Sony Expands Full-frame Mirrorless Lineup with Introduction of New α7 III
Camera
- Newly Developed Full-frame 24.2MP(i) Back-Illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS Image
Sensor with Evolved Image Processing - Wide ISO range of 100 – 51200 (expandable to ISO 50 – 204800 for still
images) and 15-Stop(ii) Dynamic Range at low sensitivities - World Class AF system featuring 693 phase-detection AF points covering 93% of
image area, 425 contrast AF points and fast and reliable Eye AF - Continuous Shooting at up to 10 fps(iii) with either Mechanical Shutter or
Silent Shooting(iv) and full Auto Focus/Auto Exposure tracking - 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization with a 5.0 step(v) shutter speed
advantage - High Resolution 4K(vi) Movie Shooting with full pixel readout and no pixel
binning across full-width of full-frame sensor - The longest rated battery life of any Mirrorless camera(vii) at 710
shots(viii) per charge - Upgraded operability and functionality including addition of joystick for
adjusting focus points, Dual SD Card Slots, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB
Type-C™ Terminal and more
(ASIA
PACIFIC, 27 February 2018) – Sony today introduced yet another impressive
addition to their full-frame mirrorless camera line-up, the α7 III (model
ILCE-7M3).
PACIFIC, 27 February 2018) – Sony today introduced yet another impressive
addition to their full-frame mirrorless camera line-up, the α7 III (model
ILCE-7M3).
Sony’s unmatched innovation within the image
sensor space is at the forefront of the new α7 III, as it features a brand new
24.2MPi back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image
sensor with increased sensitivity, outstanding resolution and an impressive 15
stopsii of dynamic range at low
sensitivities. By combining this sensor with a variety of impressive
features including extreme AF coverage of 93%, fast shooting at up to 10 fpsiii with either mechanical shutter or silent shootingiv, diverse 4Kvi video
capabilities and more, Sony has created a new tool that gives all types of
creators – from enthusiast to professional – the ability to capture content in
new and different ways than they ever have before.
sensor space is at the forefront of the new α7 III, as it features a brand new
24.2MPi back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image
sensor with increased sensitivity, outstanding resolution and an impressive 15
stopsii of dynamic range at low
sensitivities. By combining this sensor with a variety of impressive
features including extreme AF coverage of 93%, fast shooting at up to 10 fpsiii with either mechanical shutter or silent shootingiv, diverse 4Kvi video
capabilities and more, Sony has created a new tool that gives all types of
creators – from enthusiast to professional – the ability to capture content in
new and different ways than they ever have before.
Spectacular Full-frame Image Quality
The newly developed 24.2MPi back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor is paired with
a front-end LSI that effectively doubles the readout speed of the image sensor,
as well as an updated BIONZ X™ processing-engine that boosts processing speed
by approximately 1.8 times compared to the α7 II. These powerful
components work together to allow the camera to shoot at faster speeds while
also enabling its impressive ISO range of 100 – 51200 (expandable to ISO 50 –
204800 for still images) and an overall 1.5 stopix improvement in image quality. The camera also
features a massive 15-stopii dynamic range at low sensitivity
settings, ensuring outstanding overall performance at all settings and in all
shooting conditions, with significant advancements in accurate color
reproductions of skin tones and the vibrant colors of nature. This new
full-frame model can also output 14 bit RAW formatix even in silent and continuous shooting modes, and is equipped
with a 5-axis optical image stabilization system that results in a 5.0 stepv shutter speed advantage.
a front-end LSI that effectively doubles the readout speed of the image sensor,
as well as an updated BIONZ X™ processing-engine that boosts processing speed
by approximately 1.8 times compared to the α7 II. These powerful
components work together to allow the camera to shoot at faster speeds while
also enabling its impressive ISO range of 100 – 51200 (expandable to ISO 50 –
204800 for still images) and an overall 1.5 stopix improvement in image quality. The camera also
features a massive 15-stopii dynamic range at low sensitivity
settings, ensuring outstanding overall performance at all settings and in all
shooting conditions, with significant advancements in accurate color
reproductions of skin tones and the vibrant colors of nature. This new
full-frame model can also output 14 bit RAW formatix even in silent and continuous shooting modes, and is equipped
with a 5-axis optical image stabilization system that results in a 5.0 stepv shutter speed advantage.
