Joseph
The Alpha A7R III is Sony’s most recent high-resolution mirrorless camera. It is an upgrade to the superb Alpha A7R II, which was responsible for enticing many photographers away from the ease and convenience of their Canon and Nikon DSLRs.
This latest model appears to draw on many of the technologies used in the speed-oriented Sony Alpha A9, which is just as well because the Alpha A7R II was beginning to look a little pedestrian in comparison to other cameras, such as Nikon’s brilliant D850, which offers an irresistible combination of high resolution and high performance.
Sony a7R III 42.4MP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera (Renewed)
- 42.4 MP back-illuminated Exmore R CMOS sensor with gapless on-chip lens design
- New front-end LSI and updated BIONZ x processing-engine for maximum processing speed
- Advanced Hybrid AF system with 399 focal-plan Phase-detection AF points cover 68% of the image plane and 425 contrast AF points covering 47% of the image area
- 42.4 MP back-illuminated Exmore R CMOS sensor with gapless on-chip lens design
- New front-end LSI and updated BIONZ x processing-engine for maximum processing speed
- Advanced Hybrid AF system with 399 focal-plan Phase-detection AF points cover 68% of the image plane and 425 contrast AF points covering 47% of the image area
- 10 FPS with continuous and accurate AF/AE in either mechanical or silent shudder mode
With some impressive improvements to performance, as well as tweaks to handling, and the peace of mind of a five-year guarantee, is it possible that the new Alpha A7R III will result in even more second-hand Canon and Nikon DSLRs appearing on the shelves of camera stores as more photographers make the switch to Sony?
Sony a7r III Build Quality.
The Sony Alpha 7R III looks similar to its predecessor, the Sony Alpha 7R II. Still, when you look a little closer, you’ll notice that various improvements have been made to the camera’s design.
Although the new camera does not come with a separate drive mode dial or focus mode selector like the one found on the Alpha A9, it docomesith a multi-selector joystick thite similar to the one seen on the Alpha A9.
Because it enables considerably speedier AF point selection, the introduction of the joystick has brought about a significant improvement in handling in comparison to the A7R II. This may appear to be a slight change. Additionally, the A7R III incorporates a separate AF-ON button for back-button focusing, just like the A9. This feature was previously only available on the A9.
Sony a7r III Features
Although many people may have anticipated that Sony would increase the number of pixels to compete with or even outdo DSLR competitors like the Nikon D850 and Canon EOS 5DS, the company has decided to maintain the exact pixel count as the Alpha A7R II.
Although Sony has adopted some advancements from the 24.2MP Alpha A9 and combined them with this more densely packed chip, the 42.2MP back-illuminated full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor is still at the heart of the A7R III.
For starters, there are gapless microlenses, and there is also a new anti-glare coating. Additionally, the Alpha A7R III has a new front-end LSI that virtually doubles the sensor’s readout speed.
In addition, it uses the most recent version of the BIONZ X image processing engine. Together, these improvements increase processing rates to 1.8 times faster than the A7R II.
Sony a7r III Performance
Due to the increased processing power included within the Alpha 7R III, the burst shooting rate has been increased from 5 frames per second (fps) on the A7R II to 10 fps, and this is while maintaining continuous AF and AE tracking. As a result, it can simultaneously preserve this state for as many as 76 JPEG/raw photos or 28 uncompressed 14-bit raws.
You can utilize the mechanical shutter on the A7R III to do this, or you may choose to use the electronic shutter on the camera for quiet shooting if that suits you.
And even though the camera is writing many photographs to the memory card, it can still utilize many of the A7R III’s essential features, so there is no need to wait.
The Alpha A7R III is equipped with Sony’s 5-axis optical image stabilization technology, modified for the new camera to produce a 5.5-stop shutter speed advantage. This is an improvement over the A7R II’s system, which only offered a 4.5-stop gift.
A new low-vibration shutter mechanism has been developed to lessen the likelihood of image blurring caused by vibration, mainly while shooting at ten frames per second.
Sony a7r III Image Quality
It would be difficult to tell the difference between the photographs captured by the Alpha A7R III and those captured by the more densely packed sensors found in the 45.2MP Nikon D850 and the 50MP Canon EOS 5DS. The Alpha A7R III is capable of resolving an impressive amount of detail.
At the end of the day, if you want to generate huge prints of the A2 size, you won’t be dissatisfied with the results you get from the files produced by the Alpha A7R III.
Another area in which the Alpha A7R III excels is its ability to suppress background noise. Even when shooting at the top end of the native sensitivity range, the noise levels are kept well under acceptable limits, giving appealing pictures with natural-looking granular noise and little Chroma (color) noise. This is achieved by keeping noise levels within acceptable limits (up to ISO32,000).
As with most cameras, we recommend avoiding the high expansion settings (the highest on this camera is ISO102,400) unless taking a photo is more crucial than its final quality.
