Sony Alpha α7S III Mirrorless Camera Body Overview :

For Visual Trailblazers

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.

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.

Video Recording

UHD 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal Recording

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 CF express 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.

Specifications :

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
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)
Show More
Internal Recording
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]
Show More
Video Output
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
Show More
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)
Wireless
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Display Type
Articulating Touchscreen LCD
Battery
1x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Included)
• Approx. 510 Shots
Imaging
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
Sensor Crop (35mm Equivalent)
Crop Factor: 1x
Additional Modes: 1.5x
*Additional Crop Occurs in Select Video Modes
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Built-In ND Filter
No
Capture Type
Stills & Video
Exposure Control
Shutter Type
Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter and Electronic Rolling Shutter
Shutter Speed
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode
Bulb/Time Mode
Bulb Mode
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)
Metering Method
Average, Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multiple, Spot
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation
-5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
Metering Range
-3 to 20 EV
White Balance
2500 to 9900K
Presets: ATW, AWB, Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Color Temperature Filter, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
Continuous Shooting
Up to 10 fps at Maximum Resolution for up to 1000 Frames (JPEG, Raw)
Interval Recording
Yes
Self-Timer
2/5/10-Second Delay
Still Image Capture
Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
Image File Format
HEIF, JPEG, Raw
Bit Depth
14-Bit
Video Capture
Internal Recording
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]
Video Output
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
Fast-/Slow-Motion Support
Yes
Gamma Curve
HDR-HLG, Sony S-Log 2, Sony S-Log 3
Recording Limit
No
IP Streaming
No
Built-In Microphone
Stereo
Audio Recording
XAVC: 2-Channel 16-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio
MPEG4: 2-Channel AAC Audio
Interface
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)
Wireless
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
App Name: Imaging Edge Mobile
Functionality: Access Stored Files, Adjust Settings, Remote Control
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)
GPS
*Via Connected Smartphone
Monitor
Display Size
3.0″
Resolution
1,440,000 Dot
Display Type
Articulating Touchscreen LCD
Viewfinder
Type
Electronic (OLED)
Size
0.64″
Resolution
9,437,184 Dot
Eye Point
25 mm
Coverage
100%
Magnification
Approx. 0.9x
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +3
Focus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Continuous-Servo AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus Points
Phase Detection: 759
Contrast Detection: 425
Autofocus Sensitivity
-6 to +20 EV
Flash
Built-In Flash/Light
No
Flash Modes
Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync
Maximum Sync Speed
1/250 Second
Flash Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Dedicated Flash System
TTL
External Flash Connection
Shoe Mount
General
Battery
1x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Included)
• Approx. 510 Shots
Shoe Mount
1x Intelligent Hot Shoe
Tripod Mount
1x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom)
Operating Conditions
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Storage Conditions
-4 to 131°F / -20 to 55°C
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.1 x 3.8 x 3.2″ / 128.9 x 96.9 x 80.8 mm
Weight
1.35 lb / 614 g (Body Only)
1.5 lb / 699 g (With Battery, Recording Media)