Sony a7 III Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body

Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Summary

Sony continues to deliver industry-leading full-frame mirrorless cameras with the Sony a7 III. Boasting a brand new 24.2MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with increased sensitivity, outstanding resolution and an impressive 15 stops of dynamic range at low sensitivities, the a7 III will give you the tools to produce an amazing range of images. Pair these with cutting edge software features such as 93% coverage lightning-fast autofocus and 5-axis image stabilisation to capture content in new and different ways with stunning results.

• Newly Developed Full-frame 24.2MP Back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS image Sensor with Evolved image Processing
• Wide ISO range of 100 - 51200 (expandable to ISO 50 – 204800 for still images) and 15-Stop Dynamic Range at low sensitivities
• World Class Auto Focus (AF) system featuring 693 phase-detection AF points covering 93% of image area, 425 contrast AF points and fast and reliable Eye AF
• Continuous Shooting at up to 10 fps with either Mechanical Shutter or Silent Shooting and full Auto Focus/Auto Exposure tracking
• 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation with a 5.0 step shutter speed advantage
• High Resolution 4K Movie Shooting with full pixel readout and no pixel binning across full-width of full-frame sensor
• The longest rated battery life of any Mirrorless camera at 710 shots per charge
• Upgraded operability and functionality including addition of joystick for adjusting focus points, Dual SD Card Slots, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C Terminal and more

Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera Features in Detail

Spectacular Full-frame image Quality

The newly developed 24.2MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor is paired with a front-end LSI that effectively doubles the readout speed of the image sensor, as well as an updated BIONZ X processing-engine that boosts processing speed by approximately 1.8 times compared to the a7II. These powerful components work together to allow the camera to shoot at faster speeds while also enabling its impressive ISO range of 100 - 51200 (expandable to ISO 50 – 204800 for still images) and an overall 1.5-stop improvement in image quality. The camera also features a massive 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivity settings, ensuring outstanding overall performance at all settings and in all shooting conditions, with significant adivancements in accurate colour reproductions of skin tones and the vibrant colours of nature.

This new full-frame model can also output 14 bit RAW format even in silent and continuous shooting modes, and is equipped with a 5-axis optical image stabilisation system that results in a 5.0 step shutter speed advantage.

Significant Advances in AF Speed and Performance

The innovative new a7 III full-frame mirrorless camera features a level of AF performance that has been largely improved over the a7II, including the addition of 4D FOCUS capabilities. The new camera has 425 contrast AF points that work with a 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system inherited from the acclaimed a9 model. This innovative AF system covers approximately 93% of the frame, ensuring reliable focusing and tracking for even the most difficult to capture subjects.

AF response and tracking has also been greatly improved in the new camera, with almost 2x the focusing speed in low-light condition and 2x the tracking speed compared to the previous model as a result of the faster image sensor readout. This allows complex and unpredictable motion to be captured with far greater precision and accuracy.

The acclaimed Eye AF feature is also available in the new camera, even in AF-C mode, which is extremely useful for situations where the subject is turning around, looking down or otherwise obstructed. It also works when the a7 III is being used with Sony's A-mount lenses with an optional LA-EA3 adaptor. Additional improvements in focusing flexibility include the addition of a multi-selector or ‘joystick' for moving focusing points quickly, the addition of touch focusing capability, AF availability in Focus Magnifier mode, an ‘AF On' button and much more.

Speed to Capture Every Decisive Moment

The new a7 III is equipped with an updated image processing system that allows it to shoot full resolution images at up to 10 fpsi with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking for up to 177 Standard JPEG images, 89 compressed RAW images or 40 uncompressed RAW images. This high speed mode is available with either a mechanical shutter or a completely silent shooting, adding to the immense flexibility of the camera. The camera can also shoot continuously at up to 8 fps in live view mode with minimal lag in the viewfinder or LCD screen.

For added convenience, while large groups of burst images are being written to the memory card, many of the cameras key functions are operable, including access to the ‘Fn' (Function) and ‘Menu' buttons, image playback and several other menus and parameters including image rating and other functions that facilitate on-location image sorting.

Additionally, if there is fluorescent or artificial lighting present in a shooting environment, users can activate the Anti-flicker function to allow the a7 III to automatically detect frequency of the lighting and time the shutter to minimise its effect on images being captured. This minimises any exposure or colour anomalies that can sometimes occur at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds.

High Quality 4K Video

The new a7 III is an outstanding video camera as well, offering 4K (3840x2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the full-frame image sensor. In video mode, the camera uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect about 2.4x the amount of data required for 4K movies, and then oversamples it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth.

An HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile is available on the a7 III as well, which supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TV's to playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. Further, both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased colour grading flexibility, as well as Zebra functionality, Gamma Display assist and proxy recording. The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbps, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.

Upgraded Build, Design and Customisation

Sony's newest full-frame camera is equipped with a variety of enhanced capabilities that were first implemented in the a9 and then again in the a7R III. These include dual media slots, with support in one slot for UHS- type SD memory cards. Users have a variety of options for storing their content in each of the cards, including separate JPEG / RAW recording, separate still image / movie recording, relay recording and more. Battery life has been greatly extended as well – with a CIPA measurement of up to 710 shots per charge, it offers the world's longest battery life of any Mirrorless camera, as the new camera utilises Sony's Z series battery NP-FZ100 that offers approximately 2.2 times the capacity of the W series battery NP-FW50 utilised in the a7II .

The new camera features “My Menu" functionality which allows up to 30 menu items to be registered for instant recall when needed. Users can also apply star ratings to their still images through the camera controls for easier image playback and review, and edit the first three characters of all still image files. Additionally, there is a total of 81 functions that are assignable to 11 custom buttons, and the camera is both dust and moisture resistant.

The a7 III features high-resolution, high-contrast, fast-start XGA OLED Tru-Finder with approximately 2.3 million dots for extremely accurate, true-to-life detail reproduction. “Standard" or “High" display quality settings are also available for both the viewfinder and monitor as well. It also is capable of seamlessly transferring files to a smartphone, tablet, computer or FTP server via Wi-Fi, while also offering a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C Terminal for increased flexibility in power supply and faster image transfer speed during tethered shooting.

The a7 III model also comes with Sony's new software suite “Imaging Edge", which extends the creative capabilities of the entire shooting process – from pre-processing to post-processing. “Imaging Edge" provides three PC applications called ‘Remote', ‘Viewer' and ‘Edit', available for free download, which support live-view PC remote shooting and RAW development. In the latest Version 1.1, several improvements have been implemented including about 10% faster data transfer speed for remote shooting from PC (PC tether shooting) and approximately 65% improvement in the response speed for RAW image editing.

Full Details

Back-illuminated 24.2MP full-frame sensor

The 35mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS image sensor features 24.2-megapixel resolution, back illumination, and gapless on-chip lens design for extraordinary sensitivity and dynamic range. Two times faster data readout speed is achieved through copper wires and front-end LSI.

Entirely enhanced image processing system

A combination of new-generation image processing system and a new sensor achieves an up to 1.5-stop improvement in image quality. A wide ISO sensitivity range of up to ISO 51200 is standard, and approx. up to 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivity settings is realised. Upgraded Detail Reproduction and Area-specific Noise Reduction join to suppress noise and maintain a sense of high overall resolution. Colour reproduction, especially of skin and nature scenes, has also been dramatically improved. The α7 III also supports 14-bit RAW output even during silent shooting/continuous shooting.

Wider, faster, more steadfast AF performance

An evolved image processing system and α9 camera AF algorithms optimised for the α7 III improve AF speed, precision, and tracking performance. 693 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points provide high-density wide-area coverage. AF speed improved by up to twice and more precise AF tracking performance let you capture and maintain focus on a quickly moving subject in unpredictable motion. The α7 III also autofocuses reliably down to EV-3 brightness.

Focal-plane phase-detection AF supports A-mount lenses

Phase-detection AF can operate even when an A-mount lens is mounted to the α7 III via an LA-EA3 adaptor. The 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system provides wide-area coverage, fast response, and high-performance tracking.

Always keep the eye in focus

Eye AF newly supports AF-C mode with greater precision that dramatically enhances portrait shooting, plus higher AF speed that makes it easier to shoot a portrait of a moving subject, even if the subject looks down and away from the camera, or is backlit with face in partial darkness. The α7 III supports Eye AF for A-mount lenses mounted via an adaptor.

