Description
Back-illuminated full-frame sensor
Higher sensitivity and readout speed
The 35-mm full-frame CMOS image sensor with back-illuminated structure enhances light collection efficiency, expands circuitry scale, and, with the help of a copper wiring layer that contributes to quicker data transfer, outputs data at high speeds, while minimizing noise, to reveal fine details in every image.
1) Conventional structure 2) Back-illuminated structure
a. Light-receiving surface b. Gapless on-chip lens c. Aluminum wiring layer d. Photodiode substrate e. Copper wiring layer
Reducing noise in high-resolution images
Up to 1.5-stop improvement* in image quality
Standard ISO range is extended to ISO 100-51200 (expandable to ISO 50-204800** for stills), while Detail Reproduction and Area-specific Noise Reduction technologies maintain image details and cut noise. With highly effective performance in mid-to-high sensitivity ranges, you can shoot at high ISO with no concerns about noise and image deterioration.
*Compared to the α7 II. Sony test conditions.**ISO 100-102400 when shooting movies.
Subtle gradation from shadow to highlight
Dynamic range of up to approx. 15 stops*
Approx. 15-stop dynamic range7 at low-sensitivity settings is achieved, thanks to a revamped CMOS sensor and image processor that provide for smooth gradation from shadow to highlight. This gives you greater freedom of creative imaging.
*Sony test conditions.
Faithful color reproduction
More accurate color reproduction straight out of the camera
Color reproduction performance is dramatically enhanced, giving subjects that you capture more natural color that is faithful to how the colors look in real life. Skin tones in portraits, blue skies in landscapes, and vivid hues in still life images look very realistic as a result.
Steadier shots with 5-axis stabilization
The latest high-precision stabilization uses stabilization unit and gyro sensors and algorithms to achieve a 5.0-step* shutter speed advantage in a system that compensates five types of camera shake with a wide range of lenses, and delivers excellent performance.
*CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off.
14-bit RAW* output for rich gradations
For smoother, more natural gradation, the latest BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSI process image signals in 16-bit form. This processor also allows 14-bit RAW* data output, even when in silent or continuous shooting mode**.
[1] Image sensor [2] The latest high-speed front-end LSI [a] 16-bit image processing
*Limited to 12 bits during compressed RAW continuous shooting, BULB exposure, or when Long Exposure NR is ON.**When uncompressed RAW is selected.
4D FOCUS — AF performance evolves
AF performance is improved using the same AF advancements as in the α9 and applying it optimally. Once the α7 III captures such unpredictably moving subjects as dancers, boxers, and wild animals in action, it won’t easily let them go.
4D FOCUS: Stunning wide coverage
693. Remarkable number of phase-detection AF points
This camera features 693 phase-detection AF points* covering approx. 93% of image area, plus 425 densely positioned contrast-detection AF points** to improve focus.
*Increased from 117 phase-detection AF points of α7 II.
**Increased from 25 contrast-detection AF points of α7 II.
4D FOCUS: Fast AF speed
Up to two times* faster AF performance
Combining focal-plane phase-detection AF for excellent speed and tracking plus high-precision contrast-detection AF, Sony’s sophisticated Fast Hybrid AF can capture fast-moving subjects in razor-sharp images. This system advances performance to double AF speed*.
*Compared to the α7 II in dim light. Sony test conditions.
4D FOCUS: Steadfast tracking
Enhanced AF tracking for swiftly moving subjects
The AF performance inherited from the α9 accounts for AF tracking with enhanced precision for continuous shooting of quick action. With faster image sensor readout, even complex subject motion can be tracked and sudden movements can be predicted with great precision, letting you capture decisive moments.
Reliable AF down to EV-3* brightness
Advanced AF algorithms contribute to high AF precision down to light levels as low as EV-3*, for more reliable autofocus in dark scenes.
* ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens, in the AF-S mode.
Focal-plane phase-detection AF supports A-mount lenses*
693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF not only covers a wide area and responds instantly—it offers the benefits of high tracking performance even with an A-mount lens mounted via mount adaptor LA-EA3.*
* With SSM or SAM lenses only. With the LA-EA3 mount adaptor. 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).
Eye AF revolutionizes portraiture
With the α7 III, Eye AF can now be used with AF-C mode, for fast, effective eye detection/tracking performance when shooting stills. The easy maintenance of optimum focus on moving subjects can totally transform your portraiture.
Even if face is partially hidden*
*Eye AF may not work as well as intended, depending on type of shooting scene and conditions.
Even when looking down
*Eye AF may not work as well as intended, depending on type of shooting scene and conditions.Eye AF may not work as well as intended, depending on type of shooting scene and conditions.
Focus control via touch screen
The α7 III has Touch Focus function, and a Touch Pad function for you to fingertip-drag the focus frame intuitively while using the viewfinder
AF in Focus Magnifier
Use autofocus for stills while the focus area is magnified in the viewfinder/monitor, and magnify the view after autofocusing. This is ideal for focusing on a small area and other precision-focus photography.
More versatile AF settings all around
AF tracking sensitivity for stills is adjustable in five steps. AF areas/points are changeable as you switch between horizontal and vertical orientation. Focus point settings can be assigned to custom buttons.
Fast continuous shooting captures the height of a moment
The α7 III can shoot in a continuous burst at up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking1 and up to 8fps burst shooting when shooting with live-view mode. The camera also supports silent shooting* at up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking at maximum resolution.
*Some distortion may occur with fast-moving subjects or if the camera is moved sideways rapidly while shooting.
High-resolution 4K HDR
As well as new capability of recording stunning 4K movies* through 2.4-times** higher oversampling, the camera features a new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)*** picture profile, supporting instant HDR workflow.
* A 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.
** 24p recording. Approx. 1.6 times for 30p recording.
***
High-resolution 4K HDR
As well as new capability of recording stunning 4K movies2 through 2.4-times21 higher oversampling, the camera features a new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile, supporting instant HDR workflow.
Full-pixel readout without binning in 35 mm full-frame mode makes it possible to condense approx. 2.4 times the data required for 4K movies (QFHD: 3840 x 2160), minimizing moiré and jaggies. Full-frame or Super 35 mm mode can be selected as needed. Furthermore, 4K recording employs XAVC S format at bitrates as high as 100 Mbps.
Longer battery life to shoot for more professional lengths
The α7 III can use a NP-FZ100 battery with approx. 2.2 times as much capacity as a NP-FW50 battery, allowing you to shoot up to approximately 710 photos24 with one full charge. BC-QZ1 optional battery charger allows quicker charging than charging via USB.
* When using LCD monitor. Up to approximately 610 photos when using electronic viewfinder.
Dual media slots, UHS-II support
With two media slots, including one that’s UHS-II-compatible for fast data writing, the α7 III can simultaneously or relay record, separate RAW/JPEG data and stills/movies, and copy data between cards.
Gain control of expressive freedom
With outstanding imaging capability and high-speed performance contained in a compact body, the a7 III gives you the power, precision and flexibility to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments just as you like.
Rendering scenes in realistic detail
A newly developed back-illuminated image sensor and evolved image processing system fulfill various shooting needs with high-quality imaging capabilities that you would expect only of a full-frame camera.
Newly developed sensor, evolved image processor
The latest technology achieves stunning processing speed
A new version of the 24.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, now featuring a back-illuminated structure, is combined with the latest BIONZ X image processing engine and front-end LSI and this combination achieves a data readout speed that is two times faster and data processing capability that is 1.8 times higher.
Back-illuminated full-frame sensor
Higher sensitivity and readout speed
The 35-mm full-frame CMOS image sensor with back-illuminated structure enhances light collection efficiency, expands circuitry scale, and, with the help of a copper wiring layer that contributes to quicker data transfer, outputs data at very high speed, while minimizing noise to reveal fine details in every picture.
Reducing noise in high-resolution images
Up to 1.5-stop improvement in image quality
Standard ISO range is extended to ISO 100-51200 (expandable to ISO 50-2048007 for stills), while Detail Reproduction and Area-specific Noise Reduction technologies maintain image details and cut noise. With highly effective performance in mid-to-high sensitivity ranges, you can shoot at high ISO with no concerns about noise or image deterioration.
Subtle gradation from shadow to highlight
Dynamic range of up to approx. 15 stops
Approx. 15-stop dynamic range at low-sensitivity settings is achieved, thanks to a revamped CMOS sensor and image processor that provide for smooth gradation from shadow to highlight. This gives you greater freedom of creative imaging.
Faithful color reproduction
More accurate color reproduction straight out of the camera
Color reproduction performance is dramatically enhanced, giving subjects that you capture more natural color that is faithful to how the colors look in real life. Skin tones in portraits, blue skies in landscapes and vivid hues in still life images look very realistic as a result.
Steadier shots with 5-axis stabilization
The latest high-precision stabilization uses stabilization unit and gyro sensors and algorithms to achieve a 5.0-step shutter speed advantage in a system that compensates five types of camera shake with a wide range of lenses and delivers excellent performance.
