Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera Review
The Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera raises the bar for full-frame mirrorless cameras with its optimized video capabilities, sensitivity, and speed. With a revised 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and updated BIONZ XR image processor, this camera offers improved performance, noise reduction, and a wider dynamic range. It also features UHD 4K 120p video recording and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling for professional-level video production.
WizeBuyz participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. When you make a purchase through one of our Amazon links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us maintain our site and continue providing our users with great insights and reviews.
WizeBuyz Take
The Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera is a top choice for video enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize optimized video capabilities, low-light performance, and overall image quality. With its improved sensor and processor, it delivers exceptional video footage and offers advanced features for creative control. While it may have a lower megapixel count compared to other full-frame cameras, the trade-off is well worth it for videographers who value performance over sheer resolution.
Cons
Limited megapixels compared to some other full-frame cameras
Limited native lens selection
Pros
Excellent low-light performance
Optimized video capabilities for professional-level production
Improved autofocus with subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF
No recording time limit
Wide dynamic range for HDR production
5-axis image stabilization for smooth footage
The Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera is designed for video enthusiasts and professionals who demand high-quality footage. With its 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR image processor, the camera delivers exceptional image quality, improved noise reduction, and a wider dynamic range. The optimized video capabilities allow for UHD 4K 120p video recording and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling, ensuring sharp and vibrant footage with accurate color reproduction.
One of the standout features of this camera is its improved autofocus performance. With 759 phase-detection points, the camera offers intelligent subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF, ensuring precise focus on moving subjects in all recording modes. This is particularly useful for capturing fast-paced action or filming interviews where maintaining focus on the subject is crucial.
The Sony Alpha a7S III does not have a recording time limit, making it ideal for long-form video productions. It also incorporates HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) for direct HDR production, as well as S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma profiles for advanced HDR production. These features give videographers more creative control over the final look of their footage.
In terms of sensitivity, this camera excels. It offers an expanded ISO range from 40 to 409600, allowing for outstanding low-light performance and reduced noise in challenging lighting conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for shooting in dimly lit environments or for night photography.
The Sony Alpha a7S III also benefits from 5-axis image stabilization, helping to minimize camera shake and deliver smoother footage. The 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen makes it easy to frame shots from various angles, and the 9.44m-Dot QXGA OLED EVF provides a clear and detailed view of the scene. Plus, with a dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slot, you have plenty of storage space for your high-resolution videos.
Pros:
- Excellent low-light performance
- Optimized video capabilities for professional-level production
- Improved autofocus with subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF
- No recording time limit
- Wide dynamic range for HDR production
- 5-axis image stabilization for smooth footage
Cons:
- Limited megapixels compared to some other full-frame cameras
- Limited native lens selection
Consensus:
The Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera is a top choice for video enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize optimized video capabilities, low-light performance, and overall image quality. With its improved sensor and processor, it delivers exceptional video footage and offers advanced features for creative control. While it may have a lower megapixel count compared to other full-frame cameras, the trade-off is well worth it for videographers who value performance over sheer resolution.
WizeBuyz
-Your Shopping Assistant
Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera In-Depth Review:
Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera Review Specs:
Bundle Includes: 1 x Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only), 1 x SanDisk SecureDigital 64GB Extreme PRO Memory Card, 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, 1 x Corel Photo Software With PhotoMirage, AfterShot, Painter Essentials, PaintShop Pro, and Video Studio, 1 x Large Padded Case, 1 x NP-FZ100 charger, 1 x Memory Card Reader, 1 x Micro HDMI Cable, 1 x Deluxe Cleaning Set, 1 x 12 Inch Flexible Tripod, 1 x Memory Card Wallet
Optimized video, optimized sensitivity, optimized speed, the Sony Alpha a7S III raises the bar for what a full-frame mirrorless camera is capable of. A revised 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and updated BIONZ XR image processor offer faster performance, improved noise reduction, and a wider dynamic range, along with UHD 4K 120p video recording and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling.
Video is the primary application of the a7S III, and improvements to the sensor and processor enable faster readout speeds and greatly reduced rolling shutter, along with high-bitrate internal recording, 16-bit raw output via the full-size HDMI port, and flexible control over motion with variable frame rate selection. The a7S III also does away with recording time limits and incorporates HLG for direct HDR production as well as S-Log2/S-Log3 gamma profiles for advanced HDR production.
The updated sensor design also brings improved autofocus performance via 759 phase-detection points, which offer intelligent subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF to ensure critical focus on moving subjects in all recording modes. The sensor and BIONZ XR processor also facilitate impressive sensitivity, with an expanded range from ISO 40-409600, as well as fast 10 fps continuous shooting for up to 1000 consecutive raw frames.
Key Features: 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor - UHD 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal - 16-Bit Raw Output, HLG & S-Log3 Gammas - 759-Point Fast Hybrid AF - 9.44m-Dot QXGA OLED EVF - 3.0" 1.44m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen - 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization - Extended ISO 40-409600, 10 fps Shooting - Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots.