Sony Alpha a7S III User Manual
Interchangeable-lens digital camera
©Sony Corporation July 2020
Imagination in Motion
The process of turning ideas into images that others can experience is the essence of visual
content creation. Sony’s goal is to give creators the tools they need to achieve their goals as
efficiently and as intuitively as possible, and with the highest possible qualit y. The incredible
α7S III is an outstanding example. It refines legendary S-series sensitivity and dynamic range
to unprecedented levels, while boosting speed and processing power for supreme expression
and work flow efficiency. And all of this is achieved while maintaining the compac t por tability
that is a cornerstone of the α series. The images, whether movies or stills, are simply stunning,
with all the depth and nuance required to deliver creative ideas with maximum impact.
Bring your imagination to life with the α7S III.
* **
No. 1 image sensor manufacturer for digital cameras and video recorders. Based on Sony research – April 2019 to March 2020 (Over 50% market share).
*
No.1 electronic viewfinder (EVF) device manufacturer for digital still cameras which employ EVF. Based on Sony research - April 2019 to March 2020 (Over 50% market share).
**
*1
ISO
12.1
*1 Standard ISO sensitivity 80-102400. Expandable to 40-409600 for stills, and 80-409600 for movies. *2 QFHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) *3 For movies
40-409600
759
Real-time
Eye AF
Real-time
Tracking
120p/100p
*2 *3 *3
4K
(NTSC / PAL)
4:2:2
10 bit
MPEG-H
HEVC/H.265
16bit RAW
HDMI Output
Optical
SteadyShot
(Active Mode)
0.64 / 9.44
Million
Type
dots
EVF
Dual Slot
CFexpress Type A
SDXC UHS-II
Sensor & Processing
Evolved Technology for Deep Imagery
An ideal camera should be an extension of the creator’s mind and eye. With evolved devices delivering sensitivity and
dynamic range that can capture the most meaningful details and subtleties, the α7S III gives the creator’s imagination
new, unrestricted freedom.
High-sensitivity CMOS Exmor R™ sensor
At the heart of the α7S III is a superb image sensor that is a significant upgrade
for the S series. Advanced image sensor technology has been applied in a new
35mm full-frame 12.1-megapixel* back-illuminated CMOS image sensor that
delivers important advantages.
The legendary sensitivity and dynamic range of Sony’s S series has been elevated
to a new level with advanced light-gathering techniques that take full advantage
of the sensor’s spacious full-frame 12.1-megapixel configuration, and technology
that effectively optimizes output signal levels in response to the amount of incoming light. High sensitivity with low noise is ensured throughout the camera’s
sensitivity range: 80 to 102400 ISO for both stills and movies, expandable to 40
to 409600 for stills or 80 to 409600 for movies. Other quality-enhancing features
include a new color filter array that boosts color reproduction accuracy.
The sensor’s 12.1 megapixel configuration results in larger pixels that, in combination with doubled sensor readout speed and a new BIONZ XR™ image processing
engine, not only maximize sensitivity and dynamic range, but also contribute to a
dramatic increase in processing speed for extraordinary autofocus performance,
the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 4K movies at up to 120p, and significantly reduced rolling shutter distortion.
The new sensor also supports fast, reliable focal plane phase-detection AF for
the first time in the S series.
* Approximate. Effe cti ve mega pixels.
Extraordinary resolution
The high speed and processing capacity of the new BIONZ XR engine has made it possible to implement high-level pixel
processing technology that realizes extraordinary imaging advantages. Full-pixel readout without binning ensures that full
advantage is taken of every available pixel in all shooting modes, maintaining maximum subjective resolution while preventing false color and moiré. What’s more, oversampling is employed so that the information from more pixels than are
normally required for 4K or Full HD recording can be used to deliver outstanding resolution and detail.
4K
Full-frame (16:9): Oversampling from approx.10MP
Full-frame (16:9) 1.1x image crop
*1
: 4K equivalent sampling: (approx. 8.4MP)
BIONZ XR™ boosts processing power
A revised system architecture that extends from image capture through all signal
processing stages gives the α7S III eight times greater processing capacity than
previous models. The BIONZ XR image processing engine is ready and able to
handle imaging innovations for a long time to come.