AF-ON button and multi-selector

The new AF-ON button activates autofocus without any half-press-shutter-button focus sequence, so you can concentrate better on exactly when to release the shutter and capture the moment instantly. A multi-selector lets you shift the point of focus quickly and efficiently. You can select and shift the point of focus intuitively, so you won’t miss great chances to shoot moving subjects.

Comprehensive AF convenience

AF tracking sensitivity when shooting stills is adjustable in five steps for subjects that move outside of the focus area. Autofocus areas and points remain the same or change when switching between horizontal and vertical orientations, depending on the shooting situation. AF area registration allows frequently used focus point settings to be memorised and assigned to custom buttons for fast, convenient recall at a touch whenever needed.

With new shutter charge unit and image processing system refinements, the α7 III can shoot continuously at up to 10 fps with AF/AE tracking (up to 8 fps with minimal display lag in live-view continuous shooting mode) for easy, stable shooting of even intensely active subjects. Up to approximately 177 JPEG images (standard) in full resolution, 89 compressed RAW images, or 40 uncompressed RAW images can be captured in one continuous burst. An electronic shutter allows silent, vibration-free shooting of wildlife and other sensitive situations when even slight noise can mean missing an ideal shot.

Enhanced operability for continuous shooting

Images captured in continuous shooting mode can be displayed as a group, and such groups can be deleted or protected in one quick operation. Furthermore, with higher burst capacity and UHS-II media compatibility, the camera significantly streamlines the operation of writing data to memory cards. The Fn button and menu button can be operated to change settings immediately after continuous shooting, while data writing is in progress.

Anti-flicker shooting

Flicker from fluorescent and other artificial lighting is automatically detected and shutter action is timed to minimise the flicker’s effect on still images. This suppresses exposure and colour anomalies at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds, as well as exposure and colour inconsistency between continuous shots, so you can take images indoors with more confidence.

Clear, natural, realistic 4K moves

High-resolution full-frame 4K movies with full-pixel readout without pixel binning that condenses approximately 2.4 times the amount of data required for 4K movies (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) results in minimal moiré and jaggies. Advanced image processing makes it possible to record full-frame 4K movies with outstanding image quality in the mid-to-high ISO range, so you make the most of the 4K movie format’s unique potential in every shot. Super 35mm can also be selected, instead of full-frame mode, as needed.

Supports a wide range of needs in HDR move production

Supporting a wide range of HDR movie production needs, the α7 III offers S-Log3 as well as S-Log2 gamma curves, for great flexibility to fine-tune images as desired through colour grading operation in post-production, and a new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile for instant HDR workflow. However, colour grading is not required to enjoy instant playback of high-quality, true-to-life images with no blocked shadows or blown highlights on an HDR (HLG) compatible TV.

Versatile move recording functions

The α7 III provides a wide array of functions to facilitate workflows of professional videographers, including clean HDMI output, time code / user bits (TC/UB), rec. control, marker display/setting, zebra function, Slow and Quick Motion, simultaneous proxy movie recording, extraction and separate storage of a still from a movie, and Gamma Display Assist function, among others.

Improved fast hybrid AF for movie recording

An efficient combination of focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF accurately locks onto even fast-moving subjects, then tracks them smoothly during movie recording. AF coverage for movies extends across an area almost as wide as the AF coverage area for still images, so once the high-density AF system locks onto a movie subject, the camera continues to track it steadily and tenaciously. Three AF drive speed settings give you freedom to use slow focus effects when shooting movie scenes.

My Menu and new menu interface

My Menu lets you register and arrange up to 30 menu items in order of frequency of use for instant recall, and unused items can be erased, as needed. A custom menu can be created to suit particular shooting needs. The α7 III has primary menus reorganised for easier searching, with group names and page numbers at the top of the displays.

Rating function convenient for on-location sorting

Ratings from 1 to 5 stars can be applied to still images and maintained as the images are imported into PlayMemories Home or the new Imaging Edge software suite from Sony running on a PC. This function and a protect function to prevent accidental image deletion can each be assigned to a custom button (C3 by default for protect). Ratings and protection can be applied via review playback display and continuous groups can be reviewed, protected, and deleted while you’re on location or traveling.

