Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)

Top Selling Features:

– 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor

– New BIONZ-XR Image Processor

– UHD 4K video @ 120 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit

– 16-Bit Raw Output, HLG & S-Log3 Gammas

– 759-Point Fast Hybrid AF

Specifications:

Imaging

Lens Mount: Sony E

Camera Format: Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)

Pixels Actual: 12.9 Megapixel

Effective: 12.1 Megapixel

Maximum Resolution: 4240 x 2832

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Sensor Type: CMOS

Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw, HEIF

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis

Exposure Control

ISO Sensitivity Auto, 80 to 102400 (Extended: 40 to 409600)

Shutter Speed: 1/8000 to 30 Second

Bulb Mode

Metering Method Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multiple, Spot

Exposure Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority

Exposure Compensation: -5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV Steps)

Metering Range: -3 to 20 EV

White Balance: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Color Temperature Filter, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater

Continuous Shooting: Up to 10 fps at 12.1 MP for up to 1000 Frames (Raw) / 1000 Frames (JPEG)

Up to 8 fps at 12.1 MP

Up to 6 fps at 12.1 MP

Up to 3 fps at 12.1 MP

Interval Recording: Yes

Self-Timer: 2/5/10-Second Delay

Video

Recording Modes H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit

UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [50 to 280 Mb/s]

H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-Bit

UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [30 to 200 Mb/s]

H.264/XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit

UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [240 to 600 Mb/s]

Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [89 to 222 Mb/s]

H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit

UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [100 to 280 Mb/s]

Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p/200p/239.76p [50 Mb/s]

H.264/XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit

UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [60 to 200 Mb/s]

Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p/200p/239.76p [16 to 100 Mb/s]

External Recording Modes: Raw 16-Bit

4.2K (4264 x 2408) up to 59.94p

4:2:2 10-Bit

UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p

Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50p/59.94p

Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i

4:2:0 8-Bit

UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p

Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50p/59.94p

Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i

Recording Limit Unlimited

Video Encoding NTSC/PAL

Audio Recording Built-In Microphone (Stereo)

External Microphone Input

Audio File Format: AAC LC, AC3, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM (Stereo)

Live Streaming: Yes

Webcam Functionality: Yes

Focus

Focus Type: Auto and Manual Focus

Focus Mode: Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)

Autofocus Points: Phase Detection: 759

Contrast Detection: 425

Autofocus Sensitivity: -6 to +20 EV

Viewfinder and Monitor

Viewfinder Type Electronic (OLED)

Viewfinder Size 0.64″

Viewfinder Resolution: 9,437,184 Dot

Viewfinder Eye Point: 25 mm

Viewfinder Coverage: 100%

Viewfinder Magnification: Approx. 0.9x

Diopter Adjustment: -4 to +3

Monitor Size: 3″

Monitor Resolution: 1,440,000 Dot

Monitor Type: Articulating Touchscreen LCD

Flash

Built-In Flash: 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: Hot Shoe

Interface

Memory Card Slot: Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A / SD

Connectivity: HDMI A (Full Size), USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0), 3.5mm Microphone, 3.5mm Headphone

Wireless: Wi-Fi; Bluetooth

GPS: No

Environmental

Operating Temperature: 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C

Physical

Battery 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 600 Shots)

Dimensions (W x H x D) 5.07 x 3.81 x 2.74″ / 128.9 x 96.9 x 69.7 mm

Weight 1.35 lb / 614 g (Body Only)

Optimized video, optimized sensitivity, optimized speed, the Sony Alpha 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.

Video is the primary application of the a7S III, and improvements to the sensor and processor enable faster readout speeds and greatly reduced rolling shutter, along with high-bitrate internal recording, 16-bit raw output via the full-size HDMI port, and flexible control over motion with variable frame rate selection. The a7S III also does away with recording time limits and incorporates HLG for direct HDR production as well as S-Log2/S-Log3 gamma profiles for advanced HDR production with editing.

The updated sensor design also brings improved autofocus performance via 759 phase-detection points, which offer intelligent subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF to ensure 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.

Complementing the imaging assets, Sony has also made some changes to the a7S III’s physical design, including a rear LCD with a side-open articulating design and an impressive 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 and high-speed file storage.

12.1MP Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor and BIONZ XR Image 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.

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 color and gamma controls, the a7S III allows users to 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. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support is also available, along with the BT.2020 color space, for recording within a wide color 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.

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

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.

Dual memory card slots both accept either CFexpress 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.

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.

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.

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.

What’s in the box
Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only), Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (2280mAh), Sony BC-QZ1 Battery Charger, Sony ALC-B1EM Body Cap for E-Mount Cameras, USB Type-C to Type-A Cable, Cable Protector, Shoulder Strap, Accessory Shoe Cap, Eyepiece Cup