Sony A7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera | Body Only

The Sony a7 III stands out due to its enhanced sensor architecture, making it an excellent choice for both photography and videography across diverse environments. With advancements aimed at boosting speed and performance in low-light conditions, the camera features a new 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor paired with the BIONZ X processor, which significantly enhances image quality, video functionality, and autofocus efficiency. Additionally, the a7 III showcases a redesigned body that includes a new touchscreen LCD, an upgraded electronic viewfinder, a larger battery, and dual memory card slots.

Full-Frame BSI Sensor and BIONZ X Processor

The full-frame 24.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, featuring a back-illuminated design, collaborates with the BIONZ X image processor to deliver high-resolution images and videos while effectively reducing noise and enhancing processing speed. This back-illuminated architecture significantly boosts data transmission rates, enabling the capture of 14-bit, high-resolution images with a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-51200, which can be further extended to ISO 50-204800. Additionally, it supports internal UHD 4K video recording with an extensive dynamic range, utilizing the entire width of the full-frame sensor. The BIONZ X processor, in conjunction with a high-speed front-end LSI, facilitates quicker processing times and allows for an impressive 15-stop dynamic range at lower sensitivity settings.

This combination of sensor and processor also supports rapid continuous shooting at a rate of up to 10 frames per second at full resolution, accommodating up to 177 consecutive frames, while maintaining full-time autofocus and auto-exposure with both mechanical and electronic shutters. In live view mode, a continuous shooting speed of up to 8 frames per second is achievable.

UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S Format

The internal recording capability for UHD 4K films allows for various frame rates, reaching up to 30 fps, and employs 2.4x oversampling to enhance detail. Additionally, full pixel readout is achievable, resulting in superior image quality with minimized moiré and aliasing effects. Full HD 1080p recording is also available at frame rates of up to 120 fps. Both 4K and FHD formats utilize the 100 Mb/s XAVC S codec within an MP4 container, featuring 4:2:0 sampling.

The high-speed recording at 120 fps facilitates 4x and 5x slow-motion video capture, with the frame rate adjustable to either 30p or 24p. Beyond high-resolution internal recording, the uncompressed HDMI output provides the option to connect an external recorder, allowing for pristine 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling.

S-Log3, HLG, and Other Color and Gamma Controls

The a7 III offers a comprehensive range of customizable color and gamma settings, enabling users to modify parameters such as gamma, black level, knee, and color level, among others. Photographers can utilize the S-Log2 Gamma Curve, which is also present in high-end Sony Cinema cameras, allowing for an impressive increase of up to 1300% in dynamic range compared to traditional REC709, thereby enhancing flexibility during post-production.

Additionally, the camera supports HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) and the BT.2020 color space, facilitating recording in a broad color gamut. Alongside S-Log2, S-Log3 is also available, providing an effective dynamic range of 14 stops and improved grading capabilities, particularly in the shadow to mid-tone areas of the image.

Fast Hybrid AF System

An evolved 4D FOCUS system now employs a combination of 693 phase-detection points, which cover approximately 93% of the frame, along with 425 contrast-detection areas for reliable and quick autofocus and subject tracking performance. This Fast Hybrid AF System now achieves twice the focusing speed and more reliable tracking compared to previous a7 models, as well as improved low-light focusing.

Lock-on AF ensures that focus remains on dynamic subjects by utilizing a customizable frame positioned over the intended moving target. Expand Flexible Spot utilizes adjacent focus points to maintain focus on moving subjects, even if the initially selected point loses its sharpness. Eye AF is designed to focus on the eyes of recognized subjects in portrait photography and is accessible in both AF-S and AF-C modes. The Focus Magnifier feature allows for precise focusing on intricate details of the subject. Additionally, the rear touchscreen facilitates Touch Focus control, while the Touchpad Focus Control mode enables intuitive use of the rear screen without removing the eye from the viewfinder.

5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization

The a7 III is equipped with a highly effective 5-stop, 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system, designed to counteract five distinct types of camera shake that may occur during handheld photography and videography. This feature enables users to utilize any lens, including adapted ones, for precise imaging without the risk of blur caused by camera movement.

For longer focal lengths, the stabilization system effectively addresses pitch and yaw adjustments. In contrast, macro and high-magnification photography will gain from the added horizontal and vertical shift compensation. Additionally, all shooting techniques will benefit from the roll compensation feature. Notably, all five axes of stabilization remain operational at all times, even when utilizing third-party lenses and adapters or lenses that incorporate built-in optical stabilization.

Body Design and Connectivity

The XGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasts a resolution of 2.36 million dots and a magnification of 0.78x, providing bright and detailed imagery. Complementing the EVF is a 3.0-inch rear LCD with a resolution of 922,000 dots, featuring a touch panel for user-friendly operation and precise focusing control. This screen can tilt upward by 107 degrees and downward by 41 degrees, facilitating shooting from both high and low perspectives. Constructed from magnesium alloy, the chassis ensures strength, durability, and stability while maintaining a lightweight profile. Enhancements to the lens mount allow for better support of heavier lenses, and improvements to the grip enhance comfort during handheld use. The camera is equipped with weather-sealing to protect against dust and moisture, ensuring reliable performance in challenging weather conditions. Utilizing the NP-FZ100 battery, the a7 III offers extended battery life, capable of approximately 710 shots per charge. Additionally, it features dual SD memory card slots for versatile file management, which can be configured to separate raw and JPEG files or used for overflow recording, with one slot supporting UHS-II memory cards.

A USB 3.0 Type-C port has been incorporated alongside a micro-USB port to enhance tethering capabilities with increased speed and reliability. This USB Type-C connection facilitates the charging of the camera from the host power source while it is connected. The built-in Wi-Fi feature of the a7 III allows for immediate sharing of images to mobile devices, enabling direct uploads to social media platforms, email, and cloud storage services. Additionally, NFC (Near Field Communication) support enables a seamless one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices, eliminating the need for complicated setup procedures. Once paired, the connected mobile device can display a live view image and remotely operate the camera's shutter. Furthermore, Bluetooth connectivity provides the capability to acquire location data.