Additionally striking is the Alpha A7R III’s performance in terms of its dynamic range. Suppose you are shooting at low sensitivities and intentionally underexposing the shot to retain highlights. In that case, you will need to push the file in post-processing before you see any signs of quality beginning to deteriorate in the shadows. This is because shooting at low sensitivities causes more noise in the image, which can be seen in the shadows.
If you wish to do some general editing of raw files and recover some of the detail in them, the files produced by the A7R III provide you enough leeway to do so.
Sony a7r III Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 7952 x 5304 |
| Image ratio w h | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 42 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 44 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | Bionz X |
| ISO | Auto, 100-32000 (expands to 50-102400) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 102400 |
| White balance presets | 10 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis |
| CIPA image stabilization rating | 5.5 stop(s) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Extra fine, fine, standard |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View. |
| Digital zoom | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 399 |
| Lens mount | Sony E |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,440,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live View | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.78× |
| Viewfinder resolution | 3,686,400 |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject/scene modes | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync port) |
| Flash modes | Off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures)) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
| Modes | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 25 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 16 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | Two SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II support on one) |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (wired, wireless, smartphone) |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-FZ100 lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 650 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 657 g (1.45 lb / 23.17 oz) |
| Dimensions | 127 x 96 x 74 mm (5 x 3.78 x 2.91″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | None |
Sony a7r III Verdict
Sony a7R III 42.4MP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera (Renewed)
- 42.4 MP back-illuminated Exmore R CMOS sensor with gapless on-chip lens design
- New front-end LSI and updated BIONZ x processing-engine for maximum processing speed
- Advanced Hybrid AF system with 399 focal-plan Phase-detection AF points cover 68% of the image plane and 425 contrast AF points covering 47% of the image area
- 42.4 MP back-illuminated Exmore R CMOS sensor with gapless on-chip lens design
- New front-end LSI and updated BIONZ x processing-engine for maximum processing speed
- Advanced Hybrid AF system with 399 focal-plan Phase-detection AF points cover 68% of the image plane and 425 contrast AF points covering 47% of the image area
- 10 FPS with continuous and accurate AF/AE in either mechanical or silent shudder mode
If Nikon believed it could have its way with the D850, the company had to rethink its strategy. The new Alpha A7R III from Sony is a far more competent and well-rounded product due to Sony taking one of our favorite mirrorless cameras and improving its performance.
It is no longer necessary to choose between performance and resolution, as we have seen with the Nikon D850. Instead, you may now have both.
This camera will appeal to a wider variety of photographers than the earlier model because of its potent combination of 42.2 megapixels and excellent performance, which features ten frames per second (fps) burst shooting and a very clever autofocus system.
If you set it up atop a mountain, this camera won’t seem out of place in a recording studio or on the sidelines of a football game.
The Sony Alpha 7R III is now not just the most complete and all-around mirrorless camera that can be purchased. Still, it is also among the most excellent cameras currently available.
FAQs For Sony a7r III
Is Sony A7R III a professional camera?
Because of its high-resolution sensor, sophisticated autofocus system, and weather-sealed housing, the Sony A7R III is indeed considered a professional camera.
Is Sony A7R III discontinued?
As of 2023, the Sony A7R III has not been taken off the market, meaning it has not been decommissioned.
Is Sony A7R III good for night photography?
Because of its high ISO range and low-light detection capabilities, the Sony A7R III is, in fact, an excellent camera for taking photographs at night.
Is Sony A7 III Netflix approved?
Netflix has given the Sony A7 III the green light to produce high-quality videos and other material for the streaming service.
Is Sony A7R III good in low light?
Because of its sophisticated sensor technology and broad ISO range, the Sony A7R III does perform admirably in low light.
What is Sony A7R III good for?
The Sony A7R III is a flexible camera that can be used for various types of photography, such as landscape, portrait, and sports photography.
Is Sony A7R III touch screen?
The Sony A7R III has a touch screen that makes navigating the menus much simpler and adjusting the focus.
Is Sony A7R III good for portraits?
Because of its high-resolution sensor, sophisticated autofocus system, and wide range of lens options, the Sony A7R III is, in fact, an excellent camera for taking photographs.
Is Sony A7R III medium format?
The Sony A7R III is not a medium format camera; however, it has a full-frame sensor with an exceptionally high resolution.
Does the Sony A7R III have eye tracking?
Yes, the Sony A7R III is equipped with eye-tracking autofocus, which enables photographers to achieve pinpoint accuracy when focusing on the eyes of the subject of a headshot or other form of photography.
Is a7III a good beginner camera?
Because of its user-friendly interface, excellent picture quality, and affordable price point, the Sony A7 III is, in fact, an excellent camera for those just starting in photography.
How long will a Sony A7R III last?
The lifetime of a Sony A7R III can differ depending on how the camera is used and how it is cared for. Still, the camera is anticipated to last several years if properly maintained.
Read More:
