cameras that are lighter when doing outdoor shooting.	The Nikon D810 has 2 storage slots. So, if you know you’ll be taking a lot of pictures at once, consider getting this camera.
The Sony a7s has a superb high ISO rating. At a high ISO rating of 409,600 the Sony a7s outrageously dwarfs the Nikon D810 with a high ISO rating of 12,800. This serves as an advantage to the user who picks this camera as this camera performs excellently in poorly lit areas. This further ensures quality imaging even in the dimmest of environments.	The Nikon D810 has a better sensor resolution. With a sensor resolution 0f 36 mega pixels, the limits to which cropping is done is increased. With this feature, Nikon D810 is better suited for portrait and landscape photography.
The Sony a7s has an electronic viewfinder. This enables it to give better quality imaging than the Nikon D810 when it comes to street photography. This is due in large part to the fact that the electronic viewfinder gives it the advantage to live view better than the Nikon D810. This in turn gives room to proper previewing of the pictures and helps the user adjust whatever needs to be adjusted.	The Nikon D810 supports the use of UHS memory cards, this feature allows it offer more storage options. For a photographer who does a lot of volume shooting, the Nikon D810 camera is the ideal option.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Common Features

This section is written to show the similarities between the Sony a7S and Nikon D810. Therefore, we have put together those features that you are going to find in both cameras. We will like to point out that while the majority of these features will be the same, there might be a slight difference in other features.

1. External Flash Shoe

A major feature that is common to both the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 is the external flash port. The external flash shoe is a flash bulb that is built into the body of a camera and it could also be referred to as the hot shoe.

External flash is very vital in photography. This is as a result of the advantages that the external flash holds over the in- built flash.

For instance, the in-built flash has a maximum flash-to-subject distance that is limited to 1 to 3 metres at ISO 100 whereas the external flash has a flash-to-subject distance of over 10 metres at the same ISO rating (ISO 100). The flash-to-subject distance of the external flash is obviously higher than that of the in built flash. And by virtue of this, the external flash can be used to ensure adequate lighting on images that are located far away from the camera (as far as 10 metres).

The external flash also dwarfs the in built flash in areas such as the angle of average, direction of light and most importantly flash recycle time. The external flash has a shorter flash recycle time compared to that of the in-built flash. The recovery time is short because the external flash has its own power source. This helps the photographer not to miss out on any photo opportunity that might present itself at those points.

Considering the above stated points, you will agree with us that both the Sony and Nikon brands did well by opting to put this feature on the cameras. When it comes to shooting objects at a distance from yourself as a user, your best bet is to use an external flash.

2.   RAW Support

Another similarity that exists between the Sony a7s and Nikon D810 is the fact that they can shoot in RAW format. When we say a camera has the ability to shoot RAW, we mean that the camera has the ability to save captured shot in their raw or unprocessed form.

We advise that you shoot in RAW format if you are the type that loves doing a lot of editing on your pictures. For instance, a photographer who wants to enlarge an image will be advised to shoot in RAW format as opposed to other compressed format like the JPEG format.

This is so because when you enlarge JPEG compressed images, you tend to lose the original data, and the more you compress, the more the degradation of the image becomes visible. This is not the case when shooting RAW, as they are not compressed files.

Also, a major benefit of shooting RAW is the fact that when you shoot in RAW, you record all of the data from the sensor. This enables you to have a very high quality file. We believe no one will pass up an opportunity to have high quality and awesome images when shooting.

There are different RAW formats when it comes to photography. The type of camera you are using to shoot or film determines the particular format in which you will save your raw files.

3.   Low Light ISO

The low light ISO is a very vital feature of the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 bearing in mind that ISO is the measurement of how your camera sensor responds to light.

In low light areas, this feature is very important. When we use low ISOs, the quality of the photographs from the sensor is fabulous. The tonal reproduction and colors will be of very high quality. This also helps you capture pictures in landscape format.

As earlier mentioned, both the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 have the ability to shoot well in low light. It would be worthy of note to know that the Sony a7S has a 3702 low ISO rating while the Nikon D810 has a 2853 low ISO rating.

Nonetheless, since the Sony a7S has an outrageous 849 ISO ratings more than the Nikon D810, we can boldly say that the Sony a7S is better in well-lit areas.

4. Auto Exposure Bracketing

The Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 both have the Auto Exposure (AE) Bracketing feature. In photography, AE bracketing is the technique of taking different shots (usually three) with slightly different settings of the same targeted object.

