Sony Alpha A7 Mark III User Manual

4-732-950-41(1)

“Help Guide” (Web manual)

Refer to “Help Guide” for in-depth instructions on the many functions of the camera.

« Guide d’aide » (Manuel en ligne)

Consultez le « Guide d’aide » pour obtenir des instructions détaillées au sujet des nombreuses fonctions

E-mount

http://rd1.sony.net/help/ilc/1720/h_zz/

Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera/Instruction Manual GB

Appareil photo à objectif interchangeable/Mode d’emploi FR

Digitalkamera mit Wechselobjektiv/Gebrauchsanleitung DE

de l’appareil.

Cámara Digital de Lentes Intercambiables/Manual de instrucciones

Fotocamera digitale con obiettivo intercambiabile/Istruzioni per l’uso

Câmara Digital de Objetivas intercambiáveis/Manual de instruções

Digitale camera met verwisselbare lens/Gebruiksaanwijzing NL

Aparat cyfrowy z wymiennymi obiektywami/Instrukcja obsługi PL

Цифровой фотоаппарат со сменным объективом/Инструкция по эксплуатации

Цифровий фотоапарат зі змінним об’єктивом/Посібник з експлуатації

Digitalkamera med utbytbart objektiv/Handledning SE

Digitaalinen kamera vaihdettavalla objektiivilla/Käyttöopas FI

Digitalkamera med utskiftbart objektiv/Bruksanvisning NO

Digitalkamera med udskifteligt objektiv/Betjeningsvejledning DK

ILCE-7M3

English

Check out the Help Guide!

The “Help Guide” is an on-line manual that you can read on your computer or smartphone. Refer to it for details on menu items, advanced usage, and the latest information on the camera.

Scan here

http://rd1.sony.net/help/ilc/1720/h_zz/

ILCE-7M3 Help Guide

Instruction Manual

(this book)

This manual introduces some basic functions.

For the quick start guide, see “Startup guide” (page22). The

“Startup guide” introduces the initial procedures from when you open the package until you release the shutter for the first shot.

In-Camera Guide

The [In-Camera Guide] shows explanations of the menu items on the monitor of the camera.

You can quickly pull up information during shooting. To use the [In-Camera Guide] function, some settings must be made beforehand. For details, search “In-Camera Guide” in the Help Guide.

Notes on using your camera

Along with this section, also see “Precautions” in the Help Guide (page2).

Screen language

You can select the language displayed on the screen using the menu (page 70).

Notes on handling the product

• This camera is designed to be dustand moisture-resistant, but is not waterproof or dust-proof.

• When using the power zoom lens, be careful not to get your fingers or any other objects caught in the lens.

• Always attach the lens front cap or body cap when you are not using the camera. To prevent dust or debris from getting inside the camera, remove dust from the body cap before attaching it to the camera.

• Do not leave the lens or the viewfinder exposed to a strong light source such as sunlight. Because of the lens’s condensing function, doing so may cause smoke, fire, or a malfunction inside the camera body or the lens. If you have to leave the camera exposed to a light source such as sunlight, attach the lens cap to the lens.

• When you shoot with backlighting, keep the sun sufficiently far away from the angle of view. Otherwise, the sunlight may enter the focus inside the camera and cause smoke or fire. Even if the sun is slightly away from the angle of view, it may still cause smoke or fire.

• Do not directly expose the lens to beams such as laser beams. That may damage the image sensor and cause the camera to malfunction.

• Do not look at sunlight or a strong light source through the lens when it is detached. This may result in unrecoverable damage to the eyes or cause a malfunction.

• Do not leave the camera, the supplied accessories, or memory cards within the reach of infants. They may be accidentally swallowed. If this occurs, consult a doctor immediately.

Notes on the monitor and electronic viewfinder

• The monitor and electronic viewfinder are manufactured using extremely high-precision technology, and over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some small black dots and/or bright dots (white, red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the monitor and electronic viewfinder. These are imperfections due to the manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded images in any way.

• The image may be slightly distorted near the corners of the viewfinder. This is not a malfunction. When you want to see the full composition with all its details, you can also use the monitor.

