Sony Alpha 7S III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Sony Alpha 7S III is a video-focused full-frame mirrorless camera designed for professional filmmaking, documentaries, event productions and creative content. Its 12.1-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, BIONZ XR processor and advanced heat-dissipation system provide high sensitivity, responsive operation and reliable video recording.
The camera supports up to 4K 120p recording, internal 10-bit 4:2:2 colour sampling, 16-bit RAW output over HDMI, up to 15 stops of video dynamic range and advanced Fast Hybrid autofocus. Five-axis image stabilisation, a vari-angle touchscreen and two CFexpress Type A/SD card slots provide flexibility for both mobile and professional production environments.
12.1-megapixel full-frame Exmor R sensor
The Sony Alpha 7S III features a 12.1-effective-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. Its relatively low resolution allows the use of larger photosites, supporting high sensitivity, reduced noise and fast sensor readout.
The standard sensitivity range is ISO 80–102400. It can be expanded to ISO 40–409600 for still photography and up to ISO 409600 equivalent for video.
BIONZ XR image processor
The BIONZ XR image processor provides responsive camera operation, detailed image rendering and advanced noise reduction. Its processing performance supports high-frame-rate video, accurate autofocus and continuous still-image shooting.
Fast sensor readout also helps reduce rolling-shutter distortion during dynamic camera movements and when recording fast-moving subjects.
Up to 15 stops of video dynamic range
The sensor and processor combination provides up to 15 stops of dynamic range for video. More information can be retained in highlights and shadows, supporting high-contrast scenes and professional colour grading.
UHD 4K 120p video recording
The Sony Alpha 7S III records UHD 4K video at up to 120p, with an approximate 10% crop. High-frame-rate footage provides detailed motion reproduction and can be used to create four-times slow motion on a 30p timeline or five-times slow motion on a 24p timeline.
Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording
Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 colour sampling provides smoother tonal transitions and greater flexibility during colour correction than conventional 8-bit recording.
It is particularly useful for:
- grading S-Log footage
- accurate skin-tone reproduction
- smooth gradients
- green-screen production
- matching footage from multiple cameras
XAVC HS, XAVC S and XAVC S-I codecs
XAVC HS uses HEVC/H.265 compression to retain high image quality at more efficient bit rates. XAVC S provides broad compatibility, while XAVC S-I uses intraframe compression for consistent performance and smoother editing at higher data rates.
16-bit RAW output over HDMI
The full-size HDMI Type-A connector can output RAW video to a compatible external recorder. The 16-bit RAW output provides extensive image information for professional grading and post-production.
RAW video cannot be recorded internally to the camera’s memory cards and requires a compatible external recording device.
S-Cinetone colour rendering
S-Cinetone provides natural-looking skin tones, restrained colour and controlled highlight roll-off inspired by Sony’s professional Cinema Line cameras.
It is particularly useful for productions that require an efficient workflow with limited colour grading.
S-Log2, S-Log3 and HLG
The camera supports S-Log2, S-Log3 and HLG gamma profiles. S-Log3 provides extensive flexibility for professional colour grading, while HLG can be used in HDR production workflows.
Extended recording and heat management
The Sony Alpha 7S III does not have the traditional 29-minute 59-second clip limit. Its internal heat-dissipation structure supports extended 4K recording.
Actual recording duration depends on ambient temperature, recording settings, battery condition and the camera’s automatic temperature-protection settings.
759-point Fast Hybrid autofocus
The Fast Hybrid AF system uses 759 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection areas. Phase-detection coverage extends across approximately 92% of the image area.
Autofocus sensitivity extends down to –6 EV under specified conditions, supporting accurate focusing in low light.
Real-time Tracking and Eye AF
Real-time Tracking follows moving subjects across the frame. A subject can also be selected through the touchscreen.
Real-time Eye AF supports human and animal eye detection, making it useful for portraits, interviews, events and moving subjects.
Adjustable autofocus transitions
Seven levels of AF transition speed control how quickly focus changes between subjects at different distances. Five levels of AF subject-shift sensitivity control how readily the camera changes focus when another object enters the frame.
Five-axis in-body image stabilisation
The five-axis SteadyShot INSIDE system provides up to 5.5 stops of stabilisation for still photography. It compensates for pitch, yaw, horizontal shift, vertical shift and roll.
