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Sony a7R III Mirrorless Camera

BH #SOA7R3 • MFR #ILCE7RM3/B
Sony a7R III Mirrorless Camera
Key Features
  • 42MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
  • BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
  • 399-Point AF System & 10 fps Shooting
  • UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas
Proving that speed, resolution, and video capabilities can all coexist, the a7R III Mirrorless Camera from Sony is a versatile, high-performance camera characterized by not only its resolution, but by its multimedia versatility. Revolving around a full-frame 42.4MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and updated BIONZ X image processor, the a7R III affords an impressive 10 fps continuous shooting rate along with improved autofocus performance for faster, more reliable subject tracking along with wide frame coverage. This updated Fast Hybrid AF System employs a combination of 399 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection areas for quicker acquirement of focus in a variety of lighting conditions, and also maintains focus on subjects more effectively. In addition to speed and AF, the processing improvements also help to realize greater image clarity throughout the sensitivity range from ISO 100-32000, which can further be expanded to ISO 50-102400. Video recording capabilities have also been extended for enhanced quality when recording UHD 4K video with the full width of the full-frame sensor, or when using a Super35 area and 5K oversampling to minimize moiré and aliasing. Additionally, benefitting both stills and video operation, the a7R III retains the 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization, which is now effective to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to 5.5 stops.
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Sony A7R III Overview

By B&H Photo's

Proving that speed, resolution, and video capabilities can all coexist, the a7R III Mirrorless Camera from Sony is a versatile, high-performance camera characterized by not only its resolution, but by its multimedia versatility. Revolving around a full-frame 42.4MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and updated BIONZ X image processor, the a7R III affords an impressive 10 fps continuous shooting rate along with improved autofocus performance for faster, more reliable subject tracking along with wide frame coverage. This updated Fast Hybrid AF System employs a combination of 399 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection areas for quicker acquirement of focus in a variety of lighting conditions, and also maintains focus on subjects more effectively. In addition to speed and AF, the processing improvements also help to realize greater image clarity throughout the sensitivity range from ISO 100-32000, which can further be expanded to ISO 50-102400. Video recording capabilities have also been extended for enhanced quality when recording UHD 4K video with the full width of the full-frame sensor, or when using a Super35 area and 5K oversampling to minimize moiré and aliasing. Additionally, benefitting both stills and video operation, the a7R III retains the 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization, which is now effective to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to 5.5 stops.

In addition to imaging updates, the a7R III also sports a revised body design, which includes a 3.69m-dot Tru-Finder OLED electronic viewfinder for bright, clear, and realistic eye-level monitoring. A rear 3.0" 1.44m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD is also available for intuitive settings control and to better support working from high and low angles. For greater shooting flexibility, dual SD memory card slots are now featured, and a larger NP-FZ100 battery is also employed to achieve up to approximately 530 shots per charge when using the viewfinder. Suiting the camera's use in trying conditions, the magnesium alloy chassis and extensive weather-sealing also render the a7R III dust- and moisture-resistance

42.4 MP Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor and BIONZ X Image Processor
Featuring a back-illuminated design, the full-frame 42.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor works with the BIONZ X image processor to offer high-resolution stills and video while minimizing noise and improving speed. This sensor structure works with gapless on-chip lens design and an anti-reflection coating, as well as eliminating the optical low-pass filter, to improve light collection and enhance detail. Also, the copper wiring layer dramatically improves data transmission speed for creating 14-bit, high-resolution 42.4-megapixel stills with a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-32000, which can be further expanded to ISO 50-102400. Also, it enables internal UHD 4K video recording with a wide dynamic range using the full width of the full-frame sensor. The BIONZ X processor also works in conjunction with a high-speed front-end LSI to realize faster processing times along with the ability to capture an impressive 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivity values.

The sensor and processor combination also avails fast continuous shooting at up to 10 fps at full resolution, for up to 76 consecutive frames, and with full-time AF/AE when working with either a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter. If shooting in live view mode, a continuous shooting rate of up to 8 fps is also possible.
Fast Hybrid AF System
An evolved 4D FOCUS system now employs a combination of 399 phase-detection points, which cover approximately 68% of the frame, along with 425 contrast-detection areas for reliable and quick autofocus and subject tracking performance. This Fast Hybrid AF System now achieves twice the focusing speed and more reliable tracking compared to previous a7R models, as well as improved low-light focusing response down to -3 EV. The use of phase-detection points also enables the use of A-mount lenses via the optional LA-EA3 or LA-EA1 lens mount adapters with full continuous AF/AE tracking compatibility.

