Interchangeable-lens digital camera
©Sony Corporation July 2020
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*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).
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 quality. 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 workflow efficiency. And all of this is achieved while maintaining the compact portability 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.
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Optical*3 |
0.64 / 9.44 |
Dual Slot |
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ISO |
759 |
Real-time Real-time |
4K |
4:2:2 |
MPEG-H |
16bit RAW |
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12.1 |
SteadyShot |
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Million |
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40-409600 |
Eye AF |
Tracking |
120p/100p |
10 bit |
HEVC/H.265 |
HDMI Output |
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SDXC UHS-II |
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CFexpress Type A |
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(NTSC / PAL) |
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(Active Mode) |
EVF |
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*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
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. Effective megapixels.
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 offers 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.
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)
FHD*2 Full-frame (16:9): Oversampling from approx.10MP Super 35mm (16:9): Oversampling from approx.4.3MP
*1 When recording 4K 120p movies.
*2 Number of effective pixels: 1420 x 804 at 240 or 200 fps.
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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.
A new level of S series image quality
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*1 of dynamic range reach into the depths of scenes to bring out details and subtleties that 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*2.
*1 Using S-Log3 for movie recording. Sony tests. *2 Compared to the 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*3 at 4K resolution. In addition to supporting 4:2:2 10-bit recording, this feature 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)*4 delivers supreme image quality when directly replaying movies in slow or quick motion in the S&Q mode*5. Up to 10x slow motion with Full HD resolution is possible at 240 fps*6 (24p recording)*7, providing fresh perspectives on dynamic sports and other types of action.
*1 NTSC. 100 fps PAL. *2 10% image crop, approx.. *3 Post processing is required for movies shot in S&Q mode. *4 CFexpress Type A memory card required for XAVC S-I recording at 120 fps. *5 Sound is not recorded in S&Q mode. *6 NTSC. 200 fps PAL. *7 Sensor readout of 1,420 x 804 effective pixels.
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 memory card (V90 or higher) or CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) required.
All-Intra (AII-I)
Long GOP |
Group of pictures |
Efficient MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 (XAVC HS™) coding
The α7S III adds XAVC HS format recording*1 using the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 |
HEVC/H.265 |
AVC/H.264 |
codec for approximately twice the efficiency of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264. You can |
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record more detailed 10-bit 4K video at higher bit rates while keeping data vol- |
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ume within a manageable range. Image quality is better than XAVC S™ at a |
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comparable bit rate, and equal to XAVC S at lower bit rates. H.265 video can be |
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recorded internally to SDXC or CFexpress Type A memory cards*2. |
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*1 XAVC HS compatible editing software required. |
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*2 SDXC memory card (V60 or higher) or CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) required. |
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16-bit RAW output for the first time in the α series
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 Ninja V HDR monitor-recorder support planned, 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 for movie recording. Sony tests.
Relative Stops (from 18% Gray) – Video Level (%)
18% |
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90% |
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1300% of |
Gray |
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White |
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90% White |
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106% |
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100 |
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94% |
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80 |
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(%) |
60 |
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Level |
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Video |
40 |
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41% |
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32% |
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20 |
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S-Log2 |
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S-Log3 |
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Relative Stops from 18% Gray
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. Different gamma settings can be used as needed for different scenes.
* HLG is a high dynamic range TV format specified by the international ITU-R BT.2100 standard.
High flexibility to fine-tune images as desired
(Colour grading required)
S-Log
Instant and High Dynamic Range
(Colour grading not required)
HLG
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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 offers 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
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.
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.
* Imaging Edge Mobile Ver. 7.4 or later required.
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.
Leave focusing to the camera with detailed AF settings
Inherited from Sony’s professional large-format FX9 camcorder, [AF Transition Speed] and [AF Subject Shift 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.
Shift focus from subject A to B
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Movies
Creative Moviemaking Tools
Great movies are an intricate tapestry of imagery, 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
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*1 that is dedicated to movie shooting in 4K and other formats*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 effective 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 image crop in Active Mode. “Standard” setting recommended for focal lengths of 200mm or longer.
*2 Active Mode is not available when recording at frame rates of 120 fps (100 fps PAL) or higher, or when using S&Q.
Digital Audio Interface for superior sound |
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The camera’s Multi Interface Shoe features a built-in Digital Audio Interface for su- |
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Stereo |
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perb audio quality. Sony’s optional ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR |
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Adaptor Kit transfers digital audio directly to the MI shoe for exceptionally high sound |
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Mono |
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recording quality. The XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit provides a choice of three recording |
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formats: 48 kHz/16 bit 2 channel, 48 kHz/24 bit 2 channel, and 48 kHz/24 bit 4 |
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Mono |
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.
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 aperture and shutter speed control. This function can be assigned to a custom button for fast on-the-fly auto/manual mode switching.
Simultaneous display on external HDMI device
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 |
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[HDMI Info. Display] On |
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File format: All, Movie settings: All, Proxy recording: either On/Off |
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Camera monitor |
External monitor |
Imaging Edge Mobile |
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Camera monitor |
External monitor |
Imaging Edge Mobile |
Image |
OK |
OK |
OK |
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Image |
NA |
OK (aspect 4:3) |
OK |
On-screen display |
OK |
NA |
OK but limited |
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On-screen display |
NA |
OK (aspect 4:3) |
OK but limited |
Touch operation |
OK |
NA |
OK but limited * |
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Touch operation |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Face/Eye frame display |
Tracking frame displayed |
NA |
NA |
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Face/Eye frame display |
NA |
Tracking frame displayed |
NA |
Tracking frame display |
Tracking frame displayed |
NA |
NA |
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Tracking frame display |
NA |
NA |
NA |
*Touch Tracking when shooting movies in AF mode and Touch Focus when shooting movies in MF mode are available.
Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, and Touch Shutter are not available when shooting stills. Touch Focus is not available when shooting movies in AF mode.
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.
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
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