Key Features
Jul 21 2020
Announced
12 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Sony |
| Sensor Type | Full frame |
| Sensor | BSI-CMOS |
| Weight | 699g |
| MSRP | $3498USD |
Other similar cameras
Sony FX30
Released Sep 28 2022 | 26MP resolution
Sony FX3
Released Feb 23 2021 | 12MP resolution
Sony Alpha A1
Released Jan 26 2021 | 50MP resolution
Overview of the Alpha A7S III
As a photographer, one essential feature that you would like to have in your camera is the ability to take great photos even in low-light situations. With the Sony Alpha A7S III, that's exactly what you get. The Alpha A7S III has an impressive sensor and new image processing engine that enables it to take clear and crisp photos even in low-light environments. This groundbreaking camera is the perfect tool for photographers in any setting, from capturing stunning nightscapes to creating cinematic films. In this blog, we'll explore all the features and capabilities of this fantastic camera, as well as discussing how it ranks among its competitors in the market.
The Sony Alpha Series Lineup
Sony Alpha A7S
Released Apr 06 2014 | 12MP resolution
Sony Alpha A7S II
Released Oct 12 2015 | 12MP resolution
Sony Alpha A7S III
Released Jul 21 2020 | 12MP resolution
Sony Alpha A7S III Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Alpha A7S III camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Sony Alpha A7S III
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 129 x 97 x 81mm |
| Weight | 699g |
| Thickness | 81mm |
Weather Sealing
The Sony Alpha A7S III camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Alpha A7S III is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
| View Finder | Electronic |
| Screen Type | Fully articulated |
| Screen Resolution | 1,229k dots |
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,229k dots. This makes the Sony Alpha A7S III very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.
Viewfinder
Alpha A7S III includes a electronic viewfinder with 9,440k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.9x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Sony Alpha A7S III has a 12MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Sony Alpha A7S III has a native ISO range of 80 - 102400 which can be boosted to 50 - 409600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Jul 21 2020
Announced
80 - 102400
ISO Range
| Sensor | Full frame |
| Extended ISO | 50 - 409600 |
| Max resolution | 4240 x 2832 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
85 / 102
Color Depth
24.2 / 26.5
Dynamic Range
13.4 / 14.8
Low Light ISO
3900 / 4505
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Alpha A7S III camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is above average, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Alpha A7S III is above average
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: Full frame
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots |
| Battery Life | 600 shots |
| Battery Model | NP-FZ100 |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Sony Alpha A7S III supports Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Sony Alpha A7S III is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.
Battery
The Sony Alpha A7S III uses the NP-FZ100 model of battery pack. This is rated for 600 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Sony Alpha A7S III does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Sony Alpha A7S III boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Sony Alpha A7S III includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 759 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Sony Alpha A7S III features a BSI-CMOS sensor
Yes the Alpha A7S III does have weather sealing.
The Sony Alpha A7S III was announced on Jul 21 2020
Yes the Alpha A7S III does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The Alpha A7S III has a native ISO range of 80-102400, which can be expanded to ISO 50-409600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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