Optimized video, optimized sensitivity, optimized speed, the Sony a7S III raises the bar for what a full-frame mirrorless camera is capable of. A revised 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and updated BIONZ XR image processor offer faster performance, improved noise reduction, and a wider dynamic range, along with UHD 4K 120p video recording and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling.
Sony a7S III | Hands-on Review
Alpha 7S III Concept
Alpha 7S III PFV
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12.1MP Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor and BIONZ XR Processor
A redesigned 12.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor now features a back-illuminated Exmor RS design in order to achieve improved clarity and reduced noise along with the expectedly impressive sensitivity, from ISO 80-102400 with an extended ISO 40-409600 range. The updated sensor design also yields 2x faster readout speeds than previous generations and, when coupled with the revised BIONZ XR image processor, greatly reduces rolling shutter by 3x and up to 8x faster processing and overall camera handling. The sensor and processor combination also helps to achieve a wide dynamic range, of up to approximately 14 stops for stills and 15 stops for video, and 10 fps continuous shooting for up to 1000 uncompressed raw files for stills.
UHD 4K recording is possible with frame rates up to 120p, using full 1:1 pixel readout without binning. Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling is also possible in all recording modes and, if recording externally via the full-size HDMI A port, 16-bit raw output is also possible for even greater tonal reproduction and post-production flexibility.
Two codecs have also been developed: XAVC HS, which uses HEVC/H.265 encoding to retain more detail at smaller bitrates, and XAVC S-I, which is an intraframe codec for consistent performance and quality at bitrates up to 600 Mb/s.
Recording Flexibility
The high-speed, 120 fps recording enables 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording with the frame rate playback set to either 30p or 24p or, if moving down to Full HD resolution, an effective 240p frame rate is also available for even greater motion control.
Suiting long-form recording, the a7S III does not have any recording time limits to allow for unlimited clip lengths. The camera's physical design also features an improved heat-dissipating structure to promote longer possible recording times, up to an approximate 60-minute recording time at 4K60p.
Advanced Color Control
S-Cinetone can be used to deliver distinct colors and healthy-looking skin tone rendering that matches the FX9 and FX6 cameras and is based on technology from the professional Cinema Line cameras, such as the VENICE. This color profile offers natural mid-tones, soft colors, and especially well-controlled highlights.
Affording extensive customizable color and gamma controls, the you can adjust the gamma, black level, knee, color level, and more. Also, users can use the same S-Log2 Gamma Curve that is found on high end Sony Cinema cameras that squeezes up to 1300% more dynamic range into the video signal then traditional REC709, for increased post-production flexibility.
Autofocus and Image Stabilization
Fast Hybrid AF System
Covering 92% of the image area, a Fast Hybrid AF system incorporates 759 phase-detection points along with 425 contrast-detection areas for quick and precise focusing in a variety of lighting conditions with sensitivity down to -6 EV. This focusing system is available for use in all recording modes, to benefit both video and stills applications. Additionally, it is able to lock onto subjects quickly and can use Real-time Tracking for AI-based tracking on moving subjects or touch tracking for manual selection of the subject. Real-time Eye AF, suitable for both humans and animals, also ensures critical sharpness when shooting portraits. Helping to fine-tune how the focusing system performs, seven-step AF transition speed and five-step AF subject shift sensitivity controls let you refine how quickly focus shifts from point to point and how smoothly focusing shifts occur.
5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization
The a7S III incorporates an enhanced 5.5-stop effective 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system, which compensates for five different types of camera shake encountered during handheld shooting of stills and video. This allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical imaging without encountering blur from camera shake.
For long focal lengths, the system will correct for pitch and yaw adjustments. Macro and high-magnification imagery, on the other hand, will benefit from the inclusion of horizontal and vertical shift compensation. All shooting styles will get usage out of the roll compensation. All 5 axes of stabilization will function at all times, even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilization.
Additionally, specifically for video, there is also an Active IS mode that adds even more precise stabilization methods for even smoother footage straight out of camera.
Body Design and Connectivity
Tru-Finder EVF and Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
An impressive QXGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF features a high 9.44m-dot resolution and 0.9x magnification for exceptionally bright, clear, and detailed eye-level viewing. This viewfinder has a dedicated 120 fps High Quality setting for smooth motion rendering and the finder's physical design has a long 25mm eye point, 41° field of view, and features a fluorine coating on the outermost viewfinder element to benefit cleaning.
A first for a7-series cameras, a side-opening 3.0" 1.44m-dot vari-angle articulating screen benefits working from high and low angles as well as a front-facing position for vlogging or other self-recording needs. This LCD is a touchscreen, too, for intuitive shooting control and menu navigation.
Redesigned menu structure is more intuitive and complements having different workflows and settings selections for movie recording and stills shooting. The menu system also works in conjunction with the touchscreen design of the rear LCD.
Versatile and Durable Design
Dual memory card slots both accept either CFexpress Type A or SD-type memory cards. The dual slot design allows for flexible file saving and handling and can be configured to partition file types or can be used for overflow recording. Additionally, both of the card slots are rated to support UHS-II memory cards for faster transfer speeds.
Magnesium alloy chassis assures rigidity, durability, and stability while remaining lightweight. The lens mount has also been improved to better support heavy lenses, and the grip rigidity has been improved for more comfortable hand-holding.