The apt focus system also lends itself to a variety of focusing functions for refined accuracy, including Lock-on AF, which maintains focus on moving subjects throughout the use of a configurable frame that is set over the desired moving subject, and Expand Flexible Spot, which employs neighboring focus points to retain focus on moving subjects even if the originally selected point loses focus. Additionally, Eye AF can be used to base focus on recognized subjects' eyes for portraits and is available in both AF-S and AF-C modes. Autofocus can also be used in conjunction with the Focus Magnifier function for critical focus when homing in on minute subject details. The rear touchscreen can also be used for Touch Focus control, and a Touchpad Focus Control mode lets you use the rear screen intuitively while keeping your eye to the viewfinder.

For more personalized control over focus, and benefitting working in either vertical or horizontal shooting orientation, the AF area can be switched in orientation to better suit your subject matter. AF tracking sensitivity can also be customized in five steps to match how a subject is moving and frequently used focus point settings can be memorized and recalled with a custom button for faster switching between focus settings.
5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization
Packed into the robust a7R III is a 5.5-stop effective 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system that 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.
UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S Format
Internal recording of UHD 4K movies is possible in multiple frame rates up to 30 fps and, based on the Super35mm recording area and effective 5K resolution, oversampling renders greater detail and full pixel readout is possible, that is void of pixel binning, for higher quality imagery with reduced moiré and aliasing. Full-frame 4K recording has also been dramatically improved for improved quality when working at mid to high sensitivities to permit full use of the entire sensor width. Full HD 1080p recording is also supported in frame rates up to 120 fps, and both resolutions utilize the 100 Mbps XAVC S format contained within an MP4 wrapper with 4:2:0 sampling. The high-speed, 120 fps recording also enables 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording with the frame rate set to either 30p or 24p. In addition to high-resolution internal recording, uncompressed HDMI output also enables the use of an optional external recorder for clean 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling.

4K video recording also avails the ability to produce 8MP stills during playback by taking a frame grab from a movie and storing it as a separate file.
Additional Video Features
Support for HDR Content:
  • Affording extensive customizable color and gamma controls, the a7R III allows users to 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. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support is also available, along with the BT.2020 color space, for recording within a wide color gamut and, in addition to S-Log2, S-Log3 is also available for producing an effective 14-stop dynamic range with increased grading control in the shadow to mid-tone regions of the image.

Slow & Quick Motion:
  • Take more control over your video capture capabilities with a variety of new frame rates available in an S&Q mode. This will allow shooters to capture Full HD video at one of either steps between 1-120 fps. These settings will allow you to slow down action as well as speed up a slow-moving scene. This setting is also NTSC/PAL switchable.

Enhanced Zebra Function:
  • An enhanced Zebra function is ideally suited to aid in monitoring exposure values in high-contrast scenes. Video signal level targets can be set from 0 to 109, and specific ranges can be set to make exposure level adjustments easier.

Time Code and User Bit Settings:
  • A time code can be used to record hours, minutes, seconds, frames on image data for more precise editing while the User Bit function can record date, time, and scene number to aid in editing together footage from multiple cameras.

