Sony Alpha a7S III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Body

The Sony Alpha a7S III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Body features an all-new 12.1MP¹ backside-illuminated, full-frame image sensor with twice the readout speed* for ultra-clean, low-light images up to ISO 409,600³, with 15+ stops dynamic range⁴, and 3x reduction in rolling shutter. The a7S III also features Sony's acclaimed fast hybrid autofocus with 759 phase detection AF points. A new BIONZ XR processing engine deliver 8x more processing power² for up to 120p⁵ 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 and full pixel readout in all recording modes, and a newly developed internal heat dissipation design enables 1-hour 4K 60p recording⁷ (no 29m 50s continuous recording limit for movie shooting). The a7S III represents a new milestone in sensitivity, speed, and image fidelity.

Features:

• 12.1MP¹ Exmor R sensor, optimized for 4K, sensitivity and speed
• New BIONZ XR processing engine delivers 8x more processing power²
• Effective internal heat dissipation enables 1-hour 4K 60p recording⁷
  • No 29m 50s continuous recording limit for movie shooting
• Low noise images w/ ISO up to 409,600³
• 15+stop dynamic range⁴
• Up to 4K 120p⁵ 10-bit 4:2:2 and full pixel readout in all rec. modes
• Up to 4K 120p⁵ in XAVC S (AVC), XAVC HS (HEVC) and XAVC S-I (All-I)
• Up to 4K 60p 16-bit RAW video output via HDMI Type-A connector⁶
• World's first 9.44M8 dot QXGA OLED eye-level viewfinder
• 3" flip-out, vari-angle LCD monitor w/ touch menu and controls
• Fast readout for high frame rates, faster AF, minimal rolling shutter
• Dual card slots, both compatible with CFexpress Type A and SDXC/SDHC
• Exceptional autofocus with 759 phase detection AF points, 92% coverage
• 30% improved⁹ Real-time Eye-AF¹⁰ and Real-time AF tracking down to EV-6¹¹
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with selectable Active mode
• New menu layout w/ intuitive 3-level structure and touch navigation
• Robust magnesium alloy body w/ dust and moisture resistant sealing¹²
• Class leading compact size and weight
• MI shoe with digital audio interface up to 4ch. 24bit capability¹³
• SuperSpeed USB-C with power delivery and Ethernet wired LAN¹⁴
• Long Z-battery life extendable via USB Type C with Power Delivery
• Picture Profiles including 10-bit 4:2:2 HLG and S-Log 2 & 3
• (10) customizable in-camera Creative Looks for stills and movies
• 7x adjustable AF Transition Speeds, 5x AF Subject Shift Sensitivity
• Up to 1000 RAW+JPEG at 10fps¹⁵ w/ continuous autofocus and exposure
• 10-bit HEIF HLG still capture with selectable 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 sampling
• Visible Light and IR Sensor improves WB accuracy in artificial light
• High-speed 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi15 / FTP transfer and wireless PC remote¹⁶

¹ Approximate Effective
² Compared to previous BIONZ X processing engines.
³ ISO range: [Stills] 80-102,400 (Standard), 40-409,600 (Expanded), [Movies] 80-102,400 (Standard), 80-409,600 (Expanded)
⁴ Movie shooting with S-Log 3, may require color grading.
⁵ XAVC S-I (S&Q) 4K 120p 10-bit 4:2:2 requires CFexpress Type A. XAVC S-I 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 requires SDXC V90 or faster. XAVC S / XAVC HS 4K 120p 10-bit 4:2:2 requires SDXC V60 or faster. XAVC S HD 240p 10-bit 4:2:2 requires SDXC V60 or faster. CFexpress Type A supports all internal shooting modes. 4K 120fps achieved with 10% image crop.
⁶ Requires optional compatible external recorder.
⁷ Sony internal test. 77°F (25°C) (ambient, camera when recording started), Auto Power Off Temperature: High. The value will vary depending on the shooting conditions.
⁸ World’s first based on Sony research. 9.44 M dot approx. values.
⁹ Object recognition compared to cameras with BIONZ X processors.
¹⁰ Human & animal. Animal Eye-AF not available in movie mode.
¹¹ ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens, AF-S mode.
¹² Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and water resistant.
¹³ When paired with optional XLR-K3M digital microphone adaptor kit
¹⁴ Via optional adaptor
¹⁵ Up to 10 fps in continuous "Hi+" mode and up to 8 fps in "H" mode. CFexpress Type A memory card. Sony tests.
¹⁶ Latest version Image Edge desktop application is required.

NOTE: Media and other unlisted accessories sold separately.

Large Pixels Deliver High Sensitivity & Low Noise

The new full-frame, 12.1 megapixel, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor features major innovations in light-gathering, wiring, and output optimization. These deliver doubled readout speeds, superb image quality throughout the entire sensitivity range, 15-stop wide dynamic range (recording S-Log3 movies in Sony tests), and reduced rolling shutter, with the sensor also providing focal-plane phase-detection AF.

Up to 8x More Powerful BIONZ XR Image Processor

The BIONZ XR image processing engine has also been newly developed and packs up to 8x more processing power than the previous BIONZ X image processing engine. BIONZ XR delivers improvements in color reproduction, stability against different light sources, natural tonal gradation and roll-off, and reduced rolling shutter. With a future-oriented architecture, it enables faster capture of high-quality images for exceptional still and video expression, as well as dramatically improved camera interface responsiveness. 

Stunning AF Performance at 4K 120p

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 (with 10% image crop) or in slow motion. With the resolution and depth of field only possible from a full-frame sensor, the results are spectacular. 

Fast Hybrid Autofocus

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.

Powerful Focus Control for Solo Shooters 

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 for Movies

Real-time Eye AF uses AI to ensure pinpoint focusing precision for eyes, with performance now improved by 30% (compared to models with BIONZ X; Sony internal measurement) on profile or partially obscured faces. Tenacious eye tracking lets you concentrate on composition even with a shallow focus depth.

Real-time Tracking with Intuitive Touch Operation

Real-time Tracking analyzes subject color, pattern, depth, and face information to track the subject. Touch Tracking intuitively and automatically tracks a subject touched on the LCD screen.

10-bit 4:2:2 Recording

Record the amazing richness of 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 color sampling in-camera, for greater flexibility in image grading, post-processing, and compositing. 

All-Intra Encoding Available

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.

Superior quality and smaller files with XAVC HS 

The new XAVC HS recording format utilizes HEVC/H.265 encoding to achieve twice the compression efficiency of AVC/H.264 encoding, for superior image quality and smaller file sizes. 

NOTE: XAVC HS compatible editing software is required.

Expanded ISO 409,600

The a7S III features an expanded ISO range for movies (from 80 to a remarkable 409,600 expanded ISO; standard range is 80 to 102,400). With advanced light-gathering and output optimization, the 12.1MP full-frame sensor achieves low noise throughout the sensitivity range and can capture usable images in near-total darkness.

S-Log3 Gamma, S-Gamut3.Cine Gamut 

The S-Log3 gamma curve and S-Gamut3.Cine color gamut (shared with pro camcorders) provide wider dynamic range and easier color matching for smoother post-production workflows.

HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)

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 color depth.

16-bit RAW HDMI Output 

For demanding post-production workflows, 16-bit RAW output* is available via HDMI connection to compatible external recorders (compatible recorders TBD; as of July 2020, Atomos Ninja V is expected) while XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K, or XAVC S-I 4K, and proxy files are simultaneously captured in-camera.

*NOTE: RAW video output is full-frame 4,264 x 2,408 [16:9] data from the image sensor with a choice of 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p frame rates and color spaces.

Efficient Editing via Proxy Recording 

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. 

