Sony Alpha 7S III (a7S III / Alpha a7S III / α7S III) image

Sony Alpha 7S III (a7S III / Alpha a7S III / α7S III)

Quick information
Brand Sony 2020
Model a7S III
Released Year 2020
Type Mirrorless Cameras
Series Alpha
Color Black
Compatible Mountings Sony E
Autofocus Yes
Photo Sensor Resolution 12.1 MP
Video Resolution 2160p
File Format RAW
Status Active
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Overview

The Sony Alpha 7S III is a mirrorless full-frame camera designed primarily for professional videographers and photographers requiring exceptional low-light performance. It integrates a 12.1-megapixel backside-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor optimized for high sensitivity and reduced noise. The BIONZ XR image processor enables real-time processing with high speed and low latency, supporting 4K video recording up to 120 fps with 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling internally. The camera features a sophisticated Fast Hybrid autofocus system with 759 phase-detection AF points covering approximately 92% of the image area, enhancing subject tracking accuracy even in low contrast scenes. Additionally, the Alpha 7S III supports Dolby Vision HDR and S-Log3/S-Gamut3.Cine profiles, making it suitable for professional cinematic workflows. The magnesium alloy body incorporates advanced heat dissipation technology to enable prolonged 4K video capture without overheating.

Connectivity options include USB Type-C with SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps, full-size HDMI Type A for external recording, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless file transfer and remote control. The camera offers a high-resolution (9.44 million-dot) OLED electronic viewfinder and a vari-angle fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen LCD for flexible composition angles. Dual UHS-II SD card slots facilitate simultaneous or relay recording to meet demanding storage needs.

Specifications

Built-In Media Battery
Are Batteries Included Yes
External-Memory Size 256 GB
Remote Included No
Series Number 7
UPC 040962848432
Item Height 9.1 inches
Manufacturer Sony
Metering Methods Spot, Center-Weighted, Evaluative [likely]
Exposure Control Program (P), Aperture Priority (Av or A), Shutter Priority (Tv or S), Manual (M)
White Balance Settings Auto
Display Type Color LCD
Display Fixture Type Fixed
Display Resolution Maximum 1080p
Has Color Screen Yes
Flash Memory Type SDXC
Memory Storage Capacity 256 GB
Recording Capacity 1944 Minutes
Write Speed 104 MB/s
Flash Memory Speed Class 10
Flash Memory UHS Speed Class U1 or U3
Flash Memory Video Speed Class V30
Flash Memory Bus Interface Type UHS-I
Flash Memory Supported Size Maximum 256 GB
Flash Memory Installed Size 256 GB
Aspect Ratio Unknown
File Format RAW
Effective Still Resolution 12.1 MP
JPEG Quality Level Fine
Maximum Image Size 256 GB
Bit Depth 10 Bit
Total Still Resolution 12.1 MP
Maximum Focal Length 24 Millimeters
Lens Type Wide Angle
Camera Lens 24mm Wide Angle Lens
Minimum Focal Length 24 Millimeters
Real Angle Of View 1.46 Radians
Number of Diaphragm Blades 11
Lens Construction 11 elements in 9 groups
Photo Filter Size 67 Millimeters
Connectivity Technology USB
Wireless Technology Wi-Fi
Video Output HDMI
Total Video Out Ports 1
Shooting Modes Aperture Priority, Manual, Shutter Priority
Digital-Still Yes
Movie Mode Yes
Image Capture Type Stills & Video
Night vision No
Auto Focus Technology Phase Detection
Focus Features Hybrid
Autofocus Points 759 phase-detection AF points; 425 contrast-detection points
Focus Type Auto Focus
Focus Mode Single-Servo AF (AF-S)
Autofocus Yes
Compatible Mountings Sony E
Sensor Type Backside-illuminated Exmor R CMOS
Image stabilization Digital, Hybrid
Maximum Aperture 1.4 f
Expanded ISO Minimum 80
Photo Sensor Resolution 12.1 MP
Photo Sensor Size Full Frame (35mm)
Minimum Shutter Speed 0.1 seconds
Form Factor Mirrorless
Special Feature Image Stabilization
Color Black
Item Weight 1 Pounds
Video Resolution 2160p
Viewfinder 0.64-inch 9.44 million-dot OLED EVF
Flash Modes [POSSIBLE] Auto, On/Fill, Off, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain
Camera Flash Built-In
Skill Level Professional
Compatible Devices Sony E mount cameras
Continuous Shooting 10 fps
Aperture modes 1.4
Flash Sync Speed 1/250
Video Capture Format 4k
Expanded ISO Maximum 102400
Battery Type Lithium Ion
Processor Description bionz
Water Resistance Level Not Water Resistant
Supported Audio Format [POSSIBLE] AAC, MP3, WAV
Frame Rate 120 FPS
Battery Capacity 2E+3 Milliamp Hours
Mount Type Sony E-mount
Sensor Size 35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full-frame)
Effective Pixels 12.1 megapixels
Image Processor BIONZ XR
ISO Range 80-102400 (expandable to 40-409600)
Video Recording 4K UHD up to 120 fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
LCD Monitor 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD, 1.44 million dots
Storage Media Dual SD card slots (UHS-II support)
Connectivity USB Type-C (SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps), HDMI Type A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Battery NP-FZ100 rechargeable battery
Body Material Magnesium alloy with advanced heat dissipation
Weight 649 grams (body only)
Dimensions Approx. 128.9 x 96.9 x 77.5 mm
Release Date July 2020
Video Formats XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, RAW video output

Key Advantages

The Alpha 7S III excels in ultra-high sensitivity with a specially designed 12.1MP full-frame sensor delivering superb noise control up to ISO 409600. Its advanced BIONZ XR processor enables real-time, high-speed image processing for 4K 120fps video without cropping.

Exceptional autofocus performance with 759 phase-detection points ensures precise subject tracking across a wide frame area. Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 4K recording supports professional-grade color grading workflows.

Robust build quality with enhanced heat dissipation allows extended video takes without thermal shutdown. The high-resolution OLED viewfinder combined with a fully articulating touchscreen improves usability in diverse shooting scenarios.

Dual SD card slots supporting high-speed UHS-II facilitate efficient data management and backup. Comprehensive connectivity includes USB-C, full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for versatile workflow integration.

Limitations

The 12.1-megapixel sensor, while excellent for video, offers lower resolution compared to many photo-centric mirrorless cameras, which might not satisfy users focused on high-resolution still photography.

High-end video features such as 4K 120fps require top-tier SD cards, increasing operational costs. The advanced autofocus system can sometimes be less effective in extremely low-light or low-contrast conditions despite improvements.

The camera is relatively expensive, targeting a professional niche, limiting accessibility for casual users. The battery life, though improved, may still require multiple spares for extended shoots.

Some users may find the interface complex due to numerous customizable controls which entail a learning curve.

The absence of a built-in flash limits quick fill-light options, necessitating external lighting accessories.

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