Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020
Sony
77 Overall Score
vs
Leica SL SL2 Black 2021
Leica
84 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020
78 out of 100 high confidence 68 reviews
The Sony A7S III earns high marks from most users for its exceptional low-light performance, reliable autofocus, and excellent 4K video quality at up to 120fps. Many videographers and hybrid shooters praise its ergonomics, improved menu system, and heat management for typical use. However, a minority report serious overheating during extended recording, especially in warm environments, and some criticize the steep price, the lack of RAW video recording, and the need for costly high-speed memory cards. The 12MP sensor is loved for low-light stills but limits cropping ability for photography-centric users.
Pros
- Exceptional low-light video and photo quality
- Reliable and fast autofocus with eye tracking
- Smooth 4K video up to 120fps
- Improved menu system and customizability
- Excellent build quality and ergonomics
Cons
- Serious overheating during extended recordings
- High price, especially with memory card costs
- No internal RAW video recording
- 12MP sensor limits cropping for photos
- Expensive high-speed memory cards required
Low light performance 12
Video quality 14
Autofocus 6
Overheating 5
Build quality 7
Value for money 8
Leica SL SL2 Black 2021
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Wedding Events
Video
Photography
Beginner
Sports Wildlife
Product Photography
Travel
Youtube
Streaming
Vlogging
Specifications
| Sony a7S a7S III | Leica SL SL2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 12.100000381469727 MP | 47.29999923706055 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 80★ | 100 |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | Maestro III |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 759Contrast Detection: 425 | Contrast Detection: 225 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓★ | — |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 10 fps | 10 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 10 fps | 20 fps★ |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/40000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps★ | 100 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓★ | — |
| Codec | XAVC S (AVC), XAVC HS (HEVC), XAVC S-I (All-I) | MOV, MP4 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3.2"★ |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓★ | ✗ |
| EVF Resolution | 9.4M dots★ | 5.8M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.61 kg★ | 0.83 kg |
| Battery Life | 510 shots★ | 370 shots |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1★ | USB Type-C (USB 3.1) |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020
- Strong evf (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average sensor (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Leica SL SL2 Black 2021
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong evf (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong battery (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
Verdict
Winner: Leica SL SL2
Scores 84 overall, wins 6 of 10 usage categories and 3 of 33 specs.