Usually one of the photos is correctly exposed, another is underexposed to light, while the third is slightly over exposed to light.

When the camera is set in the AE bracketing mode, the camera automatically takes several categorized shots, thereby resulting in a situation where the photographer does not have to manually alter the settings of the camera manually between each shot.

The captured images can be arranged or sorted into one high dynamic range image, or into different range images so that the best-looking pictures can be picked from the batch when done shooting.

Automatic Bracketing is very important when you are working in areas that are not well lit or extremely low light conditions, or situations which generally make it difficult to determine the correct light exposure to use.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

5. Environmental Sealing

Another feature that is present in the Sony a7s and the Nikon D810 is the environmental sealing feature.

Environmental sealing of cameras is proving to be the more relevant in photography like never before. And when we say a camera is weather sealed, we mean that parts of the camera are shielded against unfavorable weather conditions such as rain, humidity, dust etc.

This feature has a lot of advantages as it ensures the cameras have a longer life span than that of those which do not have this feature.

The absence of this feature brings about a lot of limitations one of which is the limitation to times when one can shoot outdoor for fear of weather conditions. This could prolong the time frame spent in completing a shoot.

6.  Headphone Port

Another common feature that the Sony a7s and the Nikon D810 both share is the presence of a headphone port. This feature solves the sound issue connected with filming. It helps to attain a better sound performance in videos.

7. Maximum Shutter Speed

The Sony a7S and Nikon D810 both have good maximum shutter speed. Shutter speed is the duration for which the camera’s shutter remains open as a user takes a picture. The faster the shutter speed, the lesser the duration of the exposure time.

The shutter speed, alongside the aperture, control how much light the sensor gets. Shutter speed is measured in seconds. The higher the shutter speed, the lesser the amount of light that enters the camera. Hence, the need to shoot at high ISO to compensate for the small amount of light that is coming into the camera through the shutter.

With a mutual shutter speed rating of 1/8000 second, we are of the opinion that both cameras have fast shutter speeds.  This shutter speed rating is what is needed by most typical users.

The advantage of fast shutter speed is that it allows the photographer to do still photography comfortably (especially when it comes to areas where fast motion is involved).

The averagely fast shutter speed of the two cameras is one of the factors that is responsible for the suitability of these cameras in different photography fields. They can, as a result of this feature, both be used in wildlife photography, sport activities and also the street photography.

8. Face Detection

In addition, the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 possess the face detection feature. In digital camera, face detection refers to the function of the camera that detects human faces. This also enables the camera set the focus and appropriate exposure to be able to shoot automatically. This feature is also called the face-priority auto focus.

Face Detection guarantees improved precision while shooting or filming. The camera, when used in this mode, blocks out all other images and focuses fully on the targeted face. This ensures images are shot at an enhanced precision. Once the targeted faces are detected, the cameras focus and locks in on them.

This feature is one of the reasons why the Sony a7S and Nikon D810 are good for taking portrait pictures. As a result of this feature, both cameras can produce quality images in congested areas where the faces might not be easily singled out without including the other objects in the image.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

9. Continuous Shooting

In addition, the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 both have a decent continuous shooting feature. The Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 both have a continuous shooting rating of 5 frames per second.

Continuous shooting allows the user capture several photographs in quick succession. This is a high speed mode. This feature gives the photographer the choice of selecting the best image as he has a wide variety of pictures to pick from. It will definitely come in handy in street and sports photography where a lot of movement is involved.

10. HDMI

Another similar feature between the Sony a7s and Nikon D810 is the presence of an HDMI port. HDMI is an acronym for High Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI is a HD signal used for transferring video and audio over a single cable.

The HDMI cord is always used to transfer digital audio data (both in the compressed and uncompressed form) from the camera (which has to be HDMI compliant) to other compatible devices such as projectors, computer, digital television, etc.

11. Microphone port

Finally, the Sony a7s and the Nikon D810 both have a microphone port. Microphones used on a camera could be of two types, the in-built microphone and the external microphone. 

Cameras that have just the inbuilt microphone are mostly at a disadvantage as the microphones have a way of picking up a lot of mechanical and handling noise from the camera.

Hence, the need for an external port that enables one connect an external microphone to the camera. External microphones are designed to perform better than the in-built microphones in terms of sound quality. The two cameras have this on camera port.

Both cameras could be used to record videos as the presence of the microphone slot helps them overcome the audio challenges that usually arise from the interference of external noise during shooting.