The α7S III features a totally new system architecture that consolidates real-time
processing of AF, subject recognition, image quality, development, and more in a
new BIONZ XR image processing engine. Processing latency is minimized while
movie and still image processing power is dramatically increased. The updated
architecture also distributes user interface, network, and file management
processing so that fast, stress-free control response is ensured regardless of
real-time processing load.
Multitask processing is smoother than ever, achieving high sensitivity and natural
gradations that define the S series even while simultaneously performing background data transfers or other tasks. The α7S III of fers realistic color reproduction,
low noise, and numerous other image quality improvements. It also delivers faster,
more precise AF/AE and face/eye detection, the ability to process the large amounts
of data required for 4K recording at 60p or 120p, responsive EVF display and control,
and high-speed access to new CFexpress Type A memory cards.
*2
FHD
*1 When recording 4K 120p m ovies.
*2 Numbe r of ef fec tive pixels: 142 0 x 804 a t 240 or 20 0 fps.
Full-frame (16:9): Oversampling from approx.10MP Super 35mm (16:9): Oversampling from approx.4.3MP
4 5
Movies
Supreme Sensitivity
The α7S III takes hybrid shooting to the next level in a mirrorless body that offers professional moviemaking features.
Sony has really raised the bar this time, packing extraordinary sensitivity plus potential previously only available in
much more specialized equipment into an accessible camera that is capable of delivering images with stunning impact.
The α7S III delivers significantly improved movie quality in a number of ways. Class-leading sensitivity with expanded 80
to 409600 ISO and 15+ stops
might otherwise be lost. The colors and textures of foliage, human skin, and more are ideally and consistently reproduced
without dependence on light sources. Gradations have also been refined for better looking skin tones and highlight rolloff in portraits. And of course, noise is effectively subdued at high sensitivities, so images are clear with excellent detail
and resolution. Another important addition contributes to improved AWB performance: a new “Visible Light and IR Sensor” helps to achieve more precise white balance under artificial lighting, including fluorescent and LED lights that can be
difficult for conventional systems. Readout speed from the new CMOS sensor is approximately twice that of previous
front-illuminated sensors, providing approximately a 3x reduction in distortion of moving subjects
*1 Using S-Lo g3 for movie re cording. Sony te sts. *2 Compared to th e 7S II.
Record 4K at up to 120*1 frames per second
The α7S III offers in-camera 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second*2, providing new expressive capability with extraordinarily smooth 5x (max.) slow-motion imagery
can be used with efficient Long GOP inter-frame compression or high-quality Intra-frame (All-I) compression.
A maximum bit rate of 1200 Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit, H.264, All-I)
in slow or quick motion in the S&Q mode
*7
ing)
, providing fresh perspectives on dynamic sports and other types of action.
*1 NT SC. 10 0 fps PAL. *2 10% image crop, approx.. *3 Pos t proces sing is re quired for mov ies shot in S&Q mo de. *4 CFe xpres s Type A mem ory c ard requ ired fo r XAVC S-I recording at
120 fps. *5 Sou nd is not re corded in S&Q mo de. *6 NT SC. 20 0 fps PAL. *7 Sens or readout of 1,420 x 804 eff ective pix els.
10-bit 4:2:2 video reaches new levels of realism
The α7S III can record 10-bit 4:2:2 video internally when using Long GOP or All Intra compression, making it possible to
grade for fuller, more natural gradations while generally providing greater editing freedom. Maximum frame rate when
recording full-frame 4K is 120p.
All Intra (for XAVC S-I™ recording)
In addition to the Long GOP inter-frame compression used
in previous models, the α7S III supports intra-frame (All-I)
recording for the first time in an α body, allowing internal
4K recording at bitrates up to 1200 Mbps*. Intra-frame
recording provides extra margin for post production and
still image extraction when needed.