Significant Advances in AF Speed and
Performance
Performance
The innovative new α7 III full-frame
mirrorless camera features a level of AF performance that has been largely
improved over the α7 II, including the addition of 4D FOCUS™
capabilities. The new camera has 425 contrast AF points that work with a
693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system inherited from the acclaimed α9
model. This innovative AF system covers approximately 93% of the frame,
ensuring reliable focusing and tracking for even the most difficult to capture
subjects.
mirrorless camera features a level of AF performance that has been largely
improved over the α7 II, including the addition of 4D FOCUS™
capabilities. The new camera has 425 contrast AF points that work with a
693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system inherited from the acclaimed α9
model. This innovative AF system covers approximately 93% of the frame,
ensuring reliable focusing and tracking for even the most difficult to capture
subjects.
AF response and tracking has also been greatly
improved in the new camera, with almost 2xii the focusing
speed in low-light condition and 2xii the tracking
speed compared to the previous model as a result of the faster image sensor
readout. This allows complex and unpredictable motion to be captured with
far greater precision and accuracy.
improved in the new camera, with almost 2xii the focusing
speed in low-light condition and 2xii the tracking
speed compared to the previous model as a result of the faster image sensor
readout. This allows complex and unpredictable motion to be captured with
far greater precision and accuracy.
The acclaimed Eye AF feature is also available
in the new camera, even in AF-C mode, which is extremely useful for situations
where the subject is turning around, looking down or otherwise obstructed.
It also works when the α7 III is being used with Sony’s A-mount
lenses with an optional LA-EA3 adaptorx. Additional
improvements in focusing flexibility include the addition of a multi-selector
or ‘joystick’ for moving focusing points quickly, the addition of touch
focusing capability, AF availability in Focus Magnifier mode, an ‘AF On’ button
and much more.
in the new camera, even in AF-C mode, which is extremely useful for situations
where the subject is turning around, looking down or otherwise obstructed.
It also works when the α7 III is being used with Sony’s A-mount
lenses with an optional LA-EA3 adaptorx. Additional
improvements in focusing flexibility include the addition of a multi-selector
or ‘joystick’ for moving focusing points quickly, the addition of touch
focusing capability, AF availability in Focus Magnifier mode, an ‘AF On’ button
and much more.
Speed to Capture Every Decisive Moment
The new α7 III is equipped with an updated
image processing system that allows it to shoot full resolution images at up to
10 fpsiii with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking
for up to 177 Standard JPEG images, 89 compressed RAW images or 40 uncompressed
RAW imagesxi. This high speed mode is available with
either a mechanical shutter or a completely silent shootingiv, adding to the immense flexibility of the camera. The
camera can also shoot continuously at up to 8 fpsiii in live view mode with minimal lag in the viewfinder or
LCD screen.
image processing system that allows it to shoot full resolution images at up to
10 fpsiii with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking
for up to 177 Standard JPEG images, 89 compressed RAW images or 40 uncompressed
RAW imagesxi. This high speed mode is available with
either a mechanical shutter or a completely silent shootingiv, adding to the immense flexibility of the camera. The
camera can also shoot continuously at up to 8 fpsiii in live view mode with minimal lag in the viewfinder or
LCD screen.
For added convenience, while large groups of
burst images are being written to the memory card, many of the cameras key
functions are operable, including access to the ‘Fn’ (Function) and ‘Menu’
buttons, image playback and several other menus and parameters including image
rating and other functions that facilitate on-location image sorting.
burst images are being written to the memory card, many of the cameras key
functions are operable, including access to the ‘Fn’ (Function) and ‘Menu’
buttons, image playback and several other menus and parameters including image
rating and other functions that facilitate on-location image sorting.