Promptly changeable customisation

Camera setups can be registered (up to two in the camera and four on a memory card) for quick access via mode dial. Up to 81 functions can be assigned to 11 custom keys, and even sets of customised functions can be assigned for stills, movies, and playback. Recall Custom Setting During Hold function is convenient for temporary recall of shooting settings assigned to custom buttons while such a button is held.

High-resolution, High-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder

Providing high resolution and contrast, plus the excellent gradation and colour reproduction that are advantages of OLED viewfinders, this approximately 2359K-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder faithfully depicts images with clear corner-to-corner visibility. Magnification is 0.78x (approx. 38.5° diagonal FOV). ZEISS T* coating greatly reduces obtrusive lens reflection on the ocular lens. Startup is approximately 40% faster than with the α7 II when the camera is switched on. Furthermore, view mode can be set to “High” to provide finer and more natural details by taking maximum advantage of the data read from the 24.2 effective megapixel sensor.

Touch screen LCD for easy instant focus operation

A 3.0-type 922K-dot LCD screen offers touch screen operation and bright, clear, finely detailed views even outdoors. Use Touch Focus to focus instantly on a point that you touch on the screen and Touch Pad to drag the focus frame with a fingertip on the LCD as you monitor the shot through the viewfinder. This LCD tilts up by as much as 107°, and down by as much as 41° for flexible, convenient camera holding and shot monitoring.

This comprehensive system compensates for five types of camera shake that tend to blur images: pitch/yaw shake when shooting at longer focal lengths; X/Y shake in close-up (including macro) shooting; and roll shake when recording stills at night and movies. It effectively achieves 5.0-stop-faster shutter speed, so the α7 III can take full advantage of its high-quality imaging capability and live-view image performance. Furthermore, it functions with A-mount lenses attached via mount adaptor, as well as E-mount lenses.

Location information Link via Bluetooth

The camera can be paired with Imaging Edge Mobile app installed on a compatible mobile phone or tablet device to acquire location data, record it on still images, and correct camera date/time and location settings.

Smooth PC tethering via USB 3.1 Gen 1 port

A USB Type-C port supporting fast USB 3.1 Gen 1 facilitates high-speed PC Remote transfer of large RAW data files, so you can quickly review images on a PC and continue shooting without delay. Also, a setting to transfer only JPEG files to PC lets you check images via PC even more quickly after continuous shooting because the camera doesn’t have to send big volumes of RAW data.

Longer battery life to shoot for more professional lengths

For extended periods of confident shooting, the NP-FZ100 battery has approximately 2.2 times the capacity of a NP-FW50 battery that allows shooting of up to approximately 710 photos with one full charge and an optional VG-C3EM Vertical Grip can hold two batteries. USB Type-C and Multi/Micro USB ports allow external mobile batteries to power the camera for extended recording. Even more conveniently, accessories such as a remote control unit can be used via Multi/Micro USB port while power is supplied via USB Type-C port. BC-QZ1 optional battery charger allows quicker charging than charging via USB.

Dual slots with UHS-II compatibility

This camera provides two media slots for SD card (UHS-II-compatible for fast data writing) and SD card/Memory Stick, respectively. Two cards in the slots can be used to simultaneously record or relay record data; separate RAW data from JPEG data, or stills from movies; and copy data from one card to the other. The memory card cover is lockable to prevent it from being opened unintentionally.

Highly durable and operable in tough conditions

The α7 III functions reliably in challenging environments. Its body is fortified by lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy top cover, front cover, and internal frame. The number of lens mount screws has been increased to six for enhanced durability. Major buttons and dials are sealed. Sealing is provided throughout the body to minimise entry of dust and moisture.

One-touch remote and One-touch sharing

One-touch remote can turn a smartphone or tablet into a viewfinder/remote control. One-touch sharing transfers photos/videos to your device for SNS sharing. Just install an Imaging Edge Mobile app via Wi-Fi to your NFC-enabled Android device, and then touch the device to the camera to connect them. If you don’t have NFC, use QR code compatibility to pair the devices.

This camera is also available in a versatile Sony A7 III kit with the 24-105 lens.

SONY A7 III FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA BODY SPECIFICATIONS