Overview
The Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera Body with E-Mount features 5-axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization, high dynamic range, and captures 4K images and video with a 24.2 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with back-illuminated design.
Enhanced Image Processor
A combination of new-generation image processing system and a new sensor achieves an up to 1.5-stop improvement in image quality (compared to the a7 II under Sony test conditions). 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 achieved. Upgraded Detail Reproduction and Area-Specific Noise Reduction combine to suppress noise and maintain a sense of high overall resolution.
Color reproduction, especially of skin and nature scenes, has also been dramatically improved. The a7 III also supports 14-bit RAW output (limited to 12-bit during compressed RAW continuous shooting, BULB exposure, or when Long Exposure NR is ON) even during silent shooting/continuous shooting when uncompressed RAW is selected.
Wider, Faster, Reliable AF Performance
An evolved image processing system and a9 camera AF algorithms optimized for the a7 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 up to twice as fast (compared to the a7 II in dim light under Sony test conditions) and more precise AF tracking performance let you capture and maintain focus on a quickly moving subject in unpredictable motion. The a7 III also autofocuses reliably down to EV-3 brightness (ISO 100 equivalent, f/2 lens, in the AF-S mode).
Focal-plane Phase Detection AF Supports A-Mount Lenses
Phase-detection AF can operate even when an A-mount lens1 is mounted to the a7 III via an LA-EA3 adapter (sold separately). The 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system provides wide-area coverage, fast response, and high-performance tracking.
AF-ON Button & 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.
Eye AF Now Supports AF-C
Eye AF supports AF-C mode with greater precision, dramatically enhancing portrait shooting with 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 the face in partial darkness. The a7 III supports Eye AF for A-mount lenses1 mounted via an adapter.
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 memorized and assigned to custom buttons for fast, convenient recall at a touch whenever needed.
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.
Enhanced Operability for Continuous Shooting
Images captured in continuous shooting mode can be displayed as a group. 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 *(not all menu parameters can be edited while data is being written to the memory card).
Up to 10 fps with AF/AE Tracking2
With new shutter charge unit and image processing system refinements, the a7 III can shoot continuously at up to 10 fps with AF/AE tracking2 (up to 8 fps2 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 burst3. An electronic shutter allows silent, vibration-free shooting of wildlife and other sensitive situations when even slight noise can mean missing an ideal shot.
Anti-flicker Shooting4
Flicker from fluorescent and other artificial lighting is automatically detected and shutter action is timed to minimize the flicker's effect on still images. This suppresses exposure and color anomalies at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds, as well as exposure and color inconsistency between continuous shots, so you can take images indoors with more confidence.
Versatile Movie Recording Functions
The a7 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 (sound not recorded, Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card required), simultaneous proxy movie recording, extraction and separate storage of a still from a movie, and Gamma Display Assist function, among others.
Clear, Natural, Realistic 4K Movies5
High-resolution full-frame 4K movies5 with full-pixel readout without pixel binning that condenses approximately 2.4x (at 24p recording; approx. 1.6x for 30p recording) the amount of data required for 4K movies (QFHD: 3840 x 2160), resulting 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 Wide Range of HDR Production Needs
The a7 III offers S-Log3 as well as S-Log2 gamma curves, for great flexibility to fine-tune images as desired through color grading operation in post-production, and a new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)6 picture profile for instant HDR workflow. However, color 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.
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.
My Menu & 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 a7 III has primary menus reorganized for easier searching, with group names and page numbers at the top of the displays.
Touchscreen LCD for Easy Instant Focus Operation
A 3”, 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.
High Resolution, High Contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder™
Providing high resolution and contrast, plus the excellent gradation and color reproduction that are advantages of OLED viewfinders, this approximately 2.359m-dot XGA OLED viewfinder 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. Start-up is approximately 40% faster than with the a7 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.
Easily Configurable Customization
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 customized 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.
Location Information Link via Bluetooth7
The camera can be paired with the latest version of the PlayMemories Mobile app, installed on a compatible cellphone or tablet device to acquire location data, record it on still images, and correct camera date/time and location settings. PlayMemories Home application can be used on a personal computer to organize imported still images on a map.
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.
NOTE: USB Type-C compatible cable sold separately.
In-body 5-Axis Image Stabilization with 5.0-stop8 Shutter Speed Advantage
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-faster8 shutter speed, so the a7 III can take full advantage of its high-quality imaging capability and live-view image performance. Furthermore, it functions with A-mount lenses (not included) attached via mount adapter (sold separately), as well as E-mount lenses (not included).