• If you pan the camera while looking into the viewfinder or move your eyes around, the image in the viewfinder may be distorted or the color of the image may change. This is a characteristic of the lens or display device and is not a malfunction. When you shoot an image, we recommend that you look at the center area of the viewfinder.

• When shooting with the viewfinder, you may experience symptoms such as eyestrain, fatigue, travel sickness, or nausea. We recommend that you take a break at regular intervals when you are shooting with the viewfinder. In case you may feel uncomfortable, refrain from using the viewfinder until your condition recovers, and consult your doctor as necessary.

• If the monitor or electronic viewfinder is damaged, stop using the camera immediately. The damaged parts may harm your hands, face, etc.

Notes on continuous shooting

During continuous shooting, the monitor or viewfinder may flash between the shooting screen and a black screen. If you keep watching the screen in this situation, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as feeling of unwellness. If you experience uncomfortable symptoms, stop using the camera, and consult your doctor as necessary.

Notes on recording for long periods of time or recording 4K movies

• Depending on the camera and battery temperature, you may be unable to record movies or the power may turn off automatically to protect the camera. A message will be displayed on the screen before the power turns off or you can no longer record movies. In this case, leave the power off and wait until the camera and battery temperature goes down. If you turn on the power without letting the camera and battery cool enough, the power may turn off again or you may be unable to record movies.

• When the temperature of the camera rises, the image quality may deteriorate. It is recommended that you wait until the temperature of the camera drops before continuing to shoot.

• Under high ambient temperatures, the temperature of the camera rises quickly.

• Camera body and battery may get warm with use – this is normal.

• If the same part of your skin touches the camera for a long period of time while using the camera, even if the camera does not feel hot to you, it may cause symptoms of a low-temperature burn such as redness or blistering. Pay special attention in the following situations and use a tripod, etc.

–When using the camera in a high-

temperature environment

–When someone with poor

circulation or impaired skin sensation uses the camera

–When using the camera with

the [Auto Pwr OFF Temp.] set to [High].

• Especially during 4K movie shooting, the recording time may be shorter under low temperature conditions. Warm up the battery pack or replace it with a new battery.

Notes on recording/playback

• Before you start recording, make a trial recording to make sure that the camera is working correctly.

• The recorded image may be different from the image you monitored before recording.

• Do not use the camera in areas where strong radio waves or radiation are being emitted. Recording and playback may not function correctly.

• Playback of images recorded with your product on other equipment and playback of images recorded or edited with other equipment on your product are not guaranteed.

• Sony can provide no guarantees in the event of failure to record or loss or damage of recorded images or audio data due to a malfunction of the camera or recording media, etc. We recommend backing up important data.

• Once you format the memory card, all the data recorded on the memory card will be deleted and cannot be restored. Before formatting, copy the data to a computer or other device.

Notes on the Multi Interface Shoe

• When attaching or detaching accessories such as an external flash to the Multi Interface Shoe, first turn the power to OFF. When attaching the accessory, confirm that it is firmly fastened to the camera.

• Do not use the Multi Interface Shoe with a commercially available flash that applies voltages of 250 V or more or has the opposite polarity of the camera. It may cause a malfunction.

Sony lenses/accessories

Using this unit with products from other manufacturers may affect its performance, leading to accidents or malfunction.

On the data specifications described in this manual

The data on performance and specifications are defined under the following conditions, except as described in this manual: at an ordinary ambient temperature of 25ºC (77°F), and using a battery pack that has been fully charged until the charge lamp has turned off.

Warning on copyright

Television programs, films, videotapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws.

Notes on location information

If you upload and share an image tagged with a location, you may accidentally reveal the information to a third party. To prevent third parties from obtaining your location information, set [ to [Off] before shooting images.

Loc. Info. Link Set.]

Notes on discarding or transferring this product to others

When discarding or transferring this product to others, make sure to perform the following operation to protect private information.

• Select [Setting Reset]  [Initialize].

