Sony Alpha a7S III (no lens included)

Recording Features

Overview: The Sony α7S III (ILCE-7SM3) Alpha-series camera kit contains the α7S III camera body, along with a rechargeable battery, battery charger, neck strap, and USB cable. The α7S III has a 12.1 mega-pixel full-frame 35mm image sensor, and is compatible with Sony E-mount lenses. With the LA-EA4 Mount Adapter, the camera can also use Sony A-mount lenses. (No lenses are included in this "body only" kit.)

3" Vari-angle LCD Screen: The α7S III uses a 3" Vari-angle LCD screen with 1,440,000 dots. You can open the LCD up approximately 176° and rotate up to 180° and down by 90°. The bright LCD monitor features a touch-sensitive panel with convenient Touch Focus and Touch Tracking functions. Sony's new menu struction is more intuitive, making it easier to change camera settings. The brightness of the LCD monitor can be adjusted in 5 steps from -2 to +2, plus a Sunny Weather mode.

0.64" OLED Electronic Viewfinder: The 0.64" Quad-XGA OLED electronic color viewfinder has 9,437,184 dots and 100% of coverage. It has a magnification of 0.90x and a wide 41° field of view (FOV) for full frame mirrorless cameras. In the Viewfinder/Monitor menu, you can switch to a special "Zoom Out" mode that provides a 33° FOV, equivalent to an APS-C camera view. It has a -4.0 to +3.0m^-1 diopter adjustment to focus the viewfinder to your eyesight. The Finder Frame Rate can be switched between 60fps (standard) and 120fps (Hi). You can set the camera to switch between the LCD screen and viewfinder automatically when you look into the VF, or manually choose one or the other in the camera's menu.

Display Options: The Display Setting (DISP) button lets you choose how much information appears in the viewfinder and LCD monitor. During shooting using the LCD monitor, the options are Display All Info, No Display Info, Histogram, Digital Level Gauge, and For Viewfinder. During Shooting using the viewfinder, you can choose from Digital Level Gauge, Histogram, and No Display info. During playback, using either the monitor or viewfinder, you can cycle between: Display Info, Histogram, and No Display Info.

Live View: The α7S III's Live View lets you use the LCD screen and Electronic Viewfinder to frame your photos as you shoot. When the Live View display is set to "Setting Effect On", the LCD or viewfinder will provide an accurate preview of your photo, including the white balance, exposure compensation, creative style or picture effect. With the "Setting Effect Off", you can check the image composition without the effects of the exposure settings.

SteadyShot INSIDE: The α7S III is equipped with In-body Image Stabilization with an image sensor-shift mechanism. SteadyShot INSIDE provides 5-axis compensation to reduce image blur caused by camera shake from five different directions: vertical, horizontal, pitch, yaw, and roll. The compensation effect is equal to approximate 5.5 stops. When recording still images, you can turn Image Stabilization on or off. For movies, you can choose between Active, Standard, or off. In-body Image Stabilization works with a wide range of E-mount and A-mount lenses (with mount adapter) that do not include stabilization of their own. Using lenses with Optical SteadyShot provides the maximum amount of compensation.

Image Sensor: The α7S III features an advanced 12.1-megapixel, Exmor R full-frame 35mm CMOS image sensor (35.6 x 23.8mm). It has approximately 12.9-million total pixels and 12.1-million effective pixels. The sensor's larger pixels and doubled sensor readout speed, combined with Sony's new BIONZ XR™ image processor, results in maximum sensitivity and dynamic range, faster processing and auto focus, and the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 4K movies at up to 120p.

Still Image Recording Formats: The α7S III can shoot JPEG, RAW, and HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) still images. Full-frame JPEG and HEIF images are recorded in Extra Fine, Fine, and Standard compression rates, and three sizes (L, M, S). RAW images are recorded in Compressed or Uncompressed formats in Large size only. For the first time in an α-series camera, the α7s III supports 16-bit RAW data output to an external recorder via HDMI (4264 x 2408 16:9 aspect ratio) with a choice of frame rates. RAW images must be transferred to a computer for processing, editing, and printing using the downloadable Imaging Edge software. Images can also be recorded in an APS-C-equivalent size. You can choose from 3:2, 16:9, 4:3, or 1:1 aspect ratios. You can select the following image sizes:

HLG Still Images: When shooting in HEIF format, you can shoot still images with a wide dynamic range and wide color gamut compatible with BT.2020. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) still images reproduce a wider range of brightness when displayed on an HLR-compatible TV or monitor. There is a special display mode on the camera for HLG images that is almost the same quality as an HLG-compatible monitor.

Movie Recording Formats: The α7S III offers 4K movie recording at up to 120 fps with 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 color sampling, using Long GOP or All Intra compression. You can produce extremely smooth 5x slow-motion imagery at 4K resolution. Up to 10x slow motion is possible with Full HD resolution is possible at 240 fps (24p recording). Movie formats include:

• XAVC HS 4K: This format uses the HEVC (H.265) codec, with a high compression efficiency, recording movies at a higher image quality than XAVC S but the same data volume. Uses Long GOP compression. Resolution 3840 x 2160.

• XAVC S 4K: Records in 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) using Long GOP compression:

• XAVC S HD: Records in HD resolution (1920 x 1080) using Long GOP compression:

• XAVC S-I 4K: Records in 4K resolution using Intra compression for movies, which is more suitable for editing than Long GOP.

• XAVC S-I HD: Records in Full HD resolution using Intra compression for movies, which is more suitable for editing than Long GOP.

Super 35mm Mode: When shooting movies in the Super 35mm mode, you can produce 4K movies from the full pixel readout with pixel binning. Super 35mm 4K movies provide extraordinary depth and detail. When recording in Super 35mm-equivalent size, you can use an APS-C size dedicated lens on the camera.

Compatible Media: The α7S III accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC Memory Cards (UHS-I and UHS-II compatible), and microSD/SDHC/SDXC cards (with adapter), as well as the new CFexpress Type A memory card. The required card types and speeds vary with the recording format you use:

Dual Media Slots: The camera has two slots for recording media. Both Slot 1 and Slot 2 support both SD memory cards and CFexpress (Type A) cards. The slots are configured so that the CFexpress cards insert with the label facing the rear of the camera, while the SD memory cards insert with its contacts facing the rear. CFexpress cards feature higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds. In the menu, you can prioritize Slot 1 or Slot 2 for recording your images and movies. You can also select a memory card slot as priority for playback. Images can be copied from one card to another. You can choose from these settings for recording images and movies to one or two memory cards:

• Standard: Images are recorded to the memory card in the selected priority slot only.
• Simultaneous (still image): Still images are recorded to cards in both slots, while movies are recorded to the selected memory card.
• Simultaneous (movies): Still images are recorded to the card in the selected slot, and movies are recorded to both memory cards.
• Simultaneous (still image/movies): Records still images and movies to both memory cards.
• Sort (RAW/JPEG): RAW images and movies are recorded to the memory card in the selected slot. JPEG images are recorded to the other memory card.
• Sort (RAW/HEIF): RAW images and movies are recorded to the memory card in the selected slot. HEIF images are recorded to the other memory card.
• Sort (JPEG/RAW): JPEG images and movies are recorded to the memory card in the selected slot. RAW images are recorded to the other memory card.
• Sort (HEIF/RAW) HEIF still images and movies are recorded to the memory card in the selected slot. RAW images are recorded to the other memory card.
• Sort (Still image/movies): Still images are recorded to the memory card in the slot you select in the menu. Movies are recorded to the other memory card.
• Auto Switch: If the memory card in use becomes full, the camera automatically switches to the other memory card.

NTSC/PAL: The camera lets you store both NTSC and PAL formatted video files on the same memory card. This eliminates the need for having separate memory cards for the two video formats.

