The Sony A7III is a full-frame mirrorless camera that has been highly anticipated by both professional and amateur photographers. It boasts impressive features, including a 24-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, and advanced autofocus technology. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the Sony A7III to see if it lives up to the hype.
The Sony A7III is the third iteration of the popular A7 line of cameras, following the A7 and A7II. It was released in early 2018 and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market. Its predecessors were already highly regarded for their image quality and compact size, but the A7III takes things to the next level with its updated features and improved performance.
In this review, we will cover everything from the design and build quality of the A7III to its image and video quality, user interface, and battery life. We will also discuss its price and value, as well as its pros and cons. By the end of this review, you should have a good understanding of whether the Sony A7III is the right camera for you.
Overview of the Sony A7III Camera
The Sony A7III is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. It has a native ISO range of 100-51,200, which can be expanded to 50-204,800, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting situations. The camera also features a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.
One of the most notable features of the A7III is its impressive autofocus system. It has 693 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points, covering approximately 93% of the frame. This allows for fast and accurate autofocus, even in low light conditions.
In terms of video capabilities, the A7III can record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and full HD video at up to 120 frames per second. It also has a microphone input and headphone output, making it suitable for professional videographers.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony A7III has a sleek and modern design, with a lightweight magnesium alloy body that is both durable and weather-sealed. It has a comfortable grip and ergonomic button layout, making it easy to handle and use for extended periods.
The camera also features a tilting 3-inch LCD screen and a high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF provides a clear and detailed view of the scene, even in bright outdoor conditions. The LCD screen has touch functionality, allowing for easy navigation of menus and settings.
Overall, the A7III has a solid build quality and feels well-made in the hands. Its compact size makes it a great option for travel and on-the-go photography.
Weather Sealing
One of the major improvements from its predecessors is the A7III’s improved weather sealing. The camera is dust and moisture resistant, allowing it to withstand tough shooting conditions. This makes it suitable for outdoor and adventure photography, where you may encounter rain, snow, or other harsh elements.
Button Layout
The button layout of the A7III is well thought out and intuitive, making it easy to access frequently used settings and functions. There are dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, exposure compensation, and focus mode, among others. The customizable C1 and C2 buttons can be assigned to your preferred settings for quick access.
Ergonomics
Despite its compact size, the A7III has a comfortable and ergonomic grip that makes it easy to hold and use. The buttons and dials are also well placed, allowing for easy operation without having to take your eye off the viewfinder.
Features and Performance
The Sony A7III is packed with advanced features that make it a versatile and capable camera for various shooting situations. One of its key features is its impressive autofocus system, which was mentioned earlier. The AF system can track and lock onto subjects quickly and accurately, making it suitable for fast-paced action photography.
Another notable feature is the 5-axis in-body image stabilization. This system works together with the lens stabilization (for compatible lenses) to provide up to 5 stops of compensation for camera shake. This is especially useful for hand-held shooting in low light conditions or when using telephoto lenses.
Eye Autofocus
One of the unique features of the A7III is its Eye AF technology. This allows the camera to detect and focus on human eyes, providing sharp and well-focused portraits. It is particularly useful for portrait and wedding photographers who need to capture quick shots of their subjects.
Silent Shooting
The A7III also has a silent shooting mode, which is great for situations where noise from the shutter may be distracting or disruptive. This can be useful for wildlife or event photography, where you don’t want to disturb the subject or the atmosphere.
Dual Card Slots
Unlike its predecessors, the A7III has two UHS-II-compatible SD card slots, allowing for dual card backup and overflow recording. This provides an extra layer of security when shooting important events or occasions. You can also choose to record different file formats or types to each card, giving you more flexibility in your workflow.
Image and Video Quality
The Sony A7III delivers excellent image quality, thanks to its 24-megapixel sensor and advanced processing capabilities. Images are sharp and detailed, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The low-light performance is also impressive, with minimal noise at high ISO levels.
The camera’s video capabilities are also top-notch, with the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second and full HD video at 120 frames per second. The footage is sharp and well-detailed, with good color rendition. The A7III also has a variety of picture profiles and S-Log options for those who want more control over their video footage.
Dynamic Range
The A7III has a wide dynamic range, thanks to its back-illuminated sensor and advanced processing capabilities. This allows for greater flexibility in post-processing and helps to preserve details in both highlights and shadows.
Color Rendition
Colors are accurately reproduced in both still images and videos, giving a natural and realistic look to your shots. The Sony A7III also has several creative picture profiles and color modes that you can use to achieve different looks and styles.
User Interface and Controls
The user interface of the Sony A7III is well-designed and easy to navigate. The menu system is organized logically, making it easy to find and adjust settings. You can also customize the function menu and assign frequently used settings to the custom buttons for quick access.
The camera also has a touch screen LCD, which makes navigating the menus and adjusting settings even easier. The touchscreen functionality can also be turned on or off, depending on your preference.
Customization
The A7III offers a high level of customization, allowing you to tailor the camera’s controls to your shooting style and needs. You can assign various functions and settings to the customizable buttons for quick access and efficiency.
Menu System
The menu system of the A7III is straightforward and easy to navigate. It is divided into six main categories: Camera Settings, Custom Settings, Wireless, Application (for downloading additional features), Playback, and Setup. Each category is further divided into sub-menus, making it easy to find and adjust specific settings.
Battery Life
The Sony A7III uses the same NP-FZ100 battery as its predecessor, but it has been redesigned to provide longer battery life. The camera claims to be able to take up to 710 shots (using the LCD screen) or 610 shots (using the EVF) on a single charge. This is a significant improvement from the A7II, which could only take approximately 350 shots on a single charge.
In real-world use, the battery life of the A7III is quite impressive and can last for a full day of shooting without needing to recharge. However, if you are planning on shooting video or using features like Eye AF extensively, you may want to consider carrying an extra battery or investing in a battery grip.
Charging
The A7III has a USB-C port for charging, which allows you to charge the camera via a power bank or laptop when you are on the go. This is a convenient feature, especially for those who travel frequently and may not always have access to a wall socket.
Price and Value
At the time of this review, the Sony A7III has a retail price of around $1,999 for the body only, making it one of the more affordable full-frame cameras on the market. When compared to its competitors, such as the Nikon Z6 and Canon EOS R, the A7III offers more features and better performance at a lower price point.
Considering all the features and capabilities of the A7III, it offers excellent value for its price. It is suitable for both professional and amateur photographers, and its versatility makes it a great investment for anyone looking to upgrade their photography gear.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent image and video quality
- Advanced autofocus system with Eye AF technology
- Compact and lightweight design
- Weather-sealed body
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- Dual SD card slots
- Good battery life
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Limited touchscreen functionality
- No in-body flash
- Limited lens selection for the E-mount system
- No dedicated joystick for selecting AF points
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sony A7III is a highly capable and versatile camera that offers fantastic features and performance at an affordable price. Its compact size, advanced autofocus system, and impressive image and video quality make it suitable for a wide range of photography and videography needs.
While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as limited touchscreen functionality and a smaller lens selection compared to other full-frame cameras, these can be overlooked considering the overall value and performance of the A7III. If you are in the market for a full-frame mirrorless camera, the Sony A7III is definitely worth considering.
