The Sony a7sIII does away with recording time limits and the improvements to the sensor and processor enable faster readout speeds and greatly reduces rolling shutter and enables high-bitrate internal recording plus 16-bit raw output via the full-size HDMI port. This camera also incorporates HLG for direct HDR production as well as S-Log2/S-Log3 gamma profiles for advanced HDR production with editing.
Autofocus is on a whole different level to the predecessor with 759 phase-detection points for intelligent subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF - ensuring critical focus on moving subjects in all recording modes. The sensor and BIONZ XR processor also facilitate impressive sensitivity, with an expanded range from ISO 40-409600, as well as fast 10 fps continuous shooting for up to 1000 consecutive raw frames. Additionally, 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization is available, too, which minimizes the appearance of camera shake by up to 5.5 stops.
Sony has also made some changes to the a7S III's physical design, including a rear LCD with a side-open articulating design and a best-in-class 9.44m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder. The camera's menu system has also been updated for more intuitive navigation and the body design helps to promote better heat dissipation for improved continuous recording capabilities. Additionally, dual memory card slots both support working with CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II memory cards for flexible, future-proofed file storage.
New 12 Megapixel Exmor R Image Sensor & BIONZ XR Processor
The Alpha 7S III has been built with an entirely new image sensor expanded for a new stills and movie shooting experience.
A newly developed full-frame 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor delivers high sensitivity and low noise with an ISO range spanning 80-102,400 on standard and 40-409,600 in extended mode - additionally, a colour filter array has been used to boosts colour reproduction accuracy plus dynamic range for both stills and movies. The new sensor has full pixel readout for video and no crop in all shooting modes including 120 fps 4K 60p.
The BIONZ XR processor has 8x more processing power than the previous BIONZ X and has 2X faster readout speed as well. This increased power improves autofocus, high frame rate shooting, EVF Live View, allows for higher write speeds and significantly reduces rolling shutter.
- 12.1 MP Exmor R Full Frame BSI CMOS image sensor
- Standard ISO range 80-102,400
- Extended ISO range 40-409,600
- BIONZ XR offers 8x faster processing speed and 2x faster readout
- 5.5 steps (CIPA) image stabilisation with new Active Mode stabilisation
- RAW, JPEG & HEIF photo formats
Phase Detection Auto Focus for Improved Real-time Tracking Autofocus
The Sony A7sIII autofocus is greatly improved and now supports focal plane phase-detection with 92% coverage thanks to 759 phase-detection points along with 425 contrast-detection areas for quick and precise focusing with sensitivity down to -6 EV.
A substantial increase in stability and precision has been unlocked by the new system. It also introduces the incredible abilities of Real-time Tracking Autofocus for both stills and movies. Additionally; object, Face and Eye-tracking modes are now available for both humans and animals.
- Focal Plane Phase-detection Autofocus
- 92% Autofocus Coverage Coverage
- 759 Phase-detection points
- 425 Contrast-detection areas
5-Axis SteadyShot
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.
Specifically for video, there is also an Active IS mode that adds even more precise stabilization methods for even smoother footage straight out of the camera.
UHD 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal Recording
Video recording up to UHD 4K is possible with frame rates up to 120p, using full 1:1 pixel readout without binning with the new A7s III. Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling is also possible in all recording modes. 16-bit raw output recorded externally via the full-size HDMI A port is also possible for even greater tonal reproduction and post-production flexibility. Additionally, two new 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.
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.
The a7S III does not have any recording time limits to allow for unlimited clip lengths. Its physical design features an improved heat-dissipating structure to promote longer possible recording times, up to an approximate 60-minute recording time at 4K60p depending on ambient temperatures.
Affording extensive customizable colour and gamma controls, the a7S III allows users to adjust the gamma, black level, knee, colour level, of the recorded footage and more.
You can also 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.
15 stops Dynamic Range in Movie Mode
The Sony A7s Mark III has the ability to record 15 stops of dynamic range in movie mode when shooting S-Log3 Gamma delivering significantly smoother gradation from highlights to shadows within a scene to retain greater details and fine changes in texture.
16-bit RAW Recording
Supported by the HDMI 2.0 Type A port, the Alpha 7S III can output RAW footage at an incredible 16-bit colour depth offering greater colour and tonal reproduction in post-production when colour grading the footage for unmatched artistic expression.
All-Intra Video Recording Format
The A7sIII introduces XAVC S-I, an intra-frame (All-I) recording format which supports internal 4K recording at bit-rates up to 600 Mbps.
4:2:2 Chroma Subsampling & HLG Recording
Powered by the BIONZ XR image processor, the Alpha 7S III offers chroma sub-sampling at the highest bit-depth seen on an α camera. 4:2:2 colour sampling collects fine colour details and at 10-bit delivers extraordinary realism to every scene.
HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) along with BT.2020 colour space allows for recording within a wide colour gamut for HDR delivery. S-Log3 is also available in addition to S-Log2, for producing a 15+-stop dynamic range with increased grading control in the shadow to mid-tone regions of the image.
Sony A7sIII Improved Body Design & Connectivity
A first for a7-series cameras, a side-opening 3.0" 1.44m-dot Vari-angle articulating touchscreen benefits working from high and low angles as well as a front-facing position for vlogging or other self-recording needs. With best-in-class EVF the Sony a7s III has the world’s first 9.44 million dots resolution EVF with 0.90 magnification and a 41-degree field of view with 25mm high eye-point.
The Sony A7s III employes extensive weather-sealing, including enhanced sealing around the battery cover, terminal cover, and chassis joints, to resist dust and moisture for reliable operation in harsh weather conditions. A magnesium alloy chassis assures rigidity and durability while remaining lightweight - and the improved lens mount better supports heavy lenses, while the improved grip offers more comfortable hand-holding.
Dual CFexpress Type A Media Slots
The upper (Slot 1) and lower (Slot 2) media slots both support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards as well as the all-new CFexpress Type A cards for higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds (up to 800MB/s read and 700MB/s write).
CFexpress Type A cards are ideally suited to high-speed continuous still shooting as well as 4K movie recording at high bit rates, providing next-generation write speeds of still image and movie data.
Sony A7S III 600 Mbps XAVC S-I Memory Card Requirements:
The new 600 Mbps XAVC S-I Intra Frame codec requires the use of a V90 SDcard or CFexpress Type A card.
