Back-illuminated 24.2MP full-frame sensor

The 35 mm full-frame Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor in the sony a7 III features 24.2-megapixel¹² resolution, back illumination, and gapless on-chip lens design for extraordinary sensitivity and dynamic range. Two times faster¹³ 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 improvement¹³ in image quality. A wide ISO sensitivity range of up to ISO 51200 is standard, and approx. up to 15-stop¹⁴ dynamic range at low sensitivity settings is achieved. Upgraded Detail Reproduction and Area-specific Noise Reduction combine to suppress noise and maintain a sense of high overall resolution. Color reproduction, especially of skin and nature scenes, has also been dramatically improved. The Sony α7 III also supports 14-bit RAW output¹⁵ even during silent shooting/continuous shooting¹⁶.

Wider, faster, more steadfast AF performance

An evolved image processing system and α9 camera AF algorithms optimized for the α7 III improve AF speed, precision, and tracking performance. 693 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points provide high-density wide-area coverage. AF speed up to twice as fast¹⁷ and more precise AF tracking performance let you capture and maintain focus on a quickly moving subject in unpredictable motion. The α7 III also autofocuses reliably down to EV-3 brightness¹⁸.

Focal-plane phase-detection AF supports A-mount lenses

Phase-detection AF can operate even when an A-mount lens¹⁹ is mounted to the Sony 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.

Eye AF now supporting AF-C

Eye AF newly supports AF-C mode with greater precision that dramatically enhances portrait shooting, plus higher AF speed that makes it easier to shoot a portrait of a moving subject, even if the subject looks down and away from the camera or is backlit with face in partial darkness. The Sony α7 III supports Eye AF for A-mount lenses²⁰ mounted via an adaptor.

AF-ON button and multi-selector

The new AF-ON button activates autofocus without any half-press-shutter-button focus sequence, so you can concentrate better on exactly when to release the shutter and capture the moment instantly. A multi-selector lets you shift the point of focus quickly and efficiently. You can select and shift the point of focus intuitively, so you won't miss great chances to shoot moving subjects.

Comprehensive AF convenience

AF tracking sensitivity when shooting stills is adjustable in five steps for subjects that move outside of the focus area. Autofocus areas and points remain the same or change when switching between horizontal and vertical orientations, depending on the shooting situation. AF area registration allows frequently used focus point settings to be memorized and assigned to custom buttons for fast, convenient recall at a touch whenever needed.

Up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking

With new shutter charge unit and image processing system refinements, the α7 III can shoot continuously at up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking²¹ (up to 8fps²¹ with minimal display lag in live-view continuous shooting mode) for easy, stable shooting of even intensely active subjects. Up to approximately 177 JPEG images (standard) in full resolution, 89 compressed RAW images, or 40 uncompressed RAW images can be captured in one continuous burst²². An electronic shutter allows silent, vibration-free shooting of wildlife and other sensitive situations when even slight noise can mean missing an ideal shot.

Enhanced operability for continuous shooting

Images captured in continuous shooting mode can be displayed as a group. Groups can be deleted or protected in one quick operation. Furthermore, with higher burst capacity and UHS-II media compatibility, the camera significantly streamlines the operation of writing data to memory cards. The Fn button and menu button can be operated to change settings immediately after continuous shooting, while data writing is in progress²³.

Anti-flicker shooting

Flicker from fluorescent and other artificial lighting is automatically detected and shutter action is timed to minimize the flicker's effect on still images. This suppresses exposure and color anomalies at the top and bottom of images shot at high shutter speeds, as well as exposure and color inconsistency between continuous shots, so you can take images indoors with more confidence.

Clear, natural, realistic 4K movies

High-resolution full-frame 4K movies²⁵ with full-pixel readout without pixel binning that condenses approximately 2.4 times²⁶ the amount of data required for 4K movies (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) results in minimal moiré and jaggies. Advanced image processing makes it possible to record full-frame 4K movies with outstanding image quality in the mid-to-high ISO range, so you make the most of the 4K movie format’s unique potential in every shot. Super 35 mm can also be selected, instead of full-frame mode, as needed.

Supports a wide range of needs in HDR movie production

Supporting a wide range of HDR movie production needs, the α7 III offers S-Log3 as well as S-Log2 gamma curves, for great flexibility to fine-tune images as desired through color grading operation in post-production [1], and a new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)²⁷ picture profile for instant HDR workflow. However, color grading is not required to enjoy instant playback of high-quality, true-to-life images [2] with no blocked shadows or blown highlights on an HDR (HLG) compatible TV.

Versatile movie recording functions

The α7 III provides a wide array of functions to facilitate workflows of professional videographers, including clean HDMI output, time code / user bits (TC/UB), rec. control, marker display/setting, zebra function, Slow and Quick Motion²⁸, simultaneous proxy movie recording, extraction and separate storage of a still from a movie, and Gamma Display Assist function, among others.

Improved Fast Hybrid AF for movie recording

An efficient combination of focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF accurately locks onto even fast-moving subjects, then tracks them smoothly during movie recording. AF coverage for movies extends across an area almost as wide as the AF coverage area for still images, so once the high-density AF system locks onto a movie subject, the camera continues to track it steadily and tenaciously. Three AF drive speed settings give you freedom to use slow focus effects when shooting movie scenes.

