Sony has introduced the α7R III (model ILCE-7RM3), a new full-frame mirrorless camera. This camera boasts a high-resolution 42.4MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor and advanced image processing. It can shoot continuously at up to 10 fps with full AF/AE tracking and produces stunning image and 4K video quality. Other notable features include a 15-stop dynamic range, high sensitivity with reduced noise, and more.
Exceptional Image Quality
The camera’s 42.4MP high-resolution, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor utilizes a gapless on-chip lens design and anti-reflective coating on the sensor’s seal glass. These features improve light collection, resulting in high sensitivity, low noise, and a wide dynamic range.
The α7R III features a new front-end LSI that doubles the image sensor’s readout speed. It also has an updated BIONZ X processing engine that increases processing speed compared to its predecessor, the α7R II. These advancements enable faster shooting speeds, a wider ISO range (100-32,000, expandable to ISO 50–102,400 for still images), and a 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivity settings.
Designed for maximum resolution, this full-frame model has no optical low pass filter and can output 14-bit RAW format even during silent or continuous shooting. The camera features a five-axis optical image stabilization system fine-tuned for high-resolution shooting, providing a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage. A new low-vibration shutter minimizes vibration and blur, even at high speeds. Color reproduction, especially skin tones, has also been enhanced.
High-Speed Shooting with Advanced Autofocus
The α7R III can capture full 42.4-megapixel images at up to 10 fps with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking. This allows for up to 76 JPEG/RAW images or 28 uncompressed RAW images in a single burst. The 10 fps mode works with both mechanical and silent shutter options. The camera also offers continuous shooting at up to 8 fps in live view mode with minimal lag on the viewfinder or LCD screens.
Many of the camera’s key functions remain accessible even while saving large bursts of images, including access to the Function (Fn) and Menu buttons, image playback, and several other menus and parameters.
The camera’s Anti-flicker function automatically detects and adjusts for the frequency of fluorescent or artificial lighting. This minimizes the impact of these light sources on images, reducing exposure or color inconsistencies that can occur, especially at high shutter speeds.
The α7R III’s upgraded focusing system comprises 399 focal-plane phase-detection AF points, covering about 68% of the image area horizontally and vertically. This system, with 425 contrast AF points, provides faster autofocus acquisition and more accurate tracking compared to its predecessor. Eye AF, available when using Sony’s A-mount lenses with an adapter, is also improved.
Focus flexibility is further enhanced with features like AF in Focus Magnifier mode, focal-plane phase-detection AF support for A-mount lenses, an AF On button, and a multi-selector/joystick for quickly adjusting focus points.
Professional-Grade Video Capabilities
The α7R III excels as a video camera, offering 4K video recording across the full width of its full-frame sensor. In Super 35mm format, it utilizes full pixel readout without pixel binning, gathering 5K of information and oversampling it to produce high-quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth.
The inclusion of HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing compatible TVs to display true-to-life 4K HDR imagery. S-Log2 and S-Log3 options provide flexibility for color grading during post-production. The camera can also record Full HD video at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbps, which can be edited into 4x or 5x slow-motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.
Designed for Professional Use
Built for professional use, the α7R III comes equipped with dual media slots, one of which supports UHS-II type SD memory cards. This allows for flexible storage options such as separate JPEG/RAW recording, still image/movie recording, and relay recording. Its battery life is also significantly improved thanks to Sony’s Z series battery, which offers a larger capacity compared to the previous model.
The camera features a high-resolution, high-luminance Quad-VGA OLED TruFinder with approximately 3,686K dots for accurate, lifelike detail reproduction. This TruFinder, also found in the Sony α9, uses a ZEISS T* coating to minimize reflections and a fluorine coating to repel dirt. It offers customizable frame rates (50 fps or 100 fps) for optimal performance.
The upgraded LCD screen has a resolution of 1.44M dots and WhiteMagic technology for better visibility outdoors. Both the viewfinder and monitor have Standard or High display quality settings, leveraging the 42.4MP sensor’s data for finer, more natural-looking displays.
Other features include a multi-selector joystick for efficient focus point adjustment, an AF on button for autofocus activation, and convenient file transfer options via Wi-Fi. It also includes a sync terminal for external flash units and a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1) USB Type-C terminal for power, accessories, and faster image transfers.
Enhanced Creative Control with Imaging Edge Software
The Imaging Edge software suite expands creative possibilities from pre-processing to post-processing. This suite, which includes Remote, Viewer, and Edit applications, is available as a free download. The applications support live-view PC remote shooting and RAW development.
A new Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode takes advantage of the in-body stabilization to create ultra-high-resolution composite images. This mode shifts the sensor in one-pixel increments to capture four separate images, totaling approximately 169.6 MP of image data. These images can be combined and processed using Imaging Edge to produce a single image with exceptional resolution and color accuracy.
Availability
The Sony α7R III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Camera will be available from Sony stores, Sony Centres, and authorized dealers in Singapore starting in late November 2017.