In 2014 Sony launched its first Sony A7S and a year later its second generation. However, to get to this new Sony A7S III it has taken five years in which many things have happened in the world of photo cameras focused on video. Still, the latest generation is technically outstanding.
Sony A7S III, designed for video
2020 is a unique year in terms of cameras and although they are the big bets, the models with the latest of the latest from each brand, the most striking we can not forget other launches such as the very interesting Sony ZV-1 or the also recent Panasonic Lumix G100.
However, these proposals brimming with technology, potential and benefits are the ones that are making the most headlines. The Sony A7S III has been the last to arrive, but in what way has it done. It is true that it took Sony five years to launch a new version of its popular family of cameras, possibly because they did not see it necessary until now.
The new Sony A7S III is a boast of technical specifications , although there are those who are only staying with its non-ability to capture video at 6K or 8K resolution. It is true that there in front of the Lumix S1H or the recent Canon EOS R5 it is at a disadvantage, but as you will see below you may not need it if it finally has the best 4K on the market. Although we will only be able to assess it when the final production models begin to be sent in late September to their new owners.
What does the Sony A7S III offer? Well, we are going to see it with a table where we highlight the most interesting aspects of all that the brand has already published. And then we discussed details to put in context why this could be the ultimate camera for many video content creators. Because yes, this is a camera with a clear focus on video. It is not a camera that records video.
| Sony A7S III | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | EXMOR R CMOS Full Frame 12.1 MP backlit and 5-axis stabilization on the body |
| Image processor | BIONZ XR |
| ISO sensitivity | Minimum ISO 40 and maximum 409,600 |
| Video recording | Up to 4K resolution at 120 fps and 10-bit 4: 2: 2 color depth (codec enhancements) |
| Electronic viewfinder | 0.64 “OLED screen with 9.44 million dots. 0.90X magnification |
| screen | Hinged and hinged 3 “with 1.44 million resolution points and touch controls |
| Storage | Dual slot system for SD and CF Express Type A cards |
| Connectivity | Wifi, Bluetooth and USB C |
| Price | 4,200 euros only body |
As you can see these are the most outstanding features of this new Sony camera. On the official page you have all the technical specifications in detail , such as the different codecs that it allows to use when recording (both in H.264 and H.265), AF system modes, etc.
Professional and capitalized video
The A7 family and especially the A7S were asked, among other things, for a much better video than they already offered. For this practically indispensable requirement was the introduction of better codecs . That in this Sony A7S III is fulfilled and higher bitrates are achieved, which together with a color depth that can go up to 16 bits through the use of an external recorder is very promising.
Of course, not everyone will need that depth of color and information, because among other things it will require an important machine to edit such material. But in high production environments it will be something that will make a difference to be able to use this camera as a second body along with higher-level options such as Sony Venice itself.
At this increase in video quality, with all the classic Cinema, SLog and HLG profiles, we have that, according to Sony, the dynamic range has also been improved, reaching up to 15 theoretical steps . This is something that together with the ISO levels that is capable of reaching without noise due to the pixel size of the sensor make the camera capable of performing in an extraordinary way in all kinds of situations.
Then there are aspects like the focus system ( 759 points with phase detection and improved to do it in low light) that continue to make a difference. Now it is much faster, although you can always adjust the sensitivity of it in case you like slower transitions. But it is clear that it is one of those cameras that, if you operate, only allows you to forget about something as dramatic at times as keeping the subject or object of interest perfectly in focus.
Nor can we forget something that Panasonic users and the GH5 family already know, but that this Sony A7S III will also give a lot of play. Through the shoe you can place images microphones or interface that will allow you to connect XLR microphones and that will improve the audio that could be captured by the camera’s internal microphone or one directly connected to the audio input.
By the way, another demonstration of its approach to video and the professional market can be seen through a detail apparently as simple as integrating a full HDMI connector and no micro or mini HDMI.
Sony and warming
This is the key section for any manufacturer right now, even more after the controversy with the Canon EOS R5. Here Sony seems to be choosing that 12MP sensor as well to further optimize recording and keep the processor from working as hard, thus reducing the internal temperature to be dissipated.
Is it better and infallible? Well, the camera will continue to heat up and if it reaches its maximum – which it does depending on the temperature of the place where you are recording – it will turn off after notifying us of overheating. But it’s true that it won’t, or shouldn’t, in as visible a way as Canon’s last two cameras.
Still, it’s too early to say it’s trouble-free, because shooting 4K video at 120fps isn’t easy either. Still less if we play with the different codecs and because a specific case has already been seen in which the opposite occurs, the Sony camera turns off before the Canon one.
In any case, it is certain that the Japanese proposal seems to be better executed in terms of preventing this issue. Hence each of the choices made that allow for these more efficient workflows.
Sony A7S III and its direct competition, is it the best camera?
Sony on paper has done very well and this A7S III is technically outstanding . When it starts to be used in the field, more conclusions can be drawn, but right now it has become one of the most TOP proposals for all kinds of content creators. Or well, almost for everyone, because the price is within the reach of anyone.
The Sony A7S III costs 4,200 euros only the body. To that you have to add essential objectives and accessories such as memory cards. If you are with the new CF Express Type A that you bet on, you are preparing an important peak. Because we have not commented on this, but the camera offers a double slot system where you can insert two types of card.
On the one hand you can use conventional SD and on the other the new CF Express Type A that Sony is betting on for the future. Although seeing the cost, unless they are very specific situations, it almost costs more to opt for an external recorder.
And now the big question, is the Sony A7S III the best video camera of the moment? No, but it is likely to be the most complete and attractive. Because in a very small body you have everything that is asked of a professional cutting device. It would lack some details, but greater autonomy thanks to the new batteries, a good grip, that hinged and hinged screen so demanded, keypad redesigned like the menus -something super necessary that are now organized as a waterfall- place it as a really capable camera.
If you can afford what it costs, it is evident that you are going to take what is possibly the most demanded camera by many videographers. When we test it we will already tell you more details of what will ultimately matter: what you can do with it beyond the technical data. Here is an example of what it can offer in a difficult situation, New York night.