Additionally, if there is fluorescent or
artificial lighting present in a shooting environment, users can activate the
Anti-flickerxii function to allow the α7 III to
automatically detect frequency of the lighting and time the shutter to minimize
its effect on images being captured. This minimizes any exposure or color
anomalies that can sometimes occur at the top and bottom of images shot at high
shutter speeds.
artificial lighting present in a shooting environment, users can activate the
Anti-flickerxii function to allow the α7 III to
automatically detect frequency of the lighting and time the shutter to minimize
its effect on images being captured. This minimizes any exposure or color
anomalies that can sometimes occur at the top and bottom of images shot at high
shutter speeds.
High Quality 4K Video
The new α7 III is an outstanding video camera
as well, offering 4Kvi (3840×2160 pixels) video recording
across the full width of the full-frame image sensor. In video mode, the
camera uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect about 2.4xxiii the amount of data required for 4K movies, and
then oversamples it to produce high quality 4K footage with
exceptional detail and depth.
as well, offering 4Kvi (3840×2160 pixels) video recording
across the full width of the full-frame image sensor. In video mode, the
camera uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect about 2.4xxiii the amount of data required for 4K movies, and
then oversamples it to produce high quality 4K footage with
exceptional detail and depth.
An HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)xiv picture profile is available on the α7 III as well, which
supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TV’s to
playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. Further, both
S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased color grading flexibility, as
well as Zebra functionality, Gamma Display assist and proxy recording.
The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbpsvi, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x
or 5x slow motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.
supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TV’s to
playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. Further, both
S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased color grading flexibility, as
well as Zebra functionality, Gamma Display assist and proxy recording.
The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbpsvi, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x
or 5x slow motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.
Upgraded Build, Design and Customization
Sony’s newest full-frame camera is equipped
with a variety of enhanced capabilities that were first implemented in the α9
and then again in the α7R III. These include dual media slots, with
support in one slot for UHS-II type SD memory cards. Users have a variety
of options for storing their content in each of the cards, including separate
JPEG / RAW recording, separate still image / movie recording, relay recording
and more. Battery life has been greatly extended as well – with a CIPA
measurement of up to 710 shots per chargeviii, it offers the
world’s longestvii battery life of any Mirrorless camera,
as the new camera utilizes Sony’s Z series battery NP-FZ100 that have
approximately 2.2 times the capacity of the W series battery NP-FW50 utilized
in the α7 II.
with a variety of enhanced capabilities that were first implemented in the α9
and then again in the α7R III. These include dual media slots, with
support in one slot for UHS-II type SD memory cards. Users have a variety
of options for storing their content in each of the cards, including separate
JPEG / RAW recording, separate still image / movie recording, relay recording
and more. Battery life has been greatly extended as well – with a CIPA
measurement of up to 710 shots per chargeviii, it offers the
world’s longestvii battery life of any Mirrorless camera,
as the new camera utilizes Sony’s Z series battery NP-FZ100 that have
approximately 2.2 times the capacity of the W series battery NP-FW50 utilized
in the α7 II.
The new camera features “My Menu”
functionality which allows up to 30 menu items to be registered for instant
recall when needed. Users can also apply star ratings to their still images
through the camera controls for easier image playback and review, and edit the
first three characters of all still image files. Additionally, there is a
total of 81 functions that are assignable to 11 custom buttons, and the camera
is both dust and moisture resistant.xv
functionality which allows up to 30 menu items to be registered for instant
recall when needed. Users can also apply star ratings to their still images
through the camera controls for easier image playback and review, and edit the
first three characters of all still image files. Additionally, there is a
total of 81 functions that are assignable to 11 custom buttons, and the camera
is both dust and moisture resistant.xv
The α7 III features high-resolution,
high-contrast, fast-start XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with approximately 2.3 million
dots for extremely accurate, true-to-life detail reproduction.
“Standard” or “High” display quality settings are also
available for both the viewfinder and monitor as well. It also is capable
of seamlessly transferring files to a smartphone, tablet, computer or FTP
server via Wi-Fi®, while also offering a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB
Type-C™ Terminal for increased flexibility in power supply and faster image
transfer speed during tethered shooting.
high-contrast, fast-start XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with approximately 2.3 million
dots for extremely accurate, true-to-life detail reproduction.
