The a7S III 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. The full-frame 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor delivers high sensitivity, low noise, a colour filter array that boosts colour reproduction accuracy, and an increased 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 and like the former models, the a7s III will deliver very good high ISO performance with a range from 80-102,400 on standard and 40-409,600 in extended mode.
The BONZ XR processor has 8x more processing power than the previous BIONZ X and has 2X faster readout speed as well. With all this new power it will improve autofocus, high frame rate shooting, and significantly reduces rolling shutter, improves EVF Live View, and allows for higher write speeds.
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. This allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical imaging without encountering blur from camera shake. 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 the camera.
Phase Detection Auto Focus for Improved Real-time Tracking Autofocus
The Sony A7sIII autofocus is greatly improved supporting focal plane phase-detection with 92% coverage thanks to 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 enables a substantial increase in stability and precision when using autofocus, and importantly introduces the incredible abilities of Real-time Tracking Autofocus for both stills and movie mode. Object, Face and Eye-tracking is now available for both humans and animals.
- Focal Plane Phase-detection Autofocus
- 92% Autofocus Coverage Coverage
- 759 Phase-detection points
- 425 Contrast-detection areas
UHD 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal Recording
Recording up to UHD 4K 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. Additionally, 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.
The high-speed, 120 fps recording also 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. Additionally, 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.
Affording extensive customizable colour and gamma controls, the a7S III allows users to adjust the gamma, black level, knee, colour 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. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support is also available, along with the BT.2020 colour space, for recording within a wide colour gamut and, in addition to S-Log2, S-Log3 is also available for producing a 15+-stop dynamic range with increased grading control in the shadow to mid-tone regions of the image.
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. 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.
- Capable of 800MB/s read and 700MB/s write speeds, the CFexpress cards are fast, future-oriented storage media allowing unprecedented shooting freedom.
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.
15 stops Dynamic Range in movie mode
The Alpha 7S III, thanks to the improvements for both image sensor and image processor, now has the ability to record 15 stops of dynamic range in movie mode when shooting S-Log3 Gamma. 15 stops deliver significantly smoother gradation from highlights to shadows within a scene, retaining greater details and reproducing fine changes in texture.
16-bit RAW recording
RAW video recording has become an increasing demand for ILC cameras. Supported by the HDMI 2.0 Type A, the Alpha 7S III can output RAW footage at an incredible 16-bit colour depth. 16-bit RAW footage offers greater colour and tonal reproduction in post-production when colour grading the footage. Such rich detail allows for unmatched artistic expression.
Video Recording Format - All-Intra
For the first time in an α series body, the Alpha 7S III introduces the XAVC S-I recording format for video which supports internal intra-frame (All-I) recording, allowing internal 4K recording at bit-rates up to 600 Mbps. The ability to capture this incredible amount of video data unlocks a wealth of post-production benefits while editing and colour grading the footage.
4:2:2 Chroma Subsampling
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. Thanks to the improved colour sampling, the Alpha 7S III supports the current industry standard HLG formats of BT.2020 and BT.2100 to deliver instant HDR content.
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. With the 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, 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.