Notes on discarding or transferring a memory card to others

Executing [Format] or [Delete] on the camera or a computer may not completely delete the data on the memory card. When transferring a memory card to others, we recommend that you delete the data completely using data deletion software. When discarding a memory card, we recommend that you physically destroy it.

Notes on wireless LAN

If your camera is lost or stolen, Sony bears no responsibility for the loss or damage caused by illegal access or use of the registered access point on the camera.

Notes on security when using wireless LAN products

• Always make sure that you are using a secure wireless LAN to avoid hacking, access by malicious third parties, or other vulnerabilities.

• It is important that you set the security settings when using a wireless LAN.

• If a security problem arises because no security precautions are in place or due to any inevitable circumstances when using a wireless LAN, Sony bears no responsibility for the loss or damage.

How to turn off wireless network functions (Wi-Fi, etc.) temporarily

When you board an airplane, etc., you can turn off all wireless network functions temporarily using [Airplane Mode].

Power Cord

For the customers in the UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia Use the power cord (A). For safety reasons, the power cord (B) is not intended for above countries/regions and shall therefore not be used there. For the customers in other EU countries/regions Use the power cord (B).

(A) (B)

For Customers in the U.S.A.

For question regarding your product or for the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-800-222-SONY (7669).

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: WW541200 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics

Inc.

Address: 16535 Via Esprillo, San

Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.

Telephone Number: 858-942-2230

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Notes on this manual

This manual covers several models supplied with different lenses. The model name varies depending on the supplied lens. The available model varies depending on the countries/regions.

Model name Lens

ILCE-7M3 Not supplied ILCE-7M3K FE 28-70 mm F3.5-5.6 OSS

For details on the Wi-Fi functions and NFC One-touch functions, refer to the “Help Guide” (page 2).

Preparations for shooting

Checking the camera and the supplied items

First check the model name of your camera (page7). The accessories supplied differ depending on the model. The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.

Supplied with all models

• Camera (1)

• AC Adaptor (1)

The shape of the AC Adaptor may differ depending on the country/ region.

• Power cord (mains lead) (1)*

(supplied in some countries/ regions)

* Multiple power cords may be

supplied with your camera. Use the appropriate one that matches your country/region. See page 7.

• Rechargeable battery pack

NP-FZ100 (1)

• Micro USB cable (1)

• Shoulder strap (1)

• Body cap (1) (Attached to the

camera)

• Shoe cap (1) (Attached to the

camera)

• Eyepiece cup (1) (Attached to

the camera)

• Instruction Manual (1) (this

manual)

• Reference Guide (1)

ILCE-7M3K

• Zoom lens FE 28-70 mm F3.5-

5.6 OSS (1) (including a front lens cap and a rear lens cap)

• Lens hood (1)

Identifying parts

See the pages in parentheses for details.

Front side



ON/OFF (Power) switch

(28)/Shutter button (29)



Front dial

You can quickly adjust the settings for each shooting mode.



Remote sensor



Lens release button (27)



Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna

(built-in) (49)



Microphone

Do not cover this part during movie recording. Doing so may cause noise or lower the volume.



AF illuminator (59)/Self-

timer lamp

When the lens is removed



Mounting index (26)



Image sensor*



Mount



Lens contacts*

* Do not directly touch these parts.

Rear side



Eyepiece cup

To remove the eyepiece cup

Push the grips at the bottom of the eyepiece cup to the left and right and lift up the cup.

Remove the eyepiece cup when attaching an angle finder (sold separately). Also, select MENU 

(Camera Settings 2) 

[FINDER/MONITOR], and then switch to [Viewfinder (Manual)] or [Monitor (Manual)].



Viewfinder



C3 button (Custom button 3)

(65)/ (Protect) button



MENU button (56)



Monitor

(For touch operation: Touch panel/Touch pad) (40)

You can adjust the monitor to an easily viewable angle and shoot from any position.



Eye sensor



Diopter-adjustment dial

Adjust the diopter-adjustment dial according to your eyesight until the display appears clearly in the viewfinder. If it is hard to operate the diopter-adjustment dial, remove the eyepiece cup before operating the dial.