* SDXC memor y card (V 90 or higher) or C Fexp ress Type A memor y card (VPG2 00 or
higher) required.
Efficient MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 (XAVC HS™) coding
The α7S III adds X AVC HS format recording
codec for approximately twice the efficiency of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264. You can
record more detailed 10-bit 4K video at higher bit rates while keeping data volume within a manageable range. Image quality is better than XAVC S™ at a
comparable bit rate, and equal to XAVC S at lower bit rates. H.265 video can be
recorded internally to SDXC or CFexpress Type A memory cards
*1 XAVC HS compatible editing soft ware required.
*2 SDXC memory card (V60 or higher) or CFexpress Type A memory card (VP G200 o r higher) required.
*1
of dynamic range reach into the depths of scenes to bring out details and subtleties that
*2
.
*3
at 4K resolution. In addition to supporting 4:2:2 10-bit recording, this feature
*4
*5
. Up to 10x slow motion with Full HD resolution is possible at 240 fps*6 (24p record-
delivers supreme image quality when directly replaying movies
All-Intra (AII-I)
Long GOP
*1
using the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265
*2
.
Group of pictures
AVC/H.264HEVC/H.265
16-bit RAW output for the first time in the α seriesA new level of S series image quality
For applications that demand the increased quality and post-production flexibility provided by RAW output, the α7S III
allows 16-bit RAW output to an external device* via HDMI.
Full-frame 4264 x 2408 (16:9 aspect ratio) 16-bit image output is possible, with a choice of frame rates
(60p/50p/30p/25p/24p). You can also output RAW video via HDMI while recording XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K, or XAVC S-I 4K
to internal card media. Proxy recording is available during RAW output.
* Atomos N inja V HD R monitor-recorder supp ort p lanned, as of July 2020.
Easy S-Log matching with professional camcorders
In many moviemaking workflows the ability to match the color of footage from multiple cameras is essential. The α7S III
includes S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma curves, the latter emphasizing shadow to midtone gradations and making it possible
to achieve a dynamic range of 15+ stops*. Three color gamut settings are provided: S-Gamut, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.
Cine. The S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine color gamut settings make it easy to match α7S III footage with that shot on
professional camcorders equipped with S-Log3 gamma curve settings. Minimum ISO when shooting S-Log has been
reduced to 640, and the 160 to 500 range of expanded ISO can be used as well. Sensitivity can be lowered by as much as
2 stops below the normal ISO range for extra-low-noise recording.
* Using S- Log3 f or movie recording. Sony test s.
Relative Stops (from 18% Gray) – Video Level (%)
18%
90%
White
1300% of
90% White
S-Log2
S-Log3
Gray
100
80
60
40
Video Lev el (%)
20
0
106%
94%
41%
32%
Relative S tops from 18% Gr ay
0-2 2 4 6 8-4-6-8
10-bit 4:2:2 HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)*
For true-to-life imagery with detailed shadows and highlights, with no need for color grading, the α7S III provides an HLG
(Hybrid Log-Gamma) high-dynamic-range picture profile that supports the wide-gamut BT.2020 color space. Video recorded with this picture profile can be directly played back on an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV. 10-bit recordings reproduce
finer gradation and detail for extraordinary realism.
Gamma can be selected from four presets: HLG (corresponding to IYU-R BT.2100), HLG1, HLG2, and HLG3. These gamma
settings provide varying blends of dynamic range and noise performance, generally achieving wider dynamic range that still
blends well with images from previous cameras. Dif ferent gamma settings can be used as needed for different scenes.
* HLG is a h igh dynamic range T V format specified by the
High flexibility to fine-tune images as desired
(Colour grading required)
international ITU-R BT.2100 standard.
S-Log
Instant and High Dynamic Range
(Colour grading n ot required)
HLG
76
Movies
Focus that can Reshape Your Moviemaking
It may be a basic requirement, but focus can be a complex challenge that demands a great deal of attention, especially
when shooting movies. It can also be a creative tool. Used with Sony’s E-mount lenses, the α7S III of fers outstanding
AF performance with advanced focus and tracking technologies that allow you to concentrate more fully on shooting
while maintaining full creative control.