Proxy Recording:
  • UHD 4K movies and lower-resolution proxy movies can be simultaneously recorded. The smaller proxy files are ideal for quick previewing or pre-editing that can reduce the time required for final 4K editing.
Body Design and Built-In Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
  • An updated Quad-VGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF is featured, and has a 3.69m-dot resolution for bright, clear viewing in high detail. Both Standard and High quality settings can be used, depending on the shooting situation, in order to optimize the viewing experience. This updated viewfinder design also affords the use of autofocus in the Focus Magnifier mode as well as improved focusing peaking to benefit manual focus operation.
  • In addition to the EVF, a 3.0" 1.44m-dot rear LCD is also available, which has a touch panel design for intuitive operation and focusing control. The screen also tilts upward 107° and downward 41° to benefit working from high and low angles.
  • 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.
  • A durable shutter unit incorporates a coreless motor and brake system that reduces vibrations to better control shutter shock as well as extend its rated lifespan to approximately 500,000 actuations.
  • Weather-sealing has been employed to resist dust and moisture for reliable operation in harsh weather conditions.
  • Using the same NP-FZ100 battery as the a9, the a7R III has improved battery life and is now rated for approximately 530 shots per charge with the EVF or 650 shots with the rear LCD.
  • Dual SD memory card slots allow for flexible file saving and handling, and can be configured to partition raw and JPEG files or can be used for overflow recording. One of the card slots is rated to support UHS-II memory cards.
  • Integrated PC sync terminal for wired flash sync with strobe packs or wireless radio remotes.
  • A USB 3.1 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 from the host power source while connected.
  • The a7R III features a 3.5mm microphone input jack for compatibility with external microphones. And for users needing more, the camera is also compatible with the Sony XLR-K2M XLR Adapter for recording professional balanced XLR audio signals with phantom power and adjustable mic/line inputs. For monitoring audio, a 3.5mm headphone jack is available as well as real time audio levels for a visual reference.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi enables the a7R III to instantly share imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, which allows for one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices; no complex set-up is required. Once connected, the linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and remotely control the camera's shutter.
  • Bluetooth connectivity allows for location data acquisition.
Pixel Shift Multi Shooting
This unique compositing mode allows you to achieve even greater resolution than the 42.4MP sensor affords. Working in conjunction with the sensor-shift image stabilization, this mode shifts the sensor while making four consecutive exposures in order to acquire approximately 169.6MP of information for greater color accuracy and detail than possible with a single exposure. These files can then be merged together during post-production by using the Sony Imaging software suite.
Other Camera Features
  • A Ratings function lets you assign star values, from 1-5, to images in-camera for faster editing and sorting at home during post-production.
  • An advanced 1200-zone evaluative exposure metering sensor delivers consistent and accurate results using multi-segment, center-weighted, or spot metering modes.
  • Highlight and Average metering modes helps avoid blown-out highlights and provide stable auto-exposure, respectively.
  • Anti-flicker shooting automatically recognizes and times the shutter action to minimize the flicker effect for more consistent results on still images.
  • Picture Effect modes: Posterization (Color), Posterization (B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal/Cool/Warm/Green/Magenta), and Soft High-Key.
  • Creative Style modes: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, Black & White, Sepia, Style Box (1-6), (Contrast (-3 to +3 steps), Saturation (-3 to +3 steps), Sharpness (-3 to +3 steps).

Sony A7R IIISpecs

Imaging
Lens Mount
Sony E
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 43.6 Megapixel
Effective: 42.4 Megapixel (7952 x 5304)
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode
Metering Method
Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Spot
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation
-5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Metering Range
-3 to 20 EV
Self-Timer
2/5/10-Second Delay
Aspect Ratio
3:2, 16:9
Image File Format
JPEG, Raw
Bit Depth
14-Bit
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid (UHS-I)
Monitor
Display Size
3.0"
Resolution
1,440,000 Dot
Display Type
Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Viewfinder
Type
Built-In Electronic
Size
0.5"
Resolution
3,686,400 Dot
Eye Point
23 mm
Coverage
100%
Magnification
Approx. 0.78x
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +3
Focus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Automatic, Continuous-Servo AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus Points
Phase Detection: 399
Contrast Detection: 425
Autofocus Sensitivity
-2 to +20 EV
Flash
Built-In Flash/Light
No
Flash Modes
Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless
Maximum Sync Speed
1/250 Second
Flash Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Dedicated Flash System
TTL
External Flash Connection
PC Terminal
Battery Type
1x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 530 Shots)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10 x 6 x 6"

Sony A7R III Reviews

Extra Battery not Sony

By Jennifer
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-07

Love the camera, the only thing that is upsetting is that the extra camera battery is not a Sony battery, so it can't be used unless you want to void your warranty.