Dual Memory Card Slots with UHS-II Compatibility
This camera provides two media slots for an 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.
One-Touch Remote & 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 social network site (SNS) sharing. Just install the PlayMemories Mobile app via Wi-Fi to your NFC-enabled Android device and touch the device to the camera to connect them. If you don’t have NFC, use QR code compatibility to pair the devices.
New Imaging Edge Software Suite from Sony9
Imaging Edge software suite can maximize image quality, improve production efficiency, and help you finely adjust RAW-based images. Use its “Remote” to remotely control shooting while monitoring scenes via live-view PC screen; "Edit" to develop RAW data into high-quality photos; and "Viewer" to view, rate, and select photos from a list of shots10.
Longer Battery Life
For extended periods of confident shooting, the NP-FZ100 battery has approximately 2.2x the capacity of an NP-FW50 battery. You can shoot up to approximately 710 photos11 with one full charge and an optional VG-C3EM Vertical Grip (sold separately) 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 (sold separately) allows faster charging than charging via USB.
Highly Durable in Tough Conditions
The a7 III functions reliably in challenging environments. Its body is fortified by a lightweight, highly rigid 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 minimize entry of dust and moisture (not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture-proof).
1 With SSM or SAM lenses only, with the LA-EA3 mount adapter. Focal-plane phase-detection AF not supported for movie recording. AF-C can only be used when the "Phase Detection" AF system is selected, but focus is fixed at the first frame during continuous shooting in any mode other than "Continuous: Lo" (Hi+, Hi, Mid).
2 Up to 10 fps in continuous "Hi+" mode and up to 8 fps in continuous "Hi" mode. Maximum fps will depend on camera settings.
3 In continuous "Hi+" mode with UHS-II compatible SDXC memory card; under Sony test conditions.
4 Only 100Hz and 120Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Anti-flicker shooting is not available during silent shooting, BULB exposure, or movie recording.
5 Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card is required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS Speed Class 3 or higher card is required for 100 Mbps recording.
6 Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR (HLG) movies.
7 Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring Android (5.0+, Bluetooth 4.0+) or iOS (Bluetooth 4.0+).
8 CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Tested with Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens, long exposure NR = OFF.
9 Refer to the download page for details: http://www.sony.net/disoft/d/
10 Does not support full functional compatibility with some camera models. Contact an AbelCine salesperson for details.
11 When using LCD monitor. Up to approximately 610 photos when using electronic viewfinder.
Recording Specifications:
- Still Images
- Format: JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver.2.31, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format)
- Image Size (Pixels, 3:2): 35mm full frame L: 6000 x 4000 (24M), M: 3936 x 2624 (10M), S: 3008 x 2000 (6.0M), APS-C L: 3936 x 2624 (10M), M: 3008 x 2000 (6.0M), S: 1968 x 1312 (2.6M)
- Image Size (Pixels, 16:9): 35mm full frame L: 6000 x 3376 (20 M), M: 3936 x 2216 (8.7M), S: 3008 x 1688 (5.1M), APS-C L: 3936 x 2216 (8.7M), M: 3008 x 1688 (5.1M), S: 1968 x 1112 (2.2M)
- Image Quality Modes: RAW, RAW & JPEG (Extra fine, Fine, Standard), JPEG (Extra fine, Fine, Standard)
- Picture Effect: 8 types: Posterization (Color), Posterization (B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal/Cool/Warm/Green/Magenta), Soft High-key , Rich-tone Monochrome
- Creative Style: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, Black & White, Sepia, Style Box (1-6), (Contrast (-3 to +3 steps), Saturation (-3 to +3 steps), Sharpness (-3 to +3 steps)
- Picture Profile: Yes (Off/PP1-PP10) Parameters: Black level, Gamma (Movie, Still, Cine1-4, ITU709, ITU709 [800%], S-Log2, S-Log3, HLG, HLG1-3), Black Gamma, Knee, Color Mode, Saturation, Color Phase, Color Depth, Detail, Copy, Reset
- Dynamic Range Functions: Off, Dynamic Range Optimizer (Auto/Level (1-5)), Auto High Dynamic Range (Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure Difference Level (1-6 EV, 1.0 EV step)
- Color Space: sRGB standard (with sYCC gamut) and Adobe RGB standard, compatible with TRILUMINOS™ Color
- 14-bit RAW
- Uncompressed RAW
- Movie
- Format: XAVC S, AVCHD format Ver. 2.0 compliant
- Compression: XAVC S: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, AVCHD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
- Audio Recording Format: XAVC S: LPCM 2ch, AVCHD: Dolby® Digital (AC-3) 2ch, Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator
- Color Space: xvYCC standard (x.v.Color when connected via HDMI cable) compatible with TRILUMINOS Color
- Picture Effect: Posterization (Color), Posterization (B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal/Cool/Warm/Green/Magenta), Soft High-key
- Creative Style: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, Black & White, Sepia, Style Box (1-6), (Contrast (-3 to +3 steps), Saturation (-3 to +3 steps), Sharpness (-3 to +3 steps)
- Picture Profile: Yes (Off/PP1-PP10) Parameters: Black level, Gamma (Movie, Still, Cine1-4, ITU709, ITU709 [800%], S-Log2, S-Log3, HLG, HLG1-3), Black Gamma, Knee, Color Mode, Saturation, Color Phase, Color Depth, Detail, Copy, Reset
- Image Size (Pixels, NTSC): XAVC S 4K: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 100 M), 3840 x 2160 (24p, 100 M), 3840 x 2160 (30p, 60 M), 3840 x 2160 (24p, 60 M), XAVC S HD: 1920 x 1080 (120p, 100M), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60M), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50M), 1920 x 1080 (30p, 50M), 1920 x 1080 (24p, 50M), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 25M), 1920 x 1080 (30p, 16M), AVCHD: 1920 x 1080 (60i, 24M, FX), 1920 x 1080 (60i, 17M, FH)
- Image Size (Pixels, PAL): XAVC S 4K: 3840 x 2160 (25p, 100M), 3840 x 2160 (25p, 60M), XAVC S HD:1920 x 1080 (100p, 100M), 1920 x 1080 (100p, 60M), 1920 x 1080 (50p, 50M), 1920 x 1080 (25p, 50M), AVCHD:1920 x 1080 (50i, 24M, FX), 1920 x 1080 (50i, 17M, FH)
- Frame Rate:
- NTSC mode: 1fps, 2fps, 4fps, 8fps, 15fps, 30fps, 60fps, 120fps
- PAL mode: 1fps, 2fps, 3fps, 6fps, 12fps, 25fps, 50fps, 100fps
- Image Size (Frame Rate/Bitrate):
- NTSC mode: 1920x1080 (60p, 30p, 24p)
- PAL mode: 1920x1080 (50p, 25p)
- Movie Functions: Audio Level Display, Audio Rec Level, PAL/NTSC Selector, Yes (1280 x 720 (Approx.9 Mbps)), TC/UB (TC Preset/UB Preset/TC Format/TC Run/TC Make/UB Time Rec), Auto Slow Shutter, REC Control, Clean HDMI Info. (ON/OFF selectable), Gamma Disp. Assist
- Clean HDMI Output: 3840 x 2160 (25p), 1920 x 1080 (50p), 1920 x 1080 (50i), 1920 x 1080 (24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p), 1920 x 1080 (60i), 3840 x 2160 (30p), 3840 x 2160 (24p), YCbCr 4:2:2 8-bit / RGB 8-bit
- Recording System
- Location Information Link from Smartphone: Yes
- Media: Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick Micro (M2), SD memory card, SDHC memory card (UHS-I/II compliant), SDXC memory card (UHS-I/II compliant), microSD memory card, microSDHC memory card, microSDXC memory card
- Memory Card Slot:
- SLOT1: Slot for SD (UHS-I/II compliant) memory card
- SLOT2: Multi slot for Memory Stick Duo™/SD (UHS-I compliant) memory card
- Mode (on 2x cards): Simult. Rec (Still), Simult. Rec (Movie), Simult. Rec (Still/,Movie), Sort (JPEG/RAW), Sort (Still/Movie), Auto Switch Media (On/Off), Copy
What's in the Box
- Shoulder Strap
- NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Battery
- Micro USB Cable
- Eyepiece Cup
- Body Cap
- Accessory Shoe Cap
- AC Adapter AC-UUD12
- Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
Specifications
Key Highlights
- 24.2 MP Full Frame Exmor R CMOS
- Standard ISO 100-51200 range
- Fast Hybrid AF with 693-point detection
- Continuous shooting up to 10 fps
- 5-axis Image Stabilization
- Includes OLED EVF & 3" LCD Touchscreen
- E-Mount