Fast Hybrid AF in all modes Leave focusing to the camera with detailed AF settings
The α7S III makes Fast Hybrid AF available for the first time in an S series body. With
both phase-detection and contrast-detection AF, focus is precisely and smoothly
maintained over a wide area even when using a narrow depth of field or tracking
fast-moving subjects in all movie recording modes, including 4K 120p. Focus can be
reliably maintained even when the subject is briefly obscured or moves towards the
perimeter of the frame.
Inherited from Sony’s professional large-format FX9 camcorder, [AF Transition Speed] and [AF Subject Shif t Sensitivity] parameters allow more detailed AF control. [AF Transition Speed] provides 7 speed settings, and is ideal for creating rack focus effects
to effectively guide the viewers’ eye. [AF Subject Shift Sensitivity] provides 5 sensitivity settings that determine how “sticky” AF
will be (how easily AF will switch to another subject or how tenaciously it will stay with the locked-on subject). Both of these
parameters can be assigned to custom keys for fast access while shooting.
Intuitive touch control
With Touch Tracking, simply touch the desired subject on the monitor screen to initiate AF and tracking on that subject. The
powerful real-time processing capabilities of the new BIONZ XR image processing engine, plus advanced AI algorithms, allows
the camera to process color, pattern (brightness), distance (depth), and face and eye information to reliably track the selected
subject while you concentrate on composition and shooting. This can be huge advantage when using a gimbal or shooting
solo. Touch Focus can be used to temporarily engage AF when focusing manually. It is also possible to remotely control Touch
Tracking during AF or Touch Focus during manual focus from the Imaging Edge Mobile application* running on a mobile device.
* Imagin g Edge Mo bile Ver. 7.4 or later requi red.
Real-time Eye AF
The superior real-time data processing capability of the new BIONZ XR image processing engine provides a 30% improvement in detection performance over previous BIONZ X systems, ensuring accurate, reliable detection even when faces are
looking away at extreme angles. You can concentrate fully on shooting and take
advantage of the expressive bokeh available with a full-frame sensor without having
to worry about focus. When the Touch Tracking feature is used to initiate real-time
tracking, Real-time Eye AF is simultaneously initiated if an eye is detected.
Advanced features augment manual focus
AF support can be useful even when primarily using manual focus. When the shutter button is half-pressed or the AF-ON
button is pressed, focus is automatically acquired at full AF speed in the same way as when shooting stills. AF can also be
temporarily activated via the Touch Focus feature, and Real-time Eye AF can be initiated via a custom button assignment, with
AF smoothly locking on at the preset AF Transition Speed.
Shift focus from subject A to B
8 9
Movies
Creative Moviemaking Tools
Great movies are an intricate tapestry of imager y, light, motion, and sound. Every detail counts. The α7S III offers
detailed control over the elements of movie production so that they can be brought together in creative, beautiful,
and meaningful ways.
Active Mode*1 stabilization for handheld movie shooting Simultaneous display on external HDMI device
The α7S III features 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization that is highly effective for handheld shooting. A new
high-precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors, plus
optimized image stabilization algorithms, have made it
possible to provide an Active Mode
movie shooting in 4K and other formats
*1
that is dedicated to
*2
. The powerful new
BIONZ XR image processing engine with advanced real-time
processing capability makes it possible to precisely detect
the required amount of compensation and apply optical stabilization without the need for digital upscaling, and all of
this is realized without compromising the compact size and
mobility of the α system.
In-body image stabilization means that ef fective stabilization can be achieved with a wide range of lenses, including
E-mount lenses that do not include stabilization of their
own, and A-mount lenses attached via a mount adaptor.
*1 Slight imag e crop in Activ e Mode. “ Standa rd” set ting recomme nded for focal
lengths of 200mm or longer.
*2 Ac tive M ode is no t availa ble when record ing at frame rates of 120 f ps (100 fps PAL)
or higher, or when using S&Q.
