Description

Overview

For visual trailblazers
The α7S III delivers extreme full-frame movie performance, offering high sensitivity (expanded ISO up to 409600), a 15-stop wide dynamic range, 4K 120p1, fast and reliable autofocusing, and strong image stabilization. As a result, it raises the bar once again for movie makers.

Expressive possibilities:

Large pixels deliver high sensitivity and low noise
The new full-frame, 12.1-megapixel1 back-illuminated Exmor RTM CMOS image sensor introduces significant innovations in light gathering, wiring, and output optimization. These innovations result in blazing readout speeds, superb image quality across the full sensitivity range, a 15-stop2 wide dynamic range, and reduced rolling shutter. Moreover, the sensor provides focal-plane phase-detection AF.

Up to 8x more powerful3 BIONZ XRTM image processor
Along with the new sensor and its unprecedented speed, the newly developed BIONZ XR image processing engine boosts performance with up to 8x more processing power3. Thanks to its future-oriented architecture, it delivers high-quality images faster, enabling superlative still and video expression, and dramatically improving camera interface responsiveness.

Superlative movie performance:

Stunning AF performance even at 4K 120p
The Exmor R full-frame image sensor and the revolutionary BIONZ XR image processing engine work together to deliver always-active, pinpoint AF for incredible detail in both space and time. The result is stunning 4K movies, even at 120 frames per second1 or in slow motion. With the resolution and depth of field only possible from a full-frame sensor, the results are nothing short of spectacular.

10-bit 4:2:2 recording
You can now record directly on the camera with the amazing richness of 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 colour sampling. This provides far greater flexibility in image grading, post-processing, and compositing.

All-Intra encoding available
In addition to Long GOP, All-Intra encoding is now available. This method encodes every frame independently at bitrates up to 600Mbps, capturing complex motions more accurately for recording on internal or external media, thus enabling more efficient editing workflows.

Superior quality and smaller files with XAVC HS
The new XAVC HS recording format uses HEVC/H.265 encoding, achieving twice the compression efficiency of AVC/H.264 encoding. As a result, it offers superior image quality with smaller file sizes2.

Our renowned sensitivity delivers expanded ISO 409600
The series’ renowned sensitivity has now reached new heights, with an expanded ISO range for movies from 80 to an impressive 409600 (standard range 80 – 102400). With advanced light-gathering and output optimization, the 12.1-megapixel3 full-frame sensor ensures low noise throughout the sensitivity range, even capturing usable images in near-total darkness.

S-CinetoneTM from high-end cinema camera colour science
Sony’s acclaimed S-Cinetone4 look, inherited from the development of the Cinema Line FX9 and CineAlta cameras such as VENICE, allows you to achieve cinematic colour directly in-camera. S-Cinetone is optimized for natural skin tones and mid-range colours, with gentle highlight roll-off, making it possible to depict subjects impressively without grading during post-production.

S-Log3 gamma, S-Gamut3.Cine gamut as on pro camcorders
The S-Log3 gamma curve and S-Gamut3.Cine colour gamut, both shared with pro camcorders, deliver a wider dynamic range and simplify colour matching for smoother post-production workflows.

HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)
HLG simplifies HDR production, producing footage for HLG-compatible BRAVIA TVs directly on the camera, eliminating the need for complex post-production and delivering smooth gradations thanks to the 10-bit colour depth.

Image quality improvements
The new BIONZ XR image processing engine brings improvements in colour reproduction, stability against different light sources, natural tonal gradation, roll-off, and reduced rolling shutter.

16-bit RAW HDMI output
For demanding post-production workflows, 16-bit RAW output5 is available via HDMI connection to compatible external recorders6. Meanwhile, XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K, or XAVC S-I 4K, and proxy files are captured simultaneously in-camera.

Efficient editing through proxy recording
While recording high-bitrate 4K movies, you can generate HD proxies (in 8 or 10-bit depth) in-camera7. Editing these smaller proxy files reduces computer load and speeds up workflows prior to final 4K delivery.

A shooting revolution:

Fast Hybrid AF for accuracy and tenacity
The wide-area AF system uses intelligent tracking and on-sensor phase-detection across most of the frame. This allows the camera to extract supremely accurate and tenacious AF performance, especially when combined with high-quality E-mount lenses. Even when shooting moving subjects at shallow depths of field in 4K and 120p frame rates1, you’ll experience excellent AF performance.

Powerful focus control for solo shooters
You can adjust the AF Transition Speed over 7 levels and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity over 5 levels to better convey your creative intentions when switching subjects or 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. Now, its performance has improved by 30%2 on profile or partially obscured faces. This tenacious eye tracking lets you concentrate on composition, even with a shallow focus depth.

Real-time Tracking with intuitive touch operation
Real-time Tracking analyses subject colour, pattern, depth, and face information to track the subject. Furthermore, Touch Tracking intuitively and automatically tracks a subject simply by touching it on the LCD screen.

In-body 5-axis image stabilisation
The highly accurate image stabilisation unit and gyro-sensor deliver 5-axis optical image stabilisation.

Active Mode for hand-held shooting
The new Active Mode3 4 provides increased stabilisation for movie shooting. The BIONZ XR processor accurately measures camera shake and compensates optically, preserving image quality. This ensures stable video even when shooting hand-held in tight spaces where gimbals aren’t usable, while walking, and at 4K resolution4.

Advantages of Sony’s lenses for video shooting
Learn about the four unique advantages of using Sony’s E-mount lenses for video shooting. The combination of Sony lenses and cameras will elevate your video creation experience.

Digital audio interface for clear sound recording
A digital audio interface added to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe enables direct 24-bit input. Available settings include 48kHz/16-bit 2-ch, and with the optional XLR-K3M adaptor kit, 48kHz/24-bit 2-ch and 48kHz/24-bit 4-ch.

Unique heat dissipation, for dependable recording
The image stabilisation unit features a unique Sony Σ (sigma) shaped graphite heatsink, which dissipates heat 5x more effectively5. This ensures extended recording times without interfering with image stabilisation.

Movie-shooting comfort
In response to feedback from professional users, the MOVIE button has been relocated to the top face, improving operability in any shooting position. Mode dial ordering and switching speed have also been enhanced.

Advanced still functions and performance:

High ISO sensitivity
With a wide standard ISO range of 80-102400 (expandable to 40-409600 for stills), the α7S III provides incredible creative opportunities. The newly developed image sensor and processing algorithms produce cleaner images and more natural textures compared to the previous α7S II model, even 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 α7S III tracks subjects throughout the frame quickly.

Outstanding continuous shooting performance
You can choose between mechanical or electronic shutter for continuous burst shooting at up to 10fps1, capturing decisive moments with over 1000 frames of continuous uncompressed RAW shooting possible2.

Highly-sensitive AF for low-light focusing
AF algorithm advancements allow the α7S III to achieve autofocus in lighting conditions as dim as EV-63, where subjects are barely visible to the naked eye.

Still-image quality advances through new sensor and engine
The newly developed image sensor and image processing engine offer improvements in colour reproduction, particularly skin tones, and texture depiction in still images.

New HEIF format and HLG image capture modes
The HEIF image file format supports better image quality and greater compression efficiency than JPEG, along with 10-bit colour. You can also capture High Dynamic Range still images in HLG mode for viewing on compatible TVs.

Workflow efficiency:

Two CFexpress Type A-compatible media slots
Both card slots support ultra-fast CFexpress Type A cards, enabling high-bitrate recording and fast buffer clearance, as well as 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-dot1 3.0-type touch screen features a side-open design, allowing flexible positioning and improved visibility when mounting on gimbals or rigs.

9.44 million-dot1 high-definition electronic viewfinder
The new EVF offers exceptional resolution, contrast, and colour, unlike anything in its class2. It also provides world-leading 0.9x finder magnification3, a 41° diagonal field of view, and a 25mm high eyepoint.

Advanced operability
The redesigned menu structure reflects feedback from professional photographers and videographers. Now, camera settings are more intuitive, and the camera responds faster to setting changes.

New menu structure
Major improvements have been made to the menu structure based on requests from our most demanding professional users. These changes enhance readability and reduce the need for excessive navigation.

Intuitive touch operation
You can operate the menu screen by touch, while the playback screen supports swiping and pinch-to-zoom. The operability of touch functions when shooting has also been enhanced.

5GHz4 Wi-Fi compatible
In addition to 2.4GHz, 5GHz4 Wi-Fi® connectivity supports remote operation, wireless preview, and faster, more stable data transfer of both still images and video.

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 and shooting
You can shoot remotely, either wired or wirelessly, from a PC or mobile device with Imaging Edge MobileTM installed, improving workflow efficiency in challenging environments.

Creators’ Cloud platform
Creators’ Cloud combines advanced Sony camera technology with cloud-based AI to support creative work from shooting to production. It’s a hub for discovery and collaboration with creators worldwide.

Creators’ App
The Creators’ App connects your Sony camera to the cloud, enhancing functionality and convenience for shooting and sharing.

Sony’s Custom Grid Line5 (Paid licence)
Sony’s Custom Grid Line feature allows you to display your personalized grid lines on either the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD screen. You can register up to four different grid lines for an improved user experience, providing personalized compositional guidance for your specific needs.