July 28, 2020
Five years after the release of the A7S II, Sony made good on its promise for a successor. This powerful full frame mirrorless is built for the serious videographer with a newly developed BIONZ XR™ image processing image and a new 12.1MP back-illuminated Exmor R™ image sensor, significantly reducing rolling shutter.
Exceptional low light performance is good news for the underwater videographer with ultra-high sensitivity expandable 80-409,600 ISO range and 15+ stop dynamic range for movies.
"The Alpha 7S III is the first Alpha series camera to include Active Modeix with 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization to support especially difficult handheld movie shooting." - Sony press release
A new heat dissipation system makes continuous 4K/60p recording up to 'at least' one hour possible. This is achieved without fans or cabinet vents to keep the camera dust and moisture resistant.
A fast Hybrid AF system has 759 phase-detection AF points covering 92% of the image sensor. Sony claims the camera can deliver fast and accurate autofocus at light levels so low that the human eye struggles.
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is the highest resolution available to date at 9.44 million-dots.
Hard core videographers will want to take some time with camera's impressive list of specifications including 16-bit RAW output at up to 60p and 1-bit 4:2:2 internal capture (in codecs including H.265 and All-I H.264).
“Combining classic S series sensitivity with a feature set, performance level and user experience that is simply unmatched in the market today — at any price level — the Alpha 7S III opens up a new world of possibilities for today’s creators.” -Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics
The Sony Alpha a7S III is expected to start shipping around September 24 with a US market retail price of approximately $3,499.99 body only. We expect to have more information on housing compatibility by late September or early October.
Additional Reading
Video | A Celebration of Life with the Sony Alpha A7S II
Dive Diversions: On Safari in Uganda with the Sony Alpha A7R III
First Look Sony Alpha a7R IV Underwater Housing
