Low-light shootout: Nikon D4S vs. Sony A7S

In recent years, high ISO capabilities have moved to the forefront of many photographic discussions, and we're even seeing some camera companies release cameras with a lower mega-pixel count in favor of higher ISO sensitivities. The Nikon D4S and Sony A7S are two prime examples of this, with both able to go up to an unprecedented ISO 409,600. But exactly how usable are these crazy ISO levels? We put the cameras to the test to find out.

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[kikojiu]

I don´t really understand the use of this test. You were increasing the ISO and closing the aperture? We actually need to see what the camera can do in low light not closing the aperture and raising ISO, but raig the ISO when there is no more aperture left and still need more light to expose properly...

[hardwarezonecom]

Thanks! We were using the A7S on FF mode, but it came with the 55mm f/1.8 Zeiss while the D4S came with the 50mm f/1.4, hence a very slight difference in perspective. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[Prahatech]

Thanks for doing this comparison.
The A7s is half the price of the D4s, and it shoots 4K video.
In my opinion, Hands down, the Sony A7s is the winner and best value.

[solucionestecnologicas]

i am looking to buy the sony a7s for video shooting

[cvegas]

Nice comparison.  What lens mode were you using on the a7s, FF or APS-C?

[sdas]

Clearly Sony A7S is doing better. Add to better price tag, lighter, 4K. I don't see any sense for people to carry a heavy and large camera like the Nikon if you are going to travel to different places to take photo. Sony A7 series is the best choice to go.

[saintesperon]

I haven't yet found a video properly comparing  the sony a7s and nikon d810 against each other, specially the video capabilities, low light etc.

[yanshin]

Really informative video, keep up good work !
I just want to know, how it auto focus speed on A7s. Especially in video

[JojinKang]

well you can buy 2.5 Sony A7s for the price of a Nikon D4s

[raredreamfootage]

What F-Stop were you using and shutter?

[TERRAMOUNT]

Sweet :) We shot our last movie "my days as a woflman" on the sony A7s with shogun. pretty nice picture quality :)

[bcnewsvideo]

That was a great comparison, thank you

[thatcatwiththehat]

Why would anyone buy a D4s for it's video capability anyway??  The D4s is used by professionals for it's ruggedness in the field, FPS, low light and focus capabilities.  

You get what you pay for so why not compare compatible contenders?  Sony has some Impressive capabilities even in their $200 point and shoots.  So why not compare the A7S to say the Fuji or other mirrorless brands at a compatible price?

If you want to compare the D4s then do it against the Canon 1Dx.

[robbyatmaja]

it's a high ISO noise comparison, not a face to face overall comparison. for this test, i agree that Sony might have better result and i think this comparison is lean more to videographer or video purpose. but as per today... April, 4th, 2017... i will definetly not gonna choose Sony for photographing wedding, sport, and event.

[virgincoconutoilsite]

for stills - am I better of getting the A7s or A7 m2 ? for low light - how does Nikon D750 compare to the A7s and the A7 m2 ??

seems the A7s has great low light ability - but due to the fact it does no have IBIS in body stabilization one has to shoot at a higher shutter speed vs the A7m2 with IBIS but higher MP count so maybe not as good in low light - but if one can shoot at 20th of sec vs 125th of a sec - then that is big difference and should let in a lot of light -

I like mirrorless and have many - I have the A7 which to me is not that impressive in low light - say compared to the A6300 - also the A7 just hunts for focus in low light - I like the EVF on the A7s/A7m2 - and that focus is decent in LCD mode -
but I know the D750 has better focus - but does not have IBIS - and I do not like the slow focus of all DSLR;s in live view - and do not care for using a viewfinder -
One can get lenses for less money for the Nikon D750 - so a tuff decision - but what I am after is as clean images as possible
in low light for reasonable budget

[samorayee]

thank you beautiful review . but you can’t compare Sony with Nikon d4s . if you want take faster Sony can’t be like d4s

[Gibsonuk]

Take both up a snowy/rainy mountain! I know which one will come back ok :)

[lowcodemagic]

the Sony was using noise reduction in that video I believe. Too soft altogether.

Nikon's photos looked sharper

[luismiguelsilva]

Sony is better above 25.ooo isso.
Good vídeo.

[akioyakushi]

YOU CAN DO PROFESSIONAL WORK ON BOTH, PERIOD! - difference will be only in sense that will be too risky to go just with Sony A7S to do work, it could and there is examples with many semi pro's that camera crash or stop wroking, whereby with D4S regardless the fact of having second body, you CAN go with that body alone to do a job. Now, it will be stupid to ditch either, because each body is great in own sense and CANNOT be compared. Can you compared D4S in burst mode with A7S. NO, period! - But, regardless image quality yes if you taking single shot. There is comparison and serious competition. It is perfect company to each other YES and I agree with many folks here, sorry to say this +HardwareZone SG review is poor.

D4S is great machine, yeah, a machine, weather sealed camera proven 100% with registered 500k clicks+ and it is a tank, you cannot put this body next to Sony just because it is not build & designed same way and its purpose it is just different. But Sony A7 bodies are great as well, I love them all, you can pick any of them and there is a charm and professional approach more and more, A7R2 for example is really great body to be more compared to D4S because it is a more a 'photo camera' and suits D4S as company totally. For second body to do video and keep that pocket format but having a pro level I personally, and many other pro's will go with BMPCC and there is no question about it. This will keep your bag small!

It is time that bozos stop confusing the market and new creative individuals what is what before they introduce themselves about technology.

Cheers