14-bit RAW output for rich gradations
For smoother, more natural gradation, the latest BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSI process image signals in 16-bit form. This processor also allows 14-bit RAW data output, even when in silent or continuous shooting mode.
Take aim with high AF performance
4D FOCUS-AF performance evolves
AF performance is improved using the same AF advancements as in the a9 and applying it optimally. Once the a7 III captures such unpredictably moving subjects as dancers, boxers and wild animals in action, it won’t easily let them go.
4D FOCUS: Stunning wide coverage
693. Remarkable number of phase-detection AF points
This camera features 693 phase-detection AF points covering approx. 93% of image area, plus 425 densely positioned contrast-detection AF points to improve focus.
4D FOCUS: Fast AF speed
Up to two times faster AF performance
Combining focal-plane phase-detection AF for excellent speed and tracking plus high-precision contrast-detection AF, Sony’s sophisticated Fast Hybrid AF can capture fast-moving subjects in razor-sharp images. This system advances performance to double AF speed.
4D FOCUS: Steadfast tracking
Enhanced AF tracking for swiftly moving subjects
The AF performance inherited from the a9 accounts for AF tracking with enhanced precision for continuous shooting of quick action. With faster image sensor readout, even complex subject motion can be tracked and sudden movements can be predicted with great precision, letting you capture decisive moments.
High-resolution 4K HDR
As well as new capability of recording stunning 4K movies through 2.4-times higher oversampling, the camera features a new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile, supporting instant HDR workflow.
Image resolution uncompromised
Full-pixel readout without binning for high-resolution 4K movies
Full-pixel readout without binning in 35-mm full-frame mode makes it possible to condense approx. 2.4 times the data required for 4K movies (QFHD: 3840 x 2160), minimizing moir and jaggies. Full-frame or Super 35-mm mode can be selected as needed. Furthermore, 4K recording employs XAVC S format at bitrates as high as 100 Mbps.
More comprehensive autofocus performance
Improved Fast Hybrid AF for movie recording
Fast Hybrid AF with focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF locks onto and smoothly tracks moving subjects. A wide AF area like that for still images is now available for movies, too. Reduced low-end AF drive speed allows more pronounced slow focus effects. Freedom to match focus response to specific scenes is enhanced overall.
HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) for instant HDR workflow
A new HLG picture profile supports instantaneous HDR workflow. Movies recorded in HLG picture mode will appear true-to-life with minimized black-crush or blown highlights that can deteriorate gradation and details, without color grading.
Supports S-Log3 and Slow and Quick Motion
S-Log3 improves gradation from shadows to mid-tones and widens the dynamic range up to 14 stops. Also, select a frame rate from 1 to 120/100 fps for up to 60x quick motion and 5x slow motion.
Shoot with more assured reliability
Reliable features and operation in a compact body
The a7 III’s operability is enhanced by fast control during shooting, dazzlingly clear views through the Tru-Finder, versatile connectivity and extended shooting endurance from various power sources, plus high durability and resistance to wet or dusty conditions.
Longer battery life to shoot for more professional lengths
The a7 III can use a NP-FZ100 battery with approx. 2.2 times as much capacity as a NP-FW50 battery, allowing you to shoot up to approximately 710 photos with one full charge. BC-QZ1 optional battery charger allows quicker charging than charging via USB.
Dual media slots, UHS-II support
With two media slots, including one that’s UHS-II-compatible for fast data writing, the a7 III can simultaneously or relay record, separate RAW/JPEG data and stills/movies and copy data between cards.
My Menu: faster to your favorites
Register up to 30 frequently used items on the new My Menu for instant recall. You can create and customize an optimal menu for your own convenience.
Rating function
With rating function, you can rate recorded still images from 1 to 5 stars anywhere right on the spot, using the playback screen to perform the function if it is assigned to a custom button.
High connectivity for smooth workflow
USB 3.1 Gen 1 compatible USB Type-C port makes high-speed PC Remote data transfer smooth and effortless, for handling large image files produced using PC-tethered shooting.
New Imaging Edge software suite from Sony
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 shots.
Back-illuminated 24.2MP full-frame sensor
The 35 mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS image sensor features 24.2-megapixel resolution, back illumination and gapless on-chip lens design for extraordinary sensitivity and dynamic range. Two times faster data readout speed is achieved through copper wires and front-end LSI.
Entirely enhanced image processing system
A combination of new-generation image processing system and a new sensor achieves an up to 1.5-stop improvement in image quality. 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 even during silent shooting/continuous shooting.
Wider, faster, more steadfast 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 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.