“Standard” or “High” display quality settings are also
available for both the viewfinder and monitor as well. It also is capable
of seamlessly transferring files to a smartphone, tablet, computer or FTP
server via Wi-Fi®, while also offering a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB
Type-C™ Terminal for increased flexibility in power supply and faster image
transfer speed during tethered shooting.
The α7 III model also comes with Sony’s new
software suite “Imaging Edge”, which extends the creative
capabilities of the entire shooting process – from pre-processing to
post-processing. “Imaging Edge” provides three PC
applications called ‘Remote’, ‘Viewer’ and ‘Edit’, available for free download,
which support live-view PC remote shooting and RAW development. In
the latest Version 1.1, several improvements have been implemented including
about 10%xvi faster data transfer speed for remote
shooting from PC (PC tether shooting) and about 65%xvii improvement in the response speed for RAW image
editing. For more information, please visit Imaging Edge support
page. www.sony.net/disoft/d/.
software suite “Imaging Edge”, which extends the creative
capabilities of the entire shooting process – from pre-processing to
post-processing. “Imaging Edge” provides three PC
applications called ‘Remote’, ‘Viewer’ and ‘Edit’, available for free download,
which support live-view PC remote shooting and RAW development. In
the latest Version 1.1, several improvements have been implemented including
about 10%xvi faster data transfer speed for remote
shooting from PC (PC tether shooting) and about 65%xvii improvement in the response speed for RAW image
editing. For more information, please visit Imaging Edge support
page. www.sony.net/disoft/d/.
The camera is also compatible with a wide
variety of Sony E-mount accessories including the BC-QZ1 Battery Chargerxviii, VG-C3EM Vertical Grip.
variety of Sony E-mount accessories including the BC-QZ1 Battery Chargerxviii, VG-C3EM Vertical Grip.
Pricing and Availability
The new α7
III and SEL2870 lens will be available in selected Asia Pacific
countries in March 2018.
III and SEL2870 lens will be available in selected Asia Pacific
countries in March 2018.
|
i
|
Approximate, effective
|
|
ii
|
Sony test conditions
|
|
iii
|
In continuous “Hi+” mode. Max. fps depends
on camera settings. |
|
iv
|
Some distortion may occur with fast-moving subjects.
|
|
v
|
CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm
F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off. |
|
vi
|
Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card required for XAVC S
movie recording, UHS speed class 3 or higher for 100 Mbps recording. |
|
vii
|
Among non-reflex interchangeable lens digital camera
equipped with auto focus function as of February 2017, based on Sony research. |
|
viii
|
CIPA standards. When using the LCD monitor. 610 images
when using the viewfinder. |
|
ix
|
Limited to 12 bits during compressed RAW continuous
shooting, BULB exposure, or when Long Exposure NR is ON. |
|
x
|
With SSM or SAM lenses only. With the LA-EA3 mount
adaptor. Eye AF not supported for movie recording. AF-C can only be used when the “Phase detection” AF system is selected, but focus is fixed at the first frame during continuous shooting in any mode other than “Continuous: Lo” (Hi+, Hi, Mid). |
|
xi
|
Continuous “Hi+” mode. UHS-II compatible SDXC
memory card required. Sony test conditions. |
|
xii
|
Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous
shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during silent shooting, BULB exposure, or movie recording. |
|
xiii
|
24p recording. Approx. 1.6x at 30p.
|
|
xiv
|
Connect to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable
to view HDR (HLG) movies. |
|
xv
|
Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
|
|
xvi
|
The transfer speed has been measured with multiple images
using α7R III, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1), and Uncompressed RAW ( L: 7952 x 5304)＋JPEG Extra fine. |
|
xvii
|
Measured with: CPU Intel® Core™ i7-6700 Processor 3.40GHz,
Memory 8GB, OS Windows® 7 Professional, and Uncompressed RAW (α7R III L: 7952 x 5304) |
|
xviii
|
Not supplied in box
|
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