Newly developed 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor

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 α7 II. This results in high sensitivity with low-noise performance and wide 15-stop4 dynamic range. It also has the ability to output 14 bit RAW4 format even when shooting in silent5 or continuous mode. Nothing less than spectacular images.

Evolutionary leap in image processing power

The a7 III features a new 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 a7 II. 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 massive 15-stop4 dynamic range at low sensitivity settings. This ensures outstanding overall performance at all settings and in all shooting conditions.

Up to 10fps1 with Silent5 or Mechanical Shutter

The a7 III is equipped with a refined image processing system that allows it to capture full 24.2MP images at up to 10 fps1 with continuous and accurate AF/AE (autofocus and auto exposure) tracking for up to 177 Standard JPEG images, 89 compressed RAW images or 40 uncompressed RAW images. This high speed 10 fps mode is available with either a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter for completely silent5 shooting. The a7 III can also shoot continuously at up to 8 fps1 in live view mode with minimal lag in the viewfinder or LCD screen. These high speed options ensure that fast moving subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy and incredible image detail.

Incredible hybrid autofocus system

The a7 III features a world class autofocus system comprised of 693 focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 93% of the image area, 425 contrast AF points and reliable Eye-AF. When combined, both contrast and phase detection AF points form the 4D FOCUS hybrid AF system for wide, fast, reliable AF that locks on and stays locked on. This advanced system delivers AF acquisition in about half the time as the a7 II in low-light conditions with tracking that is approximately 2 times more accurate as well. The acclaimed Eye AF feature is also approximately twice as effective4, and is available when utilizing AF-C mode and with Sony’s A-mount lenses9 with an adapter.

5-step6, 5-axis in-body image stabilization

The 5-axis in-body SteadyShot image stabilization system has been fine-tuned to support high-resolution shooting capacity, resulting in an image stabilization system at 5-step6 shutter speed advantage. Camera shake is effectively compensated on 5 axes: pitch and yaw that have the largest overall impact on image quality; X and Y shift that is most apparent at high magnification, and roll that can ruin night shots and movies. Stabilization is applied to the live-view image, making it easier to frame fast-moving subjects. Effective stabilization is provided for movies as well as stills, and for A-mount lenses9 attached via a mount adapter.

Secure and versatile dual SD media slots

Two SD media card slots are provided for still and movie storage (one slot for SD cards or Memory Stick) with the lower card slot being UHS-II compatible for fast write speed. Still or movie data can be simultaneously recorded to both cards for backup, or RAW4 images can be recorded to one card while JPEG images are recorded to the other. It is also possible to record stills and movies to different cards. Relay recording automatically switches to the second card when the first card is full. Data can be copied between cards while in the camera, for convenient back-up. Sony SF-G series UHS-II SD cards are ideal for situations where maximum transfer speed is required.

High Quality 4K2 HDR3 for the Video Professionals

The a7 III is exceptionally capable as a video camera, offering 4K2 (3840×2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the full-frame image sensor. In video mode, the a7 III 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. Both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased color grading flexibility, while HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)3 is included to support an Instant HDR (High Dynamic Range) workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TV’s to playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. The a7 III can also record Full HD at 120 fps2 at up to 100 Mbps, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow motion11 video files in Full HD resolution.

The detail of 4K2, the beauty of HDR3

4K2 HDR3 (High Dynamic Range) astonishes viewers with visual depth and impact that are less like conventional movies and television – and more like real life. With the ability to reproduce images from deep shadows to piercing highlights, 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) is astonishing. With Instant HDR, the a7 III empowers you to capture High Dynamic Range without complex post production. Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) recording captures HDR, yet plays back beautifully on both HDR and conventional televisions. For added versatility, the camera also provides S-Log3 encoding.

Long-lasting Z battery

The high-capacity NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Battery has approximately 2.2x the capacity of the NP-FW50 W-series battery giving the a7 III the longest7 rated battery life of any Mirrorless camera at 710 shots8 per charge . The optional VG-C3EM vertical grip (sold separately) houses two batteries and when you need serious stamina for long sessions there’s the NPA-MQZ1K Multi Battery Adaptor Kit (sold separately) that can hold up to four batteries. The NP-FZ100 also supports InfoLITHIUM technology, which makes it possible to view the remaining battery power as both a percentage display and five step icon on the camera’s LCD screen. Also check out the optional BC-QZ1 Battery Charger.

16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW4 output for natural gradations

Both compressed and uncompressed 14-bit RAW4 format are supported. The 14-bit digital signal from the image sensor’s analog to digital (AD) converter is processed in 16-bit form by the front-end LSI and BIONZ X image processor before being output as 14-bit RAW4 data. The result is smoother, more natural gradations that contribute to higher overall image quality. The enhanced BIONZ X image processing LSI makes 14-bit RAW4 output available even when shooting in silent5 or continuous mode.

High contrast 2.36-million dot OLED EVF

The a7 III boasts a high-luminance 2.359 million dots EVF (XGA OLED) Tru-Finder which reproduces the finest details, and incorporates legendary ZEISS T* coating to greatly reduce reflections, while the double-sided aspherical element achieves 0.78x magnification with outstanding corner-to- corner clarity. EVF startup time when the camera is switched on has been decreased by approximately 40% compared to the α7 II.

922K-dot (approx.) 3” (3.0 type) tilting LCD monitor

This large tiltable 3” (3.0 type) LCD monitor features approximately 922K dots* for high resolution and detailed viewing. The monitor not only supports touch operation, but tilts upwards by a maximum of 107 degrees and downwards by a maximum of 41degrees for flexible hold and framing.

Touch AF function

Focusing doesn’t get any more intuitive than this. With Touch Focus you can simply touch the LCD screen to specify the desired focus point. Even subjects near the edges of the frame can be instantly selected without having to reframe or manually shift the focus point. Double-tap any point on the monitor for a magnified view of that area when focusing manually. Touch AF allows smooth focus point changes when shooting movies too.

Enhanced Eye-AF

Eye AF automatically detects and focuses on the subject’s eye. It has been notably improved in the a7 III, even when shooting a moving subject in continuous AF mode. Face detection has also been updated for higher reliability when the subject is looking away from the camera, when the face is in partial darkness, and other challenging situations.

Robust magnesium alloy body w/ dust and moisture resistant design12

The a7 III body construction features a lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy for the internal frame as well as the top, front, and rear covers. The grip area has also been reinforced with an integrated magnesium alloy front cover. The number of screws securing the lens mount has been increased to six in order to maximize rigidity and durability even when using heavy telephoto lenses. Sealing is provided throughout the body to minimize dust and moisture ingress12, allowing it to function reliably in challenging environments9. All major buttons and dials are provided with seals, while media and jack covers and enclosure edges feature tongue-and-groove joints for double protection. Maximum dust and moisture resistance12 is maintained at lens, vertical grip, and flash unit joints too, providing excellent system reliability.

FOOTNOTES:

1 In continuous “Hi+” mode. Max. fps depends on camera settings. UHS-II compatible SDXC memory card required.

2 Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card required for XAVC S movie recording, UHS speed class 3 or higher for 100 Mbps recording.

3 Connect to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable to view HDR (HLG) movies.

4 Sony test conditions

5 Some distortion may occur with fast-moving subjects.

6 CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off.

7 Among non-reflex interchangeable lens digital camera equipped with auto focus function as of February 2018, based on Sony research.

8 CIPA standards. When using the LCD monitor. 610 images when using the viewfinder.

9 With SSM or SAM lenses only. With the LA-EA3 mount adaptor. Eye 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).

10 Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during silent5 shooting, BULB exposure, or movie recording.

11 5x at 24p recording and 4x at 30p.

12 Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.

13 Measured with: CPU Intel Core i7-6700 Processor 3.40GHz, Memory 8GB, OS Windows 7 Professional, and Uncompressed RAW (α7R III L: 7952 x 5304)