Back-illuminated 24.2MP full-frame sensor - The 35mm full-frame
Exmor R CMOS image sensor features 24.2-megapixel resolution,
back illumination, and gapless on-chip lens design for
extraordinary sensitivity and dynamic range. Two times faster12
data readout speed is achieved through copper wires and front-end
LSI. Entirely enhanced image processing system - A combination of
new-generation image processing system and a new sensor achieves
an up to 1.5-stop improvement in image quality. Wider, faster,
more steadfast AF performance - An evolved image processing
system and α9 camera AF algorithms optimised for the α7 III
improve AF speed, precision, and tracking performance.
Focal-plane phase-detection AF supports A-mount lenses -
Phase-detection AF can operate even when an A-mount lens18 is
mounted to the α7 III via an LA-EA3 adaptor. The 693-point
focal-plane phase-detection AF system provides wide-area
coverage, fast response, and high-performance tracking.
Review: Hands down, one of the best Digital Mirrorless cameras
available right now! - This is a long term review, so I've had
the camera for around 4 years now, and think it's about time I
put pen to paper. My review is broken down as follows: Features &
Functions, Build Quality & Weight, Menu System, Speed, Accuracy,
Image Quality, 3rd Party Lenses / Add-ons & then Final Thoughts.
Build Quality: Very solid build quality, with magnesium alloy and
weather sealing, which does make the camera slightly heaving than
I'd like, but easily fixed with the free heavy-duty camera strap
in the box that Sony nicely provide. Full Frame: When I purchased
the camera, the cost was around £1699, but now, the price is
close to £1000. At this price, a full-frame camera is a steal,
especially this Sony A7 III. Image Quality: As you'd expect from
a FF sensor, image quality is amazing, as is low light
capability. Choose to save images as RAW or JPG or RAW & JPG.
Images can be saved on either or both SD cards - see 'Dual card
slot' functionality. Dynamic Range: The dynamic range saved
within the RAW images is amazing - I've saved many images that
appeared lost is complete darkness, only to be save-able with
boosting shadows and exposure. So, be sure to save images as RAW
(and JPG if you need to). Speed/Accuracy + Auto-Focus: 693
phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points
means that auto-focus speed and accuracy is second to none. Sony
cameras are the de-facto standard for blazing auto-focus speeds.
AF Touch Tracking: To help with auto-focus, you can also tap on
the touch-LCD to track a subject - the tracking is fairly sticky.
Eye AF: Another amazing feature is Eye Auto-Focus which if
amazingly fast - the eye will stay in focus as long as it's
visible. The AF-ON button also switches autofocus on without half
pressing the shutter button. Shooting Speed: Very fast 10 fps
with AF/AE tracking in continuous shooting mode. 4K Movies: Very
clear 4K videos up to 60 fps (or 50 fps depending on region
setting). Up to 120 fps in 1080p for slow-motion recording.
S-Log3 + Other Grading Formats: To allow you to capture dynamic
range in movies. Movie Auto-Focus: Tracks smoothly during movie
recording. AF tracking sensitivity can also be tuned for movies
to either slow of fast/responsive. Decent menu interface: Not as
modern as I'd like, but still a decent menu/interface once you
get used to it with easily addable 6-pages of favourite items.
Also includes a customisable FN ket to allow access to quick
functions. Huge amount of customisable buttons and functions:
Honestly, you're literally spoilt for customisable choice with 4
buttons for full customisation, two big wheels/dials, one back
wheel/dial, 4-direction buttons which are all customisable, the
FN key, the AF-ON, the Eye AF Key, all customisable. And a menu
key. Tiltable LCD touch screen: OK ish LCD screen, could be
better in terms of PPI, but decent enough to view. Really
annoying that it's not a fully rotating screen for selfies and
VLogging. Touch operations for touch-to-focus or track. Could be
brighter in sunny weather. Viewfinder: Nice viewfinder with
similar display functions to LCD. Again, could be brighter in
sunny weather. In-body 5-axis image stabilisation: With 5.0-stop
shutter speed advantage which has allowed me to get clear
hand-held shots down to 1/20th sec. Easily share: Connect and
share with phone with direct WIFI access which is pretty fast.
Obviously, depends on the speed of the SC-Card from where the
images are accessed. PC Tethering: With USB cable which allows
direct connection and image capture on PC which works really
well. Amazing battery life: Honestly, battery life is a tank! It
just keeps running all day long. I do switch off the camera in
between shots though, and therefore, batter does last a lot
longer. I have also set the battery saver / standby mode which
also saves battery. Dual card slots: One card slot it UHS-II and
the other is UHS-I. UHS-II card slot is v.fast - I use this card
slot to save RAW file as the RAW files (around 25MB each) are
much larger than the JPG files (around 15MB each). As mentioned
above, I can split the saving of RAW and JPG files however I
want, so lots of options for me to choose from. Hot-Shoe
expandability: Which I have used for external flashes and works
very well and v.sturdy. Lots of other functions: Including Slow
and Quick Motion, simultaneous proxy movie recording, extraction
and separate storage of a still from a movie, and Gamma Display
Assist function, among others. Lenses & 3rd Party Support: 3rd
Party support is huge with a full range of amazing lenses from
Tamron and Sigma. I have used the full range of Tamron lenses to
cover from 17mm right the way through to 300mm focal ranges, and
they are tack-sharp lenses comparable to the much more expensive
Sony counterparts. Final Thoughts: This camera went on sale on
desertcart for £999 a few months ago then even dropped to around
£949 - I was seriously thinking of re-purchasing due to how much
of an amazing deal that it was - you get a lot of camera for that
price. I'd happily recommend this camera to anyone looking for
their first full-frame adventure, but also considering using the
A7 III in a professional capacity, as it has served me very well
in both areas.
Review: Amazing technology packed into a small footprint - What
an amazing camera, the autofocus is stunning, is very light
weight with almost overwhelming functionality. Easy to use as a
beginer with features that will take it up to professional levels
when I get my head round it all, pin sharp pictures and
outstanding value.