Fast Hybrid Focusing: The α7S III's new Fast Hybrid AF system features 759 phase detection points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection system, covering approximately 92% of the image area. The phase detection focus points work with the 425 contrast detection AF points in the Fast Hybrid auto focus system to give you lightning fast auto focusing and superb real-time tracking capability.

Real-time Tracking: The camera's Real-time Tracking feature uses artificial intelligence to track moving subjects when shooting still images and movies. The camera maintains accurate focus while the shutter button is pressed halfway until you take the shot. Touch Tracking lets you select your subject by touching it on the touch-screen monitor. If the subject is a person, the AI detects and tracks the subject's eye and face in real time for sharp portraits. You can select the left or right eye in the menu. There's even an Eye AF Animal mode to track the eye of your pet.

Focus Modes: You can choose from the following Focus Modes:

• AF-S (Single-shot AF): The camera focuses and the focus is locked when you press the shutter button halfway down. Recommended for use with motionless subjects.
• AF-A (Automatic AF): Single-shot and Continuous AF are switched according to the movement of the subject. If the subject is motionless, the camera locks the focus. If the subject is in motion, the camera continues to focus.
• AF-C (Continuous AF): The camera continues to focus when you press and hold the shutter button halfway down. Recommended for use when the subject is in motion.
• DMF: After focusing automatically, you can make fine focusing adjustments manually (Direct Manual Focusing).
• Manual Focus: When it is difficult to get the proper focus in auto focus mode, you can adjust the focus manually. This mode allows you to set the distance of a subject by rotating the focusing ring to achieve a sharp focus.

AF (Auto focus) Area: You can choose between the following settings:

• Wide: The camera focuses automatically on a subject in all ranges of the image.
• Zone: You can select a zone (consisting of 9 focus areas) on the monitor on which to focus.
• Center Fix: The camera uses the AF area located in the center area exclusively.
• Spot (S/M/L): You can change the size of and move the focusing area in order to focus on a small subject or narrow area.
• Expand Spot: If you cannot focus on a single selected point, you can use focus points around the flexible spot as a secondary priority area for focusing.
• Tracking: When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the camera tracks the subject within the selected autofocus area. The Focus Mode must be set to Continuous AF.

Eye AF: The new Eye AF function can be assigned to a customizable button. When Eye AF is selected, the camera focuses on a person's eyes for extremely sharp focusing of the face.

Face Detection: The camera can detect human faces, and adjusts the focus, exposure, performs image processing and adjusts flash settings for best results. Faces can be registered, and priority given to those faces over others in the frame. Up to 8 faces can be detected and/or registered.

Focus Lock: If a subject is off-center and outside of the AF area, you can lock the focus of the camera.

AF Illuminator: When you press the shutter button halfway down a red illuminator is emitted until the focus is locked. Under dark lighting conditions or when you shoot a low contrast subject, the AF illuminator allows the camera to focus more easily on the subject.

Custom Zoom Settings: When using a compatible powered zoom lens, the camera lets you customize certain settings to suit your personal preferences and shooting style. You can choose the direction of the zoom ring, and assign custom buttons for zoom in and zoom out functions. There are 8 selectable zoom speeds that can be independently set for recording and standby modes. This lets you set a slow zoom speed for recording, and a fast zoom speed when you're not recording.

Drive Modes: The camera offers the following shooting modes:

• Single Shooting: Default setting for standard picture taking.
• Continuous Shooting: You can take photos continuously while the shutter button is held down. In Hi+ Continuous Shooting mode, images are shot continuously at the maximum speed (at approximately 10 fps) while you press and hold down the shutter button. The Hi (8 fps), Mid (6 fps), and Lo (3 fps) Continuous shooting modes make it easier to track, because the subject is displayed in real time on the monitor/viewfinder during shooting.
• Self-Timer: You can set the camera to four different self-timers:
  • 10 Second: After you press the shutter button, the shutter will be released about 10 seconds later. This is convenient when the photographer wants to appear in a photo.
  • 5 Second: After you press the shutter button, the shutter will be released about 5 seconds later. This is convenient when the photographer wants to appear in the photo.
  • 2 Second: After you press the shutter button, the shutter will be released about 2 seconds later. This is convenient to reduce camera-shake.
  • Continuous: The camera records 3 or 5 images continuously after a pre-selected delay of 10, 5, or 2 seconds. You can choose the best shot from the shots taken.
• Bracket Shooting: The camera is capable of shooting multiple images, each with a different setting. You can choose from the following Bracket options:
  • Continuous Bracket: Shoot 3 or 5 images, each with different degrees of brightness (0.3EV, 0.5EV, 0.7EV, 1.0EV, 2.0EV or 3.0EV). The images are taken as you press and hold the shutter button.
  • Single Bracket: Same as Continuous Bracket above, except that the shutter button is pressed for each image.
  • WB Bracket: The camera records three images, each with different color tones, according to the selected settings of white balance, color temperature, and color filter. You can select Low (small changes in white balance) or High (large changes in white balance).
  • DRO Bracket: The camera records three images, each with different degree of D-Range Optimizer. You can select Low (small changes in DRO) or High (large changes in DRO).

Shooting Modes: The top-mounted Mode Dial lets you select from the following shooting modes:

• iAuto (Intelligent Auto): This mode allows easy shooting with settings adjusted automatically.
• Program Auto: For shooting with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value), while allowing you to adjust other settings manually.
• Aperture Priority: This mode allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually, letting the camera set the appropriate shutter speed. This mode gives you greater control over the depth of field.
• Shutter Priority: This mode allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually, letting the camera set the appropriate aperture. With a high shutter speed, the moving subject appears as if it is frozen on the image. With a slow shutter speed, the moving subject appears as if it were flowing.
• Manual Exposure: This mode allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (shutter speed and aperture) manually.
• Memory Recall (1, 2, 3): You can register often-used camera settings (including Shooting Mode, Aperture, Shutter speed) in one of three memory positions on the Mode Dial for easy recall.
• Movies: You can record movies in 4K or Full HD in 16:9 aspect ratio. When selected on the Mode Dial, you can select the desired movie settings, including Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Exposure.
• S&Q Motion: This mode lets you shoot slow-motion and quick-motion movies.

Silent Shooting: In addition to the camera's mechanical shutter, the α7S III is equipped with an electronic shutter which has no moving parts. Using the electronic shutter, you can capture images in total silence and without vibration. This is particularly helpful when recording animals or sleeping babies.

Exposure Compensation: Exposure compensation is used to alter the camera's standard exposure setting. You can make the image look lighter (increased exposure) or darker (decreased exposure) The exposure compensation amount can be set up to +/-3.0 EV in 1/3-step increments by turning the dial on the top of the camera or +/-5.0 EV in 1/3-step or 1/2-step increments in the menu. When shooting movies, the exposure can be adjusted in a range of +/-2.0 EV.

Metering Mode: A 1200-zone evaluative sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions. You can select the method for measuring the brightness of a subject from the following five methods:

• Multi: This method uses the whole screen divided into 1200 zones to measure light.
• Center: While emphasizing the central area of the screen, this method measure the average brightness of the entire screen.
• Spot: This method measure light only in the spot metering circle in the center of the frame.
• Entire Screen Average: Measures the average brightness of the entire screen.
• Highlight: Measures the brightness while emphasizing the highlighted area on the screen.

White Balance: You can adjust the color tones according to the lighting conditions. You can choose from the following WB options: Auto WB, Auto: Ambience, Auto: White, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm White), Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Flash, Underwater Auto, Color Temperature, Color Filter, and Custom (1, 2, 3).

Color Temperature/Color Filter: You can adjust the white balance further by selecting Color Temperature or Color Filter in the Custom White Balance option. With Color Temperature, the higher the number, the more reddish the image, and the lower the number, the more bluish the image. Color Filter achieves the effect of Color Compensation filters for photography. Based on the set color temperature as the standard, the color can be compensated to Green (G) or Magenta (M).

ISO Settings: ISO is a unit of measurement of sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity. The camera's ISO can be set manually or automatically, between 80 and 102,400, depending upon the exposure mode. When the Expanded ISO range is turned on, sensitivity can be set as low as ISO 40, or as high as 409,600. For Movies, the sensitivity is set between ISO 80 and 102,400, with expansion up to ISO 409,600.

Multi-Interface Shoe: The α7S III does not have a built-in flash, but is equipped with the Multi-Interface Shoe, allowing you to use an external flash, such as the HVL-F20M, HVL-F45RM, or HVL-60RM. The ECM-B1M stereo shotgun microphone is also compatible. The M-I Shoe's digital audio interface lets you capture exceptionally high sound quality. The optional XLR-K3M adapter kit lets you choose from three recording formats: 48kHz/16-bit 2-channel, 48kHz/24-bit 2-channel, or 48kHz/24-bit 4-channel.

Flash Features: When an optional external flash is attached, the camera offers several Flash Modes: Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, and Wireless. You can adjust the amount of flash light in a range of -3.0 EV to +3.0 EV with the Flash Compensation feature.

Streaming Webcam: Using Sony's Imaging Edge Webcam software, you can use the camera to live stream high quality video on many of the popular video conferencing software platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. You can control the look of your content by choosing the lens focal length to control the depth-of-field. Your video stream will stand out with better quality images, even in difficult lighting. To stream from your camera, you will need to connect it to your computer via the included USB cable. The camera's microphone will not capture sound, so a separate microphone is required, plugged into the computer. Optional accessories include a tripod or other mount, and a constant light source. Imaging Edge Webcam software is compatible with is compatible with Windows 10 (64-bit only) and macOS Big Sur (Version 11), macOS Catalina (Version 10.15), macOS Mojave (Version 10.14), and macOS High Sierra (Version 10.13).

Wi-Fi / Bluetooth

Wireless Overview: The Sony α7S III lets you connect wirelessly with your mobile phone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth (ver. 5.0) or Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz/5GHz) through the Imaging Edge Mobile app.

USB-to-Wired LAN: With a USB-Ether wired LAN adapter cable (not included), you can provide a direct connection from the camera's USB-C port to 1000BASE-T Ethernet networks for fast wired data transfers in areas where Wi-Fi is not available.

Imaging Edge Mobile App: To interface with the Sony α7S III, your smartphone/tablet must have the Imaging Edge Mobile application. With the app, you can transfer still images and 4K videos from your camera, shoot remotely using your phone, add location information from your smartphone to your image files, and change and save camera settings using your phone. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and requires iOS 12.4 or later. It is also compatible with Android smartphones and tablets with the Android 6.0 and up operating environment.

NFC/QR Codes: You can easily connect the camera with NFC (Near-Field Communications) to your smartphone or tablets with built-in Wi-Fi and Sony's Imaging Edge Mobile app. By touching an NFC-enabled Android smartphone or tablet to the "N" mark on the right side of the camera, the smartphone will be connected automatically. The two devices must touch for approximately 1-2 seconds to make the connection. For non-NFC devices, such as certain iOS devices, you can connect using QR codes. When connected, you can control your camera, transfer files, and share images without having a computer.

View on TV: You can view images on a network-enabled TV by transferring them from the camera without connecting it to the TV with an HDMI cable.

Playback Functions

Playback Screen: You can view your photos back as a single image on the LCD monitor, as an Index or as a Slide Show. During Image Index mode, you can view 9 (3 x 3) or 25 (5 x 5) images at once.

Auto Review: After an image is recorded, you can have the camera automatically display it on the LCD monitor for two, five or 10 seconds. You can also turn off auto review.

Image Rotation: Vertical shots can be rotated automatically so that they are displayed upright during playback. This can be done manually or automatically.

Slide Show: You can automatically play back still images continuously in a slide show. You can set the interval to 1, 3, 5, 10, or 30 seconds.

View Mode: There are five View Modes to choose from for playing back images and movies: Date View, Folder View (Still), and Movie View.

D-Range Optimizer: The camera allows you to correct the brightness and contrast of an image automatically, using the D-Range Optimizer (DRO) function. The DRO optimizes the gradations of a recorded image in each area of the image; you select the optimal level from Lv1 (weak) and Lv5 (strong).

BRAVIA Sync: When connecting the camera to a Sony TV with BRAVIA Sync via HDMI, you can control the camera with the TV's remote control.

Protect Images: You can protect all images on your memory card or select only certain images to be protected from accidental erasure.

Connections

Microphone Jack: The 3.5mm microphone jack lets you connect an external microphone. If the external microphone has plug-in power, the power for the microphone is supplied by the camera through this jack. When an external mic is connected, the built-in microphone is turned off automatically.

Headphone Jack: You can connect headphones to the camera through this stereo 3.5mm headphone jack. This allows you to listen to audio as it's being recorded, or as the movie file is being played back.

HDMI: The camera has a full-sized HDMI (Type A) jack for connecting the camera to an HDMI-equipped TV or video recorder. To prevent the HDMI cable from being disconnected accidentally while shooting, you should use the supplied cable protector. HDMI resolution options include 2160p, 1080p, 1080i, and Auto.

USB-C: The α7S III is equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-C port. SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 enables blazing fast file transfers (up to 5 Gbps), compared to USB 2.0 (480 Mbps maximum). This extra speed is especially useful when you're performing PC-tethered shooting, allowing you to quickly review your images on your PC monitor without having to wait for the images to load.

Multi/Micro USB: The camera also includes a Multi/Micro USB terminal for connecting the camera to Micro USB-compatible devices. A number of optional Sony remote controls use the Multi/Micro USB port. This USB port supports Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0).

Multi Interface Shoe: The top-mounted Multi Interface Shoe is a single-point connection for multiple Sony accessories, such as flash units, video lights, and microphones.

Battery Information

InfoLithium Battery: The α7S III is powered by the supplied, high-capacity NP-FZ100 InfoLithium battery (7.2V, 2280mAh, 16.4Wh). The battery communicates data to the camera, so that the percentage of battery power remaining can be displayed. The battery life specs are as follows:

Charging: The NP-FZ100 InfoLithium battery requires approximately 150 minutes to reach a full charge in the camera, using the supplied BC-QZ1 battery charger.

USB Power Delivery: The α7S III supports USB PD (Power Delivery) via the USB Type C port. This allows you to power the camera for an extended time without draining the battery. A USB PD-compatible USB charger or mobile battery can be connect to the USB-C port to supply power, or to charge the NP-FZ100 battery at 3-4 times the normal rate.

Power Save: You can set different time intervals for the camera to switch to Power Save mode. You can set the interval to 10 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or 30 minutes. Once the camera goes into Power Save mode, you can return to the shooting mode by pressing the shutter button halfway.

Vertical Grip: The optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip holds two NP-FZ100 batteries to essentially double the battery capacity. The vertical grip fastens to the bottom of the α7S III, and offers several controls for use when the camera is in the vertical (portrait orientation) position.

Software

Downloadable Software: The α7S III does not include software in the box. Instead, Sony offers software for Windows- and Mac-compatible computers for importing still images and movies recorded with the camera to your computer. You can download the software to your computer using the appropriate URL provided in the supplied Instruction Manual.

Imaging Edge (Remote / Viewer / Edit): Imaging Edge desktop software lets you remotely operate the camera from your computer, either tethered with a USB cable or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. The software lets you make precise adjustments to the focus and composition, using the grid, guide, and overlay functions, and view images live on the large computer screen. You can also perform confirmation, selection, image-quality adjustment, and RAW development on your computer. The software is compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, as well as macOS 10.13-10.15 operating systems.