*NOTE: Proxy recording is not available in the following conditions: (a) normal movie recording at a [Record Frame Rate] of 120p (100p) or higher; (b) S&Q movie recording at a [Record Frame Rate] of 120p (100p) or higher; (c) S&Q movies at a [Frame Rate] of 120 (100) fps or higher.

5-Axis In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS)

A highly accurate image stabilization unit and gyro-sensor deliver 5-axis optical image stabilization.

Active Mode for Hand-Held Shooting

The new Active Mode* provides increased stabilization 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*.

*NOTE: Slight image crop in Active Mode. "Standard" setting recommended for focal lengths of 200mm or longer. Active Mode is not available when recording at frame rates of 120 (100) fps or higher, or when using the S&Q feature. 

Digital Audio Interface for Clear Sound Recording 

A digital audio interface added to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe allows direct 24-bit input. 48 kHz/16-bit 2-ch audio input is available natively, and with the optional XLR-K3M adaptor kit, 48 kHz/24-bit 2-ch and 48 kHz/24-bit 4-ch settings are also available.

Unique Heat Dissipation for Dependable Recording

A unique Sony Σ (sigma) shaped graphite heatsink is built into the image-stabilization unit. This dissipates heat 5x more effectively (under Sony test conditions) for extended recording time, without interfering with image stabilization. 

Movie-Shooting Comfort

Responding to feedback from professional users, the MOVIE button has been moved to the top control surface for improved operability in virtually any shooting position. Mode dial ordering and speed of switching have also been improved.

High ISO Sensitivity 

With an amazingly wide standard ISO range of 80 to 102,400 (expandable to 40 to 409,600 for stills), the a7S 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 a7S II model, even when shooting in near total darkness. 

Fast Hybrid AF for Stills 

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 a7S III quickly finds and tracks your subject throughout the frame.

Highly Sensitive AF for Low-Light Focusing

AF algorithm advances have allowed the a7S III to achieve autofocus in lighting conditions as dim as EV-6 (in AF-S mode, at f/2.0, ISO 100), where subjects are barely even visible with the naked eye. 

Still-Image Quality Advances Through New Sensor & Engine 

The newly developed image sensor and image processing engine deliver improvements in color reproduction, particularly of skin tones, and texture depiction in still images. 

Outstanding Continuous Shooting Performance 

Use your choice of mechanical or electronic shutter for continuous burst shooting, with AF/AE tracking, at up to 10 fps (in continuous "Hi+" mode, with CFexpress Type A memory card in Sony tests). Capture decisive moments with over 1,000 frames of continuous uncompressed RAW shooting possible (when using a CFexpress Type A memory card). 

New HEIF format & HLG Image Capture Modes*

The HEIF image file format is supported, offering better image quality and greater compression efficiency than JPEG, plus 10-bit color. High Dynamic Range still images can also be captured in HLG mode for viewing on compatible TVs.

*NOTE: A corresponding environment is required for playback of still images recorded in HEIF.

Two CFexpress Type A-Compatible Media Slots

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.

Vari-Angle LCD Monitor for Comfortable Movie Shooting

The variable-angle 1.44 million-dot (approximate), 3” touch screen features a side-open design, for flexible positioning and improved visibility when mounting on gimbals or rigs.

9.44 Million-Dot (Approximate) High-Definition Electronic Viewfinder

The new EVF offers resolution, contrast and color unlike anything in its class (as of the July 2020 product announcement). Sony survey of mirrorless digital cameras. It also offers world-leading 0.9x finder magnification (50mm lens, infinity, -1m⁻¹ diopter), a 41 ° diagonal field of view, and a 25mm-high eyepoint.

Advanced Operability 

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.

New Menu Structure

Based on requests from Sony’s most demanding professional users, major improvements have been made to the menu structure, for improved at-a-glance readability and reduced menu navigation. 

Intuitive Touch Operation 

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. 

5 GHz Wi-Fi Compatible 

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.

*NOTE: 5 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions.