Active stabilisation mode
Active mode adds electronic correction to the in-body stabilisation system for smoother handheld video. It is useful for walking shots and dynamic camera movements.
Active mode applies a crop and is unavailable in certain high-frame-rate and RAW-output configurations.
9.44-million-dot electronic viewfinder
The QXGA OLED Tru-Finder provides 9,437,184 dots and approximately 0.90× magnification. Its high resolution supports accurate focus checking and detailed monitoring.
Vari-angle touchscreen
The 3.0-inch, 1.44-million-dot touchscreen opens to the side and can face forward. It supports low-angle, high-angle, gimbal, vlogging and self-recording workflows.
Dual CFexpress Type A and SD card slots
Both card slots accept CFexpress Type A cards and UHS-I or UHS-II SD cards. The dual-slot design supports simultaneous backup, relay recording and separation of different file types.
Professional connectivity
The full-size HDMI Type-A connector provides a secure connection to external monitors and recorders. Separate 3.5mm microphone and headphone sockets support audio recording and monitoring.
The Multi Interface Shoe supports compatible Sony digital microphones and XLR adaptors.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C supports fast transfer, remote operation and USB Power Delivery. Built-in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi supports wireless transfer and remote control.
10fps continuous shooting
The Sony Alpha 7S III records still images at up to 10 frames per second with autofocus and exposure tracking.
Its 12.1-megapixel resolution is primarily intended for users who prioritise sensitivity, speed and video performance over extremely high still-image resolution.
Durable magnesium-alloy body
The magnesium-alloy body provides a rigid and durable construction. Dust- and moisture-resistant sealing supports more reliable operation in changing outdoor conditions, although the camera is not completely waterproof.
Recommended applications
- documentary filmmaking
- commercial and corporate video
- wedding and event production
- music videos
- wildlife and sports footage
- interviews
- handheld and gimbal operation
- multi-camera Sony productions
- live streaming
- low-light filmmaking
- vlogging and solo content creation
Key features
- 12.1MP full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor
- BIONZ XR image processor
- ISO 80–102400
- expanded ISO 40–409600
- up to 15 stops of video dynamic range
- UHD 4K 120p recording
- internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording
- XAVC HS, XAVC S and XAVC S-I codecs
- 16-bit RAW output over HDMI
- S-Cinetone, S-Log2, S-Log3 and HLG
- 759-point phase-detection autofocus
- 425 contrast-detection areas
- Real-time Tracking and Eye AF
- five-axis image stabilisation
- Active stabilisation mode
- 9.44-million-dot OLED viewfinder
- 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen
- dual CFexpress Type A/SD UHS-II slots
- full-size HDMI Type-A
- USB-C Power Delivery
- 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi
- up to 10fps continuous shooting
- dust- and moisture-resistant magnesium-alloy body
Sony Alpha cameras at Fotoplus
The Sony Alpha 7S III combines high sensitivity, professional 4K video functions and responsive autofocus in a compact full-frame camera body. Its selection of codecs and colour profiles supports workflows ranging from ready-to-use footage to extensively graded professional productions.
Order the Sony Alpha 7S III from the Fotoplus online store or request professional assistance when selecting compatible Sony E-mount lenses, memory cards, microphones, monitors, stabilisers and other video accessories.
Sony Alpha 7S III
For Visual Trailblazers
Optimized video, optimized sensitivity, optimized speed, the Sony 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.
12.1MP Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor and BIONZ XR 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.
Video Recording
UHD 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal Recording
- UHD 4K recording 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.
- 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.
Recording Flexibility
- The high-speed, 120 fps recording 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.
- 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.
Advanced Color Control
- S-Cinetone can be used to deliver distinct colors and healthy-looking skin tone rendering that matches the FX9 and FX6 cameras and is based on technology from the professional Cinema Line cameras, such as the VENICE. This color profile offers natural mid-tones, soft colors, and especially well-controlled highlights.
- Affording extensive customizable color and gamma controls, the you can 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.
Autofocus and Image Stabilization
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
Tru-Finder EVF and Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- 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.
- 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.
Versatile and Durable Design
- 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.
- 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.
Ports and Connectivity
- 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.