Access lamp



For shooting: C4 button

(Custom button 4) (65) For viewing:

(Delete) button

(30)



(Playback) button (30)



MOVIE (Movie) button (30)



For shooting: AF-ON (AF On)

button For viewing:

(Enlarge Image)

button



Rear dial

You can quickly adjust the settings for each shooting mode.



For shooting: AEL button

For viewing:

(Image Index)

button



Multi-selector (18)



Media slot cover switch



For shooting: Fn (Function)

button (18, 65) For viewing:

(Send to Smartphone)

button

You can display the screen for [Send to Smartphone] by pressing this button.



Control wheel (17)

Top side/Side view



Image sensor position

mark

• The image sensor is the sensor that converts light into an electric signal. The

mark shows the location

of the image sensor. When you measure the exact distance between the camera and the subject, refer to the position of the horizontal line.

• If the subject is closer than the minimum shooting distance of the lens, the focus cannot be confirmed. Make sure you put enough distance between the subject and the camera.



Speaker



(Microphone) jack

When an external microphone is connected, the builtin microphone turns off automatically. When the external microphone is a plugin-power type, the power of the microphone is supplied by the camera.



(Headphones) jack



HDMI micro jack



USB Type-C™ terminal (14,

52)



Charge lamp



Multi/Micro USB Terminal*

(14, 52)

This terminal supports Micro USB-compatible devices.



Multi Interface Shoe*

Some accessories may not go in all the way and protrude backward from the Multi interface shoe. However, when the accessory reaches the front end of the shoe, the connection is completed.



Mode dial (30)



C2 button (Custom button 2)

(65)



C1 button (Custom button 1)

(65)



Exposure compensation dial



Hooks for shoulder strap

Attach both ends of the strap onto the camera.



(N mark) (49)

• This mark indicates the touch point for connecting the camera and an NFC-enabled Smartphone.

• NFC (Near Field Communication) is an international standard of short-range wireless communication technology.



SLOT 1 (Memory card slot 1)

(24)

Supports SD cards only (compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II)



SLOT 2 (Memory card slot 2)

(25)

Supports SD cards (compatible with UHS-I) and Memory Stick PRO Duo media

* For details on compatible

accessories for the multi interface shoe and the Multi/Micro USB Terminal, visit the Sony website, or consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Accessories for the Accessory Shoe can also be used. Operations with other manufactures’ accessories are not guaranteed.

Notes on USB terminals

You can use either the USB Type-C terminal or the Multi/ Micro USB Terminal for supplying power, charging the battery, and USB communications. However, you cannot conduct these operations with both terminals simultaneously.

• The battery charging time does not change according to the terminal you use.

• You can use accessories for the Multi/Micro USB Terminal, such as a remote commander (sold separately), while supplying power or performing PC Remote shooting using the USB Type-C terminal.

Bottom



Battery insertion slot (22)



Battery cover (22)



Tripod socket hole

Use a tripod with a screw less than 5.5mm (7/32inches) long. Otherwise, you cannot firmly secure the camera, and damage to the camera may occur.



Battery cover release lever

Lens FE 28-70 mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (Supplied with ILCE-7M3K)



Focusing ring



Zoom ring



Focal-length scale



Focal-length index



Lens contacts

Do not touch this part directly.



Mount index

Basic operations

Using the control wheel

• You can select setting items by turning or pressing the top/bottom/left/ right side of the control wheel. Your selection is determined when you press the center of the control wheel.

• The DISP (Display Setting), are assigned to the top/left/right side of the control wheel. In addition, you can assign selected functions to the left/right/bottom side and the center of the control wheel, and to the rotation of the control wheel.

• During playback, you can display the next/previous image by pressing the right/left side of the control wheel or by turning the control wheel.

/ (Drive Mode), and ISO (ISO) functions

Using the multi-selector

• Put your finger right on top of the multi-selector to manipulate it more precisely.

• When [Focus Area] is set to [Zone], [Flexible Spot], or [Expand Flexible Spot], you can move the focus area by pressing the multi-selector up/down/left/right.