Digital Audio Interface for superior sound
The camera’s Multi Interface Shoe features a built-in Digital Audio Interface for superb audio quality. Sony’s optional ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR
Adaptor Kit transfers digital audio directly to the MI shoe for exceptionally high sound
recording quality. The XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit provides a choice of three recording
formats: 48 kHz/16 bit 2 channel, 48 kHz/24 bit 2 channel, and 48 kHz/24 bit 4
channel. Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for α system moviemaking.
Independent still and movie settings
A subset of the camera’s shooting settings can be linked to the still and movie modes
so that appropriate aperture, ISO, and other settings are automatically and instantly
recalled when you shoot stills or movies. Multiple settings that will be stored independently for the still and movie modes can be selected via the [Different Set for Still/
Mv] page. The available settings are: Focus Mode, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Exposure
Compensation, ISO Sensitivity, Metering Mode, White Balance, and Picture Profile.
L
1
Stereo
2
R
Mono
3
Mono
4
For maximum monitoring versatility, the α7S III simultaneously allows 4K video display on three devices: the camera monitor,
an external HDMI recorder/monitor, and the Imaging Edge Mobile app connected via Wi-Fi. Output to an external monitor is
also possible during proxy recording, and with appropriate settings the Real-time Eye AF frame can be displayed on the external device as well.
[HDMI Info. Display] Off
File fo rmat: A ll, Mov ie set tings: All, Proxy reco rding: ei ther On/Of f
Image OK OK OK
On-screen display OK NA OK but li mited
Touch operation OK NA O K but limited *
Face/Eye frame display Tracking frame displayed NA NA
Tracking frame display Tracking frame displayed NA NA
*Touch Tracking when shooting movies in AF m ode and Touch Focu s when shooting movie s in MF mode are available.
Touch Focus, Touch Track ing, an d Touch Shutter are not available w hen sho oting s tills. Touch Focus is not availabl e when shooting movie s in AF mo de.
Camera monitor External monitor Imaging Edge Mobile
Custom zoom settings
When using a compatible powered zoom lens, you can select the zoom ring direction to suit your personal preferences and shooting style. It is also possible to assign
custom buttons for W (zoom out) and T (zoom in) operation, making it easier to
zoom while watching the monitor during movie recording. Eight selectable zoom
speeds are provided, and the zoom speeds can be set independently for the camera’s record and standby modes so that a slow zoom speed can be set for recording,
while a fast zoom is used when the camera is not recording.
White balance adjustment while recording movies
The ability to change white balance while recording video can be a huge advantage when working with mixed lighting. White
balance can be adjusted to match changes in the scene while recording movies, and the adjustments can be made to occur
slowly and smoothly without abrupt “jumps” (shockless WB). You can maintain natural-looking white balance when moving
from indoor to outdoor situations while shooting a wedding, for example.
Top panel MOVIE button
The MOVIE record button has been moved to the top panel to improve control when
shooting from the widest possible range of angles, including the waist-level position
often used by moviemakers. The button’s shape, diameter, and height have also
been changed to make it more easily recognizable by touch. The REC function can
also be assigned to a custom button if required.
[HDMI Info. Display] On
Camera monitor External monitor Imaging Edge Mobile
Image NA OK (aspect 4:3) OK
On-screen display NA OK (aspect 4:3) OK but lim ited
Touch operation NA NA NA
Face/Eye frame display NA Trac king frame dis played NA
Tracking frame display NA NA NA
Flexible Exposure Mode for movies
Aperture and shutter speed adjustments are frequently required during the moviemaking process, so the α7S III provides a Flexible Exposure Mode that allows quick
switching between auto and manual aper ture and shutter speed control. This function can be assigned to a custom button for fast on-the-fly auto/manual mode
switching.
Other important moviemaking aids
• Zebra display
• Peaking display (red, yellow, white, blue)
• Gamma display assist (OFF, Auto, S-Log2, S-Log3, HLG (BT.2020), HLG (709))
• TC/UB settings
10 11
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