Wired LAN Connectivity

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. 

Remote Preview & Shooting

Either wired or wireless remote shooting is available from a PC, or from a mobile device with Imaging Edge Mobile installed, for more efficient workflows and shooting in challenging environments. 

Imaging Edge Desktop

Elevate your photography with Imaging Edge Desktop applications. Use “Remote” to control and monitor shooting live on your PC screen; “Viewer” (please use the latest version). 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*.

*NOTE: Does not support full functional compatibility with some camera models. See the Sony support site for details: https://www.sony.net/disoft/help

Capture One for Sony

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 (sold separately) for even more editing tools and tethered shooting capability. 

*NOTE: Please contact Phase One regarding all inquiries as to usage and support including functional compatibility of Capture One Express (for Sony) and Capture One Pro (for Sony).

Additional Specifications:

• Movie Recording System:
  • XAVC HS 4K
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:0, 10bit, NTSC) (Approx.)
      • 120p (200Mbps)
      • 60p (150Mbps / 75Mbps / 45Mbps)
      • 24p (100Mbps / 50Mbps / 30Mbps)
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:0, 10bit, PAL) (Approx.)
      • 100p (200Mbps)
      • 50p (150Mbps / 75Mbps / 45Mbps)
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:2, 10bit, NTSC) (Approx.)
      • 120p (280Mbps)
      • 60p (200Mbps / 100Mbps)
      • 24p (100Mbps / 50Mbps)
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:2, 10bit, PAL) (Approx.)
      
      • 100p (280Mbps)
      • 50p (200Mbps / 100Mbps)
  • XAVC S 4K
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:0, 8bit, NTSC) (Approx.)
      • 120p (200Mbps)
      • 60p (150Mbps)
      • 30p (100Mbps / 60Mbps)
      • 24p (100Mbps / 60Mbps) 
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:0, 8bit, PAL) (Approx.)
      • 100p (200Mbps)
      • 50p (150Mbps)
      • 25p (100Mbps / 60Mbps)
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:2, 10bit, NTSC) (Approx.)
      • 120p (280Mbps)
      • 60p (200Mbps)
      • 30p (140Mbps)
      • 24p (100Mbps)
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:2, 10bit, PAL) (Approx.)
      • 100p (280Mbps)
      • 50p (200Mbps)
      • 25p (140Mbps)
  • XAVC S HD
    
    • 1920 x 1080 (4:2:0, 8bit, NTSC) (Approx.)
      • 120p (100Mbps / 60Mbps)
      • 60p (50Mbps / 25Mbps)
      • 30p (50Mbps / 16Mbps)
      • 24p (50Mbps)
    • 1920 x 1080 (4:2:0, 8bit, PAL) (Approx.)
      • 100p (100Mbps / 60Mbps)
      • 50p (50Mbps / 25Mbps)
      • 25p (50Mbps / 16Mbps)
    • 1920 x 1080 (4:2:2, 10bit, NTSC) (Approx.)
      • 60p (50Mbps)
      • 30p (50Mbps)
      • 24p (50Mbps)
    • 1920 x 1080 (4:2:2, 10bit, PAL) (Approx.)
      
      • 50p (50Mbps)
      • 25p (50Mbps)
  • XAVC S-I 4K
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:2, 10bit, NTSC) (Approx.)
      • 60p (600Mbps)
      • 30p (300Mbps)
      • 24p (240Mbps)
    • 3840 x 2160 (4:2:2, 10bit, PAL) (Approx.)
      • 50p (500Mbps)
      • 25p (250Mbps)
  • XAVC S-I HD
    • 1920 x 1080 (4:2:2, 10bit, NTSC) (Approx.)
      • 60p (222Mbps)
      • 30p (111Mbps)
      • 24p (89Mbps)
    • 1920 x 1080 (4:2:2, 10bit, PAL) (Approx.)
      • 50p (185Mbps)
      • 25p (93Mbps)