Sony A7S has a
12.0MP Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Bionz X processor. On the other hand, Nikon 1 AW1 has a
14.0MP 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features EXPEED 3A processor.
Below you can see the A7S and 1 AW1 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony A7S and Nikon 1 AW1 Cameras
As seen above, Sony A7S has a 7.4x Larger sensor area than Nikon 1 AW1. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Sony A7S and Nikon 1 AW1 sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, A7S has scored 87, 36 points higher than 1 AW1.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Sony A7S
87
23.9 bits
13.2 Evs
3702 ISO
Nikon 1 AW1
51
20.2 bits
10.9 Evs
428 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Sony A7S
or the
Nikon 1 AW1 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
One thing to watch when comparing these two: they have different sensor sizes
(Full frame versus 1-inch),
so compare them at the same framing rather than the same focal length.
Put the same focal length on the smaller sensor and it will show less depth of
field, not more, because it also crops tighter. The calculator shows the
full frame equivalent focal length for each body so you can match the framing.