• The [Focus Standard] function is assigned to the center of the multiselector in the default settings.

Using the Fn (Function) button

You can register frequently used functions to the Fn (function) button and recall them while shooting. Up to 12 frequently used functions can be registered to the Fn (Function) button.

Press the DISP on the control wheel repeatedly to display a screen mode other than [For viewfinder], and then press the Fn (Function) button.

Select the desired function by pressing the top/bottom/left/ right side of the control wheel.

Fn button

Select the desired setting by turning the front dial, and press the center of the control wheel.

• Some functions can be fine-tuned using the rear dial.

To adjust settings from the dedicated setting screens

Select the desired function in step 2, then press the center of the control wheel. The dedicated setting screen for the function will appear. Follow the operating guide to adjust settings.

Operation guide

How to use the Quick Navi screen

The Quick Navi screen is a function optimized for shooting with the viewfinder, that lets you control settings directly.

Select MENU  (Camera Settings 2)  [DISP Button]  [Monitor].

Place a mark on [For viewfinder] and then select [Enter].

Press the DISP on the control wheel to set the screen mode to [For viewfinder].

Press the Fn button to switch to the Quick Navi screen.

• The displayed contents and their positions in the illustrations are just guidelines, and may differ from the actual displays.

Auto mode/Scene Selection mode

P/A/S/M mode

Select a function to set by pressing the top/bottom/left/right side of the control wheel.

Select the desired setting by turning the front dial.

• Some functions can be fine-tuned using the rear dial.

To adjust settings from the dedicated setting screens

Select the desired function in step 5, then press the center of the control wheel. The dedicated setting screen for the function will appear. Follow the operating guide to adjust settings.

Operation guide

Note

• Items that are gray on the Quick Navi screen are not adjustable.

• When using functions such as [Creative Style] or [Picture Profile], some

settings can only be controlled from the dedicated screen.

Startup guide

Step 1: Inserting the battery pack into the camera

Open the battery cover.

Insert the battery pack while pressing the lock lever with the tip of the battery until the battery locks into place.

Lock lever

Close the cover.

To remove the battery pack

Make sure that the access lamp (page 11) is not lit, and turn off the camera. Then, slide the lock lever and remove the battery pack. Be careful not to drop the battery pack.

Lock lever

Step 2: Charging the battery pack while it is inserted in the camera

Turn the power off.

Connect the camera with the battery pack inserted to the AC Adaptor (supplied) using the USB cable, and connect the AC Adaptor to the wall outlet (wall socket).

Charge lamp on the camera (orange)

Lit: Charging Off: Charging finished Flashing: Charging error or charging paused temporarily because the camera is not within the proper temperature range

• Charging time (full charge): approximately 285 min (when charging a fully depleted battery pack at a temperature of 25°C (77°F))

• When you use a completely new battery pack or a battery pack that has not been used for a long time, the charge lamp may flash quickly when the battery is charged. If this happens, remove the battery pack or disconnect the USB cable from the camera and then re-insert it to recharge.

• Be sure to use only genuine Sony brand battery packs and AC Adaptors (supplied).

• Use the USB cable (supplied) or a USB-standard cable.

• The charging time will be the same if you use a USB Type-C cable.

Step 3: Inserting a memory card

For details on memory cards that can be used with this camera, refer to page 81.

Open the memory card cover.

Insert the SD card into the slot 1.

Slot 1 (lower): Supports SD cards (compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II) Slot 2 (upper): Supports SD cards (compatible with UHS-I) and Memory Stick PRO Duo media

• With the notched corner facing in the direction illustrated, insert the memory card until it clicks into place.

• You can change which memory card slot to use by selecting MENU 

(Setup)  [Rec. Media Settings]  [Prioritize Rec. Media].

The slot 1 is used in the default settings.

• Use the slot 1 when you are only using one SD card.

• Use the slot 2 when you are using Memory Stick media. In this case, set [Prioritize Rec. Media] to [Slot 2].

Close the cover.

Slot 2 Slot 1

Hint

• When you use a memory card with the camera for the first time, it is

recommended that you format the card on the camera for more stable performance of the memory card (page 71).

Note

• Do not insert a Memory Stick media into the slot 1. It may cause a malfunction.

To remove the memory card

Open the memory card cover. Make sure that the access lamp (page11) is not lit, and then push in the memory card once to remove it.

Access lamp

To record to memory cards in two slots

The slot 1 is used in the default settings. If you do not intend to change the settings and will only use one memory card, use the slot 1. By inserting another memory card into the slot 2, you can record the same images to two memory cards simultaneously or record a different type of image (still images/movies) to each memory card ([Recording Mode] under [Rec. Media Settings]) (page

71).

Step 4: Attaching a lens

Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear lens cap from the rear of the lens.

• When changing the lens, work quickly in a dust-free environment to keep dust or debris from getting inside the camera.

• It is recommended that you attach the front lens cap when you have done shooting.

Mount the lens by aligning the two white index marks (mounting indexes) on the lens and camera.

• Hold the camera with the lens facing down to prevent dust or debris from entering the camera.

While pushing the lens lightly toward the camera, turn the lens slowly in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into the locked position.

Front lens cap

Body cap

Rear lens cap

Note

• Be sure to hold the lens straight and do not use force when attaching a lens.

• Do not press the lens release button when attaching a lens.

• The Mount Adaptor (sold separately) is required to use an A-mount lens

(sold separately). For details, refer to the operating manual supplied with the Mount Adaptor.

• If you want to shoot full-frame images, use a full-frame size compatible lens.

• When carrying the camera with a lens attached, hold both the camera and the

lens firmly.

• Do not hold the part of the lens that is extended for zoom or focus

adjustment.

To remove the lens

Keep pressing the lens release button and turn the lens in the direction of the arrow until it stops.

Lens release button

Compatible lenses

Lenses compatible with this camera are as follows:

Lens Compatibility with the camera

Lens compatible with 35mm full-

A-mount lens

E-mount lens

* Images will be recorded in APS-C size. The angle of view will correspond to

approximately 1.5 times the focal length indicated on the lens. (For example, the angle of view will correspond to 75mm when a 50mm-lens is attached.)

frame format

APS-C size dedicated lens

Lens compatible with 35mm fullframe format

APS-C size dedicated lens

(An optional Mount Adaptor

(sold separately) compatible with

full-frame format is required)

(An optional Mount Adaptor (sold separately) is required)



*



*

Step 5: Setting the language and the clock

Set the ON/OFF (Power) switch to “ON” to turn on the camera.

Select the desired language and then press the center of the control wheel.

Make sure that [Enter] is selected on the screen and then press the center.

Select the desired geographic location and then press the center.

Select [Date/Time] using the top/bottom of the control wheel or by turning the control wheel, and then press the center.

ON/OFF (Power) switch

Control wheel

Select the desired item by pressing the top/bottom/left/right side of the control wheel, and then press the center.

Repeat steps 5 and 6 to set other items, then select [Enter] and press the center.

Hint

• To reset the date and time setting, use MENU (page 71).

Note

• This camera does not have a function for inserting the date into images.

You can insert the date into images and then save and print them using PlayMemories Home (for Windows only).

Step 6: Shooting images in auto mode

Turn the mode dial to set to .

The shooting mode will be set to (Intelligent Auto).

Look into the viewfinder or the monitor and hold the camera.

Set the size of the subject by rotating the zoom ring of the lens when a zoom lens is attached.

Press the shutter button halfway down to focus.

• When the image is in focus, an indicator (such as ) will light up.

Press the shutter button all the way down.

To shoot movies

Press the MOVIE button to start/stop recording.

To play back images

Press the desired image using the control wheel.

(Playback) button to play back images. You can select the

To delete displayed image

Press the [Delete] using the control wheel on the confirmation screen, and then press the center of the control wheel to delete the image.

(Delete) button while an image is displayed to delete it. Select

To shoot images in various shooting modes

Set the mode dial to the desired mode depending on the subject or the functions you want to use.

+ 677 hidden pages