12. Video Resolution

Both the Sony a7S and the Nikon 810 have the exact same video resolution; 1920 by 1080. While neither camera can record 4K videos which are becoming all the rage, we cannot deny that the 1080 videos they do record are really good.

A good number of films that we watch are 1080 and they are really good quality. Plus, not many people get cameras exclusively for recording videos; videos are usually kind of like an addition. Anyway, what we are saying is that the video resolution of both cameras is actually really good.

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — A Sony a7S Demonstration Video

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Unique Features

In this section of the review, we will be putting into consideration the features that shows how different the Sony a7S is from the Nikon D810 and vice versa. We also made sure to include those features that are in both cameras but differ greatly.

1. Sensor Resolution

The Sony a7S and Nikon D810 both possess good sensor resolution. Sensor resolution is a property of the camera sensor, which determines the quality of your output image and it is measured in pixels.

This feature is a very critical factor in photography as it determines the brightness of your final processed image. The quality of the final output is so much dependent on the sensor resolution of the camera.

The Sony a7S has a sensor resolution of 12 megapixels while the Nikon D810 camera has a sensor resolution of 36 megapixels.

As a result of its high sensor resolution, the Nikon D810 allows for advanced zooming and the usage of larger prints. This is the reason why the Nikon D810 dwarfs the Sony a7s in the aspect of portrait and landscape photography.

2. Near Field Communication

Another feature that differentiates the two cameras is the Near Field Communication connection feature. This feature is present in the Sony a7s but absent in the Nikon D810 camera. 

Near Field Communication (NFC) connection refers to a technology that allows devices to exchange data by simply placing them in close proximity of one another.

The NFC connection has proven to be an alternative type of wireless connectivity that enables communication between devices and the cameras. 

Transfer of files from cameras to other devices has never been this seamless. This has made it possible to transfer files from cameras to other devices without having to use cords or adaptors.

The NFC connection not only allows you transfer files; it could also be a way to control the camera with the connected device through the camera app. This would lead you to be able to change the camera settings and it could let you see a live view of what the camera is seeing also.

3. Battery Life

Another major difference between these two cameras is the battery life. The battery life of these two cameras (the Sony a7S and Nikon D810) is a very important area that we must really consider as the length of time for which you can use the camera for a period is dependent on the battery life of that camera.

The Sony a7S has a battery life of 360 shots while the Nikon D810 has a battery life of 1200 shots.  The difference in battery life is an outrageous 840 frames. As we can see, the battery life of the Nikon D810 is approximately four times that of the Sony a7s. The poor battery life of the Sony a7s could really become a burden as one would need to change batteries.

In conclusion, the Nikon D810 has a very good battery life rating while the Sony a7s has a poor battery life rating. This feature happens to be one of the contributing factors that makes the Nikon D810 better for sports photography than the Sony a7s as volume shooting is synonymous with this photography type.

Also, the consequence of this poor battery life on the Sony a7s is that one would definitely incur additional expenses by spending extra money buying extra batteries in a bid to make up for the poor battery life.

4. Mirrorless

The fact that the Sony a7S is mirrorless also differentiates it from the Nikon D810. This is due to the fact that the Nikon D810 is a DSLR camera. Mirrorless cameras do not use a mirror to reflect images into the viewfinder or the screen as the case may be.

A mirrorless camera is usually lighter than its DSLR counterpart. This is due to the fact that the mirrorless cameras do not use a mechanical mirror to switch the scene between the viewfinder and the sensor.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

5.   Articulating Screen

The articulating screen feature is another feature that differentiates between the Sony a7s and the Nikon D810.  An articulating screen is a screen which is not fixed, it can be repositioned in different angles and the presence of a pivot for the screen enables this repositioning.

The articulated screen allows the user to shoot and preview photos in positions that are difficult such as waist level and above head level.

It is practically impossible to shoot in such positions with cameras that have fixed screens. You can shoot in these awkward positions without having to change the position of the camera.

6. Weight

Another feature that separates the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 is the weight. We need not be reminded that the weight of a camera is one of the vital things to consider when you want to make the choice of procuring a camera.

Let us not forget that the Sony is first and foremost a mirrorless camera while the Nikon D810 camera is a DSLR camera. By convention, mirrorless cameras tend to be lighter than their DSLR counterparts. This is due to the fact that the screen of the DSLR cameras adds considerable weight to the camera.