Former Pentaxian turned Sonyese

By Dbsouza
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-15

Coming from a slower DSLR I have to say I am hooked! Mirrorless really takes full advantage of digital photography. The reaction speed is amazing, auto focus has been very reliable and eye recognition a life saver! I am very impressed at the functionality and customization capabilities of this camera. Sony I am back! I will still miss my Pentax though - it is a great camera.

Nice improvement from a7r2

By Rami
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-13

The grip is much nicer (I have smaller hands) where the newer generation of a74 and a7r4 have grips that are too big

great

By Phillip
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-12

The camera is better than I'd hoped. And the bag in the accessories kit is really classy. I was just about to upgrade to a bigger Lowepro sling but don't have to now. A great strategy for B&H. That and overnight shipping tipped the scales in their favor over Amazon

New Sony Owner

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-07

Love it! It's small but mighty! Tons of features and highly customizable. Responsive and fast. Glad I switched back to Sony. I used to have a F828 back in the day....

Wrong Battery

By Clark
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-29

The advertised product list In the Box a Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (2280 mAh) but what was shipped and what I got was a Watson Li-ion Battery, 7.2V, 2000 mAh battery. It seems the products received should match what is shown on the advertised product list. A Watson battery is a replacement battery but is not an original Sony battery.

Mirrorless

By Jimmy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-09

This camera does not disappoint! Great option for first mirrorless or continued use ! Love the fact I can see the changes as I make them and the quality is hands down the best !

My first Sony camera.

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-03

Love it. Alway carry it around with me to take nice photos.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

International International warranty card for India and details ?
Asked by: Suyash B.
No, the will come with a Limited 1-Year USA Warranty.
Answered by: Andrea O.
Date published: 2018-08-23

question

Warranty
Asked by: Mai
The Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless Digital Camera includes a Limited 1-Year Warranty.
Answered by: Dana G.
Date published: 2018-08-23

question

How tether with macbook pro 2017? sony cable and an adapter?
Asked by: imanol a.
Please use USB C to USB C cable and make sure the camera settings are as followed USB Connection = PC Remote USB LUN Setting = Multi USB Power Supply = Off PC Remote Settings > Still Img Save = PC + Camera
Answered by: SonyListens
Date published: 2019-01-07

Is the viewfinder’s 120Hz mode available during ...

Is the viewfinder’s 120Hz mode available during video?
Asked by: Jacob
Yes
Answered by: SonyListens
Date published: 2019-02-12

A few months ago I updated to the latest ...

A few months ago I updated to the latest software. Initially the eye focus would work just by choosing face detect. Now it stopped to do that. I can eye focus but I have to press a dedicated button like before. I do not use the camera much. Any suggestions?
Asked by: Masroor
I have the Sony ar73 with firmware 3.1. After installing the new software I had some issue with the eye auto focus. I think to begin with make sure you have the latest firmware. I think it was tweaked a bit after first launch. In general you need to have face detect on(I have it on the function menu for easy access) and the Subject tetection to Human(also on the FN menu for me). The camera picks the eye both in Single and continuous Focus modes now. Keep in mind the camera makes an attempt to find a face then the eye. When the focus area is small or medium it might drive the focus away if the Human or animal subject is not dead center. You can still use the lens custom button to nudge the camera to find the eye. Helps in low light and difficult situations. This guy is very good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-X-9w0iKJ4
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2019-11-24

I hear so many praises about the battery for AR7 ...

I hear so many praises about the battery for AR7 iii. I just bought a AR7 III, the battery drained quite fast too. I just put in a battery 100%, turn it off, 3 hour later I open and turn it on, it shows 91%. So, is it normal or my battery is bad? I bought brand new new from Ebay.
Asked by: Johnny
Sounds defective
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2021-01-13

Does this camera shoot full frame videos in ...

Does this camera shoot full frame videos in 1080p60/50 ?
Asked by: Roberto
Absolutely, 1080 60p & 120p! 60 is better if you're trying to slow it down and have motion blur.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2019-04-05

will i be able too successfully use via the canon ...

will i be able too successfully use via the canon adapter a 70-200 F2.8 IS II in high speed servo mode for high school ncaa and nfl football?
Asked by: Anthony
I wouldn't think so, lens adapters work mediocre at best, shooting sports with non native lenses, is not ideal.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-01-14
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