α7S III with pro movie/still capability
With extreme full-frame movie performance including high sensitivity (expanded ISO up to 409600), 15-stop wide dynamic range, 4K 120p, fast and dependable autofocusing, and extra-strong image stabilisation, the α7S III again raises the bar for movie makers.
The new full-frame 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor RTM CMOS image sensor packs major innovations in light gathering, wiring and output optimisation. These deliver blazing doubled readout speeds, superb image quality throughout the whole sensitivity range, 15-stop wide dynamic range, and reduced rolling shutter, with the sensor also providing focal-plane phase-detection AF.
Along with the new sensor and its unprecedented speed, the BIONZ XR image processing engine has also been newly developed and packs up to 8x more processing power. With a future-oriented architecture, it delivers high-quality images faster for superlative still and video expression, as well as dramatically improved camera interface responsiveness.
The new Exmor R full-frame image sensor and revolutionary BIONZ XR image processing engine deliver always-active pinpoint AF for astonishing detail in both space and time, and stunning 4K movies even at 120 frames per second or in slow motion. With the resolution and depth of field only possible from a full-frame sensor, the results are spectacular.
Record right on the camera with the amazing richness of 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 colour sampling, for far greater flexibility in image grading, post-processing and compositing.
As well as Long GOP, All-Intra encoding is now provided. This encodes every frame independently at bitrates up to 600 Mbps, to capture complex motions more accurately for recording on either internal or external media, and allow more efficient editing workflows.
[1] All-Intra (All-I) [2] Long GoP [3] Group of Pictures
The new XAVC HS recording format uses HEVC/H.265 encoding to achieve twice the compression efficiency of AVC/H.264 encoding, for superior image quality and smaller file sizes.
The renowned sensitivity of the series scales new heights, with an expanded ISO range for movies from 80 to a remarkable 409600 (standard range 80–102400). With advanced light-gathering and output optimisation, the 12.1-megapixel full-frame sensor achieves low noise throughout the sensitivity range, and can capture usable images in near total darkness.
The S-Log3 gamma curve and S-Gamut3.Cine colour gamut, shared with pro camcorders, provide wider dynamic range and easier colour matching for smoother post-production workflows.
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) simplifies HDR production, producing footage for HLG-compatible BRAVIA TVs on the camera with no complex post-production, and smooth gradations from the 10-bit colour depth.
[1] High flexibility to fine-tune images as desired (colour grading required)
[2] Instant high-quality image (colour grading not required)
The new BIONZ XR image processing engine delivers improvements in colour reproduction, stability against different light sources, natural tonal gradation and roll-off, and reduced rolling shutter.
For demanding post-production workflows, 16-bit RAW output is available via HDMI connection to compatible external recorders while XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K, or XAVC S-I 4K, and proxy files are simultaneously captured in-camera.
While recording high-bitrate 4K movies, HD proxies (in 8 or 10-bit depth) can be generated in-camera. Editing the smaller proxy files reduces computer load and speeds up workflow prior to final 4K delivery.
The wide-area AF uses intelligent tracking and on-sensor phase-detection covering most of the frame. The result is that every bit of supremely accurate and tenacious AF performance is extracted in combination with high-quality E-mount lenses, even when shooting moving subjects at shallow depths-of-field in 4K and at 120p frame rates.
With AF Transition Speed selectable over 7 levels, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity over 5 levels, you can better convey your creative intentions when switching subjects or, for example, rack focusing. A simple touch can temporarily activate AF even during manual focus operation.
Real-time Eye AF uses AI to ensure pinpoint focusing precision for eyes, with performance now improved by 30% on profile or partially obscured faces. Tenacious eye tracking lets you concentrate on composition even with a shallow focus depth.
Real-time Tracking analyses subject colour, pattern, depth, and face information to track the subject. Touch Tracking intuitively and automatically tracks a subject touched on the LCD screen.
A highly accurate image stabilisation unit and gyro-sensor are provided, delivering 5-axis optical image stabilisation.
[1] Yaw [2] Roll [3] Pitch
The new Active Mode provides increased stabilisation for movie shooting. To preserve image quality, the BIONZ XR processor accurately measures camera shake and compensates optically. This makes stable video possible even when shooting hand-held where space restraints prevent gimbal use, while walking, and at 4K resolution.
A digital audio interface added to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe allows direct 24-bit input. Available settings are 48 kHz/16-bit 2-ch, and by using the optional XLR-K3M adaptor kit, 48 kHz/24-bit 2-ch and 48 kHz/24-bit 4-ch.