My Menu and new menu interface

My Menu lets you register and arrange up to 30 menu items in order of frequency of use for instant recall, and unused items can be erased, as needed. A custom menu can be created to suit particular shooting needs. The α7 III has primary menus reorganized for easier searching, with group names and page numbers at the top of the displays.

Rating function convenient for on-location sorting

Ratings from 1 to 5 stars can be applied to still images and maintained as the images are imported into PlayMemories Home or the new Imaging Edge software suite from Sony running on a PC. This function and a protect function to prevent accidental image deletion can each be assigned to a custom button (C3 by default for protect). Ratings and protection can be applied via review playback display and continuous groups can be reviewed, protected, and deleted while you're on location or traveling.

Promptly changeable customization

Camera setups can be registered (up to two in the camera and four on a memory card) for quick access via mode dial. Up to 81 functions can be assigned to 11 custom keys, and even sets of customized functions can be assigned for stills, movies, and playback. Recall Custom Setting During Hold function is convenient for temporary recall of shooting settings assigned to custom buttons while such a button is held.

High-resolution, high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder™

Providing high resolution and contrast, plus the excellent gradation and color reproduction that are advantages of OLED viewfinders, this approximately 2359K-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ faithfully depicts images with clear corner-to-corner visibility. Magnification is 0.78x (approx. 38.5° diagonal FOV). ZEISS T* coating greatly reduces obtrusive lens reflection on the ocular lens. Start-up is approximately 40% faster than with the α7 II when the camera is switched on. Furthermore, view mode can be set to “High” to provide finer and more natural details by taking maximum advantage of the data read from the 24.2 effective megapixel sensor.

Touch screen LCD for easy instant focus operation

A 3.0-type 922K-dot LCD screen offers touch screen operation and bright, clear, finely detailed views even outdoors. Use Touch Focus to focus instantly on a point that you touch on the screen and Touch Pad to drag the focus frame with a fingertip on the LCD as you monitor the shot through the viewfinder. This LCD tilts up by as much as 107°, and down by as much as 41° for flexible, convenient camera holding and shot monitoring. 

In-body 5-axis image stabilization with 5.0-stop shutter speed advantage

This comprehensive system compensates for five types of camera shake that tend to blur images: pitch/yaw shake when shooting at longer focal lengths; X/Y shake in close-up (including macro) shooting; and roll shake when recording stills at night and movies. It effectively achieves 5.0-stop-faster²⁹ shutter speed, so the α7 III can take full advantage of its high-quality imaging capability and live-view image performance. Furthermore, it functions with A-mount lenses attached via mount adaptor, as well as E-mount lenses.

Location Information Link via Bluetooth

The camera can be paired with the PlayMemories Mobile app³¹ installed on a compatible cellphone or tablet device to acquire location data, record it on still images, and correct camera date/time and location settings. PlayMemories Home application can be used on a personal computer to organize imported still images on a map.

Smooth PC tethering via USB 3.1 Gen 1 port

A USB Type-C™³² port supporting fast USB 3.1 Gen 1 facilitates high-speed PC Remote transfer of large RAW data files, so you can quickly review images on a PC and continue shooting without delay. Also, a setting to transfer only JPEG files to PC lets you check images via PC even more quickly after continuous shooting because the camera doesn't have to send big volumes of RAW data.

Longer battery life to shoot for more professional lengths

For extended periods of confident shooting, the NP-FZ100 battery has approximately 2.2 times the capacity of an NP-FW50 battery. You can shoot up to approximately 710 photos³³ with one full charge and an optional VG-C3EM Vertical Grip can hold two batteries. USB Type-C™ and Multi/Micro USB ports allow external mobile batteries to power the camera for extended recording. Even more conveniently, accessories such as a remote control unit can be used via Multi/Micro USB port while power is supplied via USB Type-C™ port. BC-QZ1 optional battery charger allows quicker charging than charging via USB.

Dual slots with UHS-II compatibility

This camera provides two media slots for SD card (UHS-II-compatible for fast data writing) and SD card/Memory Stick, respectively. Two cards in the slots can be used to simultaneously record or relay record data, separate RAW data from JPEG data, or stills from movies, and copy data from one card to the other. The memory card cover is lockable to prevent it from being opened unintentionally.

Highly durable and operable in tough conditions

The α7 III functions reliably in challenging environments. Its body is fortified by lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy top cover, front cover, and internal frame. The number of lens mount screws has been increased to six for enhanced durability. Major buttons and dials are sealed. Sealing is provided throughout the body to minimize entry of dust and moisture³⁴.

One-touch remote & One-touch sharing

One-touch remote can turn a smartphone or tablet into a viewfinder/remote control. One-touch sharing transfers photos/videos to your device for social network site (SNS) sharing. Just install the PlayMemories Mobile app via Wi-Fi to your NFC-enabled Android device, and then touch the device to the camera to connect them. If you don’t have NFC, use QR code compatibility to pair the devices.

New Imaging Edge software suite from Sony

Imaging Edge software suite can maximize image quality, improve production efficiency, and help you finely adjust RAW-based images. Use its “Remote” to remotely control shooting while monitoring scenes via live-view PC screen; "Edit" to develop RAW data into high-quality photos; and "Viewer" to view, rate, and select photos from a list of shots.³⁶

Capture One (for Sony)

Capture One Express (for Sony) is a free award-winning image editing software that provides high-end image quality RAW development, easy management of your image files, and powerful editing tools. Capture One Pro (for Sony) can be bought for even more editing tools and tethered shooting capability.  See details below for what is included with the Sony a7 III.