The Sony a7S weighs 489 grams while the Nikon D810 weighs 980 grams. The weight of the Nikon D810 is 491 grams more than that of the Sony a7S. 

The Sony a7s scores one over the Nikon D810 in this aspect. For outdoor photography, users are likely to go for cameras that are light as they would be carrying the cameras for a long duration during the day.

7.  Wireless Connection

Another feature that differentiates between the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 is the in-built wireless connection feature. The Sony a7S has an in built wireless connection while the Nikon D810 doesn’t.

The wireless connection is a means by which internet connection is secured. A camera that is Wi-Fi enabled has the ability to connect to internet networks.  Cameras that are wireless enabled can send files to other devices over a secured connection without any hassle.

Wireless connection, as we all know, is a very important feature when it comes to seamless file upload or transfer of files from the camera to another device.

With in-built wireless connection, the use of wires, cables or ports for transfer of files is not needed. This also is a technological shift that is aimed at giving users a better experience when it comes to quality file transfer.

In conclusion, we can say the Sony a7s ability to connect wireless networks gives it an edge over the Nikon D810 in terms of using phones to control the camera.

8. Flash Synchronization Port

The flash synchronization feature also sets these cameras apart from one another. The flash synchronization port is absent in the Sony a7S and present in the Nikon D810.

To start with, flash synchronization refers to the synchronizing of the firing of a photographic flash to coincide with the opening of the shutter admitting light to the electronic image sensor.

The flash synchronization is also referred to as the flash sync.  It helps shoot faster, particularly when the flash synchronization speed is fast.

This feature is always relevant in sports photography where so much premium is placed on speed at which images are captured.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

9. Smartphone Remote Control

Another feature that separates the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 is the smartphone remote control feature. Cameras that have smartphone control feature can be operated using a smartphone.

For this to be achieved, the smartphone and the camera must be connected to the same network or Wi-Fi. Also, the wireless connection of such a camera has to be a strong one.

Once the connection is established between the camera and the smartphone over the Wi-Fi, the smartphone can then be used to operate the camera from a distance through the help of the camera apps installed on it.

This feature allows the user have an almost unlimited access to his camera. This is a provision for flexibility in terms of usage and operation of the cameras. You get to operate your camera from a distance without giving anything away in terms of performance level.

For the Nikon D810 that does not have this feature, this means that the user has to manually operate the camera at all times.

10. Viewfinder

A viewfinder is a camera component that shows the photographer the area of the subject that will be included in the photograph. It is usually a part of the range finder focusing system.

It could also be used to display exposure settings or meter information as the case may be. You could also stabilize your camera by looking through the viewfinder. Viewfinders are generally of two types; they could be optical or electronic. 

The Sony a7s has an electronic viewfinder. And it is basically a small LCD screen and so images on this kind of viewfinder are digital.

The electronic viewfinder offers the live preview screen where pictures taken afresh can be previewed. This is always helpful in bright sunlight, making the Sony a7s a good camera for outdoor purposes (particularly for street photography).

The electronic viewfinder also shows additional information such as an image histogram, camera settings, focal ratio, battery charge, etc.

On the other hand, the Nikon D810 has an optical viewfinder. An optical viewfinder uses its own lens to display an offset image of the scene being viewed. The viewfinder is located on the top of the camera.

The electronic viewfinder shows a low-light scene brighter than the optical viewfinder. It shows the low-light scene just in a way the final image would be.

11.  Built-in Flash

Another difference between the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 is the inbuilt flash feature. An in-built flash as the name implies is the default flash that comes with the camera. It is integrated into the camera and helps to produce properly exposed pictures at all times.

The in built flash is a life saver in situations where the natural lighting is insufficient say indoor or a poorly lit area. The Nikon D810 has an in built flash while the Sony a7s does not have any.

The built in flash is an integrated flash system for cameras and by virtue of this, it helps eradicate the problem photographers face when making use of an external flash such as the flash guide number calculation and the aperture settings.

The in built flash helps save money as it does not require its own power source. This is so because the external flash requires that an extra battery be dedicated to be its power source.

It is also referred to as a pop up flash. The in built flash also has an added merit in the fact that it does not add to the overall weight of the camera on which it is used. This is evident in the difference in weight rating of the two cameras.

12. High ISO

Another feature that differentiates between the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 is the High ISO feature.

ISO is the acronym for international organization for standardization. ISOs are used to measure the sensitivity of an image sensor of a camera in digital photography.

For the purpose of freezing fast motion when shooting, fast shutter speeds are required, and in most cases High ISOs are required to be used alongside the fast shutter speed in order to maintain an even exposure

The higher the number or ISO rating, the higher the exposure to light and the more the finer grain in the shots you are taking. High ISO rating allows your sensor become more sensitive to light.

High ISOs are important when doing indoor shooting or when shooting in low light areas. The only downside to using high ISO is that you’ll notice more noise on the photos shot.

The Sony a7S possesses a really impressive ISO range that is between 100 and 409,600 while the Nikon D810 possesses an average ISO range that is between 100 and 12,800. We can see that the Sony a7S scored a big one over the Nikon D810 cameras in this aspect.

Nonetheless, we can still say that both have high ISOs and that both will be good for low light situations even though the Sony a7s will be far better off.

13.  Auto Focus Points

The final major difference between the Sony a7S and the Nikon D810 is the big disparity in autofocus points. Autofocus points are the tools with which the camera focuses on a subject. They are easily noticed once you press the shutter halfway.

The Autofocus points help to get a sharp focus on the object target. More autofocus points help you maintain focus better in specialized situations.

The Sony a7S has 25 focus points while the Nikon D810 has 51 focus points. The Nikon D810 has auto focus points that are twice that of the Sony a7s. This feature gives the Nikon D810 advantage in the area of sports photography where autofocus plays a vital role.

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — A Nikon D810 Demonstration Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdV-_jB_RwQ

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Unique Pros

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Pros Of The Sony a7S

• The Sony a7S camera performs well in lowly lit areas. With an outrageous max ISO rating of 409600, the Sony a7S camera performs better in poorly lit areas than the Nikon D810 which has a max ISO rating of 12800.  
• Furthermore, the Sony a7s camera has an inbuilt wireless connection. This helps the user to achieve easy transfer of files between the camera and the wireless enabled devices, say an android phone.
• Also, the Sony a7S camera has a wide array of downloadable camera apps. This is an advantage that the Sony has over other brands.
• The Sony a7S camera has a smartphone remote control feature. This gives the user flexibility in controlling the camera without necessarily using manual controls provided the camera application is installed on the smartphone.
• Furthermore, the Sony a7S camera has a very good low light performance. With a very good low light rating of 3702, the Sony a7S camera performs better in poorly lit areas than the Nikon D810 which has a low light rating of 2853.
• Also, the Sony a7S camera has an autofocus center.  This allows for improved precision when using the auto focus feature of the camera.
• The Sony a7s is a light and portable camera. Weighing 489 grams, this camera is really OK for outdoor shooting as it can be easily transported.
• Furthermore, the Sony a7s camera has a tilting screen which will allow you take shots from some very interesting angles.
• Also, the Sony a7s camera has a Near Field Communication connection feature. This helps achieve seamless transfer of files to other devices (that must be NFC enabled).
• Finally, the Sony a7s camera is more affordable than the Nikon D810.

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Pros Of The Nikon D810

• To start with, the Nikon D810 camera has a high quality 3.2” screen size. This helps users to view and access the image captured better as they can see the details of the picture in a clearer way.
• Furthermore, the Nikon D810 has a very good number of focus points. With 51 focus points and 15 cross type focus points, the camera is better positioned to take quality shots. The camera enables users to have excellent manual focusing. This is due in large part to the fact that the camera will have the opportunity to focus more accurately on the intended subject to be captured.
• Also, the Nikon D810 has a very good sensor pixel area. This ensures better imaging quality.
• The Nikon D810 has autofocus at f/8 aperture which helps ensure better imaging when the camera is used to take shots or shoot videos.
• Furthermore, the Nikon D810 has a top LCD display. This feature can be used to make or view changes to settings without having to bend yourself or the camera.
• Also, the Nikon D810 camera offers you more storage space than the Sony a7S. This is as a result of the presence of 2 storage slots on the camera.
• The Nikon D810 has a very good battery life. At a battery life of 900 shots per charge, the Nikon D810 is better than the Sony a7s which has a battery life of 360 shots per charge.
• Furthermore, the Nikon D810 has a very good sensor resolution rating of 36 megapixels. This helps to ensure adequate cropping of pictures. It also enables one to use larger prints also.
• Also, the Nikon D810 camera comes with an in built flash. And we like this because the inbuilt flash is a light source that is always available.
• The Nikon D810 has more lenses available to it than the Sony a7s camera. The Nikon has 302 lenses compared to the 102 lenses of the Sony a7s.
• Furthermore, the Nikon D810 has auto focus tracking. This allows for more precise shots.
• Also, the Nikon D810 camera has a better color depth than the Sony a7s. The Nikon D810 camera has a color depth of 25.7 while the Sony a7S has a color depth of 23.9.
• The Nikon D810 camera has a flash synchronization port which allows one to shoot faster.
• Furthermore, the Nikon D810 camera has a manual focus assist direction indicator.
• Also, the Nikon D810 camera has a very low image noise.
• Finally, the Nikon D810 has GPS tagging feature. This makes it easy for the user to tag the pictures with the locations where they were shot.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Unique Cons