A unique Sony Σ (sigma) shaped graphite heatsink is built into the image-stabilisation unit. This dissipates heat 5x more effectively for extended recording time, without interfering with image stabilisation.
Responding to feedback from professional users, the MOVIE button has been moved to the top face for improved operability in any shooting position. Mode dial ordering and speed of switching have also been improved.
With an amazingly wide standard ISO range of 80–102400 (expandable to 40–409600 for stills), the α7S III offers incredible creative opportunities. The newly developed image sensor and image processing algorithms produce even cleaner images and more natural textures than the previous α7S II model, even when shooting in near total darkness.
The Fast Hybrid AF system combines speed and precision. With 759 focal plane phase-detection sensors and 425 contrast-detection points distributed across most of the image area, the α7S III quickly finds and tracks your subject throughout the frame.
Use your choice of mechanical or electronic shutter for continuous burst shooting, with AF/AE tracking, at up to 10 fps. Capture decisive moments with over 1,000 frames of continuous uncompressed RAW shooting possible.
AF algorithm advances have allowed the α7S III to achieve autofocus in lighting conditions as dim as EV-6, where subjects are barely even visible with the naked eye.
The newly developed image sensor and image processing engine deliver improvements in colour reproduction, particularly of skin tones, and texture depiction in still images.
The HEIF image file format is supported, offering better image quality and greater compression efficiency than JPEG, plus 10-bit colour. High Dynamic Range still images can also be captured in HLG mode for viewing on compatible TVs.
Both card slots support both ultra-fast CFexpress Type A cards, allowing high-bitrate recording and fast buffer clearance, and SDXC UHS-II cards. Parallel and Relay recording are also available.
The variable-angle 1.44 million-dot 3.0-type touch screen features a side-open design, for flexible positioning and improved visibility when mounting on gimbals or rigs.
The new EVF offers resolution, contrast and colour unlike anything in its class. It also offers world-leading 0.9x finder magnification, a 41 ° diagonal field of view, and a 25-mm-high eyepoint.
The menu structure has been redesigned to reflect feedback from both pro photographers and videographers. Camera settings are now more intuitive and the camera is more responsive to setting changes.
Based on requests from our most demanding professional users, major improvements have been made to the menu structure, for improved at-a-glance readability and reduced menu navigation.
The menu screen can be operated by touch, while the playback screen features swiping, and pinch-to-zoom. Operability of the touch functions when shooting has also been improved.
As well as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz Wi-Fi® connectivity is provided for remote operation, wireless preview, and faster and more stable data transfer of both still images and video.
For complex, interference-prone environments, or higher bandwidth needs, 1000BASE-T wired LAN connectivity is available by connecting a compatible USB-Ethernet adaptor cable to the camera's USB Type C® port.
Either wired or wireless remote shooting is available from a PC, or from a mobile device with Imaging Edge MobileTM installed, for more efficient workflows and shooting in challenging environments.
Elevate your photography with Imaging Edge Desktop applications. Use "Remote" to control and monitor shooting live on your PC screen; "Viewer" to quickly preview, rate, and select photos from large image libraries; and "Edit" to develop RAW data into high-quality photos for delivery. Get the best from Sony RAW files, and manage your productions more efficiently.
Capture One Express (for Sony) is free award-winning editing software that provides RAW development, easy management and powerful editing tools. Capture One Pro (for Sony) is also available for even more editing tools and tethered shooting capability.
The Imaging Edge Webcam application makes it easy to use your Sony camera as a high quality webcam, with wide compatibility, for impressive live streaming and conferencing.
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
- SENSOR TYPE
- 35 mm full frame (35.6×23.8 mm), Exmor R CMOS sensor
- NUMBER OF PIXELS (EFFECTIVE)
- Approx. 12.1 megapixels
- ISO SENSITIVITY (RECOMMENDED EXPOSURE INDEX)
- Still images: ISO 80–102400 (ISO numbers up from ISO 40 to ISO 409600 can be set as expanded ISO range.), Movies: ISO 80–102400 equivalent (ISO numbers up to ISO 409600 can be set as expanded ISO range.)
- BATTERY LIFE (STILL IMAGES)
- Approx. 510 shots (Viewfinder) / Approx. 600 shots (LCD monitor) (CIPA standard)
- VIEWFINDER TYPE
- 1.6 cm (0.64 type) electronic viewfinder (colour)
- MONITOR TYPE
- 7.5 cm (3.0-type) type TFT