Extensive weather-sealing, including enhanced sealing around the battery cover, terminal cover, and chassis joints, has been employed to resist dust and moisture for reliable operation in harsh weather conditions.
Accepts the high-capacity NP-FZ100 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides approximately 510 shots/80 minutes of recording per charge when using the viewfinder or 600 shots/95 minutes of recording per charge when using the rear LCD.
Ports and Connectivity
Full-size HDMI A port offers a more reliable connection when working with external recorders.
A USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port has been added, in addition to a micro-USB port, for faster, more reliable tethering support. The USB Type-C connection allows the camera to be charged or powered from the host power source while connected.
Both 3.5mm headphone and external microphone ports facilitate greater control over audio recording.
Multi Interface Shoe supports working with the optional ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit, which provide improved, clear audio recording sound by sending a digital audio signal to the camera, opposed to an analog signal.
Built-in Wi-Fi enables the remote camera control and instant sharing of imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online, and support for both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands also enables wireless tethered shooting support. This connectivity also provides remote camera control
USB Type-C port can be paired with an optional Ethernet wired LAN adapter to provide 1000BASE-T connectivity, wired remote shooting, or FTP transferring.
Impressive Speed and Sharpness
Combining speed, versatility, and quality, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a normal-length prime that flexes a bright f/1.2 design and advanced optics while remaining portable and lightweight for everyday shooting. As a G Master lens, resolution and bokeh are top priorities, and this 50mm f/1.2 goes on to also include a sophisticated focusing system to suit both stills and video needs and a reliable physical design that's intuitive to use and durable enough for working in harsh environments.
Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G-Master Lens | Hands-on Review
Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G-Master Lens Video
Introducing FE 50mm F1.2 GM | Sony | Lens
G Master Resolution and Bokeh
G Master lenses prioritize sharpness and bokeh quality by featuring advanced optical designs and specialized elements.
Three XA (extreme aspherical) elements effectively control astigmatism, field curvature, coma, distortion, and other spherical aberrations for a high degree of sharpness and accurate rendering.
Nano AR Coating II has been applied to reduce surface reflections, flare, and ghosting for increased contrast and color rendering in strong lighting conditions. This updated coating is better suited for larger, curved elements and is especially adept at minimizing internal reflections.
Floating focus mechanism helps to ensure optimum and consistent sharpness throughout the focusing range.
Exceptional Speed and Versatility
Normal 50mm focal length suits a variety of subjects and shooting applications, ranging from portraiture and street shooting to landscapes, lifestyle, and architectural subjects.
Truly impressive f/1.2 maximum aperture yields extremely shallow depth of field results for separating subjects from busy backgrounds using selective focus.
Beyond depth of field control, the f/1.2 design also benefits shooting handheld and working with faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions.
Rounded 11-blade diaphragm helps produce a smooth and circular bokeh quality.
Fast and Precise AF
Four XD Linear Motors provide quick, quiet, and precise autofocus and subject tracking performance. This design also contributes to more natural, intuitive Linear Response manual focus control and an AF/MF switch is located on the lens barrel for tactile control over this setting.
XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors deliver high thrust to efficiently move larger, heavier elements and focus groups, such as those needed to produce an f/1.2 lens. This focusing system also achieves accurate focus when working with extremely shallow depth fo field effects.
Internal focusing design offers more responsive focusing performance and maintains a consistent overall lens length during operation.
Minimum focusing distance of 1.3' suits making dynamic close-up images.
A close minimum focusing distance, maximum magnification of 0.17x, and bright f/1.2 aperture help create shallow depth of field imagery with a strong close-up subject and a soft background.
Compact and Durable Design
Despite the wide f/1.2 maximum aperture, complex optical design, and inclusion of a high-performance AF system, this lens manages to still be relatively compact and lightweight for everyday handheld use, measuring 3.4 x 4.4" and weighing 1.7 lb.
Two focus hold buttons are featured on the lens barrel for intuitive tactile control and rapid access to select settings.
Physical aperture ring can be de-clicked for smooth, silent aperture switching to benefit video applications.
Dust- and moisture-sealed design better permits working in inclement conditions and rubberized control rings benefit handling in colder temperatures.
Fluorine-coated front element resists dust, moisture, and fingerprints and is easy to clean
Sony A7S III Specs
Key Specs
Lens Mount
Sony E
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 12.9 Megapixel
Effective: 12.1 Megapixel (4240 x 2832)
Image Sensor
35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
ISO/Gain Sensitivity
Photo
Native: 80 to 102,400 (40 to 409,600 Extended) Video
Native: 80 to 102,400 (80 to 409,600 Extended)
Internal Recording Modes
H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps [100 to 280 Mb/s VBR]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s VBR] H.264/XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [240 to 600 Mb/s VBR]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [89 to 222 Mb/s VBR] H.264/XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps [60 to 200 Mb/s VBR]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120/200/240 fps [16 to 100 Mb/s VBR] H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2/4:2:0 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94/100/120 fps [30 to 280 Mb/s VBR]
External Recording Modes
4:2:0 8-Bit via HDMI
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps 4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps Raw 16-Bit via HDMI
4264 x 2408 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
Media/Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II)
Video I/O
1x HDMI Output
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Power I/O
1x USB-C Input
Other I/O
1x Sony Multi/Micro-USB Data/Remote Input/Output
1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data/Remote Input/Output (Shared with Power Input)