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Cons Of The Sony a7S

• The Sony a7S camera has no inbuilt flash, this leaves the user no choice than to spend extra money on an external flash.
• In addition, the Sony a7S camera has a lower focus point when compared to the Nikon D810. This results in the users of this camera having a lower focusing and tracking experience than the users of the Nikon D810.
• Furthermore, the Sony a7S camera does not have the GPS tagging feature.
• The Sony a7s camera has no flash synchronization port. This could result in the user shooting at a shutter speed which might bring about pictures with poor image quality.
• Also, he Sony a7s has a limited native lens selection.
• Finally, the Sony a7s has a very low battery life.

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Cons Of The Nikon D810

• The Nikon D810 camera has a not so good low light ISO rating.
• Furthermore, the Nikon D810 camera does not have a smartphone remote control.
• Also, the Nikon D810 does not have an inbuilt wireless feature. For a camera in this generation, this is a major turn off as file transfer will not be as seamless as it is supposed to be.
• Also, the Nikon D810 camera does not have a Near Field Communication connection. This also affects file transfer.
• Finally, at a weight rating of 980 grams, the Nikon D810 is kinda heavy and could be pretty bothersome when it comes to outdoor shooting.

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Common Pros

	Sony a7S	Nikon D810
Environmental Sealing	The Sony a7S camera has the environmental sealing feature. Weather sealing of cameras is proving to be more relevant in photography like never before. When we say a camera is weather sealed, we mean that the parts of the camera are shielded against unfavorable weather conditions such as rain, humidity, dust etc. Cameras that do not have this feature cannot be used in tough conditions.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Auto Exposure Bracketing	The Sony a7S comes with the Auto Exposure (AE) bracketing feature also. With the AE bracketing feature, the photographer does not need to manually change the frame settings between shots. This is so because the AE bracketing feature allows you shoot shots (usually three) at different light exposures. The auto bracket option also helps select the right light exposure to work with. This helps give a picture with better image quality.	Same as the Sony a7S
Face Detection	In addition, the Sony a7S has the face detection feature. This feature ensures the camera is able to detect faces without difficulty in a crowded place. This feature helps one to carry out photography operations with more accuracy.	Same as the Sony a7S.
External Flash Port	The Sony a7s has an external flash port. With our extensive writing on the relevance of the external flash, the external shoe is no doubt a great plus. The hot shoe allows for an external flash to be attached to the camera which, in our opinion, is a better light source than the inbuilt flash.	Same as the Sony a7s.
Viewfinder	The Sony a7s is equipped with a viewfinder. The viewfinder found in the Sony a7s is the electronic one and it allows the photographer to compose and focus on images conveniently.	Same as the Sony a7s. The only difference Is that the Nikon D810 has an optical viewfinder.
RAW Support	The Sony a7S has the ability to shoot RAW. This format saves files in their natural form and size. It does not compress files as is the case in other formats like JPEG. This ensures the production of   quality images that would not have been recoverable if they had been shot in the JPEG format.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Shutter Speed	The Sony a7S camera has a very good shutter speed at 1/8000 second. This feature enables it to be able to take quality pictures. And it is mostly useful in covering sporting activities and street photography as there is always a need to freeze fast moving objects. This explains the camera’s relevance in sports photography.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Continuous Shooting	The Sony a7S has the ability to shoot several photographs in quick succession in just one press of the shutter. This feature is known as continuous shooting. At a continuous shooting rate of 5 frames per second, the camera is enabled to capture images at a decent speed. The continuous shooting rating is a very important feature in this camera and is relevant in covering activities that involves quick moving objects e.g. street activities.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Microphone Port	The Sony a7S has a microphone port on it so you can attach an external microphone. And the external microphone helps to ensure that the videos have a good audio quality	Same as the Sony a7S.
Headphone Port	The Sony a7S camera also has a headphone port. This is a good feature for a camera primarily designed to be used by professionals because you can attach a pair of headphones and listen to better audio quality.	Same as the Sony a7S.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 — Common Cons

	Sony a7S	Nikon D810
Image Stabilization	The Sony a7S does not have an image stabilizer. Image stabilizers primarily help to avoid having blurry pictures which you could get if the camera is jostled mid-shot. Thankfully though, this can be taken care of by getting any of the Sony a7S’ optical stabilization lenses. They will stabilize the sensor and erase the possibility of blurry pictures.	Same as the Sony a7S.
Silent Shutter Options	The Sony a7S camera does not have a silent shutter option. Putting in mind the fact that cameras with silent shutter options are needed for discrete shooting. Since the Sony a7S has a relatively fast shutter speed at 1/8000s, the shutter will tend to produce noise when clicked.	Same as the Sony a7S.

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810—What People Think About Both

Sony a7S	Nikon D810
The Sony a7S actually has received good reviews by users. To start with, people like the fact that the Sony a7S is a mirrorless camera. Secondly, many photographers love the fact that the camera has a pretty high shutter speed as it helps them in aspects of photography like street, wildlife, sports and daily. They are also impressed by the camera’s ability to take quality videos. It also looks to us like people like that this camera also possesses a decent continuous shooting rating. This ensures that the camera gives quality imaging in the different photography types. In addition, users like the fact that the Sony a7S has a very good ISO rating (both high and low). This makes the camera come in handy in any light conditions without a reduction in the image quality. Finally, the Near Field Communication connection and in built Wi-Fi helps make transfer of data from the camera to other devices easy.	The Nikon D810 has actually also gotten good reviews by users alike. To start with, people like that the camera has a very good battery life as it saves them money they would have used in getting extra batteries. Also, users like the fact that the camera has very good auto focusing features as they allow them focus with more precision. Many photographers are in love with the 36-megapixel sensor resolution rating of the camera, which assures quality imaging. And they also seem to be impressed by the camera’s ability to also do 1080-pixel video shooting.
The major shortcoming of the Sony a7S which does not bode well with the users is its lack of an inbuilt flash. Users also do not like the fact that the camera has a low battery life.	The major complain that photographers have concerning the Nikon D810 is the fact that they consider the camera a bit pricey. Another letdown is aspect of file transfer, the camera does not have an in built flash and it also is not NFC enabled. This leads to the users spending extra bucks on internet adapters.

Get the Sony a7S now!	Get the Nikon D810 now!

Sony a7S Vs Nikon D810 – Our Take

Sony a7S	Nikon D810
We consider this camera a decent semi-pro and maybe a backup pro camera. The camera possesses numerous quality features that we believe will be useful for users across the professional levels board. One of them is definitely the high ISO. 409600 is not a high ISO rating that you come across every day. We also like the low ISO rating, presence of an electronic viewfinder and so on. Also, we would go with this camera if we were looking for a camera for everyday use. And that is because the weight is just right for us and it is really portable. Finally, putting the price into perspective, the Sony a7S is the more affordable of the two cameras. As a matter of fact, considering the different features that the camera possesses, we would say the camera is a steal at the price for which it could be purchased.	We also consider the Nikon D810 a decent semi-pro camera. The camera also possesses a wide range of fascinating features like the battery life, sensor resolution, cross point auto focus, shutter speed, etc. This camera has a wide range of auto focus and cross auto focus points which gives the camera an advantage when it comes to portrait and landscape photography. The Nikon D810 also has a massive sensor resolution rating and this helps to get quality imaging. This camera can also hold its own when it comes to video coverage as it has a good video resolution. When it comes to sports photography and maybe wildlife too, this camera could really bow to the occasion, due to the fact that it has a fast shutter speed, a high sensor resolution, two storage slots and an impressive battery life.
A major shortcoming that we have noticed in the Sony a7S is its terrible battery life. Another thing that we felt was a letdown is the absence of no inbuilt flash. However, if you still decide to go with this camera, get the Sony a7S now!	The shortcomings of the Nikon D810 which have been properly discussed in the weakness section. Nevertheless, we would still want to point out that the camera offers little in terms of transfer of files. However, if you still choose to purchase it, get the Nikon D810 now!